Bob: Nice relaxing day. Got up late, which is par for Saturday. Weather was warm enough that I could walk outside. After that we got ready for the temple. However, we went to Staples and the office before the temple. Bonnie had some things to pick up at Staples and we both had things to do at the office. Finished up at the office and got to the temple at 2:10.
Temple was pretty crowded. This was our Stake Temple day. There were several YSA plus some other Stake members in our session. It was good to see so many YSA there.
After the temple the Youngbergs, Budgetts and us went to the 'Pickle Barrel' at the Mall for dinner. Neither of those couples wanted dessert, but Bonnie and I split a blizzard at the Dairy Queen which was in the food court area.
Spent the rest of night relaxing and reading.
Heading to bed now. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: I don't have much to add. I didn't want to go to the office today, but it turned out ok because I was able to print 1000 fliers for the Daily Dose program for MLC Wednesday. I have 2000 more to print but I should be able to get it done in time. President Clayton wants the Daily Dose posters laminated, too. The stuff I've ordered won't be delivered until May 15th, so that's why we went to Staples today. I was able to buy 25 laminating pouches right off the shelves. It will do a few anyway.
We've had 6 requests for rides to church tomorrow! Thankfully, the Youngberg's will be able to help out. They can't do it on a regular basis, though. I don't know what will happen when they aren't available. I am so glad tomorrow is fast Sunday. It's so inspiring to listen to the YSAs bear their testimonies. I hope all of you have a inspiring day tomorrow, too!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Saturday 30 April 2016
Friday 29 April 2016
April 29, 2016
Bob: Another pretty good day. Although we left between 5 and 5:30 everyone else was gone before 4:30. I had my work pretty much done, but I think Bonnie still had a lot of things to do. Anyway, we went home and had something to eat before heading out for our Friday night visit to the grocery store.
Also had to stop at Costco and pick up some waffle mix for MLC coming up Wednesday. Always a joy to go to Costco on Friday night or anytime Saturday.
Had 4 Elders cleaning out a Brampton apartment today and 2 more Elders cleaning a Mississauga apartment. The Brampton one was completed, but I haven't heard from the Elders about the other one. Also, the Brampton Z/L need to finish an apartment on the east side of Brampton. And then I think I am done with apartments for a while except for a senior apartment the first of June. I don't think it will be much of a problem.
Had a phone call from Tony tonight. He said that Mia broke her leg while playing with Beckham at a playground. She fell and landed awkwardly. Tony said she is doing alright though.
Well I'm getting ready for bed. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: Bob summed up our day well. There is lots to do for MLC still. I usually get some of my flyers done the Friday before but not today. It's hard to keep ahead of everything. One very wonderful thing happened, though. I got a call from a missionary father who is helping his daughter in the reactivation of someone she and her companion visit. This man has been inactive for 40 years. He told the Sisters the name of the Elder who had baptized him. She in turn told her father, who did some looking, and found the very man. He has been a mission president. Anyway, I get to be the go-between! The Sisters will be seeing this man tomorrow and getting his phone number and email address. They will give it to me and I will give it to the Sister Missionary's father, who in turn will give it to the wonderful man who did the baptizing. What an amazing story. I feel blessed to be a small part of it.
Tomorrow should be very low-key. I hope to attend the temple, and maybe do something fun with one of the senior couples tomorrow night, if possible. Have a good night and day tomorrow, everyone! And, sweet Mia, I hope your leg heals fast!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Also had to stop at Costco and pick up some waffle mix for MLC coming up Wednesday. Always a joy to go to Costco on Friday night or anytime Saturday.
Had 4 Elders cleaning out a Brampton apartment today and 2 more Elders cleaning a Mississauga apartment. The Brampton one was completed, but I haven't heard from the Elders about the other one. Also, the Brampton Z/L need to finish an apartment on the east side of Brampton. And then I think I am done with apartments for a while except for a senior apartment the first of June. I don't think it will be much of a problem.
Had a phone call from Tony tonight. He said that Mia broke her leg while playing with Beckham at a playground. She fell and landed awkwardly. Tony said she is doing alright though.
Well I'm getting ready for bed. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: Bob summed up our day well. There is lots to do for MLC still. I usually get some of my flyers done the Friday before but not today. It's hard to keep ahead of everything. One very wonderful thing happened, though. I got a call from a missionary father who is helping his daughter in the reactivation of someone she and her companion visit. This man has been inactive for 40 years. He told the Sisters the name of the Elder who had baptized him. She in turn told her father, who did some looking, and found the very man. He has been a mission president. Anyway, I get to be the go-between! The Sisters will be seeing this man tomorrow and getting his phone number and email address. They will give it to me and I will give it to the Sister Missionary's father, who in turn will give it to the wonderful man who did the baptizing. What an amazing story. I feel blessed to be a small part of it.
Tomorrow should be very low-key. I hope to attend the temple, and maybe do something fun with one of the senior couples tomorrow night, if possible. Have a good night and day tomorrow, everyone! And, sweet Mia, I hope your leg heals fast!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Thursday 28 April 2016
April 28, 2016
Bonnie: It's been another busy day today. It's always hard to know what to do with everything when an apartment gets cleaned out. When Bob came back he had lots of stuff. Some of it can be used in the supply room, but much of it cannot. What should I do with an old set of scriptures that has been underlined and written in? What do I do with old papers from a certain area? I guess that's a question for the APs. Then, there is the clothing. Salvation Army gets lots of stuff from missionaries who have left! I'm glad I don't have to see what Bob ends up trashing. I'm also glad that much of it will go to those in need through places like the Salvation Army and Value Village.
It was fun to take the Clayton's to the airport this morning, although I'm feeling the full effects of it now. I'm really tired tonight.
I did finally do 7 out of the 8 Baptismal and Confirmation Records this afternoon, and I checked in my last big order. It's lots of work to go through the boxes and then transport the materials to the supply room and get them on the shelves. Two sister missionaries also came in to wait while their "TIWI" got put into their vehicle. They helped me in several ways. I'm grateful to them.
Yesterday, when two shipments of name-tags came in, one cost $38.91 extra!! When I called to find out why, Canada Post just said that the people at the Border randomly pick out certain items to be searched. And when they do, the receiver is slapped with charges payable upon delivery of the package. It looked just like the other package of name-tags that came that day. Oh, well. There's not much I can do about that now.
Unfortunately, Grace had to cancel her discussion this morning because of a last minute thing she had to do with her real estate business. I am hoping she will be able to attend a baptism tomorrow night with us. Please keep praying for her.
I'm going to call it a night. Let's make it a good one, everyone!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Bob: Up bright and early and off to the airport with the Claytons. Got them there in plenty of time I hope. Never know about customs.
Then it was off to Mississauga to clean out an apartment. Had 4 Elders show up. We didn't stay long. Told them to load it up and let Salvation Army have anything they wanted. Still a lot of items left, but we aren't keeping much. Really no place to put it. I have enough to stock 3 to 4 apartments so I'll give away what I can from the other apartments and junk the rest of it.
Our appointment with Grace fell through again. She texted that she had an apartment inspection come up that she had not planned on. She may be beginning to cool off. She said she would reschedule.
Went to office and spent most of the day there. Had to leave to look at what the Elders brought back from Mississauga. We have several things to throw away but our dumpster was full. Maybe tomorrow we can get it unloaded so we can fill it again!!
Better call it a night. Bonnie is doing laundry and I was entering charge-offs for the name tags. Had a total of 68 entries. It would have taken a lot longer at the office with interruptions. Wasn't too bad here.
Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
It was fun to take the Clayton's to the airport this morning, although I'm feeling the full effects of it now. I'm really tired tonight.
I did finally do 7 out of the 8 Baptismal and Confirmation Records this afternoon, and I checked in my last big order. It's lots of work to go through the boxes and then transport the materials to the supply room and get them on the shelves. Two sister missionaries also came in to wait while their "TIWI" got put into their vehicle. They helped me in several ways. I'm grateful to them.
Yesterday, when two shipments of name-tags came in, one cost $38.91 extra!! When I called to find out why, Canada Post just said that the people at the Border randomly pick out certain items to be searched. And when they do, the receiver is slapped with charges payable upon delivery of the package. It looked just like the other package of name-tags that came that day. Oh, well. There's not much I can do about that now.
Unfortunately, Grace had to cancel her discussion this morning because of a last minute thing she had to do with her real estate business. I am hoping she will be able to attend a baptism tomorrow night with us. Please keep praying for her.
I'm going to call it a night. Let's make it a good one, everyone!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Bob: Up bright and early and off to the airport with the Claytons. Got them there in plenty of time I hope. Never know about customs.
Then it was off to Mississauga to clean out an apartment. Had 4 Elders show up. We didn't stay long. Told them to load it up and let Salvation Army have anything they wanted. Still a lot of items left, but we aren't keeping much. Really no place to put it. I have enough to stock 3 to 4 apartments so I'll give away what I can from the other apartments and junk the rest of it.
Our appointment with Grace fell through again. She texted that she had an apartment inspection come up that she had not planned on. She may be beginning to cool off. She said she would reschedule.
Went to office and spent most of the day there. Had to leave to look at what the Elders brought back from Mississauga. We have several things to throw away but our dumpster was full. Maybe tomorrow we can get it unloaded so we can fill it again!!
Better call it a night. Bonnie is doing laundry and I was entering charge-offs for the name tags. Had a total of 68 entries. It would have taken a lot longer at the office with interruptions. Wasn't too bad here.
Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Wednesday 27 April 2016
April 27, 2016
Bonnie: It was a very busy day today for me. How I missed the help of Sister Cannon! (She will be gone with her husband until Monday buying a car in the States.) One supply order was already in room 120, but then I had at least two other big ones come in, and one small order. I didn't even get to the one in 120 today. On top of all of that, two big orders of name-tags came, and I had to do a Vista Print order for our Daily Dose classes. I have around seven baptismal and confirmation records to enter for SL tomorrow. I am also trying to update my files with the correct names and dates. This is something Bob is going to show me how to do. Tomorrow I will try to get some things done to prepare for MLC. I need to put stickers in lots and lots of planners--Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese and French ones, and get the "Teaching Records" divided up into packets of 10 each, and make some more cards with the pictures of the Clayton's. The missionaries really want those, as you can imagine. I'm glad that Sister Cannon will be back on Monday!
Tomorrow should be a wonderful day because it will start out with us taking the Clayton's to the airport for a Mission President Seminar in the States. Then, we head to Mississauga to clean out an apartment. That will be followed by a discussion with Grace and the Sister Missionaries in the Etobicoke chapel. My guess is that Bob will want to stay late at the office tomorrow night to catch up on some of the work he has to do. There will be plenty for me, as well.
We've had a nice evening just being lazy tonight. I love it when we can do that! And it's been a sunny day today, which is always good in my book.
I hope everyone has a good night tonight and a good day tomorrow!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Bob: The day started off very well. I called the museum where we were yesterday and they had my phone. So I made plans to go get it.
First I stopped at an apartment in North York so I could give them a vacate notice. However, after talking with management, they agreed to paint the apartment and repair a few items. So we agreed that we would stay. It is a pretty nice apartment because it has sliding glass doors that lets in a lot of sun light. They have their desks by the doors so it gives them lots of light.
Then I drove to the museum. That was a real treat. I bypassed the Don Valley Parkway bottleneck and then got onto the parkway. It started a little slow, but broke up pretty quickly. Got to the museum and I was able to find the receiving area to park the pickup. They had the phone and the guy asked me to unlock it. However, it was dead as a door nail so he just told me to go ahead and take it. Couldn't use it though as I had called Rogers yesterday to put a block on it. When I got back to the office I called Rogers back and got it working again.
Next chore was to get back to the office. My GPS wanted me to back track and go back up Don Valley Parkway, but I didn't want to do that. So I headed straight south on Queens Park Drive. Went so far and got into a traffic snarl. Instead of waiting for the traffic to untangle I turned right and went less than a mile. Found a street I knew would take me to the expressway. So I turned on it and got back to the office about 40 minutes or so later.
Then, I went with 2 missionaries about 2:30 to unload the trailer. I gave some to Salvation Army and put the rest either in the shed or the garage bin. Then I had to go back to the office to get the keys for the apartment we want to empty tomorrow and then back to the Brampton Stake Center to give the Elders a ride back to the office. They dropped me off at our apartment and took the truck with them.
I beat Bonnie home by about 5 minutes. She fixed dinner and then I took about an hours nap. Woke about 8 to finish the dishes and take out the garbage. What a day!
Time for bed now. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Tomorrow should be a wonderful day because it will start out with us taking the Clayton's to the airport for a Mission President Seminar in the States. Then, we head to Mississauga to clean out an apartment. That will be followed by a discussion with Grace and the Sister Missionaries in the Etobicoke chapel. My guess is that Bob will want to stay late at the office tomorrow night to catch up on some of the work he has to do. There will be plenty for me, as well.
We've had a nice evening just being lazy tonight. I love it when we can do that! And it's been a sunny day today, which is always good in my book.
I hope everyone has a good night tonight and a good day tomorrow!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Bob: The day started off very well. I called the museum where we were yesterday and they had my phone. So I made plans to go get it.
First I stopped at an apartment in North York so I could give them a vacate notice. However, after talking with management, they agreed to paint the apartment and repair a few items. So we agreed that we would stay. It is a pretty nice apartment because it has sliding glass doors that lets in a lot of sun light. They have their desks by the doors so it gives them lots of light.
Then I drove to the museum. That was a real treat. I bypassed the Don Valley Parkway bottleneck and then got onto the parkway. It started a little slow, but broke up pretty quickly. Got to the museum and I was able to find the receiving area to park the pickup. They had the phone and the guy asked me to unlock it. However, it was dead as a door nail so he just told me to go ahead and take it. Couldn't use it though as I had called Rogers yesterday to put a block on it. When I got back to the office I called Rogers back and got it working again.
