From Matt ~ July 30, 2012

Dear Mom,                                                            Monday, July 30,2012

It’s so good to hear from you! I can't wait to get your emails, and I love hearing about the family! Thanks so much. It looks like you are having a ton of fun this summer. Things are going well for me. 

I'm so glad that you have been talking to Michelle. She just raves about you! I think it’s awesome that my mom can help in my missionary work! It sure is neat. THANKS! Her and John are so excited for their baptism!! Michelle didn't pass her first interview (I'm not sure for what but she didn't) so she had to meet with a member of our Mission Presidency on Thursday, and it went SO well! She was absolutely beaming!! It was amazing to see her sign her name on the form agreeing that she would follow Jesus her whole life and be faithful to her covenants. :) YEAH!! Gosh, I'm so pumped!

We had dinner at a members home last week and they showed us pictures of their grandson on a mission on a website that his mom puts stuff on and I thought you  might like to check it out! It's called missionsite.net and it looks like an LDS blog engine just for missionaries. Hope you like it!

So this last week was Girls camp, and Rachel Evans and her Sister Susie went! Rachel got to be a leader or whatever you call them and we have heard that Susie had an AMAZING experience!! She's been struggling with believing the church a bit, so we were hoping she would have a good converting experience. I guess she lost her hearing aide that are WAAYY expensive and everyone was praying for her and with her. She decided before she went to bed that she would do some praying herself and she told Heavenly Father that she would get baptized if she could just find her hearing aides and guess what... SHE FOUND THEM!! We have an appointment with their family at the Weavers tonight, so I'm excited to hear all about it!!! :)

It was kind of a rough week. All our investigators snubbed us, but we did spend a lot of time with John and Michelle getting them ready for their baptism! So that's good. 

We did some more Tiling this week too. We finished their kitchen and dining room, all we need to do is grout! Whew! Big job, but a lot of fun. Sis. Irish came to church yesterday, but her husband is still workin on it... 

I haven’t got your package yet.. Maybe today I will! I'm hoping. We'll check after emailing.

we had been keeping John and Michelle's baptism a secret because Michelle was still unsure of she would pass or not, so we got to tell our Ward mission leader, his wife and bro. Beach on Friday, and they almost fell out of their chairs!! Bro. Waring knew, and a select few other, but it was fun! haha and they announced it at church on Sunday and everyone was so excited!! It’s kind of surreal, but I’m loving it. 

Hmm.. Well, that’s about it I think! Our ward missionaries and us are making a float for the Mountain Festival in August, so we're going to be in a parade! We're thinking like a giant Book of MOrmon or the L.A. Temple or something... Yeah! It’s going to be a lot of fun!

Life is going pretty good. E Scott if pretty homesick and quiet a lot, but I've been trying so hard to just give him the love and support he needs. He's doing so well! He’s still new, and he'll get there soon enough! :) I love him tons. 

I hope you have a great week! i love you tons, keep in touch!

--

Elder Matthew Monk

 California Ventura Mission

         -  Jan. 2011 - Jan. 2013 -

Family Reunion at Tendoy

I just can't wait to share all my darling photo's 

I took at Tendoy just this past week end.

Thanks to Kris and Donalee for putting together 

this fun filled week end.  They did an amazing

job!

We went to Tendoy out by Salmon.  My family

owns about three acres of ground right on

the Lemhi River.  It is beautiful and a perfect

place for a family get-together.  There is a one

room cabin there that is great for cooking and a

place to hang when it is raining.  Other than that,

we all took our trailers or tents.  The land

is all fenced in with a small ditch running

through it for the kids enjoyment.

Oh, did I mention that this land is all

grass!  Now you know why it is a great

place for kids.  

 Taylor has a darling little 4-wheeler that the kids

all loved.  It is so cute and he shared it with

everyone.  This totally was the highlight

of the whole trip.  

Above is Taylor with Emily enjoying a

ride around camp.  

(Aren't they so cute!)

 Emily and Taylor

 Brooke and Hailey hold their "babies."

 Wynn came out after he got off work on Friday.

Camden was so excited to see his Grandpa.

Just look at his face!

(Grandpa loved it)

 After Taylor's 4-wheeler, Sharkey Hot Springs

was the next highlight of the trip.

