March 23, 2011
FAMILY
Robert was able to spend the day in Forli' with Giovanni's family. It is such a blessing that he has been able to see family members while serving. We feel so blessed. Go here to see the pictures that were taken just a few hours ago.
March 22, 2011
HOW STRONG AM I????
Man...when we get tempted...we REALLY get tempted.
Last week Robert gave us his cell phone number to give to his Zio (Uncle) Nicola who lives in Forli'. They were going to try and hook up to see one another...
Wow, to know that he is just one phone call away. But I didn't do it. I wouldn't do it.
Obedience is the first law of missionary work...but oh what a temptation.
And now I was just on facebook with my niece, Silvia..she is probably about 24 or so now...and she said that tomorrow for p-day Robert and his companion are taking the train to Forli' and will be there at noon..which is 5 AM here (they don't have daylight savings until this Sunday the 27th)....Oh man...here we go again...another phone call away. But I won't do, I can't do it. Remember that word...
OBEDIENCE!
But I am so glad to have family nearby that can see him and spend time with him and TALK to him. Actually carry on a conversation without someone in the middle to translate. This will be the first time since Robert was 3 that they will talk without a translator! How cool is that!
I can't wait to get pictures and hear all about it! I'm sure it will be a great day!
What tender mercies the Lord gives to us...what a blessing.
Last week Robert gave us his cell phone number to give to his Zio (Uncle) Nicola who lives in Forli'. They were going to try and hook up to see one another...
Wow, to know that he is just one phone call away. But I didn't do it. I wouldn't do it.
Obedience is the first law of missionary work...but oh what a temptation.
And now I was just on facebook with my niece, Silvia..she is probably about 24 or so now...and she said that tomorrow for p-day Robert and his companion are taking the train to Forli' and will be there at noon..which is 5 AM here (they don't have daylight savings until this Sunday the 27th)....Oh man...here we go again...another phone call away. But I won't do, I can't do it. Remember that word...
OBEDIENCE!
But I am so glad to have family nearby that can see him and spend time with him and TALK to him. Actually carry on a conversation without someone in the middle to translate. This will be the first time since Robert was 3 that they will talk without a translator! How cool is that!
I can't wait to get pictures and hear all about it! I'm sure it will be a great day!
What tender mercies the Lord gives to us...what a blessing.
March 21, 2011
I HOPE THEY CALL ME ON A MISSION
I have been thinking a lot about Robert these past few weeks. He is really having a trying time right now on his mission. I remember telling him that every missionary has that one companion, sometimes more than one, that is a trial. One that you need to work at to love. I know that I had one....more than one in fact. And I know that the Lord is proud of him and what he is doing right now. I am sure that I feel for him what only a mother can feel. I love that boy and pray for him daily!
It has made me think a lot about the reasons that I went on a mission and how all of it came to be. What a ride it was to get to that point.
I had been dating this guy for a while, but a one point we stopped going out, and a few months later he ended up getting engaged to this other girl and then they got married. I remember at that point thinking...what am I doing with my life? I was working in my moms store and had done some college, but I just felt lost and without a path.
I began reading my patriarchal blessing and praying a lot to know what I needed to do with my life, short term and long term. As I was praying one day the thought came to my mind in a very clear voice saying "You need to go on a mission." I thought...uh, no thank you, not for me. That went on for a week or so....then I started asking questions like..."what, are you telling me I need to go on a mission?", and the answer was always the same...yes, you do need to go. After a while, several months actually, I just quit asking what to do, because I didn't like the answer I was getting. In August on 1987 I started praying again about what I should do, and the voice was so clear and there was no misunderstanding..."Judi, you need to serve a mission. Don't argue anymore...just do it!"...I was terrified of that answer, but knew where it had come from and what I needed to do.
That next week I spoke with my bishop, he gave me the papers to fill out (back then it was on paper, not online). I made my doctor appointments and with in about a month everything was done. I sent in my papers the end of September and received my call in October, while my parents were on a cruise. They were actually passing right by Catania Italy on the cruise ship as I told them that was where I had been called to. It really was amazing.
When I got into the MTC and we had our first meeting with our Branch President he asked us each to introduce ourselves and to tell why we were on a mission. I remember saying that I wasn't really sure why I was there, only that I knew it was where the Lord wanted me to be.
