States and capitals

Last night Josh challenged me to a duel. We had six minutes to write out the states. He thought he would win, obviously. I wasn’t so sure he would. 

As we worked on our list, Boaz wandered over and it became two against one. I protested loudly, which is my habit in these type of family situations. Boaz told me later he didn’t really do anything. But it is our normal dynamic. 

Six minutes was plenty of time. Josh realized his mistake in challenging me. I gloated, as moms do in this situation. 

I was slightly concerned, because he was catching up because six minutes was plenty of time and I was missing three states. I tried to do mine in geographical order, but I thought I missed a few in the Midwest. It is hard when you can’t picture things in your head. My minds eye being blind is a disadvantage at times. 

Turns out I missed Nevada, of all places. It’s not in a line. It is sandwiched in between the West Coast states and the line of states marching down from Idaho. Dang!

I also missed Nebraska. I thought I was good on my line down from North Dakota. But I missed that one.

I also missed Connecticut. I was fairly confident in my East Coast states as well. So as I was trying to find my last three states, I was focusing on the Midwest 

I ended up with 47 states. Josh ended up with 45. Not quite the spanking I crowed about. It is wonderful to still be the mark my two genius boys strive to measure themselves against. 

One of them was foolish enough to say we just needed to do the capitals. I jumped all over that and started to write them down. Josh fell for it and cried the whole way. 

I ended up missing seven. Not bad for remembering something from 4th grade. He didn’t even count how many he missed. Boaz was able to help with Baton Rouge, because he missed that years ago on his test. I wish he had counted, because that is where the real spanking happened. Even if I got 43 out of 50. Not even an A. But enough to beat them. 

As it should be. 

Christmas suits

This year we bought suits for the boys. Well, what we did was we took them shopping. Or Craig took them shopping while I got my hair cut. I never would have picked out what they did. 

They picked out amazing suits and were super excited and anxious as we waited for the alterations. 

Pictures of the results. The night they came. 

The shoes were a revelation to me as well. 

These pictures are on the following Sunday. 

My men in almost black. 

The bros picture.  

A selfie



Josh realized the cool green lenses were his and the switch was made. 

Sixes

And it’s six of one, half a dozen of another. 

Can’t get much closer than that. Both are disappointed and a bit relieved. 

He’s home for reals

He flew into Idaho Falls again. This time he had one bag. His two bags are still in Peru, but we’ve heard the borders are open. So maybe we will get them back soon. His scriptures, his journals, his clothes and whatnots. 

This time I was wholly joyful. No other emotion mixed in to confuse things. 

We borrowed signs from previous Elder Oswalds return and stood outside the window and waved them as he came down the stairs. He saw us and hesitated. I’d like to think he smiled, but he was wearing his mask 😷.  I went in, even though I didn’t have a ticket. Crazy Covid rules. He came out to greet us and Aunt Sandy as we all stood outside the tiny airport. 

His backpack is wrecked. 

He is rather proud of it. 

We gathered his bag and headed to Chick-fil-A like last time. Family who lived close gathered for a parking lot picnic. 

Brad did a good job with the selfie to get everyone. 

We stayed out long enough for me to get a sunburn. 

With all the things to do in Idaho Falls, we decided to just head home. Josh played his favorite songs from the sacred music app, and we did Boaz’s history homework on the way home. 

Since Josh missed the cinnamon rolls, I made a new batch. Josh went with his dad to the stake meetings and got released again — this time for reals. He came home a little sad without his badge on his white shirt. He held it in his hand. He was a civilian again. 

We gathered as a family and watched Hamilton. And then Josh who introduced our family to the music years ago finally saw it. 

We are all headed back to our lives today. I close, which means I work until 7. Craig has already left for work and Boaz is heading back to school. 

Josh has his college application to complete. He wants to go to BYU-Hawaii in the spring. He has institute to sign up for. And he is going to read up in prep for his Drivers license. He’ll have the dog to keep him company today. Craig will probably come home for lunch. 

And just line that life is different. 

The badge worn for nearly two years. 

His well worn shoes. The other pair is still in Peru. 

October 6, 2020

Today is Tuesday. 

I have anticipating this day for almost two years. 