Above is Abby, Eva, and Donalee.

 Emily is like a little fish in the water.

She loves  it!

 Kris holding Camden.

 I didn't bring my swimming suit so I got to just

hang out on the side of the hot pool.

Brooke, Steve, and me!

 Camden and Emily

 Enjoying the water.

 Isn't our newest little grand daughter just adorable.

I know you can't see her very well but take

my word for it.  She is just so sweet.

Little Jenna

 Emily loved the 4-wheeler

 Reagan, Taylor, Kevin and Paul getting ready

for their ride.  Sad to say that Reagan got in a 

motorcycle accident on Saturday afternoon and  had

to go to Salmon to the hospital.  She broke her 

left wrist, right elbow, and her right knee.  They

had to quickly break camp and head for home.

Reagan had to go see a surgeon.  I pray

everything works out for them.  Boy,

we missed them after they were gone.

 Saturday afternoon after all the guys went motorcycle 

riding, all us girls went for a 4-wheeler ride

up to the Copper Queen mine.  We had a great

time picking wild raspberries.

Above is Walker, Emily, and Brooke.

 Sarah and Abby looking for berries.

 Eva, Donalee and Leah in the berry patch.

 Brooke and I.

(Gosh, I love this girl)

 Donalee and Eva.  I've never seen a Mom

do so much with a baby on her hip.  Donalee

did everything with Eva attached.  She is a

wonder woman!  Believe it or not, she will

miss that one day.

 Camden eating a raspberry anyway, I hope that

is what it is.

 Nat and his "two babies."

 Justin and Sarah

 Two peas in a pod. . . 

Talmage and Walker

(the cutest little boys you will every see)

 Walker came with Sarah and Nate. I haven't

seen him for such a long time.  His parents couldn't make

it so he got to come anyway.  He was such

a good kid, I just love that little boy.

(who isn't so little anymore.)

 Brooke and Camden enjoying watching the 

kids play in the little stream.

 Sarah laughing right out loud at this. . . 

 Nate putting Daphne's feet in the cold water.

 Enjoying those berries!

 The crew that went on our adventure ~

left to right. . . 

Brook holding Camden

Nate  holding Daphne

Sarah

Donalee holding Eva

front. . . 

Justin

Leah

Emily

Abby in front of Donalee

Walker

Talmage

 At camp ~  Camden just went right in the pool,

clothes, shoes and all.

Sunday morning we went on a little ride on the 

Continental Divide Road.

This picture was taken at the Sacajawea 

picnic area.

We sure had a great time spending time

with our family.  We sure love you all

and can't wait until next year to do this

all over again.  

New Skirts

Just had to share a picture of Brooke and Emily

in their twin skirts made my me!

Usually if I sew something it never really turns out well.

I was excited to find this pattern and to make skirts 

for the girls.  They turned out so cute and best of all,

THEY FIT!!!!

Brooke's brother is getting married and this is

what they will be wearing.

I have made Hailey one too and her's is so so cute also.

I'll try to get a picture of her in it.

I now just need to make one for Natalie.

Let's go shopping Nat!

Splash Park Fun

Last Wednesday Brooke and I took

Emily, Camden and Maddy (Emily's friend)

to Rexburg to the Splash park.

What a fun day we had. . . 

A perfect summer day.

 Camden went right in, he loved it!

 Maddy and Emily poising for their picture.

 Isn't this the cutest bunch you've ever seen?

 Camden and Grandmama

 After the Splash Park we rode on the Carrousel right there at Porter Park.

For being so old, it was so cool.  It wasn't just the kids who loved it,

I did too.

 Emily and Grandmama.

 Making memories. . . 

 After cotton candy, we played on the toys for a bit.

It was so hot!

Couldn't go to Rexburg without a visit to the

temple.  A bride and groom were coming

out and Emily called her a princess.

What a teaching opportunity!

Such a sweet spirit we felt there.

Isn't this picture so sweet?

Camden and Emily are just the best 

of friends.  They just adore

each other.  I'm so proud to

be their Grandmama.

They have wonderful parents

that are teaching them so well.

I'm proud to be their

Mother too!

Off to Arctic Circle for ice cream and french fries

before ending our perfect day.