Next chore was to get back to the office. My GPS wanted me to back track and go back up Don Valley Parkway, but I didn't want to do that. So I headed straight south on Queens Park Drive. Went so far and got into a traffic snarl. Instead of waiting for the traffic to untangle I turned right and went less than a mile. Found a street I knew would take me to the expressway. So I turned on it and got back to the office about 40 minutes or so later.
Then, I went with 2 missionaries about 2:30 to unload the trailer. I gave some to Salvation Army and put the rest either in the shed or the garage bin. Then I had to go back to the office to get the keys for the apartment we want to empty tomorrow and then back to the Brampton Stake Center to give the Elders a ride back to the office. They dropped me off at our apartment and took the truck with them.
I beat Bonnie home by about 5 minutes. She fixed dinner and then I took about an hours nap. Woke about 8 to finish the dishes and take out the garbage. What a day!
Time for bed now. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Tuesday 26 April 2016
April 26, 2016
Bob: It has been a delightful, but long, long day, again. We went to the Mission Home at 9:00. We had some training and discussions in the morning about the current state of the missionary work in Canada. President Clayton also shared with us some of the things he was trained on after he was set apart as a General Authority Seventy. Very interesting stuff. The church has a vision of things that most of us don't even think about.
After lunch we left for the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) about 12:45. Trip there wasn't too bad, but most of us had a problem with finding parking. I had a place scoped out, but when I got there I couldn't make a left turn. So it was 3 rights to go around the block (10 minutes) to get on the correct street and into the parking lot.
We saw some very interesting things about Canada. I think Bonnie could have stayed a lot longer, but I was ready to leave. Sad thing is I left my phone in the washroom there. Didn't realize until we were headed back (which took almost an hour and a half). Hoping it was found and turned into lost and found. I will be close to the museum tomorrow so I hope to be able to get it.
We finally got to the office around 7 and stayed till 9:30. I needed to pay bills and get the bus pass information. Processing the bus passes tomorrow will be top priority between the trip to North York, about 3 hours total, and unloading the truck and trailer. The Brampton Z/L moved a set of Elders from one apartment to another apartment today and a lot of items are 'extra'. We'll determine tomorrow afternoon what goes in the dump and what gets saved.
Got to go. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: It's really great to meet with the other senior couples! I love hearing their testimonies and about some of their experiences. One of the couples will be leaving us soon, the Thompson's. Elder Thompson knew of my father in the Seattle Temple! He remembers Dad bringing roses to the temple to put into vases there. It's a very small world in the church, isn't it?
I loved the Royal Ontario Museum. It is a first-rate museum, with many different displays from all over the world. We saw a mummy case that had been opened. You can still see the features of the face, the hair and the toes on his feet. Really something. There is so much to see, we didn't even get to the second floor where the dinosaurs and other animals are. We learned quite a bit about Canadian history. Several of the couples are from Western Canada so this was really fun for them. Our guide was quite knowledgeable, too. I wish we could go back but it's quite expensive, and the parking is absolutely crazy in downtown Toronto.
Tomorrow, I will be preparing for our MLC, which will be a week from tomorrow. The Cannon's are flying out to Tennessee to buy a new car and driving it back so they will be gone until next Monday. It will seem weird not to have them in the office.
It's time for bed, so good night everyone!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
After lunch we left for the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) about 12:45. Trip there wasn't too bad, but most of us had a problem with finding parking. I had a place scoped out, but when I got there I couldn't make a left turn. So it was 3 rights to go around the block (10 minutes) to get on the correct street and into the parking lot.
We saw some very interesting things about Canada. I think Bonnie could have stayed a lot longer, but I was ready to leave. Sad thing is I left my phone in the washroom there. Didn't realize until we were headed back (which took almost an hour and a half). Hoping it was found and turned into lost and found. I will be close to the museum tomorrow so I hope to be able to get it.
We finally got to the office around 7 and stayed till 9:30. I needed to pay bills and get the bus pass information. Processing the bus passes tomorrow will be top priority between the trip to North York, about 3 hours total, and unloading the truck and trailer. The Brampton Z/L moved a set of Elders from one apartment to another apartment today and a lot of items are 'extra'. We'll determine tomorrow afternoon what goes in the dump and what gets saved.
Got to go. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: It's really great to meet with the other senior couples! I love hearing their testimonies and about some of their experiences. One of the couples will be leaving us soon, the Thompson's. Elder Thompson knew of my father in the Seattle Temple! He remembers Dad bringing roses to the temple to put into vases there. It's a very small world in the church, isn't it?
I loved the Royal Ontario Museum. It is a first-rate museum, with many different displays from all over the world. We saw a mummy case that had been opened. You can still see the features of the face, the hair and the toes on his feet. Really something. There is so much to see, we didn't even get to the second floor where the dinosaurs and other animals are. We learned quite a bit about Canadian history. Several of the couples are from Western Canada so this was really fun for them. Our guide was quite knowledgeable, too. I wish we could go back but it's quite expensive, and the parking is absolutely crazy in downtown Toronto.
Tomorrow, I will be preparing for our MLC, which will be a week from tomorrow. The Cannon's are flying out to Tennessee to buy a new car and driving it back so they will be gone until next Monday. It will seem weird not to have them in the office.
It's time for bed, so good night everyone!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Monday 25 April 2016
April 25, 2016
Bob: Very interesting day. The first thing I had to do was go to Walmart and get a set of shelves for the Youngbergs. Then back to the office for a meeting with the Claytons. Then there were a few bills to pay and 18 checks leftover from Friday that needed to be separated, stuffed and mailed. When I finished with that it was after 12:00. I couldn't believe it. Ran through as many other things as I could and then it was 5 and time to leave for the Senior Couples Retreat.
Had a great time at the Mission home. There were 20 couples in total counting the Claytons. The parking was a little crowded but it was fun hearing from each couple tell a little bit about their family and what they were doing on their mission. Tomorrow we will be headed to the Royal Ontario Museum for an afternoon tour.
Well, its time to hit the sack. Have a great night and day tomorrow. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: It was a very good day, especially because we ended it sharing and talking with the other senior couples. What a wonderful group of missionaries. I love them all and I learn from all of them. There is much work to be done, however. Elder Fenske who is known mission-wide for his home-made cookies, was there tonight with his wife. I had to return a container to him that he left us one day. I decided that I didn't want to bake anything for them--he did enough of that. So the only thing I could think of was to fill the container with fruit. So, we bought them lots of strawberries, grapes and some kiwis. They seemed to really appreciate it. It's so great to be with Clayton's, too. They are the most wonderful people. How I love them!
So, tomorrow, as Bob explained, we will go to some training in the morning, which will include a testimony meeting, followed by lunch (mostly left-overs from tonight's pot luck.) That will be followed by a visit to the Royal Ontario Museum in the afternoon. I've heard that it's an incredible museum. I can't wait.
May tomorrow be a day that all of us enjoy! My love to all.
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Had a great time at the Mission home. There were 20 couples in total counting the Claytons. The parking was a little crowded but it was fun hearing from each couple tell a little bit about their family and what they were doing on their mission. Tomorrow we will be headed to the Royal Ontario Museum for an afternoon tour.
Well, its time to hit the sack. Have a great night and day tomorrow. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: It was a very good day, especially because we ended it sharing and talking with the other senior couples. What a wonderful group of missionaries. I love them all and I learn from all of them. There is much work to be done, however. Elder Fenske who is known mission-wide for his home-made cookies, was there tonight with his wife. I had to return a container to him that he left us one day. I decided that I didn't want to bake anything for them--he did enough of that. So the only thing I could think of was to fill the container with fruit. So, we bought them lots of strawberries, grapes and some kiwis. They seemed to really appreciate it. It's so great to be with Clayton's, too. They are the most wonderful people. How I love them!
So, tomorrow, as Bob explained, we will go to some training in the morning, which will include a testimony meeting, followed by lunch (mostly left-overs from tonight's pot luck.) That will be followed by a visit to the Royal Ontario Museum in the afternoon. I've heard that it's an incredible museum. I can't wait.
May tomorrow be a day that all of us enjoy! My love to all.
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Sunday 24 April 2016
April 24, 2016
Bonnie: We just got back from our Sr. Couples FHE and it was very enjoyable. The men had a Stake meeting for the High Priests tonight that we didn't know about until church today. So, we adapted and the women came about 7:30 and we talked about our favorite conference talks. Then, by the time the men got there we were able to watch President Monson's Sunday morning address. Bob and I each shared an example from our own lives of choosing the harder right rather than the easier wrong. Then, we finished by listening to Elder Holland's wonderful talk that was at the end of conference. It made for a very good FHE, I think.
Tomorrow is the Sr. Couples Retreat, beginning at the Mission Home with a pot-luck dinner. The Clayton's are hosting it and it will be wonderful, I'm sure.
Grace attended church today with us at the mid-singles ward and she met her "new" missionaries. We have a discussion Thursday morning at the Etobicoke Chapel. I hope it goes well.
I hope everyone has had a glorious Sabbath Day. It has been one for us!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Bob: It has been an enjoyable day. Got to sleep in again. Hope I have enough rest in my tank to last me throughout the week!!
We were spiritually fed today as we attended two Sacrament Meetings. Elder Goobie, the Stake President's son, gave his home-coming talk today--he just returned from his mission to Virginia. In the other meeting they had their Ward Conference. Grace attended the Conference and she seemed to enjoy it. Looking forward to see how the sisters approach the lesson this coming Thursday.
Tonight the men went to the Stake High Priest Quorum Annual Meeting in Brampton. It was a good meeting with a lot of discussion about family history as you would suppose. One interesting thing is their stake indexing. A couple of years ago the stake did about 60,000 files for the year. Just in April of this year they have done 65,000 so far. That puts them over 170,000 for the year up to this point.
Better close and get to bed. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Tomorrow is the Sr. Couples Retreat, beginning at the Mission Home with a pot-luck dinner. The Clayton's are hosting it and it will be wonderful, I'm sure.
Grace attended church today with us at the mid-singles ward and she met her "new" missionaries. We have a discussion Thursday morning at the Etobicoke Chapel. I hope it goes well.
I hope everyone has had a glorious Sabbath Day. It has been one for us!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Bob: It has been an enjoyable day. Got to sleep in again. Hope I have enough rest in my tank to last me throughout the week!!
We were spiritually fed today as we attended two Sacrament Meetings. Elder Goobie, the Stake President's son, gave his home-coming talk today--he just returned from his mission to Virginia. In the other meeting they had their Ward Conference. Grace attended the Conference and she seemed to enjoy it. Looking forward to see how the sisters approach the lesson this coming Thursday.
Tonight the men went to the Stake High Priest Quorum Annual Meeting in Brampton. It was a good meeting with a lot of discussion about family history as you would suppose. One interesting thing is their stake indexing. A couple of years ago the stake did about 60,000 files for the year. Just in April of this year they have done 65,000 so far. That puts them over 170,000 for the year up to this point.
Better close and get to bed. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Saturday 23 April 2016
April 23, 2016
Bob: Been a good day. Rolled out of bed a little after 8. It felt real good!! Got ready and went over to Youngbergs to help them finish putting the IKEA furniture together. We finished up around 1:30 and then went to Wendy's for lunch. When we got back home Bonnie and I went for a long walk. After a small dinner we had some errands to do. Not doing much tonight but relaxing. There have been several calls from missionaries today with questions about different problems. Nothing of an emergency nature though. Will take care of things on Monday.
For music tonight we listened to the Beach Boys and Paul McCartney.
Everyone have an enjoyable Sabbath. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: We just heard from Grace and she will be attending church at the mid-singles branch with us. I understand that there are only about 20 that attend. We hope she has an uplifting experience! And she will meet the new sister missionaries that we hope will be teaching her after church. And tonight we had a surprise visit from our ever-faithful APs who are following up on our next-door neighbor Spencer. We need to invite him to meet with them again. Maybe dinner with the three of them would be good.
Today was very pleasant. The cupcakes for Munch and Mingle are ready to go as well as some other things for tomorrow. My only concern is finding time to prepare for my vegetable dish I am to bring to our Senior Retreat Monday and Tuesday. How can I cook it and still work at the office all day Monday? Tomorrow is out because of our Senior FHE in the evening, and we're presenting the lesson. Oh, well, it will work out. It always does somehow.
We enjoyed helping the Youngbergs today. And they took us to Wendy's for lunch. Sweet!
We pray for a special Sabbath Day tomorrow. May we all feel the Spirit as we renew our covenants with our Heavenly Father and His Son.
Love, Mom/Bonnie
For music tonight we listened to the Beach Boys and Paul McCartney.
Everyone have an enjoyable Sabbath. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: We just heard from Grace and she will be attending church at the mid-singles branch with us. I understand that there are only about 20 that attend. We hope she has an uplifting experience! And she will meet the new sister missionaries that we hope will be teaching her after church. And tonight we had a surprise visit from our ever-faithful APs who are following up on our next-door neighbor Spencer. We need to invite him to meet with them again. Maybe dinner with the three of them would be good.
Today was very pleasant. The cupcakes for Munch and Mingle are ready to go as well as some other things for tomorrow. My only concern is finding time to prepare for my vegetable dish I am to bring to our Senior Retreat Monday and Tuesday. How can I cook it and still work at the office all day Monday? Tomorrow is out because of our Senior FHE in the evening, and we're presenting the lesson. Oh, well, it will work out. It always does somehow.
We enjoyed helping the Youngbergs today. And they took us to Wendy's for lunch. Sweet!
We pray for a special Sabbath Day tomorrow. May we all feel the Spirit as we renew our covenants with our Heavenly Father and His Son.