The other time was lovely and amazing. My heart was full and overflowing. But there was unfinished business to negotiate. 

Today he has completed his mission. He has served his full time. 

He has had three mission presidents. He has served foreign and domestic. He has served in Spanish and English. He has served the old way by going house to house. He has served the new way on social media. He has been a junior companion, a senior companion, a district leader, a zone leader, and served in the office. 

He has had almost every mission experience there is. 

Last night I received this lovely message. 

Dear Oswald Family, 

My name is Bro. Miller from the Herriman Utah South Stake. I am the  High Councilman over missionary work and I have the privilege to be in touch with the missionaries every day or two. Your son just left my home as I wanted to bid him farewell before he leaves tomorrow on his way home. I want you to know that he is an amazing missionary!  What an exceptional leader he has been in the mission and the zone and in our stake. Our family has come to love him and his companion, Elder Johnson. They are fantastic together!!!  I know that your son has served with all of his heart in Peru and in SL South. He has changed the direction of missionary work in our stake. They have no fear as a companionship!  The spirit emanates him and I am so excited that you get to hug him once again tomorrow!  We are very grateful for his service here and are excited for his future. Here is a picture of us in my home just 45 minutes ago. Thank you for raising a wonderful young man that has done the Lords work!  All the best to you all!  

The Miller Family

Herriman, Utah 

What a sweet blessing. 

This was my response. 

Thank you so much for your sweet words. You brought happy tears to my eyes. We are so excited to see him tomorrow. Missions are miracles. Miracles for families, miracles for missionaries, and miracles for those they serve. Thank you for your food service and example you have been to my son. He has told us how much he learned about the importance of those that hold your position. You have been one of his heroes.

Don’t you love auto correct and fingernails. “Good example”

He flies home today. 

We spent the night at our dentist, Craig’s brother. Boaz has an appointment with him today. Not very many people have sleepovers at the dentist before their appointment. 

Then it is the airport and Chick-fil-A.

I am so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Again

The badge is back on. 

He is ready to finish strong in SLC South. The land of the aunties. He has two aunts, a cousin and a great uncle in the mission. Two uncles are in the valley, but not in his mission. We will be six hours away. It only four or five months. He was super happy to put the badge back on. He put it back on in the stake president’s office. He is in full missionary mode. 

I am so proud of him I could burst. 

A first for Josh

Craig and Josh took the dog to the park. She was so happy. Her very favorite thing. 

While there, they met a senior in high school. He is very involved in our little school. And very good at many things. He ran cross country and was in the play with Boaz. 

He came right up to Josh and said, “You must be Boaz’s brother!”

Boaz has always been Josh’s brother. He wasn’t too sure how he felt about the switch in roles. 

He’s home. For now.

Josh had been in quarantine for almost 4 weeks. With no social media to reach out to people. We were lucky because he was an office elder. Secretary to the president and in charge of transportation. So we were able to talk to him frequently. 

He told us probably this Thursday. Then we got an email last Saturday that they would be leaving Sunday, Conference Sunday. 

He wold stay over in LAX and then be in IDA Monday at noon - ish. 

We were all super excited. 

The big welcome home parties were off limits. No big gatherings during the Corona Virus lockdown. 

We got up early and headed to Idaho Falls and stores. Deb saw him in SLC and told us he was one of the elders who didn’t have his luggage. There about 7 who left everything in Peru in the interest of getting all the people home. 

When we got to the airport, we couldn’t go into the lobby. There were two other missionaries coming home on that flight. We all huddled in the entrance, trying to stay six feet apart. I didn’t have any signs and felt kinda bad about that. The other families did. The other two families chatted a bit, but we didn’t join in. 

We watched through the two glass doors to try and catch our first glimpse of him. We knew Th is was not the ideal return for a missionary. But he was part of a whole world wide movement of returning missionaries to their respective homelands. He had just finished his 17 month. So he has the option of going back out. 

I saw him and went and stood in front of the glass door and waited for him to come out to me. When bot doors had opened, and I saw him clearly, I started to cry. One elder came through first and I didn’t even acknowledge him. I only had eyes for my son. It was a hard moment for him. Honestly, it was a very hard hour for him. Emotions running across his face and through his heart. 