The MTC was hard for me. I had never been pushed so much or stretched so far. But I grew so much while I was there. And the spirit bore testimony more than once as to the truthfulness of the gospel. I felt so thankful for those 9 weeks in there. It prepared me for what I needed to do once I got to Italy.
The language was hard for me. I really struggled. But I did the best that I could, and the Lord blessed me! As time went by I became more confident in my abilities, also because I saw what the Lord was able to do. I was so thankful for the blessings that I received. Blessings that to this day have changed my life.
However, myself like many other missionaries, I had to find out why I was really there. What was my reasoning for serving a mission. It took a while for me to figure it out. But in the end I realized that I was there because I had/have a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and wanted to help other to feel the happiness and peace that I felt in my life. Once I got to that point, my mission had more meaning to me and I felt a great sense of urgency to bear my testimony and bring others to Christ.
It seems that Robert has found that vision. And it has become even clearer to him in the past few months. He wrote in his last letter, that he realized that what he is doing isn't "crazy", but that it brings families together and to Christ. I am so thankful that he has caught that vision. I have seen such a change in him this past year, but to read his words. I feel his spirit and I am so thankful for him, and for the example that he sets for me.
My prayer no is that his companion can feel that same way. He only has a few months left, and it seems that his light is slowly dimming...I hope that it can be rekindled and burn bright! I also hope that Robert will be patient with him, and love him and serve him.
I remember the missionary song that all kids in primary sing:
"I hope they call me on a mission when I have grown a foot or two"
I am thankful for my mission...and for Robert's mission!
It has made me think a lot about the reasons that I went on a mission and how all of it came to be. What a ride it was to get to that point.
I had been dating this guy for a while, but a one point we stopped going out, and a few months later he ended up getting engaged to this other girl and then they got married. I remember at that point thinking...what am I doing with my life? I was working in my moms store and had done some college, but I just felt lost and without a path.
I began reading my patriarchal blessing and praying a lot to know what I needed to do with my life, short term and long term. As I was praying one day the thought came to my mind in a very clear voice saying "You need to go on a mission." I thought...uh, no thank you, not for me. That went on for a week or so....then I started asking questions like..."what, are you telling me I need to go on a mission?", and the answer was always the same...yes, you do need to go. After a while, several months actually, I just quit asking what to do, because I didn't like the answer I was getting. In August on 1987 I started praying again about what I should do, and the voice was so clear and there was no misunderstanding..."Judi, you need to serve a mission. Don't argue anymore...just do it!"...I was terrified of that answer, but knew where it had come from and what I needed to do.
That next week I spoke with my bishop, he gave me the papers to fill out (back then it was on paper, not online). I made my doctor appointments and with in about a month everything was done. I sent in my papers the end of September and received my call in October, while my parents were on a cruise. They were actually passing right by Catania Italy on the cruise ship as I told them that was where I had been called to. It really was amazing.
When I got into the MTC and we had our first meeting with our Branch President he asked us each to introduce ourselves and to tell why we were on a mission. I remember saying that I wasn't really sure why I was there, only that I knew it was where the Lord wanted me to be.
The MTC was hard for me. I had never been pushed so much or stretched so far. But I grew so much while I was there. And the spirit bore testimony more than once as to the truthfulness of the gospel. I felt so thankful for those 9 weeks in there. It prepared me for what I needed to do once I got to Italy.
The language was hard for me. I really struggled. But I did the best that I could, and the Lord blessed me! As time went by I became more confident in my abilities, also because I saw what the Lord was able to do. I was so thankful for the blessings that I received. Blessings that to this day have changed my life.
However, myself like many other missionaries, I had to find out why I was really there. What was my reasoning for serving a mission. It took a while for me to figure it out. But in the end I realized that I was there because I had/have a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and wanted to help other to feel the happiness and peace that I felt in my life. Once I got to that point, my mission had more meaning to me and I felt a great sense of urgency to bear my testimony and bring others to Christ.
It seems that Robert has found that vision. And it has become even clearer to him in the past few months. He wrote in his last letter, that he realized that what he is doing isn't "crazy", but that it brings families together and to Christ. I am so thankful that he has caught that vision. I have seen such a change in him this past year, but to read his words. I feel his spirit and I am so thankful for him, and for the example that he sets for me.