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Friday 22 April 2016
April 22, 2016
Bob: A nice relaxing day. We finished at the office and left just before 5 and came straight home. What a great feeling. After dinner we spent the night listening to YouTube music. We don't have much planned for tomorrow except helping Youngbergs assemble their IKEA items. They didn't want to do anymore assembling when we got home tonight. They worked on it all day and they were worn out.
I was able to get most things caught up before we quit today. Still have a few checks to stuff in envelopes and mail, but that is it. Feels good to be caught up. Apartments will need some more attention next week. Still have one to empty and one to move here in Brampton. We'll get to it soon enough. Have till the end of June to get them done.
Sent out an email to most of you today showing our official statement of the mission extension. Looking forward to it.
Better get going for now. Love to all and good night brothers. (Today is Mike's birthday)
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: It was nice to come home directly from the office today. I did some cleaning of the apartment tonight, which leaves me time tomorrow to help Youngberg's and to get a few things for the week-end. I have to make two dozen cupcakes for Munch and Mingle on Sunday. And then, Sunday night I need to make a vegetable for the Senior Couple retreat that will be Monday and Tuesday. It will be the last retreat with the Clayton's :(
That night is also the night of our Senior Couple FHE. Bob and I are in charge with Matheson's. We will meet in their apartment, thankfully. It is a little bigger in the living room area and we will have possibly 9 couples and Laura. That's a lot of people to fit into one apartment! Anyway, we have the lesson and will bring something to munch on, as well. Matheson's are in charge of the treat, but since it is at their house, I feel I need to bring something. Anyway, it makes for a busy Sunday evening. We are discussing President's Monson's talk Sunday morning at Conference, about choosing the harder right than the easier wrong. We'll talk about it more Sunday night.
It's time to sign off, so I will say good night to all of you. Have a wonderful day tomorrow
Love, Mom/Bonnie
I was able to get most things caught up before we quit today. Still have a few checks to stuff in envelopes and mail, but that is it. Feels good to be caught up. Apartments will need some more attention next week. Still have one to empty and one to move here in Brampton. We'll get to it soon enough. Have till the end of June to get them done.
Sent out an email to most of you today showing our official statement of the mission extension. Looking forward to it.
Better get going for now. Love to all and good night brothers. (Today is Mike's birthday)
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: It was nice to come home directly from the office today. I did some cleaning of the apartment tonight, which leaves me time tomorrow to help Youngberg's and to get a few things for the week-end. I have to make two dozen cupcakes for Munch and Mingle on Sunday. And then, Sunday night I need to make a vegetable for the Senior Couple retreat that will be Monday and Tuesday. It will be the last retreat with the Clayton's :(
That night is also the night of our Senior Couple FHE. Bob and I are in charge with Matheson's. We will meet in their apartment, thankfully. It is a little bigger in the living room area and we will have possibly 9 couples and Laura. That's a lot of people to fit into one apartment! Anyway, we have the lesson and will bring something to munch on, as well. Matheson's are in charge of the treat, but since it is at their house, I feel I need to bring something. Anyway, it makes for a busy Sunday evening. We are discussing President's Monson's talk Sunday morning at Conference, about choosing the harder right than the easier wrong. We'll talk about it more Sunday night.
It's time to sign off, so I will say good night to all of you. Have a wonderful day tomorrow
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Thursday 21 April 2016
April 21, 2016
Bonnie: Today I actually had time to start emptying my top file drawer. It has material from 2015 that Bob says I can throw away. It's last year's orders mostly. The only thing I can't throw away are the packing slips and bills of lading. I also found space on the supply shelves for the new pamphlet that has come out for returning and new members called "Learning and Serving In The Church". And, I also found space for the Hallelujah Cards and the Daily Dose Cards. The Hallelujah Cards were first introduced at Easter, but it is to be a year-long way to introduce others to the gospel. The Daily Dose cards are like the old ESL cards. I need to order more Hallelujah cards tomorrow because I can see that they will be a popular item for the missionaries.
I left about 4:30 and went shopping at Walmart. Bob got dropped off at the apartment by the Elders who had the truck. I got home about 6, we had dinner and then I started the wash. That means that tomorrow night we will have a real "free" night. I hope we can do something special!
We are having a wonderful time here in the Canada Toronto Mission, though a busy one, and we love it! We hope we will be a good influence on the Elders and Sisters here, and all those we meet. The Church is true. My Savior Jesus Christ is real and loves us all. Have a good night, everyone!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Bob: Day wasn't too bad as I got my follow ups done and bills paid. However, the furniture store we ordered the king-size bed from did not deliver it today as promised. So I had to call them and cancel the order because we couldn't wait any longer. The Youngbergs went to another store and were able to get one and it will be delivered tomorrow, guaranteed they say. In fact, they told them if it didn't get delivered they would put them up in the Marriott!
At about 2:30 the Brampton Z/L's showed up at the office with the truck and trailer. They had just emptied an apartment and wanted me to look at what they had. They forewarned me that I wouldn't like what I was going to see. They were absolutely right. As we opened the back door on the trailer things began falling out. We eventually finished filling the dumpster at the office with things and then went to the city dump and threw away several things including three dumpy old couches. It just baffles me why anyone would want to be living with all these worthless things cluttering their apartment. I can imagine the thoughts some of the landlords have when they see their apartments. On the other hand, not all of the apartments are that bad. Yesterday's evacuation wasn't bad at all. It took less that an hour.
Rained a little today, but the temperature wasn't real bad. A light sweater was just fine.
Got to go now. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
I left about 4:30 and went shopping at Walmart. Bob got dropped off at the apartment by the Elders who had the truck. I got home about 6, we had dinner and then I started the wash. That means that tomorrow night we will have a real "free" night. I hope we can do something special!
We are having a wonderful time here in the Canada Toronto Mission, though a busy one, and we love it! We hope we will be a good influence on the Elders and Sisters here, and all those we meet. The Church is true. My Savior Jesus Christ is real and loves us all. Have a good night, everyone!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Bob: Day wasn't too bad as I got my follow ups done and bills paid. However, the furniture store we ordered the king-size bed from did not deliver it today as promised. So I had to call them and cancel the order because we couldn't wait any longer. The Youngbergs went to another store and were able to get one and it will be delivered tomorrow, guaranteed they say. In fact, they told them if it didn't get delivered they would put them up in the Marriott!
At about 2:30 the Brampton Z/L's showed up at the office with the truck and trailer. They had just emptied an apartment and wanted me to look at what they had. They forewarned me that I wouldn't like what I was going to see. They were absolutely right. As we opened the back door on the trailer things began falling out. We eventually finished filling the dumpster at the office with things and then went to the city dump and threw away several things including three dumpy old couches. It just baffles me why anyone would want to be living with all these worthless things cluttering their apartment. I can imagine the thoughts some of the landlords have when they see their apartments. On the other hand, not all of the apartments are that bad. Yesterday's evacuation wasn't bad at all. It took less that an hour.
Rained a little today, but the temperature wasn't real bad. A light sweater was just fine.
Got to go now. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Wednesday 20 April 2016
April 20, 2016
Bob: Long day again. Left the apartment at 7:30 with the Youngbergs. Had to go to the office and get the truck and trailer first. Then we headed to North York. Took almost an hour to get there because of traffic. There were 4 Elders to help with moving the items out and it didn't take long at all. Then the Zone Leaders and us delivered the furniture to another address where the Sisters are moving into. They were thrilled with the new apartment. The owner is Chinese and he wanted to make sure that the missionaries are comfortable and happy with the apartment. We finished up there and left for IKEA.
We got to IKEA just before 11. We were there over 2 hours getting all the things for Youngbergs. We ate on the way to their apartment and got everything unloaded by 3. The Super had told them they couldn't use the elevator past 3. We went back to check on that and they gave them permission to continue to use it. So we went to the storage shed and got a load of items then. We finished unloading about 4:40. They were going to get their car and finish unloading some more stuff they had picked up at the storage shed on Tuesday.
I didn't get back to the office till after 5. In the meantime, Elder Cannon, had gone to an auto shop to pick up a car for Elder Erickson. On his way back to the office Elder Cannon rear-ended another car. So I went to pick him up, but he couldn't leave because the paper work wasn't done. So back to the office I went to finish up. Someone else eventually brought him to the office.
Stayed at the office till almost 8 getting the bills done and my follow-up list completed. It's now 9:20 and I am going to call it a night. Weather is still cool enough for long sleeves, but very pleasant. Don't know how warm it was today, but tomorrow it's supposed to be in the 70s. Maybe we can come home real early and go for a walk before we do the shopping and wash!!
Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: If we come home early it will have to be real early to have time for doing our other errands. But, who knows? Maybe it will happen. It was a special day because of two reasons. Tonight I got to talk to Misty and most of the Ellis grand-children. Misty sent pictures of Katie at her first Mormon Prom. She looked beautiful! Katie and I had a good conversation about prom. Then, earlier today, two of our closest sister missionaries surprised Sister Cannon and I with lunch! They brought the fixings for toasted ham and cheese sandwiches and made them in the kitchen. They served us with a sandwich and some carrot sticks. They were delicious. It was a total surprise. In fact, Sis. Cannon and I were planning on going to go Subway and get subs for them and us. We were the only ones there because the Erickson's were delivering a car, and Bob was helping Youngberg's and Elder Cannon went to lunch with someone he home teaches. It made it a good day. And I got two deliveries I've been waiting for.
Oh, and something else. We were officially notified that our mission will end March 6, 2017! It sounds like our extension was approved. We need to be ready for the changes that might occur between now and then, though, especially with a new mission president.
I think I will now join Bob in getting ready for bed. I woke up at 4:30 this morning and couldn't go back to sleep until about 6:15. Bob woke me up at 6:45 as usual, so I didn't get enough sleep. May we all sleep better tonight than last night!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
We got to IKEA just before 11. We were there over 2 hours getting all the things for Youngbergs. We ate on the way to their apartment and got everything unloaded by 3. The Super had told them they couldn't use the elevator past 3. We went back to check on that and they gave them permission to continue to use it. So we went to the storage shed and got a load of items then. We finished unloading about 4:40. They were going to get their car and finish unloading some more stuff they had picked up at the storage shed on Tuesday.
I didn't get back to the office till after 5. In the meantime, Elder Cannon, had gone to an auto shop to pick up a car for Elder Erickson. On his way back to the office Elder Cannon rear-ended another car. So I went to pick him up, but he couldn't leave because the paper work wasn't done. So back to the office I went to finish up. Someone else eventually brought him to the office.
Stayed at the office till almost 8 getting the bills done and my follow-up list completed. It's now 9:20 and I am going to call it a night. Weather is still cool enough for long sleeves, but very pleasant. Don't know how warm it was today, but tomorrow it's supposed to be in the 70s. Maybe we can come home real early and go for a walk before we do the shopping and wash!!
Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: If we come home early it will have to be real early to have time for doing our other errands. But, who knows? Maybe it will happen. It was a special day because of two reasons. Tonight I got to talk to Misty and most of the Ellis grand-children. Misty sent pictures of Katie at her first Mormon Prom. She looked beautiful! Katie and I had a good conversation about prom. Then, earlier today, two of our closest sister missionaries surprised Sister Cannon and I with lunch! They brought the fixings for toasted ham and cheese sandwiches and made them in the kitchen. They served us with a sandwich and some carrot sticks. They were delicious. It was a total surprise. In fact, Sis. Cannon and I were planning on going to go Subway and get subs for them and us. We were the only ones there because the Erickson's were delivering a car, and Bob was helping Youngberg's and Elder Cannon went to lunch with someone he home teaches. It made it a good day. And I got two deliveries I've been waiting for.
Oh, and something else. We were officially notified that our mission will end March 6, 2017! It sounds like our extension was approved. We need to be ready for the changes that might occur between now and then, though, especially with a new mission president.
I think I will now join Bob in getting ready for bed. I woke up at 4:30 this morning and couldn't go back to sleep until about 6:15. Bob woke me up at 6:45 as usual, so I didn't get enough sleep. May we all sleep better tonight than last night!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Tuesday 19 April 2016
April 19, 2016
Bonnie: We had a wonderful meeting with President Clayton and Sister Clayton today. He gave us some material that was given to him during his training as a General Authority. There was a lot of material and all of us were a little overwhelmed. It will take some pondering on our part. It just shows the "hastening of the work" in my opinion. We need to have strong homes and parents need to teach the gospel directly and carefully to their children.
I was able to accomplish a lot today, but this evening was busy. We just talked to Youngberg's for quite awhile about the YSAs here, and money issues and furniture for their new apartment. They will be going with Bob to IKEA tomorrow to buy more furniture. It's been hard for them to make this move, I think, especially because this is the second unfurnished apartment for them. It is taking them longer to get settled and start doing their missionary work. Today Bob took the truck home and was going to park it here so he wouldn't have to go to the office in the morning to get it. When he got here he found that he couldn't park it where he wanted to, so he he had to drive back to the office. Then I had to go back to pick him up. We finally got home about 8:10, ate and talked to Youngbergs. Oh, well. Everything will work out!
I hope everyone has had a day where everything worked out for you! At least it is more like Spring, here. I hope it lasts!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Bob: Definitely an interesting day. I think I will remember April 19, 2016 for a while. It was really disheartening to get the truck all packed up and here at the apartment complex and then find out I couldn't park it anywhere. The only lot with big enough spots for a truck with a trailer is Building 8. They are doing some work on their underground parking and several of the cars have been moved to the outside parking lot until the work is finished. When I got there the lot was full. At that time of night it takes almost an hour to go to the office and back.
Got to leave at 7:30 in the morning again. Will pick up the truck and head to North York to move stuff from one apartment to another. Then as Bonnie said, I'll take the Youngbergs to IKEA to get some things. I have a load of things for them at the storage unit I need to bring over tomorrow too.