I insisted in one picture. Only one. It’s not a good one of Craig. But all my men were together again 

Josh and Boaz were sizing each other up, trying to see if Boaz had grown taller in the past 17 months. We had to wait until we got home and the shoes came off and back to back showed an amazing thing. 

They seems to be the exact same height. I’m sure relief filled Josh’s soul to not have a taller, younger brother. 

The first item of business after the airport was Chick-Fil-A. Craig’s family joined us and circled the cars around us. A weird family celebration with out hugs and touching. Josh chatted with Bridger who had returned from Brazil a week before. He tried to make sure he chatted with everyone. 

Since he had no luggage, I knew that meant no garments. So I called Deseret Book that was in the shopping center and ordered him some new ones. The store was only open for curbside delivery. We were so grateful they were open in any capacity. Josh literally had just the clothes on his back. 

After that we went to get him a cell phone. The store had just 20 minutes before closed to have customers in the store and we got him a cell phone in the parking lot. The salesman was very kind and did all he could to make it a somewhat normal experience. But he got his phone and is now able to interact with people again 

Last stop to Walmart to get him a toothbrush. We added socks and sundry other items. 

We headed back home. 2 1/2 hours to a home he had never seen. He reached out to some people before we hit the hour long cellular hole where there was no signal to be had. 

He called the Stake President and was released over the phone. Another hard moment.   

He was anxious to meet the dog. She has welcomed him in as one of her people. 

He has a list of movies. Last night we watched Marvel’s Endgame. It was fun to see his reaction. 

He has enrolled in an online institute class. He has met the sister missionaries serving in our ward and has an online appointment with today at 4. 

He has reached out to his buddies who are in the same boat as he is. He has reached out to his friends from the mission. He pulled out his trombone and is getting reacquainted wi Th the piano. He and Boaz have gone running with the dog. We are trying to keep busy in the same space. 

I am so grateful to have him home. So blessed to be his mom. So happy to have him under our roof, for as long as we can get him. 

He has reclaimed some of his clothes that Boaz had been enjoying. He is waiting for news on his luggage. He is waiting for his life to begin again. 

A weird and wonderful time. 

Like the Dawn of the Morning

Like the Dawn of Morning

The closer I got to grandma's house, 

the happier I felt,

It was like the dawn of morning,

We left in the sad night skies of long car rides

Bothering brothers

Wi-Fi less cell phones,

But we arrived with warm blankets

Bright smiles 

Cheerful laughs

……..and Shining pennies

The more I talked with Grandma

The happier I felt,

It was like the dawn of morning

I started with long nights of stress

Hard rains of problems

And hopeless projections of tomorrow

But we talked about glowing families

Sunny feelings 

Clear solutions

And promising futures

When I think about Grandma 

It is like the dawn of morning

It starts with destructive ‘why’ questions

Crushing tears 

And fierce and clashing feelings

But then I think of re building relations

Tears of joy

Future reunions

And it is all thanks to the dawn of one glorious sunday morning.

〜 Fin〜

By Josh

Picture of Josh

So excited to see his happy face. 

At the ruins of Chan-Chan. 

The group. 

Celebrating baptisms of the month. 

Week 5

I live for Wednesday’s. Those are email days. At least for the past 5 weeks. This will be his last week at the CCM. 

I will probably live for Monday’s for the next 22 months.  At least I’m pretty sure his p-day will be on Mondays in the field. 

He wrote that they went out into Lima and contacted people on the street. His letters are full of faith and show amazing growth. He is becoming. 

Farewell

So we have been gathering, purchasing, and organizing mission things. It is getting real. Today was his farewell talk in Church. I took notes. 

Josh’s farewell

Covenants

He began by thanking the Aaron Priesthood for the way they performed the sacrament. For the reverence the brought to the ordinance and the inviting the Spirit to the meeting. 

Testimony

He talked about the first time he entered the temple - to take out his own endowments. He was surrounded by family. Some drove for hours to support him. He was nervous for the new experience. The build up was huge and a bit overwhelming. But when he entered the doors he felt a loving embrace. All the worry and nervousness melted away. The temple helps us feel loved, keep an eternal perspective, and strengthenes our resolve to keep the commandments. 

