A portion of Derek's last e-mail...

Last e-mail day today... I asked Derek how he is doing and feeling now that his mission is ending.

"well what do i say........really i dont know what to say but that it has a been a grand adventure that i wouldnt trade for all the gold in the world. really i feel like it has been so long yet so short. i never pictured myself in this moment writing you the last email in the mission. no more messages, i will be able to just tell you things face to face and wow how crazy that will be. it is hard to describe how i feel right now. i feel like it is has gone by so fast and that i am not ready to go home and i dont know how it is going to be to go and face the real world with all the challenges and the temptations and all the things that go on in life. in the mission you don't have anything to worry about except your investigators and that is it, and well you are completly the Saviors tool and well really i am sure i will never feel the same as i feel right now, being dedicated to the work of the Lord, there is nothing like it. i have learned grand lessons and things that will help me my whole life, it is a grand blessing i have been blessed with to be here and a bigger blessing to have parents so loving that have been there for me all this time. thank you for your inspiring emails every week and i will be looking forward and not looking forward to seeing you in a couple days haha. i dont know what life will be like after but i will see shortly haha and well i dont know i am going to die speaking english again... thank you for all your love and support you have shown me in these two years. love you all, talk to you soon and see you soon -- love your son ELDER REID (for one more week)."

Blythe called me on her lunch to ask me to read it to her and I couldn't do it without crying. Tears, happy loving grateful tears. What a wonderful journey it's been.

All I want for Christmas...

(Christmas pic above from 2008)

From an e-mail a couple of weeks ago...

Me: Derek, I know this is a weird question for you to think about right now, but is there anything special you're hoping Santa brings you for Christmas?

Elder Reid: Ummm, hmmmm - no. You know me mom, I'm picky. I don't know what size I am right now and I don't know anything about the latest electronics -- how about I'm just happy to be with my family this Christmas. How's that? We'll shop later...

The next's week's e-mail...

Me: Derek, is there anything special you'd love to have for Christmas dinner that first day home?

Elder Reid: Yes, I've thought about that one. A nice juicy T-bone steak, mashed potatoes, cabbage salad, stuffed mushrooms, vanilla icecream from Costco and brownies. All the things you can't get here in Mexico. And then a couple of days later, I'll probably want Mexican food again. But that's what I want first ha ha.

Hilarious! Couldn't think of a thing he wanted for Christmas (it's OK, Santa already knows) -- but he sure knew exactly what he wants for dinner! Well Tiff, looks like we'll be getting some meat back on him in no time (tee hee).

Finishing up in sunny La Paz

Elder Reid will be finishing up his mission in sunny La Paz, and he's loving life there. His new comp is Elder Leal, who is from Mexico. He's 23 and the only member in his family. Elder Reid has had some awesome experiences while in La Paz, but I figure maybe I shouldn't share too much in case he wants to tell his own stories during his Homecoming talk.

Meanwhile, at the Reid house - Man Cave downstairs is almost complete:

• Bathroom finished - check
• Operation move Derek into Blythe's old room cuz it's bigger - check
• Dusted out the cobwebs, vacuumed and dusted - check
• Christmas decorations up - check
• Shopping almost done - check
• He's registered and enrolled in college classes - check (thanks Blythe)

Derek will be home in T-minus 15 days -- woo hoo!!!!!

Who was the biggest contributor to dad's gray hair?

Derek’s birthday e-mail to his father this week: hey old man -- the half way mark has made its way into your life and now it is all downhill from here haha. i am thinking you are going to have a great 50 more years and I want you to know i will always be there for you till you die or at least at the side of the nurse that will be taking care of you and bathing you haha! j/k. it has been a great 50 years i bet and well a better 21 years with me in your life -- i know i am giving myself too much credit but you have to admit i was one of the reasons that you had such great years haha and well look, you dont have too many gray hairs so i couldnt have been too much of a hassle. the other credit has to go to mom the beautiful lady that is always there for us and for you - you are one lucky man to have mom she is a precios pearl that was buried in the bottom of the ocean in between two huge rocks gaurded by electric eels and sharks and.........how did you get so lucky to find her? haha happy big but little 50 -- you are the best dad in the world. you were always there for me – much of why i am here is because of your example and love. love you pops and i hope to have lots and lots of years with you and well for that matter i just may never leave your house, ha ha. i hope you enjoyed these two years because i will be coming home soon. love you more than words can say dad i really cant explain it.....i guess the only words that work best is I LOVE YOU ..........your son ELDER REID