P.S.  Did I ever mention how much

I love being a Grandma?  

An Eternal Family Created!

Last Friday, Wynn and I got to go to the

temple with Cleve and Erika Brighton and

see their family sealed together forever.

It was so beautiful!  I loved watching 

Cleve and Erika look at each other, we

could just see their love radiating between

the two.  I thought that was so neat

until their kids came in the room all

in white and then my heart was totally

touched.  They just all looked so

beautiful and the spirit was so

strong.  It witnessed to me that

eternal families are so important.

It was so neat witnessing this

families love for one another.

Erika and I are visiting teaching

companions and Wynn worked

with Cleve in the YM program.

I also had Britney in my

Beehive class when I served

in the YW program.

What a neat, neat family.

I know they will be happy

FOREVER!

From our Matt

Monday, July 23, 2012

Hi Mom!

Things are going amazing!!  SO first off we got transfer calls this morning, and... Both elder Scott and I are Staying! Wooo! And everything is still on for the baptism on the 4th. Michelle is having a rough time. Like you said, the adversary is working extra hard on her. Thank you for putting their names in the temple. They need it! John had his interview with the Bishop last night and passed, and Michelle should meet with our district leader Tuesday. She is so scared that she won't pass... You should call her and chat. And if you do, be positive and optimistic! She is amazing, just scared.

That’s so cool about the Brightons! You are feeling what its like to be a missionary! :) I'm so happy for them. Send them my congrats.

The car window said something about Karina being the lifeguard of the week, haha! I was just being a goof ball! The Irish's are less active, but working on coming back, so we are helping with the floor. We are not even close to being done! But it’s coming along. Their master bedroom is done and grouted, just needs to be sealed, the hallway needs to be grouted and sealed, the entryway needs done, the kitchen need to be grouted and sealed, and the dining room needs done (We are about 1/8 the way there, haha!), as well as the living room, sitting room, and 2 other bedrooms. I don't know why they wanted all tile, but they do! It’s a lot of fun though - I love it! I can't wait to have my own house and my own projects! :) They are awesome.

There is an older couple in Bear valley that we have been teaching, the husband was a member, had his name removed, and his wife is an investigator - The Lang's. Well, he called us up last week and asked if he needed to be rebaptized, we said yes, and he said,  "Well, lets do it!" We have been working extra hard with him and as soon as the stake president receives his records from Salt Lake, we can get him baptized. We are working hard on his wife! They love us though! and we love them.

Well, I gotta get running. Things are going so good! I love you tons and I will talk to you soon! You are the best.

--

Elder Matthew Monk

 California Ventura Mission

         -  Jan. 2011 - Jan. 2013 

Pics from Matt!

A Quote I put on our closet door.  It's one of my favorites!
That's what I did last pday.

Our standard of excellence goals.  WE are instructed to "raise our vision"
by preach my Gospel, so it's high on the wall!

The Irish's kitchen we tiled!

Elder Scott chipping out concrete.  There was a  high spot in the kitchen
so we chiseled it out and tried again.

The corner of the hallway that I designed!  Ha ha it looks good.

A big snake that we almost ran over in Bakersfield on exchanges!
He hissed pretty loud at us and we petted him.

Hope you like my pictures!
Love you tons -

Elder Matt Monk
California Ventura Mission
Jan. 2011 - Jan. 2013

Miracle

Monday, July 16, 2012

Hi Mom!

Yeah, you guessed it! I am SO happy for John and Michelle! Oh my gosh! It was such a miracle to see her exercise her faith and then set a date to be baptized. She called and Talked to her daughter and they are already planning a trip to be here for the baptism (August 4). YEAH!! Transfers are next Tuesday the 24th... I called president Castro and said, "Please don't transfer me!!" in response to Michelle asking if I would. I feel so close to them. They truly are some of my best friends. And it’s a special relationship solely because of the Gospel. When I first got here, the 1st thing Michelle said to us was, "I'm going to tell you what I’ve told every other missionary - I'm not doing this to be baptized. I just want to learn about the church." Now look where she is! They have come to church actively for 4 months and are both reading the Book of Mormon! Wow! This is probably one of the biggest miracles I've been blessed to see on my mission. I can't wait until you can meet them in person! They are amazing! 