Going Thursday with the Brampton Z/L to empty an apartment early in the morning. They have 2 more apartments in their zone they need to be getting ready. Seems like we have a bunch of apartments we're emptying right now.
Well I've got to get to bed. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
I was able to accomplish a lot today, but this evening was busy. We just talked to Youngberg's for quite awhile about the YSAs here, and money issues and furniture for their new apartment. They will be going with Bob to IKEA tomorrow to buy more furniture. It's been hard for them to make this move, I think, especially because this is the second unfurnished apartment for them. It is taking them longer to get settled and start doing their missionary work. Today Bob took the truck home and was going to park it here so he wouldn't have to go to the office in the morning to get it. When he got here he found that he couldn't park it where he wanted to, so he he had to drive back to the office. Then I had to go back to pick him up. We finally got home about 8:10, ate and talked to Youngbergs. Oh, well. Everything will work out!
I hope everyone has had a day where everything worked out for you! At least it is more like Spring, here. I hope it lasts!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Bob: Definitely an interesting day. I think I will remember April 19, 2016 for a while. It was really disheartening to get the truck all packed up and here at the apartment complex and then find out I couldn't park it anywhere. The only lot with big enough spots for a truck with a trailer is Building 8. They are doing some work on their underground parking and several of the cars have been moved to the outside parking lot until the work is finished. When I got there the lot was full. At that time of night it takes almost an hour to go to the office and back.
Got to leave at 7:30 in the morning again. Will pick up the truck and head to North York to move stuff from one apartment to another. Then as Bonnie said, I'll take the Youngbergs to IKEA to get some things. I have a load of things for them at the storage unit I need to bring over tomorrow too.
Going Thursday with the Brampton Z/L to empty an apartment early in the morning. They have 2 more apartments in their zone they need to be getting ready. Seems like we have a bunch of apartments we're emptying right now.
Well I've got to get to bed. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Monday 18 April 2016
April 18, 2016
Bob: Been a long and productive day. I left for the office around 7:30 today to get everything ready for a trip to downtown Toronto to empty an apartment. Got the truck all loaded and then came back to the apartment complex at about 9:00 to pick up Elder Jensen, a temple missionary, to go with me. We got to the apartment early even though we were on the Don Valley Parking Lot for a couple of exits. Wasn't too bad today. At least the cars were constantly moving although not at top speed.
4 Elders and 2 Sisters showed up to help bring everything down from the 29th floor to the basement where we loaded the truck. When we finished up the Sisters, Elder Jensen and I went to turn in the keys. The Sisters left before we finished. Then Elder Jensen and I couldn't figure out how to get back to the truck. It took us a while, but we finally made it.
Then we went to the Toronto Stake Center and put the 2014 tax records with the older records stored there and emptied a bunch of trash the Claytons had bagged up. I wanted to get a set of shelves to bring back, but they are still in use. I'll have to find some place that sells that particular type of shelf and back a set of end braces. Then I can rob the TSC of one set of the shelves by consolidating what is on the shelves.
Then it was a couple trips to church dumpsters to get rid of some of the things from the apartment. Stopped at Vertica and signed the lease for the new apartment. Finally made it to the Office and caught up on a couple things there.
FHE was pretty good tonight as Brother Thom Reed was there and had the YSA indexing the Freedmen Bureau records. It was a fun activity as several of them had never indexed before and they were real interested in it.
The Barrett's were visiting so we didn't get away real early. By the time we took Belinda and Sean home it was after 10 when we got here. Then I discovered I had left my Franklin at the BSC. So I dropped Bonnie off and went back up to get it. Thankfully it was still there. (That's the second time I have done that!) Pulled into our garage at 10:39.
So I am going to end now and turn this over to the editor. We both send our love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob and Mom/Bonnie
4 Elders and 2 Sisters showed up to help bring everything down from the 29th floor to the basement where we loaded the truck. When we finished up the Sisters, Elder Jensen and I went to turn in the keys. The Sisters left before we finished. Then Elder Jensen and I couldn't figure out how to get back to the truck. It took us a while, but we finally made it.
Then we went to the Toronto Stake Center and put the 2014 tax records with the older records stored there and emptied a bunch of trash the Claytons had bagged up. I wanted to get a set of shelves to bring back, but they are still in use. I'll have to find some place that sells that particular type of shelf and back a set of end braces. Then I can rob the TSC of one set of the shelves by consolidating what is on the shelves.
Then it was a couple trips to church dumpsters to get rid of some of the things from the apartment. Stopped at Vertica and signed the lease for the new apartment. Finally made it to the Office and caught up on a couple things there.
FHE was pretty good tonight as Brother Thom Reed was there and had the YSA indexing the Freedmen Bureau records. It was a fun activity as several of them had never indexed before and they were real interested in it.
The Barrett's were visiting so we didn't get away real early. By the time we took Belinda and Sean home it was after 10 when we got here. Then I discovered I had left my Franklin at the BSC. So I dropped Bonnie off and went back up to get it. Thankfully it was still there. (That's the second time I have done that!) Pulled into our garage at 10:39.
So I am going to end now and turn this over to the editor. We both send our love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob and Mom/Bonnie
Sunday 17 April 2016
April 17, 2016
Bonnie: We went to the fireside tonight to hear Brothers Reed and Gray speak again to us. They are two very interesting people. Bro. Reed got us all excited to do indexing for the Freedman's Bureau records. Tomorrow night for FHE we will be doing just that. It is open to anyone who wants to learn how to do it. I hope there is a huge crowd! We will be taking three YSAs ourselves. Bro. Gray talked about blacks in the Bible. He assumes that Ham, Noah's son, was black, which is a common belief. Then, he traced it from there all through the Bible. The Canaanites are Ham's descendants, of course. It was fascinating.
Bob has a tummy ache and is in bed right now, so I am doing the honors of writing the blog tonight. Tomorrow he will leave early to pick up the truck and three boxes of old records from the office and go to the Toronto Stake Center. He will put the boxes in the stake center where they will be stored and pick up lots of bagged trash to throw away. He's also cleaning out an apartment and hopefully signing a new lease for another one. He will be gone most of the day. I will go with the Cannon's in the morning. Erickson's will be taking a mission vehicle in to the shop to be repaired. Then, they are teaching an indexing class at the Brampton Stake Center at 2:00 pm. I guess it's up to the Cannon's and myself to make sure everything else at the office runs smoothly.
We had a wonderful surprise today at church. The Barrett's were there for a visit! I wish Budgett's were here to see them, but they are out of town. Anyway, they came out for the wedding of one of the YSAs in Montreal which was Saturday. It was so good to see them! We just love them!
Well, it's time for me to turn in, so I wish all sweet dreams tonight!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Bob has a tummy ache and is in bed right now, so I am doing the honors of writing the blog tonight. Tomorrow he will leave early to pick up the truck and three boxes of old records from the office and go to the Toronto Stake Center. He will put the boxes in the stake center where they will be stored and pick up lots of bagged trash to throw away. He's also cleaning out an apartment and hopefully signing a new lease for another one. He will be gone most of the day. I will go with the Cannon's in the morning. Erickson's will be taking a mission vehicle in to the shop to be repaired. Then, they are teaching an indexing class at the Brampton Stake Center at 2:00 pm. I guess it's up to the Cannon's and myself to make sure everything else at the office runs smoothly.
We had a wonderful surprise today at church. The Barrett's were there for a visit! I wish Budgett's were here to see them, but they are out of town. Anyway, they came out for the wedding of one of the YSAs in Montreal which was Saturday. It was so good to see them! We just love them!
Well, it's time for me to turn in, so I wish all sweet dreams tonight!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Saturday 16 April 2016
April 16. 2016
Bob: Today has been an interesting and busy day. First, we got up at 7:15 so we could fix scrambled eggs, bacon, home fries and toast for the Youngbergs. They had to leave a little before 9 to meet with President Clayton.
After they left I got ready and went for a long walk outside. The weather was beautiful today. Wore a sweat shirt over my long-sleeved 'Canada' shirt, Ended up pulling my sleeves up and unzipping the sweat shirt to stay cool. But tonight my legs are sore from the walk I think.
This afternoon we attended a 3 hr Black History Summit at the Etobicoke chapel. It was really interesting especially the keynote speaker, Darius Gray. You may have heard of him as he is a member and is a pretty popular speaker. He is giving a fireside tomorrow about the blacks in the Bible. That sounds pretty interesting. Today he basically talked about his getting started in genealogy and had lots of pictures of his ancestors, back to his grandparents.
Another speaker, Thom Reed, the next to last speaker, gave an excellent presentation on the Freedmen Project the church is currently sponsoring. The African Americans have a great deal of trouble doing genealogy earlier than the 1870 Census. The Freedmen Project is the digitizing of the Freedmen records of the government agency that was set up to help the freed slaves integrate into mainstream society after the Civil War. So far 1.4 of 2 million records have been done. They are trying to get this done by June, 2016. I thought Freedmen was the name of a person, but Brother Reed made this interesting statement that explains the agency set up to help the black Americans. He said, "The people had gone from freedmen to freedom without anyway to ..."
After the conference we went with 9 others and ate at McNies, a fish and chip place. It was fun but I passed on the chips. I think it's time to get serious about my caloric intake or I'll have to go shopping for new pants and shirts!!! Maybe I shouldn't have purchased so many slim shirts.
Have to run now. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: It was a delightful day, and so interesting to listen to the presenters at the Summit. There were also some very good displays in the cultural hall. It showed the size of the "boxes" the slaves were put into to cross the ocean. How disgusting is the whole idea of slavery! Canada played a major part in helping them escape from the US. And the anti-slavery book "Uncle Tom's Cabin" was written about a Canadian black man. Some of the Seniors want to go see the cabin, as well as some of the historic sights for the underground railroad. It's a testimony to me of the accelerated genealogy work that is going on for these families who were torn apart and never had an identity. It's an exciting time to be doing indexing!! There was a small ensemble there from the First Baptist Church that also performed. They had us all clapping our hands and smiling as we listened. I know the Lord loves all of his people. It's powerful to see what is happening for the Blacks and genealogy and the gospel.
Tomorrow is the Sabbath Day. I have not been asked to prepare anything for Munch and Mingle and so far we are only picking up Belinda. I also have only 3 or 4 interviews with the Bishop lined up, so it will be an easy day. Maybe I can go to Relief Society!!
May our Sabbath be spiritual and uplifting is my hope for all of us.
Love, Mom/Bonnie
After they left I got ready and went for a long walk outside. The weather was beautiful today. Wore a sweat shirt over my long-sleeved 'Canada' shirt, Ended up pulling my sleeves up and unzipping the sweat shirt to stay cool. But tonight my legs are sore from the walk I think.
This afternoon we attended a 3 hr Black History Summit at the Etobicoke chapel. It was really interesting especially the keynote speaker, Darius Gray. You may have heard of him as he is a member and is a pretty popular speaker. He is giving a fireside tomorrow about the blacks in the Bible. That sounds pretty interesting. Today he basically talked about his getting started in genealogy and had lots of pictures of his ancestors, back to his grandparents.
Another speaker, Thom Reed, the next to last speaker, gave an excellent presentation on the Freedmen Project the church is currently sponsoring. The African Americans have a great deal of trouble doing genealogy earlier than the 1870 Census. The Freedmen Project is the digitizing of the Freedmen records of the government agency that was set up to help the freed slaves integrate into mainstream society after the Civil War. So far 1.4 of 2 million records have been done. They are trying to get this done by June, 2016. I thought Freedmen was the name of a person, but Brother Reed made this interesting statement that explains the agency set up to help the black Americans. He said, "The people had gone from freedmen to freedom without anyway to ..."
After the conference we went with 9 others and ate at McNies, a fish and chip place. It was fun but I passed on the chips. I think it's time to get serious about my caloric intake or I'll have to go shopping for new pants and shirts!!! Maybe I shouldn't have purchased so many slim shirts.
Have to run now. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: It was a delightful day, and so interesting to listen to the presenters at the Summit. There were also some very good displays in the cultural hall. It showed the size of the "boxes" the slaves were put into to cross the ocean. How disgusting is the whole idea of slavery! Canada played a major part in helping them escape from the US. And the anti-slavery book "Uncle Tom's Cabin" was written about a Canadian black man. Some of the Seniors want to go see the cabin, as well as some of the historic sights for the underground railroad. It's a testimony to me of the accelerated genealogy work that is going on for these families who were torn apart and never had an identity. It's an exciting time to be doing indexing!! There was a small ensemble there from the First Baptist Church that also performed. They had us all clapping our hands and smiling as we listened. I know the Lord loves all of his people. It's powerful to see what is happening for the Blacks and genealogy and the gospel.
Tomorrow is the Sabbath Day. I have not been asked to prepare anything for Munch and Mingle and so far we are only picking up Belinda. I also have only 3 or 4 interviews with the Bishop lined up, so it will be an easy day. Maybe I can go to Relief Society!!
May our Sabbath be spiritual and uplifting is my hope for all of us.
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Friday 15 April 2016
April 15, 2016
Bonnie: I just finished surface cleaning the apartment because we will have guests tonight. The Youngbergs are moving into our apartment building but can't get their apartment until Tuesday, if they are lucky. This means they need a place to stay. Luckily the Budgetts are leaving tomorrow for a short trip and the Youngbergs can use their apartment until then.They just need a place tonight. They went to the Institute graduation in Toronto tonight and we expect them any minute. Tomorrow is the Black History Summit. Most of the Senior couples are going to it. We'll probably go eat afterwards. Sunday will also be a fireside which I am anxious to attend. It will be a great week-end!