Blythe’s rebuttal after reading Derek’s e-mail: What the?…. What about the most beautiful brown eyed daughter!? I have put in almost ½ of your life’s happiness!!! Doesn’t that count too? I may not be the precious guarded pearl and I may have given Dad most of his gray hairs, but I do deserve some credit ! Sheesh! :-)

Ha ha ha – love my kids! My two cents: Keith has more gray hair than Derek is remembering AND they were equally earned from BOTH kids. And for the record – Momma Reid actually has WAY more gray hair than Poppa Reid (why is that?)-- nothing a little bottle of hair dye can't cover up. So yes, my wonderful husband of 26 years doesn’t turn a half century quite yet. We are saving that special day for when Derek is home and we can all celebrate together and then they can decide once and for all, who is most responsible for the gray.

Tick tock tick tock tick tock

Holy Smokes! 42 days left!!! I keep telling myself I need to start posting more short random thoughts -- whether they be from the Elder himself or one of his fam back in the home state of Tootah.

So here goes random thought Numero Uno: Derek's Grandpa Riding, who is always a jokester, has been telling me ever since Derek left that his life (or wife for that matter) has been all planned out for him upon his return. Now, it's not an arranged marriage by any means so first on the agenda -- Derek must seek out and "woo" one country singer Taylor Swift. That is who Grandpa has chosen for him to marry. Now, that would be great except for one thing -- should things not work out between the two, there will be a future hit single about my son?!!! Yeah... um, NO. Sorry Dad!

News from La Paz

One of the Missionary Moms in my group sent the photo. Inspiring sight (her words) and I definately agree. This is the first picture I've seen with the new Culiacan Mission President -- President Lopez and his wife. Good looking group! Derek didn't say much about the meeting, other than he mentioned talking to the MP and how much he likes him. He said afterwards a few of the missionaries came to his apt... ate all his cookies and left the place a disaster, but it was a good time.

I really liked this story he shared recently... we had a neat experience with a man that drinks. we just were going to ask him a question and he said come in and so we did, and taught him and we came back the next day and he was telling us how his wife had died 10 years ago and that's why he drinks. so we invited him to say prayer and he just started crying and just opened up and then he started saying "thank you for sending these two angels to my house to help me," and he just ended the paryer with a huge smile and he sat there silent, and then said wow, i have not felt like that in 10 years -- we gave him a Book of Mormon and he felt so good he offered to pay us for helping him and we were just like no, this is what we do, this is why we are here. it was a cool experience this week and we found lots more people that are progressing and we hope to have a lot of baptisms in this area. it's going to be a good month. (Since that time I've asked how the work is progressing with this man and Derek said unfortunately he is still drinking - too many friends that come to his house with alcohol and then he said "but we'll get him, it might not be while I'm here but definately a future missionary." I'm glad they are still working with him.)

I asked him to describe the area...
well, by the beach there are all these nice houses and stores but further away is not as nice, its kinda like las vegas. like the same strip, all glam but the reality is that (more inland) are the people that work in the hotels and make them beautiful... they work a full day for like 10 dollars a day, to think we take 10 dollars an hour for granted - they make 70 a week. but they are really nice and loving here and i love the area. we will be coming back here ha ha

In Monday's e-mail he ended with "so the MP decided he's going to make some changes and one of them is our christmas call will get two hours this year, two hours! i'll be home two days later, what am I going to talk about for two hours? ha ha" I'm sure we'll come up with something, but even two minutes is good -- "Hey Derek, we'll be waiting at the airport with your heaviest winter coat, gloves, hat and lots and lots of hugs!!!!!"

Pics from Cabo -- and, "What Earthquake?"

Pics...