He spoke of the difference between commandments and Covenants. He quoted from John, If you love me, keep my commandments. Put covenant in the verse. If you love me keep my Covenants. The difference between Aaron priesthood (commandments) and Melchizedek priesthood (Covenants). 

Covenant - adult responsibility to do what God asks us to do. Our agency. He’s been thinking a lot about what it means to be an adult and how to accomplish that. 

Ezekiel tells us that God, himself will help us with the transition. As we stay close to God, by keeping His Covenants, He will help us reach our potential. 

We need to give up the things of the world. At the same time we need to reach out and accept what the Lord wants to freely give. And what he wants to give us, is everything. 

He was fabulous. It wasn’t really a personal talk designed to wrench tears from me, but I cried the whole time. I am so proud of him. He is so ready to leave. And that tears my heart right out. I want him to have this mission. I want him to grow and mature. I want him to become a confident and powerfully spiritual man. But I will miss him so much. I know blessings will rain down upon our family and our house. I know blessings will protect him and guide him. I know this is a wonderful time and opportunity. But I will miss him. 

Craig spoke as well. I did not take notes for his talk. My eyes were to watery, and I was already worn out. Craig spoke about what might keep us from the temple and the blessing that come as we push through and go despite the resistance. He spoke of different groups. Those that feel too busy. Those that feel unworthy to return. And those who feel they can’t get there for the first time. He spoke of hope and help and blessings. He was fabulous too. 

I was a wreck. 

Deb and Raven came down to support us. Sweet ladies saw my tears and offered words of encouragement and strength. I felt silly for being a total mess. But I felt surrounded and supported. 

As Craig’s mom wrote in her history, why does something so wonderful have to be so hard?

Others have survived, and we will too. But it is important to acknowledge the struggle. 

Tomorrow is all the last minute items. Tuesday we drop him off at the airport. Wednesday is his first day at the MTC in Peru. A different hemisphere. A different sky full of unfamiliar stars. A different language. Everything different. 

A new chapter. 

I am hanging on for dear life. 

A wild ride is coming. 

He is ready. 

I guess I had better be. 

Draper Utah Temple

Today was the day. Craig, Josh and I arrived an hour early. 

We wandered around the temple. 

This was the first time Craig and I had been through the Draper Temple. 

There are chilies as part of the landscaping. I loved it. Vivid reds and yellows 

Moroni through the leaves. 

Twin flowers. 

Purple flowers 

Great colors. 

Nicko and Britney had to leave before we took the picture. We asked a sweet lady to take the picture so we could all be in it. 

I’m not sure what to say about the day, other than it was wonderful. Boaz was a trooper and waited in the waiting area. 

Family came from the valley and from hours away to be a part of Josh’s day. 

Craig got to spend great moments with our boy. 

I saw his eyes big and wide as he tried to take it all in. 

He is no longer a boy. He is an adult. I have to remember how grown up he is 

Huge milestones

This weekend has been busy. 

Saturday morning we woke up and were on the road by 6:30 to drive an hour to the temple. Craig and I went with the youth. Josh baptized and Boaz was baptized. It is an amazing thing to see an older brother baptize a younger brother. Another ward(s) joined us from our stake. There were 29 youth. Josh baptized for half of them (or so). Another young man who was going to Peru baptized the second half. We got our names completed. I think we had over 200 names total. 

Then we drove the hour home. Had about an hour and half and then we drove an hour the other direction to Stake Conference. Craig and josh had to go to leadership meeting. Boaz and I hung out in the foyer. 

Adult session was amazing, as all Saturday night sessions are. We had a visiting authority with his wife. 2 Nephi 31 was the main text of their presentation. They talked about the Doctrine of Christ and ministering. 

Sunday we drove the hour again to the stake center. Josh had the first half of his temple interview. During the business section his name was called and he was sustained to receive the Melchizedek priesthood. What an amazing experience. 

After the meeting, Craig ordained Josh to the Melchizedek priesthood to the office of an elder. Five minutes and his life is changed forever. A huge build up and tons of preparation and now he is an elder. 