And today we accomplished lots. Most importantly, Sister Cannon and I finished the pocket cards. And I caught up on the baptisms. And I did the name tag order. All in all, it was a good day. I'm ready for a good night's sleep! May we all have sweet dreams tonight!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Bob: The financial system still has some bugs in it and programs pertaining to housing are still not working. However the rents have been sent out. I hope it is repaired before I have to do it again next month. There are just too many opportunities for mistakes. And there are several adjustments that need to be made to prepare for next month. I'll have to call SL Monday and follow up on the technical problem I reported.
Got the insurance certificate for the Youngberg's apartment today and sent it to Vertica. They were pleased with what we sent. Wasn't the same thing we sent the last time, but it worked this time. They dropped off the deposit check and we should be good to sign the lease on Monday or Tuesday.
Having some phone issues with Youngbergs and the Hatchs, though. I hope to get part of those resolved after they get here tonight. I sent Hatchs another phone today. It probably won't arrive till Monday. I'll have to get it taken care of then.
Weather has been getting better and better every day. The 15 day forecast has 61 as the lowest and 71 as the highest. Maybe spring has sprung!!
Love to everyone and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
And today we accomplished lots. Most importantly, Sister Cannon and I finished the pocket cards. And I caught up on the baptisms. And I did the name tag order. All in all, it was a good day. I'm ready for a good night's sleep! May we all have sweet dreams tonight!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Bob: The financial system still has some bugs in it and programs pertaining to housing are still not working. However the rents have been sent out. I hope it is repaired before I have to do it again next month. There are just too many opportunities for mistakes. And there are several adjustments that need to be made to prepare for next month. I'll have to call SL Monday and follow up on the technical problem I reported.
Got the insurance certificate for the Youngberg's apartment today and sent it to Vertica. They were pleased with what we sent. Wasn't the same thing we sent the last time, but it worked this time. They dropped off the deposit check and we should be good to sign the lease on Monday or Tuesday.
Having some phone issues with Youngbergs and the Hatchs, though. I hope to get part of those resolved after they get here tonight. I sent Hatchs another phone today. It probably won't arrive till Monday. I'll have to get it taken care of then.
Weather has been getting better and better every day. The 15 day forecast has 61 as the lowest and 71 as the highest. Maybe spring has sprung!!
Love to everyone and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Thursday 14 April 2016
April 14, 2016
Bonnie: I just got off the phone with a parent who sent a package to her daughter at her apartment who moved during transfers. There is money due on it from UPS, and I'm not sure the missionaries could pay for it. Thankfully, Mom will pay it by credit card over the phone. I wish parents would send all their packages to the office. It's so much easier. Oh, well.
Today I spent a good part of it working on the pocket cards. I've done one run-through and tomorrow I will check it again with Sister Cannon. One of our zones is now closed and combined with another one so that complicates things. Unfortunately, Grace did not make our discussion today. She was sick, I guess. I feel that she really needs our prayers. It will be interesting to see how all of this pans out. I sincerely hope she will be baptized.
I came home early to get the wash done while Bob continued to work tonight. He didn't get home until after 9:00. I'm sure he has much to write about so I will sign off. Sweet dreams, everyone.
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Bob: Long,long day. The problems with IMOS were not corrected today so I had to process the rent payments one at a time. That took about all day long with a few other interruptions. I hope they get things fixed pretty soon. Heard today that we can't get some reports from IMOS. Sounds to me like the bug is spreading!!
The Youngbergs showed up today. Still don't have an apartment for them. Vertica has said they cannot move in without proof of insurance. It is real important to them. Let me tell you how important. I signed a lease for the Budgetts in January. Proof of insurance was part of their package too. The proof of insurance was dated from April 1st, 2015 to April 1st, 2016. Haven't heard from them about needing insurance for that apartment. They haven't asked any of the other senior couples for proof of insurance either. They just can't get their act together.
Well I am tired. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Today I spent a good part of it working on the pocket cards. I've done one run-through and tomorrow I will check it again with Sister Cannon. One of our zones is now closed and combined with another one so that complicates things. Unfortunately, Grace did not make our discussion today. She was sick, I guess. I feel that she really needs our prayers. It will be interesting to see how all of this pans out. I sincerely hope she will be baptized.
I came home early to get the wash done while Bob continued to work tonight. He didn't get home until after 9:00. I'm sure he has much to write about so I will sign off. Sweet dreams, everyone.
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Bob: Long,long day. The problems with IMOS were not corrected today so I had to process the rent payments one at a time. That took about all day long with a few other interruptions. I hope they get things fixed pretty soon. Heard today that we can't get some reports from IMOS. Sounds to me like the bug is spreading!!
The Youngbergs showed up today. Still don't have an apartment for them. Vertica has said they cannot move in without proof of insurance. It is real important to them. Let me tell you how important. I signed a lease for the Budgetts in January. Proof of insurance was part of their package too. The proof of insurance was dated from April 1st, 2015 to April 1st, 2016. Haven't heard from them about needing insurance for that apartment. They haven't asked any of the other senior couples for proof of insurance either. They just can't get their act together.
Well I am tired. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Wednesday 13 April 2016
April 13, 2016
Bonnie: It's 7:30 pm and we are home and enjoying it tremendously! Bob is actually asleep on the couch, snoring to beat the band. I have been to the Dollar Store for a few things. It's still light out and it's not too cold.
The last two days, Monday and Tuesday, have been hectic with transfers, 10 new missionaries coming in and 18 leaving. It was especially long yesterday being at the Stake Center by 7:30 am and not getting home until after 10:00 pm because of Institute. The lesson was very spiritual, though, and I am glad that I went. There were missionaries in all day long yesterday until about 3, cleaning me out of supplies. I only have one box of copies of the Book of Mormon left, no Book of Mormon Stories and no pocket scriptures. Many of the missionaries had special requests, too. I had a list of about 8-10 things to work out today for them. The hardest thing I had to do was to call a Zone Leader about his missionaries leaving the door to the Family History Library open in a Stake Center. I hope it is resolved by now. So, after the long day yesterday, it was wonderful to leave early today. It was about 4:30 when we left and we only had two stops to make.
Tomorrow I have the honor of making the laminated pocket cards, which list each companionship by zone and all of the phone numbers in the mission, plus other important numbers. It's a huge job trying to be sure all of the information is correct. It's important that I do it for those of us in the office and the APs, though. We use the pocket cards all the time.
I hope that everyone is enjoying some semblance of spring, And I hope it will start to warm up here soon. May you all have a wonderful evening. And to our kids--give all of our grandchildren a hug from their Nana and PapPap and tell them we love them.
Love, Mom/Bonnie
PS: Something very special happened last week. When missionaries change apartments we very often get their unused supplies. As we were looking through some scriptures left to us, we saw a Book of Mormon in Ilokano. This is one language we don't have on the shelf. Then, as I was filling the MLC order, sure enough, a missionary asked for an Ilokano Book of Mormon for one of his investigators. I know this was no accident! The Lord had His hand in this, I am sure.
Bob: I am not so sure I was snoring because I didn't hear anything!! I rest my case.
Today was a short day because my computer quit working as I was entering the rent adjustments that will effect the rent checks sent out. I only got about 6 of them done and there are at least 24 in total. So I called Salt Lake to report the problem. The tech signed onto my computer and tried a couple of things and determined I had a problem. So she gave me an incident number and said she would pass it on upstairs so they could work on it. She then said, "You'll probably hear from them in a couple days or so." To which I replied, "A couple of days!! I have to process the rent checks tomorrow and mail them on Friday." She said she would see what she can do, but I'm not expecting the problem to be resolved quickly. Until then I guess the rent goes unpaid.
I got a much more surprising email from Salt Lake this afternoon. The email was announcing a large operating upgrade to the church financial system we use, IMOS. The upgrade will begin at 5 PM mountain time on May 12th, at which time the financial system will be turned off. There will not be anyway to pay people, to write checks, request fund transfers, or anything. With such a large upgrade they hope to be back up and running on May 20th!!!!!!!! Yes they are planning an 8 day shutdown. They're hoping to back up sooner, but it could go longer. I wish our mission was over on May 15th!!!
This will be a nightmare when it comes back on line. I am not looking forward to this.
Actually I got the email before the system quit today. It was so depressing that I told Bonnie let's go home.
The other problem is the new apartment we need with Vertica, our present landlord. They asked for some more information today. The application still isn't done. The Youngberg's must think the Canada Toronto Mission doesn't have anyone running things. They get here from Washington and we don't have a place for them to stay. We send them to Smiths Falls without an apartment to move into. They have to go out and purchase their own furniture. They're only in Smiths Falls for about a month and we call them back to Brampton, again with no apartment to move into, or furniture for their apartment when we get one. And they're not really sure what they will be doing. Such is the life of a senior missionary.
Well it's time to continue my nap. Hope every one is well. I send everyone my love and say good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
The last two days, Monday and Tuesday, have been hectic with transfers, 10 new missionaries coming in and 18 leaving. It was especially long yesterday being at the Stake Center by 7:30 am and not getting home until after 10:00 pm because of Institute. The lesson was very spiritual, though, and I am glad that I went. There were missionaries in all day long yesterday until about 3, cleaning me out of supplies. I only have one box of copies of the Book of Mormon left, no Book of Mormon Stories and no pocket scriptures. Many of the missionaries had special requests, too. I had a list of about 8-10 things to work out today for them. The hardest thing I had to do was to call a Zone Leader about his missionaries leaving the door to the Family History Library open in a Stake Center. I hope it is resolved by now. So, after the long day yesterday, it was wonderful to leave early today. It was about 4:30 when we left and we only had two stops to make.
Tomorrow I have the honor of making the laminated pocket cards, which list each companionship by zone and all of the phone numbers in the mission, plus other important numbers. It's a huge job trying to be sure all of the information is correct. It's important that I do it for those of us in the office and the APs, though. We use the pocket cards all the time.
I hope that everyone is enjoying some semblance of spring, And I hope it will start to warm up here soon. May you all have a wonderful evening. And to our kids--give all of our grandchildren a hug from their Nana and PapPap and tell them we love them.
Love, Mom/Bonnie
PS: Something very special happened last week. When missionaries change apartments we very often get their unused supplies. As we were looking through some scriptures left to us, we saw a Book of Mormon in Ilokano. This is one language we don't have on the shelf. Then, as I was filling the MLC order, sure enough, a missionary asked for an Ilokano Book of Mormon for one of his investigators. I know this was no accident! The Lord had His hand in this, I am sure.
Bob: I am not so sure I was snoring because I didn't hear anything!! I rest my case.
Today was a short day because my computer quit working as I was entering the rent adjustments that will effect the rent checks sent out. I only got about 6 of them done and there are at least 24 in total. So I called Salt Lake to report the problem. The tech signed onto my computer and tried a couple of things and determined I had a problem. So she gave me an incident number and said she would pass it on upstairs so they could work on it. She then said, "You'll probably hear from them in a couple days or so." To which I replied, "A couple of days!! I have to process the rent checks tomorrow and mail them on Friday." She said she would see what she can do, but I'm not expecting the problem to be resolved quickly. Until then I guess the rent goes unpaid.
I got a much more surprising email from Salt Lake this afternoon. The email was announcing a large operating upgrade to the church financial system we use, IMOS. The upgrade will begin at 5 PM mountain time on May 12th, at which time the financial system will be turned off. There will not be anyway to pay people, to write checks, request fund transfers, or anything. With such a large upgrade they hope to be back up and running on May 20th!!!!!!!! Yes they are planning an 8 day shutdown. They're hoping to back up sooner, but it could go longer. I wish our mission was over on May 15th!!!
This will be a nightmare when it comes back on line. I am not looking forward to this.
Actually I got the email before the system quit today. It was so depressing that I told Bonnie let's go home.
The other problem is the new apartment we need with Vertica, our present landlord. They asked for some more information today. The application still isn't done. The Youngberg's must think the Canada Toronto Mission doesn't have anyone running things. They get here from Washington and we don't have a place for them to stay. We send them to Smiths Falls without an apartment to move into. They have to go out and purchase their own furniture. They're only in Smiths Falls for about a month and we call them back to Brampton, again with no apartment to move into, or furniture for their apartment when we get one. And they're not really sure what they will be doing. Such is the life of a senior missionary.
Well it's time to continue my nap. Hope every one is well. I send everyone my love and say good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Look at the ice on the tree that is blocking the angel Moroni
Tuesday 12 April 2016
April 12, 2016
Bob: Long day!! Started with introducing ourselves to the new missionaries at 7:30 and ended a little after 9:00 in Mississauga at Institute. That's our final night of Institute for until May 3. Class has been dwindling as one young man is now on a mission and a couple are working. But there is a good spirit in the class.
Some problems with transfers. Haven't heard of anyone needing a bed, but at least 3 sets of missionaries had no idea where they were to park their car. One set of missionaries left an apartment with food still in it and no one moving into it. Two Elders didn't have bus passes. Two of the new missionaries didn't have any money on their cards. And 2 sets of Elders had bad phones. I know one set was able to trade their phone with another of the phones from an empty apartment. Not sure what happened to the other set. They were trying to back up their contacts the last time I saw them.
Weather was cooler today, but things are going to get better starting Thursday. Can't wait.
Trying to rent another apartment from Vertica, but it is like pulling teeth. We need to get furniture and furnish the place so I asked them today if we could have the furniture company bring us over a bed. They said we couldn't until the application is approved!! We rent 8 apartments and they want to check us out and make sure we can rent another one! If that person had been in charge in 1492 we would all still be wondering what's on the other side of the big body of water on the western edge of land!!
Got to go now. Love to all and good night brothers. Bonnie will write omorrow night. She sends her love to all.