1. at a mall on a p-day (pretty!)

2. Derek: my spanish girlfriend, isn't she purdy? Nut :-)

3. he thought the turtle was cool

4. Derek: i'm the blue demon, or of course as a missionary - the blue saint

5. Derek and his awesome comp
6. (eating burgers) 2nd one from left, Elder Thompson from Idaho (love the funny face)

7. Most awesome - another baptism

So the pics above are from Cabo San Lucas -- they all look so happy don't they?! I'm a little slow at posting them as a week or so ago, Derek was transferred to La Paz (still on the Baja).

However, I also wanted to share this news about his new area. On Monday Blythe called me as I was driving to work. She tells me "mom, I didn't want to worry you - but there was an earthquake in La Paz a couple of days ago. It was a pretty strong one (6.9) and I looked and looked at the news on the internet and it didn't look like it caused any serious injuries so I thought I wouldn't worry your weekend, but figured you'd probably want to ask him about it in your e-mail today." Well, bless her sweet little heart, she knows me too well, ha ha (love you Blythe!). And, no, I hadn't heard -- yes I googled the news right away -- and yes I indeed asked him about it. Here's his response...

earthquake? what earthquake? ha ha, that's what they said. it was trembling for a short time like not even anything and we were either teaching or walking when it came and i didn't feel jack (I sense he's disappointed? insert wry grin) so no, it was nothing. nothing happened at all. really little but that's all. Hmmm... well that's good news for us. Even though I think missionaries LIKE the adventures. Does make you wonder how much the news stretches things out of proportion though.

More on La Paz next week! TTFN and enjoy the pics, we sure did.

Thoughts on hope, faith and being humbled -- and for better or worse...

Time for some home-front news -- this one is long, bare with me. Keep in mind the title of this blog. A little about Elder Reid, but mostly about my thoughts on the new trials we are facing.

Just a couple of weeks ago, Keith and I had the opportunity to spend the weekend in LA (Redondo Beach) after I attended a conference for work. Little did we know that after returning home the rug, or life as we know it, would get ripped from under us - or so it felt. As many know, we both work for the same company and there have been, and continue to be a lot of lay-offs due to the rocky economy. Keith has been there 23 years, and I have been there 13. A few years ago Keith ventured into Quality Assurance and has loved it. However, the area he was in was a tad un-stable. He stuck it out hoping for the best but luck ran out.

It happened to be conference weekend right after the lay-off. I can't think of a more perfect time for Conference. I don't know that the words and talks have ever hit me with such power and conviction. I started the weekend feeling shocked, picked on, panicked -- why us? But when conference started I was immediately in awe. I felt the spirit so strong and with that a sense of renewed hope, peace, comfort -- and very very humbled.

Four dates keep coming to mind when I ponder the word "humble"...

• The year 1997 (my 15 yr old nephew passed away in a tragic accident, and my beloved grandmother also passed)


• September 11, 2001 (need I say more?)


• 2002 (Keith's first lay-off)


• 2003 (Father-in-law's passing)

When I think back at these days, I do fully remember the on-slaught of coming to grips with a new and unfortunate "life realities" - shock, grief, anger, why me? all rolling around in my head. Looking back however, those feelings of dispair can be so brief before the comforter (if invited) kicks in.

My father-in-law was a huge part of our lives. He was adament that he didn't want to die in a hospital bed (he battled many cancers) and we promised him that when the time came -- we would move him into our home and make him as comfortable as possible. The day we got that phone call, I panicked. "It's time" -- I remember him saying those words to Keith. The doctors were looking at us, talking hospice, and pain medications and my head was spinning. Blythe and Derek were teenagers at the time, and I remember thinking -- we are bringing him home to spend his last days on earth with us, in our home -- I can't do this!!! What will this do to the kids? Can I really handle this? Will our house seems "different" after? I could write a novel on those 2-3 short weeks we had with him. What I learned quickly was, we don't have to go through trials alone, we have the comforting spirit with us -- guiding us, giving us strength and compassion we didn't know existed. Those were the most precious days and the spirit in our home was so strong! Hard yes, but precious? - absolutely - and I wouldn't change a thing. One of my favorite memories is watching him eat his favorite homemade pie that Keith's sister brought over. He was grinning ear to ear! We told him he didn't have diabetes anymore and he was one happy camper! He was a great man! And I feel honored and blessed that we had that time with him and all his family and friends. And I do feel Blythe and Derek are more compassionate, and also appreciate the experience we had caring for him in his final days.