The second half of temple interviews is Tuesday and we head to Salt Lake City next weekend for him to enter the temple. We’ll be going through the Draper temple. More of our family will be able to attend with us, than if we went here in Monticello. I’ll be able to go to Deseret Book and get things that he needs for his mission, and the temple. 

We are working so hard to send him away. It seems so weird. We are also worried about Boaz. He is watching his best friend getting ready to leave. They have their own code based on video games. Right now they are playing a game they haven’t played in years. But they are hanging out and sharing space and time. Boaz will be a bit lost when the time comes. Craig and I will be lost for sure. Josh lights up our home and our lives. We’ll have to find a way to let Boaz shine while josh is in a different hemisphere. 

My good friend in Idaho said that our families have to shatter for them to continue and grow. 

And Josh will spread his wings and learn such amazing things while he is away. We came here for Boaz. We are sure his wings will grow and he will find what he needs during this time. I told him a while back that I tried to get him here earlier, but this is when God sent him. So we are gearing up to see who Boaz will grow into. 

Two weeks, and we will be moving into our house. So many changes. So many switch points right now. So many good things. 

A new Elder in Zion. 

An appointment for the temple next week. 

Building blocks to eternity

Spanish lessons

Josh took one year of Spanish in high school. The teacher was there for a month or six weeks and then took six month maternity leave. During this time he had two long term subs. When the teacher came back after six months with less than two months remaining in the school year, she was appalled at what the students had not learned. 

I was appalled the whole year. 

Because Josh did not have a full year of Spanish, even though he sat in the class for the full year, I told him he didn’t have to take Spanish II. I didn’t think it was fair. He was one of perhaps five full

Classes of 30 students each that did t get what was advertised. (It’s still a sore spot with me.)

I remember my MTC experience. I had two full years of high school Spanish and felt like we covered that in the first three days at the MTC. 

I want to give Josh a good foundation before he goes. All of my Spanish books are packed away. The dictionaries, 501 Spanish verbs, the two texts I have to learn Spanish and what ever other books I might have. Even my Spanish triple combination - LDS scripture. 

The Gospel Library has become our text. We are reading El Libro de Mormon and I am breaking down the grammar for him. For some reason we started on chapter three. 

We have covered indirect and direct object pronouns, subject pronouns, present tense, preterite tense, imperfect tense, subjunctive tense, conditional tense (briefly), reflexive verbs, and others I can’t remember right now. 

Today we were reading 1Nefi 3:30 and we hit the preterite tense of ir. I have said a few times that ser and ir are irregular. 

He came up with a better classification. 

He said that ir is totally drunk. 

For some reason that delights me. 

Ethan is home

Josh, Boaz and I drove up to Salt Lake City this past weekend. Craig had to work on Saturday, so he couldn’t go. (He was sad. But when you start off being employed at broken organizations, extra hour at the beginning are a given.) We left on Friday and that gave us Saturday to do some errands. We had a lazy morning and then went shopping. 

Shopping with boys is seriously no fun. They both hate it, but we went to Mr Mac to look for missionary clothes, so Josh was interested. I had talked to Carl that morning and gotten shoe recommendations, so off we went. The shoes were my biggest worry. It’s a walking mission. I wanted quality shoes that would be comfortable and would last a while. 

Ten white shirts; black, gray, navy pants; three colors of socks; the baptismal package: white pants, one pair of socks and a tie; two pairs of shoes; and a pouch to carry his passport later and we were set. I was experiencing a bit of sticker shock, but Josh was excited to have a majority of his shopping list conquered. 

Saturday night we had a nice chatty sibling dinner at Deb’s house. It’s always fun to just talk. 

Sunday I wanted a picture of the three cousins connected to Trujillo, Peru. I stressed until I got it after the meeting. 

Ethan blew me away. He had always been the one to hang back and observe. I was amazed during his talk. He spoke more words than I think I have ever heard him speak in his life. I’ve not been around, true. He explained how his mission had changed him. He talked about his previous confidence being shattered and how he came to rely on God as he learned to communicate. And I was destroyed. I thought about Josh going through all that in a different hemisphere. I remembered how hard it was for me. I remembered the stories Craig told about his mission. I know I want him to go, but tears leaked from my eyes as I thought about him struggling so far from home. 