Dad/Bob
Some problems with transfers. Haven't heard of anyone needing a bed, but at least 3 sets of missionaries had no idea where they were to park their car. One set of missionaries left an apartment with food still in it and no one moving into it. Two Elders didn't have bus passes. Two of the new missionaries didn't have any money on their cards. And 2 sets of Elders had bad phones. I know one set was able to trade their phone with another of the phones from an empty apartment. Not sure what happened to the other set. They were trying to back up their contacts the last time I saw them.
Weather was cooler today, but things are going to get better starting Thursday. Can't wait.
Trying to rent another apartment from Vertica, but it is like pulling teeth. We need to get furniture and furnish the place so I asked them today if we could have the furniture company bring us over a bed. They said we couldn't until the application is approved!! We rent 8 apartments and they want to check us out and make sure we can rent another one! If that person had been in charge in 1492 we would all still be wondering what's on the other side of the big body of water on the western edge of land!!
Got to go now. Love to all and good night brothers. Bonnie will write omorrow night. She sends her love to all.
Dad/Bob
Monday 11 April 2016
April 11, 2016
Bob: Got home from FHE just about 10:00. It has been a very long day. I had to make 18 going home CDs for the departing missionaries. I started on them about 9:00 and with all the interruptions I didn't finish until 2:30. The big problem is the fact that while the computer is burning the CD I can't do anything else. The burn program won't minimize so I can't open any windows in front of the burn program. It is frustrating to just sit there and wait for the burning to get done.
Other than that the day went alright. I do have some Elders that have a car, but they don't have anywhere to park it now. They called and said that beginning April 1 they can't park on the street and they don't have a parking permit for their apartment. Asked them why they hadn't called sooner. Just silence. So we'll have to call and get them a permit I guess. A little later some Sisters called and said they are getting a car tomorrow, but they don't have any place to park it. Lots of problems like these come up every transfer. People get moved around but the details of beds, parking places, bus passes, telephones, etc. get over-looked. That's why Tuesdays of transfer week is so interesting and lonnnggg!!
We have to instruct the new missionaries tomorrow morning at 7:30 so I need to end shortly. Want to get to bed. Hope everyone had a wonderful day. Love to all and good night brothers. Bonnie sends her love.
Dad/Bob
Other than that the day went alright. I do have some Elders that have a car, but they don't have anywhere to park it now. They called and said that beginning April 1 they can't park on the street and they don't have a parking permit for their apartment. Asked them why they hadn't called sooner. Just silence. So we'll have to call and get them a permit I guess. A little later some Sisters called and said they are getting a car tomorrow, but they don't have any place to park it. Lots of problems like these come up every transfer. People get moved around but the details of beds, parking places, bus passes, telephones, etc. get over-looked. That's why Tuesdays of transfer week is so interesting and lonnnggg!!
We have to instruct the new missionaries tomorrow morning at 7:30 so I need to end shortly. Want to get to bed. Hope everyone had a wonderful day. Love to all and good night brothers. Bonnie sends her love.
Dad/Bob
Sunday 10 April 2016
April 10, 2016
Bonnie: I just got finished cooking for the week. I have to bring dinner to the office on both Monday and Tuesday so we can go straight to YSA activities. It's been a great day to fast and listen to the testimonies of others. Grace liked it, and our discussion went well. She has committed to baptism on May 7th!! One big obstacle for her will be telling her parents, very staunch Catholics. Another challenge will be changing missionaries. Three sisters will now begin teaching her because of transfers on Tuesday. Our precious Elder Geddes and Elder Tam will be moving somewhere else. It's all good in the long run, however, right? When we got to our YSA ward today we found out that there are now two Elders Quorums. The Bishop divided the men into a mostly Spanish group and a mostly Asian group, with blacks and whites intermingled in each. It will be interesting to see how it works out. And I think he got two young men who will help me find those who are on the interview list. Bob has found out that he doesn't have to help clean up after the Munch and Mingle each week. He is just to help set up the tables and chairs. That's a relief for us both!
Tomorrow we will have our meeting with President and Sister Clayton. There are so many things that we need to discuss. It will be interesting to see how things change, all in the Lord's timing of course.
We hope everyone has had a wonderful Sabbath Day. I know we have. How I love my Savior and how I love all of you!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Bob: Woke up this morning to a startling discovery. Yesterday when we went to the temple for the baptism session I knew there was a possibility that I might have to do some of the baptisms. In anticipation of that I decided to take a travel kit containing my hair brush and deodorant with me. Well I took it and I left it on the recommend desk!! So this afternoon I called Bishop Willmott of the the Brampton Ward, who is also the Temple Recorder, asking if any security people were at the temple. He called them and arranged for me to go up to and get the kit. So tomorrow I can switch back to my trusty Mennen Speedstick! (Didn't care for Bonnie's Secret.)
Yes, I thought the discussion was good. Grace was telling us that she hadn't told her parents yet that she is contemplating being baptized. She said they are staunch Catholics and it will be hold to tell them. When I mentioned that Bonnie and I would like to meet her parents her eyes got real big! I told her we just want to meet them so they will know who we are. Hope we can arrange that soon.
As I sit here looking out the window I see snow falling down and the ground all covered in white!! I thought spring had sprung, but not so here. We have another day or so of cold temperatures and then the thermometer will start to rise. Over the next 15 days we will have 2 days at 45 and the rest in the 50s and higher. Should be a lot nicer in another week.
The Elders Quorums records show 13* some elders and prospective elders so they split into 2 quorums today. I am in Lehi's quorum. The other quorum is Nephi. I think I'm still supposed to help teach the prospective elders. That could become more permanent as the other adviser's wife starts chemo on April 28th.
Well I have got to go. Send my love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
PS Bob says you all know what the * means by the 13. Am I the only one who doesn't?
Tomorrow we will have our meeting with President and Sister Clayton. There are so many things that we need to discuss. It will be interesting to see how things change, all in the Lord's timing of course.
We hope everyone has had a wonderful Sabbath Day. I know we have. How I love my Savior and how I love all of you!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Bob: Woke up this morning to a startling discovery. Yesterday when we went to the temple for the baptism session I knew there was a possibility that I might have to do some of the baptisms. In anticipation of that I decided to take a travel kit containing my hair brush and deodorant with me. Well I took it and I left it on the recommend desk!! So this afternoon I called Bishop Willmott of the the Brampton Ward, who is also the Temple Recorder, asking if any security people were at the temple. He called them and arranged for me to go up to and get the kit. So tomorrow I can switch back to my trusty Mennen Speedstick! (Didn't care for Bonnie's Secret.)
Yes, I thought the discussion was good. Grace was telling us that she hadn't told her parents yet that she is contemplating being baptized. She said they are staunch Catholics and it will be hold to tell them. When I mentioned that Bonnie and I would like to meet her parents her eyes got real big! I told her we just want to meet them so they will know who we are. Hope we can arrange that soon.
As I sit here looking out the window I see snow falling down and the ground all covered in white!! I thought spring had sprung, but not so here. We have another day or so of cold temperatures and then the thermometer will start to rise. Over the next 15 days we will have 2 days at 45 and the rest in the 50s and higher. Should be a lot nicer in another week.
The Elders Quorums records show 13* some elders and prospective elders so they split into 2 quorums today. I am in Lehi's quorum. The other quorum is Nephi. I think I'm still supposed to help teach the prospective elders. That could become more permanent as the other adviser's wife starts chemo on April 28th.
Well I have got to go. Send my love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
PS Bob says you all know what the * means by the 13. Am I the only one who doesn't?
Saturday 9 April 2016
April 9, 2016
Bob: Well it was back to the temple this morning at 11:30. It was our month to help with the mission New/Returning Members temple baptism session. Our numbers were not great today as there were only 7 or 8 members there, but it was a sweet and spiritual session. It took a little while to get organized as we got started at 12:48 instead of 12:30, but because of our numbers we were able to get finished and out by 2:00 so another group could come in. I was the recorder today instead of the dressing room attendant, so I saw much more of the baptisms than I usually do. But when we were all finished I learned some more duties for the dressing room attendant that I had not been aware of. I'll be sure and get those done from now on.
Tonight the Ericksons, Budgetts and us went to dinner just down the street at Canelli's Italian Eatery. It has now become my favorite place in Toronto. For those of you familiar with Undo's in Benwood, WV, it is about the same. They even had my favorite dish at Undo's, Eggplant Parmigiana. It was delicious and I walked out a very stuffed person!! They have a good sized dining room and it looks like they can handle a group of 28 without any problem. We'll be planning a Saturday night dinner there for all the Seniors. I think we could have 28 if the Claytons can be there.
Been reading the biography of David O McKay. I have found this book very interesting. It gives a lot of detail concerning how decisions were made about various aspects of the church's work and growth during his tenure as president of the church. You have to read with an open mind, though. It is surprising how some things worked out.
Well I'm going to let my better half add a few words. So I'll say good night to all and may your Sabbath Day be special. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: We slept in until 7:45 today and then took naps in the afternoon when we got home from the baptisms! It surprises me how tired I get sometimes. Anyway, we will be leaving about 10:00 am tomorrow to attend Mississauga Ward with Grace. After Sacrament Meeting the missionaries will be there to give her a lesson and then we head back to our YSA Ward where I will get some of them in to see the Bishop. The Bishop texted me and said there would be big changes tomorrow in the YSA ward. I hope he is not being released! He has done a wonderful job there and the YSAs absolutely love him.
Well, it's definitely time to close this blog. After all, you know we need our sleep!! May everyone have a glorious Sabbath tomorrow. We love and miss you all!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
.
Tonight the Ericksons, Budgetts and us went to dinner just down the street at Canelli's Italian Eatery. It has now become my favorite place in Toronto. For those of you familiar with Undo's in Benwood, WV, it is about the same. They even had my favorite dish at Undo's, Eggplant Parmigiana. It was delicious and I walked out a very stuffed person!! They have a good sized dining room and it looks like they can handle a group of 28 without any problem. We'll be planning a Saturday night dinner there for all the Seniors. I think we could have 28 if the Claytons can be there.
Been reading the biography of David O McKay. I have found this book very interesting. It gives a lot of detail concerning how decisions were made about various aspects of the church's work and growth during his tenure as president of the church. You have to read with an open mind, though. It is surprising how some things worked out.
Well I'm going to let my better half add a few words. So I'll say good night to all and may your Sabbath Day be special. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: We slept in until 7:45 today and then took naps in the afternoon when we got home from the baptisms! It surprises me how tired I get sometimes. Anyway, we will be leaving about 10:00 am tomorrow to attend Mississauga Ward with Grace. After Sacrament Meeting the missionaries will be there to give her a lesson and then we head back to our YSA Ward where I will get some of them in to see the Bishop. The Bishop texted me and said there would be big changes tomorrow in the YSA ward. I hope he is not being released! He has done a wonderful job there and the YSAs absolutely love him.
Well, it's definitely time to close this blog. After all, you know we need our sleep!! May everyone have a glorious Sabbath tomorrow. We love and miss you all!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
.
Friday 8 April 2016
April 8, 2016
Bonnie: Today has been one of the most special of our mission so far. This morning we were in a temple session at 8 am with President and Sister Clayton. (There were sessions at 7:20 and 7:40 also for the missionaries.) They were the witness couple. We were there with perhaps about 60 Elders and 20 Sisters. Afterwards, we went directly to the Brampton Stake Center to hear the Clayton's speak. We began with singing "I Am A Child of God" and then having a kneeling prayer in the chapel where we met. Then, they shared how their calling as a General Authority Seventy came about. President Clayton's brother did not suggest his name, so being the brother of a seventy did not influence the President's call. They had some very special training which included time in the temple where they partook of the sacrament (with the twelve and the First Presidency). We will not know what part of the world he will be called to serve until May. The Clayton's also told us a little about the new mission president who will be taking their place. They are a couple from Salt Lake City, and they look very young! He is a lawyer by trade. It will be really interesting to see what changes they will make. The missionaries are excited but know they will really miss the Clayton's. In fact, the A/PS want to extend their mission to help things move along better! It would be great if this were to happen. They know so much about the missionaries, it's incredible.
We got to the office about 11:45. Then, it seemed like missionaries were coming in all day long. The real rush came about 4:00 or so, after the MLC meetings. The tricky thing was there was a wedding reception going on about 5, so it was a noisy, crazy time. I'm down to 5 English boxes of Books of Mormon, from 22. I'm totally out of the French boxes, although I have a few singles on the shelf. That is one thing that I was able to do today--order more Books of Mormon. The only other thing I did was to order the name tags for the week. Other than that I was too busy answering questions and talking to the missionaries. How I love them. They, for the most part, are doing a wonderful job and are very obedient, which makes them very successful. It makes my day to be with them and talk to them. And, of course, I have to fill up the candy jar often. You should see our jar. It is covered with tender mercies top to bottom. It's great!
Well, tomorrow we will be helping with the convert baptisms so it's back to the temple for us. The Cannon's will be there, too, to see how things run. Maybe they will be able to help one month.
My love to all,
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Bob: Well Bonnie has filled you in on the highlights of the day. As she says, things were hopping for a while at the office. Personally, I was able to get the end of the month Financial Statement ready for the President to look over, and complete the filing of the monthly expenditures by check. This usually takes longer, but everything fell into place today. Things seem to be moving along better lately.
The new MLS couple will be here tomorrow and they will be staying with the Claytons until they leave on Wednesday. We don't have an apartment for them yet although we have a few possibilities. I'm just not exactly sure where the President wants to use them. There have been some mixed signals as to what they will be doing.
One thing I will mention about the temple session. When we finished and arrived at the Celestial Room it was almost full of missionaries from the 7:40 session. President Clayton had to instruct them to move along and make room for the ones just arriving!
The low point of the day is we arrived at Walmart at almost 9:00 PM to do the shopping!! Didn't get home till almost 10, and that's probably because we didn't buy much. Our desire to get back to the apartment outweighed our desire for things to eat.