A couple of years before (Jan. 1997) my nephew passed in an accident - just shy of his 16th birthday. A few months later, the only grandmother I ever knew, also passed. Hard year? Yes, but I had this comforting spirit with me -- I felt it! I missed it, in fact, when it left. Are those our guardian angels?

So with this last lay-off, I've decided I don't know what I would do without trials in my life. On one hand, wouldn't it be nice if life were always smooth and simple? On the other, sometimes when that happens we draw away from the things that matter most. It's so easy to get in our comfort zone, to get complacent, worldy, to take our loved ones for granted. To have less patience and appreciation for the things that matter most.

With this new trial, all the sudden life has new meaning. Simple things seem more precious. I felt so panicked when we first learned of Keith's lay-off. He had been feeling a little un-easy about three weeks before it happened. However, every time I went to the Lord in prayer I felt a peace and assurity so profound - and I just knew everything was going to be OK. So when he really got laid off, I was thinking -- now wait a minute... did I mis-read that feeling? But now I know, the Lord was letting me know -- everything is going to be OK. The outcome was not what I was praying for, but the answer remains the same. And without a doubt, I know He hears our prayers -- and I know He loves us.

The first thing I gained is a renewed appreciation for is my husband. Something so simple as sleeping next to him at night, I just want to "be" next to him -- I've never been a snuggler when I'm sleeping - but lately I need him right by me -- holding me, and me him. It's that needed reassurance that -- yep, we'll get through this one too! I love him, he's a great man and a great father, a wonderful friend and companion.

Backing up to the LA trip again. I stubbed my toe (hard) on Keith's foot while we were walking along the beach. It swelled and turned black and blue -- but felt fine as long as I wore flip flops. Two weeks later, when I still couldn't get my regular shoes on I went to the Doc. He confirmed what I already knew - it's broke. The Doc tapes my little toe next to the other one and gives me this lovely little boot thing to wear and sends me on my way. I hop in the car and start heading home and I think -- well, they say bad things come in three. What's next? I'm not kidding, my cell phone starts ringing. Keith was at an "out-placement meeting" (oh joy) at Job Service clear across town and his truck breaks down -- won't go into gear. Well, there's #3! At his instruction, I buy a toe rope, make some frantic phone calls -- and head towards down-town Salt Lake. I get there, and Keith is in the truck, his head is leaning back in the seat -- and he just has this look like "I give up. Uncle!!!!" ... so we get some help moving the truck and he crawls underneath it and is able to manually shifts the thing into drive (bless his mechanical heart) while I got a death grip on the brake so the truck doesn't run him over. Once again I'm overcome with the power of what we can accomplish together, and all that we have accomplished together during our last 26 years of marriage.

The other thing I grew a renewed appreciation for is our friends, family, co-workers and ward members. The news of Keith's lay-off spread quickly and the phone was ringin away. Even casual acquatinances from work offering help, sending well wishes, putting a good word for him in other departments. People are genuiune and kind and want to help. Do you remember what it was like after 9/11 happened? How people smiled more, were more compassionate? That's what I've felt the passed couple of weeks.

So even though "why me... why Keith, why us" still creeps in my thoughts -- I quickly try to replace them with "OK Lord, what's next?" Keith was offered (and is working) a temp QA position at another site. It's unclear at this point where it will lead -- the program is too new to know the long-term possibilities. But it buys us some time to gather our thoughts and listen to the spirit. I am thankful for all that we have, we are so blessed. Our employment (especially Keith's) at this company has provided us with many blessings over the years and we are forever grateful.

If you've read to this point, thanks for listening. I am grateful for a loving and patient Father in Heaven. I'm thankful for church leaders and conference and the re-newed strength it has given me. And I'm forever grateful to my family and Elder Reid's obedience to his mission.