My prayer no is that his companion can feel that same way. He only has a few months left, and it seems that his light is slowly dimming...I hope that it can be rekindled and burn bright! I also hope that Robert will be patient with him, and love him and serve him.
I remember the missionary song that all kids in primary sing:
"I hope they call me on a mission when I have grown a foot or two"
I am thankful for my mission...and for Robert's mission!
MY FAVORITE THINGS
Rain drops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with string
These are a few of my favorite things.
I have been thinking lately about a lot of different posts that I would like to write.
But this is the one that is coming to my mind right now.
I have been thinking about my favorite things
and the things that make me happy
and feel satisfied and complete
There are too many things to name and number them all
however there are a few things that stand out
very clearly in my mind and that I can't imagine living without
Here is a small list of my favorite things~
Giovanni
Robert Louis Francesco
Brian Giuseppe
the smell in the air after a rain storm
roses
flowers in general
shoveling snow
going for a long car ride
reading a good book
facebook
blogging
my parents
brother
in laws
neices and nephews
Tibi-our cat
TV
movies
popcorn
scriptures
My Testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
my mission
my friends
email
cell phones
thin mint girl scout cookies
a wonderul ward
a great neighborhood
good friends for my kids
great teachers
church leaders
babysitting the neighbors little boy and looking into his big blue eyes
new born babies
the miracle of birth
my job
the opportunity to travel
my mother in heaven who I know is with me every day
my kitchen aid mixer
love
kisses
holding hands
waking my boys up in the morning
the smell of a sweaty boy after a basketball game
watching my son run onto the football field before a game
watching my son open his mission call
MY LIFE
Thank you Heavenly Father for all of these favorite things
and for all the others that I didn't mention here
March 16, 2011
QUICK UPDATE
Well...I don't have much time to write...but just a quick update...
HCG-lost about 3-4 lbs but got sick and so Gio made me stop. It doesn't agree with me...and my doctor doesn't like it at all...so I'm off of it. I guess I'll have to do things the hard way.
Basketball is going great for Brian. We have practice and games all week long...so we stay busy with that. He is doing a great job and has improved so much since October when the season started!
Robert is doing well in Raveanna. Yeah...he was only in Milano for one transfer (6 weeks). He is struggling right now with his companion, who is very "trunkie" and ready to go home....so Robert is learning to endure. And he says that he has a greater love and appreciation for the Book of Mormon. Go here to read his blog. He sent us a bunch of pictures...and I posted a few on his blog.
HCG-lost about 3-4 lbs but got sick and so Gio made me stop. It doesn't agree with me...and my doctor doesn't like it at all...so I'm off of it. I guess I'll have to do things the hard way.
Basketball is going great for Brian. We have practice and games all week long...so we stay busy with that. He is doing a great job and has improved so much since October when the season started!
Robert is doing well in Raveanna. Yeah...he was only in Milano for one transfer (6 weeks). He is struggling right now with his companion, who is very "trunkie" and ready to go home....so Robert is learning to endure. And he says that he has a greater love and appreciation for the Book of Mormon. Go here to read his blog. He sent us a bunch of pictures...and I posted a few on his blog.
Here are a few pictures of the boys! Sure do love them both!!
March 7, 2011
A BIT OF EVERYTHING
I have been sick for the past week, and it hasn't been fun at all. Last Sunday when we had all our missionary homecomings to go to I had no voice. Well...1/18 of a voice. I made noise, but that was about it. By Monday I was kinda' talking again but the head cold was coming on strong, along with the sore throat. By Thursday I thought I was feeling better, but not really. Now I just have this tight feeling in my chest, and my throat burns, stuffy nose and congested, with a slight headache (due to sinus' I'm sure). I have worked through it all, but have taken some PTO time because it is so hard to talk to people non stop the way I feel, but I'm doing my best.
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Brian and I cleaned out his closet on Saturday. WoW! That kid had a lot of clothes in there...and most of them didn't fit him anymore! Now I need to work on his drawers and desk. Then the "extra room" (Brian's old room-until Robert comes home anyway...then it will be his "new room" again!) Then I will start washing windows and blinds upstairs. I also need to clean off Gio's desk and my dresser drawers and clean the bathroom cabinets. Those are the projects for March. I want to get the upstairs done so that I can have the carpets cleaned in April and I don't want to do that until I'm done making messes and cleaning up messes!