Well it's 11:35 so I'm going to call it today. Sending my love to everyone and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
We got to the office about 11:45. Then, it seemed like missionaries were coming in all day long. The real rush came about 4:00 or so, after the MLC meetings. The tricky thing was there was a wedding reception going on about 5, so it was a noisy, crazy time. I'm down to 5 English boxes of Books of Mormon, from 22. I'm totally out of the French boxes, although I have a few singles on the shelf. That is one thing that I was able to do today--order more Books of Mormon. The only other thing I did was to order the name tags for the week. Other than that I was too busy answering questions and talking to the missionaries. How I love them. They, for the most part, are doing a wonderful job and are very obedient, which makes them very successful. It makes my day to be with them and talk to them. And, of course, I have to fill up the candy jar often. You should see our jar. It is covered with tender mercies top to bottom. It's great!
Well, tomorrow we will be helping with the convert baptisms so it's back to the temple for us. The Cannon's will be there, too, to see how things run. Maybe they will be able to help one month.
My love to all,
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Bob: Well Bonnie has filled you in on the highlights of the day. As she says, things were hopping for a while at the office. Personally, I was able to get the end of the month Financial Statement ready for the President to look over, and complete the filing of the monthly expenditures by check. This usually takes longer, but everything fell into place today. Things seem to be moving along better lately.
The new MLS couple will be here tomorrow and they will be staying with the Claytons until they leave on Wednesday. We don't have an apartment for them yet although we have a few possibilities. I'm just not exactly sure where the President wants to use them. There have been some mixed signals as to what they will be doing.
One thing I will mention about the temple session. When we finished and arrived at the Celestial Room it was almost full of missionaries from the 7:40 session. President Clayton had to instruct them to move along and make room for the ones just arriving!
The low point of the day is we arrived at Walmart at almost 9:00 PM to do the shopping!! Didn't get home till almost 10, and that's probably because we didn't buy much. Our desire to get back to the apartment outweighed our desire for things to eat.
Well it's 11:35 so I'm going to call it today. Sending my love to everyone and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Thursday 7 April 2016
April 7, 2016
Bonnie: Unfortunately, Grace could not make our appointment today. She had to take a family member to the hospital. I think her family asks her to help them whenever they need it, since she is single and can pretty much determine when she wants to work. That meant that we got to the office about 10:00 today, after doing a few errands.
We got all of the MLC stuff boxed up and were considering putting it out today in the foyer. But, then we saw that there was a wedding reception planned and they were starting to decorate the cultural hall. It will wait for tomorrow afternoon, after we hear President and Sister Clayton talk to all of the missionaries, which will be after three temple sessions in the morning. We were given the last session at 8:00 am. All of the missionaries that are the closest will be attending--I would guess maybe 75 to 80 or so. I am excited to be part of it! Then, of course, Saturday are the proxy baptisms for the dead for our newest converts and returning members. It is always a delight to be with them during their first visit inside the temple. Bob was able to give out some of Steve Gibson's family names tonight, too, which makes our temple visits extra special.
I hope all of you have had a glorious day today. Perhaps it is starting to look like spring where you are. That would be nice! I hope spring is not too far away here.
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Bob: Doesn't seem like I accomplished much today although everything but one apartment's vacate notice is done. Made 2 trips to the storage shed to leave some items. Did a final inspection on an apartment with the landlord and gave him the keys. Did a few personal things with my credit cards and made a trip to the post office to mail the landscaper his money for last summer's work.
Tonight Bonnie got the wash caught up and we both relaxed a little.
Tomorrow I'll have Elders Cannon and Erickson do a couple of names for Steve Gibson and we'll have over half of them done. We did 5 names last weekend. After tomorrow there will still be 5 males left.
I'm going to cut this short and go to bed. Tomorrow will be a long and tiring day. Want to get my rest so I am ready for it. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
We got all of the MLC stuff boxed up and were considering putting it out today in the foyer. But, then we saw that there was a wedding reception planned and they were starting to decorate the cultural hall. It will wait for tomorrow afternoon, after we hear President and Sister Clayton talk to all of the missionaries, which will be after three temple sessions in the morning. We were given the last session at 8:00 am. All of the missionaries that are the closest will be attending--I would guess maybe 75 to 80 or so. I am excited to be part of it! Then, of course, Saturday are the proxy baptisms for the dead for our newest converts and returning members. It is always a delight to be with them during their first visit inside the temple. Bob was able to give out some of Steve Gibson's family names tonight, too, which makes our temple visits extra special.
I hope all of you have had a glorious day today. Perhaps it is starting to look like spring where you are. That would be nice! I hope spring is not too far away here.
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Bob: Doesn't seem like I accomplished much today although everything but one apartment's vacate notice is done. Made 2 trips to the storage shed to leave some items. Did a final inspection on an apartment with the landlord and gave him the keys. Did a few personal things with my credit cards and made a trip to the post office to mail the landscaper his money for last summer's work.
Tonight Bonnie got the wash caught up and we both relaxed a little.
Tomorrow I'll have Elders Cannon and Erickson do a couple of names for Steve Gibson and we'll have over half of them done. We did 5 names last weekend. After tomorrow there will still be 5 males left.
I'm going to cut this short and go to bed. Tomorrow will be a long and tiring day. Want to get my rest so I am ready for it. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Our "Heart Attack" with Sister Cannon peeking through the door!
Wednesday 6 April 2016
April 6, 2016
Bob: I thought Bonnie was going to start, but she is doing a Sudoku puzzle and can't seem to break away. Today the weather turned bad between 9 and 10. Elder Erickson pulled out of the church parking lot and attempted to turn left. He went straight across the street and almost hit the curb. So he just backed across the street back into the parking lot and waited till later in the day to leave. It will start getting better next week as the forecast is calling for mid-forties to 50.
Got most of the work caught up today. Had time to work on my computer files. Trying to get them organized so I don't have to skip all around to find things. Want to put all the accounting files in one folder, the housing folders in one folder, etc. It will take some time but it should be doable.
Found out today that the transfer next week involves 76% of our missionaries. I can foresee problems with bus passes for one thing. Found out that we are closing the Val d'Or, Quebec apartment next week. Asked the A/Ps who would be the ones to clean the apartment out so we turn it back to the landlord. Uh!! That apartment is almost 90 minutes from the closest set of Elders. So they immediately called the Elders and told them the apartment needs to be spotless when they leave. We will see.
We have a set of Sisters that want to move out of their present apartment really bad. So we have decided to close it too. We called them today and they are very happy to be moving out. They said they would have it cleaned spotless and all the junk thrown away by Tuesday. Told them we had to have it super clean as we were turning it back to the landlord and if it wasn't clean that they would have to go back with the Z/L and clean it till it was. They said not to worry as they want out of there so badly that will make it shine as they say good bye.
Have to meet the Palm Tree landlord tomorrow and tell him we are not going to repair the wall. I think he will finally see that we didn't cause that problem.
Better get to bed. Love to everyone and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: Today has been a good day because Sister Cannon and I have pulled the supplies for 6 out of the 10 zones for MLC. I also finished the "Daily Dose" flyers, (formally our ESL flyers.) Everything should be done for MLC by tomorrow when we leave because of the temple sessions Friday morning. It will be followed by a mission-wide meeting with President Clayton and his wife. He will be answering questions and talking about his new calling as a General Authority Seventy. We will probably get back to the mission office by noon. Then, after having lunch and a short meeting, the zone leaders will be going to the office for their supplies, mail and packages. It may turn out to be a long day!!
Bob and I have had a great night tonight because we got home just before 6:00. I was able to cook dinner!! I miss that sometimes. We've been doing relaxing things like listening to Neil Diamond music, and, as Bob wrote I've been able to do some sodoku. Bob did some stuff on the computer he needed to do.
Tomorrow morning we are having another discussion with Grace. It will be at 9:30 at our apartment. That means we won't get to the office until about 11:00 probably. We hope it goes well. I sincerely hope she desires a testimony of the Book of Mormon and of Joseph Smith. She is someone I consider "golden", very prepared to receive the gospel.
Well, we're going to get to bed on time tonight. Sweet dreams, everyone.
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Got most of the work caught up today. Had time to work on my computer files. Trying to get them organized so I don't have to skip all around to find things. Want to put all the accounting files in one folder, the housing folders in one folder, etc. It will take some time but it should be doable.
Found out today that the transfer next week involves 76% of our missionaries. I can foresee problems with bus passes for one thing. Found out that we are closing the Val d'Or, Quebec apartment next week. Asked the A/Ps who would be the ones to clean the apartment out so we turn it back to the landlord. Uh!! That apartment is almost 90 minutes from the closest set of Elders. So they immediately called the Elders and told them the apartment needs to be spotless when they leave. We will see.
We have a set of Sisters that want to move out of their present apartment really bad. So we have decided to close it too. We called them today and they are very happy to be moving out. They said they would have it cleaned spotless and all the junk thrown away by Tuesday. Told them we had to have it super clean as we were turning it back to the landlord and if it wasn't clean that they would have to go back with the Z/L and clean it till it was. They said not to worry as they want out of there so badly that will make it shine as they say good bye.
Have to meet the Palm Tree landlord tomorrow and tell him we are not going to repair the wall. I think he will finally see that we didn't cause that problem.
Better get to bed. Love to everyone and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: Today has been a good day because Sister Cannon and I have pulled the supplies for 6 out of the 10 zones for MLC. I also finished the "Daily Dose" flyers, (formally our ESL flyers.) Everything should be done for MLC by tomorrow when we leave because of the temple sessions Friday morning. It will be followed by a mission-wide meeting with President Clayton and his wife. He will be answering questions and talking about his new calling as a General Authority Seventy. We will probably get back to the mission office by noon. Then, after having lunch and a short meeting, the zone leaders will be going to the office for their supplies, mail and packages. It may turn out to be a long day!!
Bob and I have had a great night tonight because we got home just before 6:00. I was able to cook dinner!! I miss that sometimes. We've been doing relaxing things like listening to Neil Diamond music, and, as Bob wrote I've been able to do some sodoku. Bob did some stuff on the computer he needed to do.
Tomorrow morning we are having another discussion with Grace. It will be at 9:30 at our apartment. That means we won't get to the office until about 11:00 probably. We hope it goes well. I sincerely hope she desires a testimony of the Book of Mormon and of Joseph Smith. She is someone I consider "golden", very prepared to receive the gospel.
Well, we're going to get to bed on time tonight. Sweet dreams, everyone.
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Tuesday 5 April 2016
April 5, 2016
Bob: Long day today as we didn't get home till after 10:00. Things weren't too bad at work although I had to go to the bank. That is never fun. Had to deposit one check into our account. So it only took between 5 and 10 minutes.
We're moving out of an apartment in Brampton and the owner is claiming the missionaries mounted a rack and a stand for a TV to the wall. He wants us to take it down, repair the holes and paint it. Two of us of said we don't think the sisters did that, but he doesn't seem to believe us. We signed the contract for the apartment in June 2014 when Elder Gillen was here so I called him. He didn't go into the house, but he said we were renting the house from a member before it was sold to the present landlord. Found the old folder for the apartment and saw where he sold the house and moved to South America. Looked up his name on FACEBOOK and saw that the name I found was friends with our present Elder's Quorum President in the Churchville YSA. Gave him a call and he told me that was the guy that used to own the house. Sent the past owner a picture of the items in question and he told me that they were on the wall when he bought the house!! And that he sold the house with them still on the wall. Going to be talking to the landlord on Thursday about that.
Grace came by for her Tuesday lesson today, but she was over an hour late due to traffic. The Elders couldn't stay any longer so they left before she arrived. They asked Bonnie and I to talk to her about the Family Proclamation and the Plan of Salvation pamphlet. We had a good discussion with her and scheduled another appointment for Thursday at 9:30.
Went to Institute and then took a young sister home afterwards. She said she would have been waiting 30 minutes for the bus if we hadn't taken her home. Wasn't very far out of our way so we weren't delayed much at all.
Better get to bed. Bonnie sends her love, but she is in bed already. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
We're moving out of an apartment in Brampton and the owner is claiming the missionaries mounted a rack and a stand for a TV to the wall. He wants us to take it down, repair the holes and paint it. Two of us of said we don't think the sisters did that, but he doesn't seem to believe us. We signed the contract for the apartment in June 2014 when Elder Gillen was here so I called him. He didn't go into the house, but he said we were renting the house from a member before it was sold to the present landlord. Found the old folder for the apartment and saw where he sold the house and moved to South America. Looked up his name on FACEBOOK and saw that the name I found was friends with our present Elder's Quorum President in the Churchville YSA. Gave him a call and he told me that was the guy that used to own the house. Sent the past owner a picture of the items in question and he told me that they were on the wall when he bought the house!! And that he sold the house with them still on the wall. Going to be talking to the landlord on Thursday about that.
Grace came by for her Tuesday lesson today, but she was over an hour late due to traffic. The Elders couldn't stay any longer so they left before she arrived. They asked Bonnie and I to talk to her about the Family Proclamation and the Plan of Salvation pamphlet. We had a good discussion with her and scheduled another appointment for Thursday at 9:30.
Went to Institute and then took a young sister home afterwards. She said she would have been waiting 30 minutes for the bus if we hadn't taken her home. Wasn't very far out of our way so we weren't delayed much at all.
Better get to bed. Bonnie sends her love, but she is in bed already. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Monday 4 April 2016
April 4, 2016
Bob: Still snow on the ground, but the roads are clear. It's not going to melt fast as the temperatures are in the 20s. The drive to work this morning was a little slow, but not too bad. The roads had some snow but not much slush because of the cold temperatures.