Once self confidence is replaced by confidence in God, the mission becomes everything we always think it is. 

Here is the picture. 

The process of moving has brought back the beard. But he does have a new haircut. Again he will mourn as he becomes clean shaven some time in the near future. 

I missed Kayla, but got a picture of the cousins. 

Cody won the battle of wills. I did t get him to smile until after I put away the camera. 

I enjoyed watching Josh, and he pulled Boaz along, as he interacted as an emerging adult with his adult cousins. They are a good six years older than Josh. Nicko is tens years older, but he was working and couldn’t make it. Well I guess Raven is just a year older than Josh. And Alysa is maybe two years older, but this group of cousins have all grown up together in Salt Lake City. Josh stepped into the club. 

I am grateful for the family I have. We are weird and broken is places. But we are survivors and our kids are amazing. 

18

I can’t believe it has come. I’ve been watching it creep up on me. I thought I was prepared. I mean he is graduated and has a mission call already. Sunday he turned 18. 

We are living in someone else’s house and my kitchen is all packed away. So I didn’t bake him a cake. But I bought cheesecake. Craig BBQed salmon. We had rice and corn. One of his favorite meals since he was a toddler. 

We attended church for the first time in our small ward.

It was an interesting morning looking for Sunday clothes. But we found what we needed. 

Craig introduced us in his testimony. He got ahold of the ward clerk and our records are now transferred. 

That means that the next steps for Josh are Melcezedek priesthood ordination and going to the temple. 

This weekend we will be in Salt Lake City to welcome home Ethan from the mission Josh is heading to. We will take a picture of the three cousins who have been assigned to that mission. (Ethan’s older brother, Cooper, served there as well.) We will hopefully get the low down on the mission from someone who knows all about it. 

After that we will begin the next huge milestones in Josh’s life. 

He is ready to leave us. His wings are grown and he wants to try them out. 

I still remember his little toe folded under his foot that scared me as I was looking him over when he was brand new. How can that be 18 years ago already?

They’re back

It was short, but eventful. Tons of fun was had. They got to spend quality time with Thea. She was a perfect tour guide and found fun and interesting places to visit. We got photos texted to us of the adventures. I just raided Josh’s phone for other photos. Mostly landscapes. 

Crazy stairs with a photo bomber pirouetting in the back ground. 

At the top. 

Beautiful seascape. 

And again. The blues are incredible. 

Snorkeling lesson. They saw huge parrot fish. Loved it. 

Jurassic World was filmed in Hawaii. So they went to the set - tourist attraction. 

Josh has figured out the hang loose mentality. 

I can rest easy knowing if they were in danger, Josh would sacrifice his brother to get away. 

Amazing landscape. 

The Peruvian flag at BYU - Hawaii. 

So glad they had fun, but glad they are home again. 

Big trip

When Craig and I moved the boys out to California, we promised them we’d take them to Hawaii. It never really happened. 

Thea lives on Oahu, not the Big Island with Kilawea raging right now. 

So, the boys boarded an airplane from LAX tonight to travel to see their sister. Craig and I stayed home. 

We gave them all the advice we could think of. They were seated about three rows from each other. But we got this picture before take off. 

Some kind folks agreed to change seats and the boys got to sit together. 

They’ll come back on Sunday. A fast trip. But they both are making it to Hawaii before we leave. 

Promise fulfilled. 

Trek

This year was Trek. So great. In our moves, Josh has just missed Trek twice. I was worried he wouldn’t get the chance to go. But he got to go with his brother. Even better. 

Josh was a big brother. He was in on the planning. He chose his color - purple. Boaz was in the orange family with Sam. 

A beginning picture. 

I dropped them off and snapped a few pictures. 

Josh noticed me taking pictures. 

Boaz meeting up with friends. 

No idea what Boaz is doing, but it was a good picture. 

Some people took pictures and sent them to me. I was so grateful. 

BANJO

What a good boy. Reading his scriptures. 

Pull that cart. 

Filthy boys coming home. 

I was hoping I’d get pictures of Josh. But I haven’t seen any. Oh well. 

They had a great time. So many stories and such good experiences. 

Josh came home to his call. So this is a bit out of order, but I got some good pictures because I waited.