We had President's interviews on Thursday and a training by our Zone Leaders and the Assistants, and afterwards we rushed home (About an hour trip) and went straight to John and Michelle's for our lesson. They made a comment about food and found out that we were starving, so they bbq'd hamburgers for us! We chatted and she told us her dream, then we referred back to our relief society lesson we taught last week on missionary work. We showed a video from PMG about a sister named Laura that dug her heels in, not wanting to get baptized, but knew it was true, and asked her what she thought. She was pretty contemplative and we invited her to talk to her daughter and set a date. The next day we went to John's sister Vyrlanne's house and helped them clean (She's moving to Texas and is totally a hoarder). It was really nasty and i have never seen so many spiders in one area!! Gross! Michelle told us then that she had talked to Cory about setting a date and her dream, then later that night she called and told us that they were going to be baptized on the 4th!!! It was amazing and the spirit bore witness to me that they were making the right decision. 

Michelle told me that when she first talked to you on the phone that you bore her your testimony, and she really loved it because you weren't pushy or upfront, just real light and honest. I think you have had a big impact on her too, mom! I think it is so cool that my mom is helping with my investigators! That's a huge plus of serving in the U.S. I guess! :) Thanks mom for being amazing! Michelle absolutely loves you, and SO DO I!!! You are the best.

Thanks for sending me care packages! It may seem like you send a lot, but it doesn't feel like I get a lot.. Haha! I'm kind of needy i guess. Any and all mail is much appreciated. Thank you for your letter last week. i got it on Monday, and it sure lifted my spirits! I also got to talk to President about coming in late and he was fine with it. He told me if it needs to happen again, just call him and let him know! Haha he is the best. But thanks for your encouragement. Keep it comin'! I need it a lot. Time is going quick, and I need all the help I can get these last few months, so please keep it coming. Also if you don’t mind a little cash would be MUCH MUCH appreciated. Please and THANK YOU so much for all your support spiritually as well as temporally. I need that too sometimes! 

I'm glad you and dad are having so much fun as a bishop! I think its awesome to have a bishop for a dad. :) I'm proud! haha. Please encourage Natalie to keep in touch - I miss he and love her so much. Say hi to everyone for me and yes, facebook Victoria. Haha i love you mom, and you are the best lady in my life! You are the best, and I appreciate your love and support so much. Thanks for all you do and I hope you have an amazing week! I love you - and the church is true!!! It becomes more and more beautiful everyday to me. Alma 7:11-12, one of my favorites lately.

--

Elder Matthew Monk

 California Ventura Mission

         -  Jan. 2011 - Jan. 2013 -

A day in the sun. . .

Today, was suppose to be spent at Rigby Lake.

Brooke and I decided we needed a little outing

with all the cousins.  Plans were made and

we were suppose to meet at the Lake at 10:30. 

Well, there were clouds in the sky and it

looked like rain.  So, we went to G.G.'s

house and had our picnic and it did

sprinkle on us a bit.  The kids had a great

time and they played and played.  By

early afternoon most of the kids were

ready for naps and so everyone left

except Brooke and I.  We looked at 

each other and decided to head for the

Lake.  It was so nice, just a bit over

cast.  Still really hot but so nice.  It was

a lot of fun.  I vote we go again and

then maybe Hailey and Jenna can

make it and it will be a beautiful

day.  Hey, we live in Idaho and we

have to enjoy each one we get 

right?

 This is Justin, Sarah and Nate's two year old.  I

don't think he wanted his picture taken or maybe

he was just letting me know what he thinks of me.  :)

 Doesn't my Mom have a beautiful deck?

 Leah wanting her picture taken.

 Enjoying our lunch.

 Camden always wants his picture taken.  I come

close with a camera and he is saying, "cheese."

 Enjoying a popsicle.

Leah, Emily, and Justin.

 These little girls are adorable!

Reading a story together.

 G.G. reading a story to Emily and Cam.

 Here we are at the Lake.  Emily loves the water and

wasn't frightened of it at all.

 Oh, my beautiful daughter having fun

with the kids.

 My beautiful Mother holding down the umbrella.

 Mermaid Emily.

Our sweet little Cam.

A perfect summer day, I simply loved  it!