Things went pretty well at work today. Rented a new apartment for some Elders. We have to leave the one apartment because of an unfavorable lease. So we can get out now as quickly as we want. Still needing one for another set of Elders. I am also trying to find another apartment for a Senior Couple that has been assigned to YSA. Don't know whether they are working with Brampton or Toronto Stake though.
Went to FHE at the Brampton Stake Center. Talked to an advisory couple about apartments for missionaries. They are thinking about investing in a property and then renting it to the church. Told them we are closing apartments right now as our numbers will be going down in the coming months. They would like to buy something that could have an apartment in the basement for young missionaries and a Senior couple in the upstairs. That might work if they found a good location.
Going to close for now. Bonnie wants to go to the office early tomorrow morning as a new Sister flew in today. Wish love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: Today was good because I finally got some of the Daily Dose flyers (formally the ESL flyers) copied. I only have 1750 more to do. MLC has been changed to Friday now. The temple sessions will still be in the morning, followed by a mission-wide conference with the Clayton's. MLC is after that, in the afternoon. Then, after that, the Zone Leaders and the Sister Missionary Trainers will go to the mission office to pick up supplies and mail and "daily dose" supplies. It will be a very long day. As Bob wrote, we are to train a new sister missionary tomorrow morning. The Erickson's begin at 8:00 with vehicle training and Sister Erickson's responsibilities. We are next, and the Cannon's follow. I really enjoy doing it one on one rather than to a large group. That way, the sister can feel freer to answer any questions she may have.
I hope everyone has had a wonderful day. I figure it looks like spring in many places by now. I can't wait for spring to begin here. I'm tired of the snow and cold!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Things went pretty well at work today. Rented a new apartment for some Elders. We have to leave the one apartment because of an unfavorable lease. So we can get out now as quickly as we want. Still needing one for another set of Elders. I am also trying to find another apartment for a Senior Couple that has been assigned to YSA. Don't know whether they are working with Brampton or Toronto Stake though.
Went to FHE at the Brampton Stake Center. Talked to an advisory couple about apartments for missionaries. They are thinking about investing in a property and then renting it to the church. Told them we are closing apartments right now as our numbers will be going down in the coming months. They would like to buy something that could have an apartment in the basement for young missionaries and a Senior couple in the upstairs. That might work if they found a good location.
Going to close for now. Bonnie wants to go to the office early tomorrow morning as a new Sister flew in today. Wish love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: Today was good because I finally got some of the Daily Dose flyers (formally the ESL flyers) copied. I only have 1750 more to do. MLC has been changed to Friday now. The temple sessions will still be in the morning, followed by a mission-wide conference with the Clayton's. MLC is after that, in the afternoon. Then, after that, the Zone Leaders and the Sister Missionary Trainers will go to the mission office to pick up supplies and mail and "daily dose" supplies. It will be a very long day. As Bob wrote, we are to train a new sister missionary tomorrow morning. The Erickson's begin at 8:00 with vehicle training and Sister Erickson's responsibilities. We are next, and the Cannon's follow. I really enjoy doing it one on one rather than to a large group. That way, the sister can feel freer to answer any questions she may have.
I hope everyone has had a wonderful day. I figure it looks like spring in many places by now. I can't wait for spring to begin here. I'm tired of the snow and cold!
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Sunday 3 April 2016
April 3, 2016
Bob: Up at 8 this morning to a very bright and shining sun. The ground is brown and green (not white). Looks like a beautiful day is at hand. But looks can be deceiving. I just checked the temperature. It is 19 and going up to 34. I also notice there is ice frozen on the windows. Still it looks nice outside.
Well the weather took a turn for the worse. You can see in the picture below that Ole Man Winter is back. It is 8:50 right now and the snow is still coming down slightly. The parking lot has snow on it so the streets may be slick. It is supposed to be cold tonight so it probably won't melt. May be an experience getting to the office in the morning.
Conference was good. Lots of guidance and encouragement. I thought Elder Holland's remarks at the end were very good. They give us all hope we can be better and good enough.
Well I'd better close for now. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: Today has been a great day to listen to conference. We went to the Brampton Stake Center and hoped to meet up with Grace for the morning session. Unfortunately, she had an appointment and could not make it. So, we stayed home and listened to the afternoon session at the apartment. As we watched, the snow began to fall and it has not stopped yet. It's almost 8:00 pm! It will be a cold day tomorrow I figure. Anyway, I loved conference. All the talks were good.
I talked to the APs today about the upcoming changes that will be coming with a new Mission President in July. They both want to extend their missions to help with the change-over. That would be wonderful, although I doubt they will be given permission. I pray that I will be able to help it all go smoothly. I will miss the Clayton's so much!! We found out this morning that some Elders had their bus passes and wallets stolen out of their coats while they were attending conference! Their coats were hanging in the coat closet at the chapel. This makes me worry about safety all the more, now with the theft of Cannon's car. It will mean some very heart-felt prayers on my end!
May everyone continue to feel the blessings of conference this coming week.
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Well the weather took a turn for the worse. You can see in the picture below that Ole Man Winter is back. It is 8:50 right now and the snow is still coming down slightly. The parking lot has snow on it so the streets may be slick. It is supposed to be cold tonight so it probably won't melt. May be an experience getting to the office in the morning.
Conference was good. Lots of guidance and encouragement. I thought Elder Holland's remarks at the end were very good. They give us all hope we can be better and good enough.
Well I'd better close for now. Love to all and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: Today has been a great day to listen to conference. We went to the Brampton Stake Center and hoped to meet up with Grace for the morning session. Unfortunately, she had an appointment and could not make it. So, we stayed home and listened to the afternoon session at the apartment. As we watched, the snow began to fall and it has not stopped yet. It's almost 8:00 pm! It will be a cold day tomorrow I figure. Anyway, I loved conference. All the talks were good.
I talked to the APs today about the upcoming changes that will be coming with a new Mission President in July. They both want to extend their missions to help with the change-over. That would be wonderful, although I doubt they will be given permission. I pray that I will be able to help it all go smoothly. I will miss the Clayton's so much!! We found out this morning that some Elders had their bus passes and wallets stolen out of their coats while they were attending conference! Their coats were hanging in the coat closet at the chapel. This makes me worry about safety all the more, now with the theft of Cannon's car. It will mean some very heart-felt prayers on my end!
May everyone continue to feel the blessings of conference this coming week.
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Early this afternoon
Saturday 2 April 2016
April 2, 2016
Bob: What a shocker this conference was. Our Mission President was called to the 1st Quorum of Seventy today and is leaving the 1st of July. Nobody saw this coming other than they were going to conference this time. Our plans for the rest of year are on a definite hold now until we get the new President. Other than that conference has been great. President Monson spoke for only about 3 minutes tonight at the Priesthood meeting. He is looking quite feeble. I noticed as he walks in he just walks straight ahead without stopping to recognize anyone. So sad to see him so frail.
The weather is trying to turn bad. Thankfully we weren't affected too much. Our friends up north got dumped upon though. From the pictures we saw on Facebook it looks like 4 - 6 inches of new snow. We got some flurries, but no accumulation. It was a little cooler today although I went for a walk outside around 10:30. Walked for over an hour and it wasn't too bad. In fact I had a good sweat up when I got back. Surprised by that.
One bad thing today. Last night after the temple session we went out to eat. We sat with the Cannons and didn't leave the restaurant till about 10. They are in building 6 while we are in building 4. Anyway he went downstairs this morning to go someplace and his car was gone. Someone has stolen it!! They park underground just like us. You have to have an activated fob to get in and out of our garage. Their garage uses the fob to get in, but not out. Supposedly there are cameras, but we fear his car is gone for good. I would bet that someone living in the apartment is part of the group that stole it.
Well I am going to bed. Love to everyone and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: My understanding is that President Clayton was called to be a General Authority Seventy. I don't know what all of the ramifications of this is, except that they will be leaving July 1st and we will be getting a new Mission President. They are wonderful people and it will be a wonderful change up for them. But meanwhile, there will be changes that will affect everything in the mission. And just when I thought I could handle most of it!
It's been a lovely day listening to conference. And tomorrow we will be attending the first session with Grace at the Brampton Stake Center. We are praying that there will be a talk about the Book of Mormon tomorrow that will help answer any questions she has. Tonight the women got together in one of the apartments for pizza and other stuff. We had lots to talk about--the stolen car and the new calling for Clayton's. Wow! Things can change in a hurry. But it was fun to be there without our husbands and just chat. How I love all of these sisters!
May we all enjoy more words from our prophet and the apostles tomorrow.
Love, Mom/Bonnie
The weather is trying to turn bad. Thankfully we weren't affected too much. Our friends up north got dumped upon though. From the pictures we saw on Facebook it looks like 4 - 6 inches of new snow. We got some flurries, but no accumulation. It was a little cooler today although I went for a walk outside around 10:30. Walked for over an hour and it wasn't too bad. In fact I had a good sweat up when I got back. Surprised by that.
One bad thing today. Last night after the temple session we went out to eat. We sat with the Cannons and didn't leave the restaurant till about 10. They are in building 6 while we are in building 4. Anyway he went downstairs this morning to go someplace and his car was gone. Someone has stolen it!! They park underground just like us. You have to have an activated fob to get in and out of our garage. Their garage uses the fob to get in, but not out. Supposedly there are cameras, but we fear his car is gone for good. I would bet that someone living in the apartment is part of the group that stole it.
Well I am going to bed. Love to everyone and good night brothers.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: My understanding is that President Clayton was called to be a General Authority Seventy. I don't know what all of the ramifications of this is, except that they will be leaving July 1st and we will be getting a new Mission President. They are wonderful people and it will be a wonderful change up for them. But meanwhile, there will be changes that will affect everything in the mission. And just when I thought I could handle most of it!
It's been a lovely day listening to conference. And tomorrow we will be attending the first session with Grace at the Brampton Stake Center. We are praying that there will be a talk about the Book of Mormon tomorrow that will help answer any questions she has. Tonight the women got together in one of the apartments for pizza and other stuff. We had lots to talk about--the stolen car and the new calling for Clayton's. Wow! Things can change in a hurry. But it was fun to be there without our husbands and just chat. How I love all of these sisters!
May we all enjoy more words from our prophet and the apostles tomorrow.
Love, Mom/Bonnie
Friday 1 April 2016
April 1, 2016
Bob: Sitting here listening to Eric Clapton. Doesn't get much better. I believe he is ranked as one of the greatest guitarist ever. Bonnie says I have it too loud though!! The music brings back memories. I told her we need to think young and not old!!!!!!
It has been a great day and the temple was special with Sister McDermott and the other senior missionaries from the office. Work went well today also. Even made some more headway on the phone/text report. Wonders never cease.
Looking forward to conference tomorrow. The sisters are planning on spending the evening together while we go to the Priesthood Session. We'll be leaving early for that as they announced last week that they would be serving pizza. It's good to rub shoulders with the local brethren.
We got the car wash card back yesterday. I lost it over a month ago. The card was registered so they said they would replace it with 43 days remaining (it's a 90 day card). Well they sent the replacement to London by mistake. When I called them back about it another 2 weeks had passed. The CSR saw the mistake and said he would put extra points on my Petro Canada card so I could get a couple car washes while they sent the card again. Well the card came yesterday, but the CSR didn't tell me he was going to put extra time on the card. It had 64 days on it!! This is one time that their customer service really shown.
Well I had better let Bonnie check this so I'll quit for now. Love to all and good night brothers. Everyone enjoy conference.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: It's been a very good evening. As I've said before, I love going to the temple and seeing so many people I know. Bob was asked that we be the witness couple but he didn't tell me ahead of time. I still can't kneel on my right leg, so when the officiator asked us to follow him into the endowment room I had to say that I couldn't kneel down. Bob felt badly about not remembering. The session went well, especially with the sister missionary who will be leaving this week. She met up with her two companions after the temple session and they came to dinner with us. We went to a Texas Steak house. Bob and I shared some shrimp fajita which was delicious. We didn't get home until 10:20 pm. Needless to say, it's now very late so I'm going to bed! I want to be alert for the conference sessions tomorrow.
Love to all, Mom/Bonnie
It has been a great day and the temple was special with Sister McDermott and the other senior missionaries from the office. Work went well today also. Even made some more headway on the phone/text report. Wonders never cease.
Looking forward to conference tomorrow. The sisters are planning on spending the evening together while we go to the Priesthood Session. We'll be leaving early for that as they announced last week that they would be serving pizza. It's good to rub shoulders with the local brethren.
We got the car wash card back yesterday. I lost it over a month ago. The card was registered so they said they would replace it with 43 days remaining (it's a 90 day card). Well they sent the replacement to London by mistake. When I called them back about it another 2 weeks had passed. The CSR saw the mistake and said he would put extra points on my Petro Canada card so I could get a couple car washes while they sent the card again. Well the card came yesterday, but the CSR didn't tell me he was going to put extra time on the card. It had 64 days on it!! This is one time that their customer service really shown.
Well I had better let Bonnie check this so I'll quit for now. Love to all and good night brothers. Everyone enjoy conference.
Dad/Bob
Bonnie: It's been a very good evening. As I've said before, I love going to the temple and seeing so many people I know. Bob was asked that we be the witness couple but he didn't tell me ahead of time. I still can't kneel on my right leg, so when the officiator asked us to follow him into the endowment room I had to say that I couldn't kneel down. Bob felt badly about not remembering. The session went well, especially with the sister missionary who will be leaving this week. She met up with her two companions after the temple session and they came to dinner with us. We went to a Texas Steak house. Bob and I shared some shrimp fajita which was delicious. We didn't get home until 10:20 pm. Needless to say, it's now very late so I'm going to bed! I want to be alert for the conference sessions tomorrow.
Love to all, Mom/Bonnie
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