-------------------------------------------
I miss Robert today. And yesterday, and the day before that too. I think it is because he just hit the year mark and I had to start a new sheet on his countdown chart. It made it seem like so long until he is home again. However, if this year passes anything like last year he will be home in the twinkling of an eye! I told of friend of mine who just put her son in the MTC last week that I blog as therapy...ain't that the truth! It makes me feel better. Also. I'm counting down days until May 8th...only 62 to go! Then it will be Mother's Day, and that means a phone call from Italy! And if we are lucky maybe even Skype!!! I hope he can find a place where that will work!!!! Either way I can't wait to hear his voice. The good thing is....I don't cry about missing him. I haven't cried for a long time..basically since he left. I get choked up once in a while...but actually crying...not since he left! Yay for me!!!!
------------------------------------------
I suppose this next part is more for me than anyone else, and sorry that I'm putting it out here...but it is an accountability thing more than anything. I'm starting a diet. I really need to shed some pounds. Major pounds actually. I use to have another blog where I would write about weight loss/diets/food/etc...but to hard to keep up on so many blogs...so I'm just doing it here. I'm not putting my weight out there for everyone to know what I weigh...just that I'm doing it. I bought some HCG drops a while back and was starting the diet then...but I had to have some medical tests done, so I needed everything out of my system and so I stopped, because I had to.
But now I'm ready to start again. So Wednesday is the big day! Mainly because I need to go to the grocery store and prepare menu's etc....I am only going to do 21 days of it. See how it goes, then do another 21 days of it. I think that way will work best for me. So...every once in a while there will be a post about how much I've lost, etc....Thanks for the support in advance.
------------------------------------------
Giovanni changed his schedule at work. He will now have off Sunday and Monday instead of Sunday and Wednesday. I hope that he will like it better having two days off in a row. As for me...my new schedule starts on May 1- Aug 27th. I will work Tuesday-Friday 0730 -1230 and Saturday 0730-1130. I will be picking up extra hours before work every day...and some early Monday's. But I will have off Sunday...and Monday too with Gio...So that will be nice for the summer!!!
------------------------------------------
Brian is doing super in basketball. He had 3 games on Saturday. 2 of them with the new PHS 6th grade team he is on. They won both games, and he did a great job. The coach was asking me about him and said that he thinks Brian did a great job for the first games. He said he picks things up quick and has a good eye for the game! Let's hope that is good news since he is the one who will be picking or helping to pick the teams for the Jr High school. Brian really wants to play...and I hope he makes it!!! But only one team at a time from now on! 2-3 at a time is just over the top!!!!
-------------------------------------------
Life is good, and I'm happy!
-------------------------------------------
Brian and I cleaned out his closet on Saturday. WoW! That kid had a lot of clothes in there...and most of them didn't fit him anymore! Now I need to work on his drawers and desk. Then the "extra room" (Brian's old room-until Robert comes home anyway...then it will be his "new room" again!) Then I will start washing windows and blinds upstairs. I also need to clean off Gio's desk and my dresser drawers and clean the bathroom cabinets. Those are the projects for March. I want to get the upstairs done so that I can have the carpets cleaned in April and I don't want to do that until I'm done making messes and cleaning up messes!
-------------------------------------------
I miss Robert today. And yesterday, and the day before that too. I think it is because he just hit the year mark and I had to start a new sheet on his countdown chart. It made it seem like so long until he is home again. However, if this year passes anything like last year he will be home in the twinkling of an eye! I told of friend of mine who just put her son in the MTC last week that I blog as therapy...ain't that the truth! It makes me feel better. Also. I'm counting down days until May 8th...only 62 to go! Then it will be Mother's Day, and that means a phone call from Italy! And if we are lucky maybe even Skype!!! I hope he can find a place where that will work!!!! Either way I can't wait to hear his voice. The good thing is....I don't cry about missing him. I haven't cried for a long time..basically since he left. I get choked up once in a while...but actually crying...not since he left! Yay for me!!!!
------------------------------------------
I suppose this next part is more for me than anyone else, and sorry that I'm putting it out here...but it is an accountability thing more than anything. I'm starting a diet. I really need to shed some pounds. Major pounds actually. I use to have another blog where I would write about weight loss/diets/food/etc...but to hard to keep up on so many blogs...so I'm just doing it here. I'm not putting my weight out there for everyone to know what I weigh...just that I'm doing it. I bought some HCG drops a while back and was starting the diet then...but I had to have some medical tests done, so I needed everything out of my system and so I stopped, because I had to.
But now I'm ready to start again. So Wednesday is the big day! Mainly because I need to go to the grocery store and prepare menu's etc....I am only going to do 21 days of it. See how it goes, then do another 21 days of it. I think that way will work best for me. So...every once in a while there will be a post about how much I've lost, etc....Thanks for the support in advance.
------------------------------------------
Giovanni changed his schedule at work. He will now have off Sunday and Monday instead of Sunday and Wednesday. I hope that he will like it better having two days off in a row. As for me...my new schedule starts on May 1- Aug 27th. I will work Tuesday-Friday 0730 -1230 and Saturday 0730-1130. I will be picking up extra hours before work every day...and some early Monday's. But I will have off Sunday...and Monday too with Gio...So that will be nice for the summer!!!
------------------------------------------
Brian is doing super in basketball. He had 3 games on Saturday. 2 of them with the new PHS 6th grade team he is on. They won both games, and he did a great job. The coach was asking me about him and said that he thinks Brian did a great job for the first games. He said he picks things up quick and has a good eye for the game! Let's hope that is good news since he is the one who will be picking or helping to pick the teams for the Jr High school. Brian really wants to play...and I hope he makes it!!! But only one team at a time from now on! 2-3 at a time is just over the top!!!!
-------------------------------------------
Life is good, and I'm happy!
March 2, 2011
HUMP DAY!!! 365 MORE TO GO!!
Do you know what you were doing one year ago today?
I know what our family was doing!
We went to Magleby's Fresh for breakfast, in our pajamas!!!
and had their unlimeted french toast and yummy syrup.
If you are ever in the Provo area I highly reccomend it!
Then after that we went home took showers and got ready.
Robert took one last look through the house..
We all held back the tears as we loaded
the van with Robert's luggage.
He wanted to drive around the neighborhood
one last time before we drove up to the MTC.
We went to the temple to take some picutes....
however the rain made it almost impossible.
We got in a couple before it really downpoured....
That is why we are all squinting!
We hugged him real tight!!!
I didn't want to let go.
I couldn't even think to take a picture of him walking away
because I was trying to keep my emotions in check....
It has now been one year, and we couldn't
be prouder or happier for him.
We put a dot on the chart for everyday that he is gone.
Today we finished the first sheet....
on to #2 and the last one!!!
His mission has been a success already
because his biggest convert is himself.
He has had so many wonderful experiences
and some amazing and loving people.
TI VOGLIAMO TANTO BENE
ANZIANO BONA!
SIAMO COSI FIERI DI TE!!!
BUON LAVORO
DO WORK!!!!
CHAMPIONS!!!!
What an exciting weekend.
Brian is on two basketball teams...
actually 3 right now for a few more weeks.
So of course we go crazy trying to coordinate practices,
games, etc...
games, etc...
but somehow we manage.
Anyway...on Saturday there were the playoff games!
The boys had to play two games with an hour break in between them.
Brian was a beast!
He was the MVP of both games.
So many points, rebounds, assists, steals, etc
that I really couldn't keep track!
So many points, rebounds, assists, steals, etc
that I really couldn't keep track!
But boy were they exciting games.
They won both of them..and that meant....
on to the Championship game!!!
Monday night was the Championship game.
I'm not really sure what happened this game...
The boys must have been nervous or something.
They played against a team that they had already
beaten once before...but this time, well...
it wasn't a pretty game.
In fact...it was down right, Ugly.
Both teams struggled.
The score was only 10-12 at the final buzzer....
REALLY! 10-12...
But....
a WIN is a WIN!
And we WON!!!
WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!
Great job Brian and company on a great season!
Now on to more games and hopefully more wins!!!
sorry this picture isn't the best..bad lighting....
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