Speaking of Elder Reid, he's doing wonderful! And we want him to stay focussed and enjoy these last couple of months without worrying about home. Please if you're writing him, don't share the family drama on the home front (this too shall pass.) We have decided not to share anything with him at this point. What he's doing is far more important.

Thank you for your well wishes and prayers on our behalf -- we love you!

Having a blast and much success in Cabo...

Elder Reid is loving life in Caba... he says the church house is huge, and there are three wards there. They've had a few baptisms so far and lots and lots of investigators. I've pulled a few things out of his last couple of e-mails and pasted below. He's around more gringos now and is struggling to remember his English (notice how he spells it, ha ha - so cute!).

i am going to die when i get home, the other day some women asked me something in inglish and i just sat there for like 5 seconds with this stupid look on my face thinking... how am i going to answer in inglish? haha - it was super funny, she was looking at me like you do speak inglish no? then she said well i guess not anymore, haha! but ya, this week was really good. we had a baptism this friday, we have been teaching this guy that is 20 and he wanted to be baptised (he even quit smoking). so he was baptised friday by his brother and his mom that is not a member she starting crying when he was baptised because she really felt the spirit and now wants to be baptised so this week we will baptise her. it will be really speacial, so ya it is good and i love being here. we are having a good time and working hard and yes i will be working all the way till the end! haha oh, and i bought a cowboy hat it is sick haha cabos......... and yes my campanion is native, he is from veracruz but he is from guadalajara pero. he is 1 year and 6 months as a member and he is way cool and is learning lots and is very espiritual and its cool because he doesnt have any support from his family, but he is going strong and knows it to be true and i really respect him for that. for the pics: we bought hot dogs and all that and a coke that is huge, one liter! i didnt drink the whole thing tho we split it haha but yeah, the coke is better here in mexico - they don't know how to make clean water but they sure do know how to make cola haha! love you tons ELDER REID

New Area... Cabo San Lucas!

A portion of Elder Reid's e-mail dated August 30, 2010: well tranfers came and now i am in a new and small city. it is really small and there are not a lot of people here. i am now in Cabos San Lucas, its really small and there are not a whole lot of things here Ha!..................jk it is huge and the beach is like super close and the water is way blue and it is awesome! but i had to like litarly clean all the things out that i had. you could only have 50 pounds in the suitcase and well its not a whole lot of stuff if you can imagine. but i am here and it is beautiful! we came in a plane, really small plane, it was cool - flew over the water, the water is so blue. my campanion's name is jacome and he is from, well now i dont remember haha but ya he seems cool i am running low on sleep - i didnt get to sleep till like 1 in the morning last night and woke up at 4 so I'm super tired but I'm here and doing good. we live with four missionaries. the weather is cooler here, always windy which is good! love you guys, take it easy....................with lots of love from the baja ELDER REID

Derek was really hoping he would get the opportunity to serve on the Baja side, we are excited for him! This is the first of two e-mails we've gotten since he arrived. I'll post more this weekend. Oh... the first pic is from his plan ride, the 2nd is a beach in Cabo San Lucas I got off the internet. Pretty!

Funny stuff our son says...

Derek has always had a fun sense of humor that has kept us in stitches over the years. I started copying some of the funny things he's written in e-mails since he left and thought I would share a few.

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we had a baptism saturday of a boy of 14. as we entered the font he goes under the water and starts to swim. i was like “no, not now you can’t get wet before the baptism.” but he was already dunked, I guess he received double cleansing, ha ha.”
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Me: What's your apartment or living quarters like?
Elder Reid: “It is a house with like 4 rooms and big kitchen with four elders. it is different living with four, like dirtier and more food and more dirty dishes haha”
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“i think i have a stomach like a true native for the chilies and the beans... oh ya!” And he wonders why his stomach hurts? :-)
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This after we sent him Missionary Mall socks that we heard were comfy: “the socks are really coll aand they do feel reallly good and sorry for the email the delete button is all cjacked up and i have some crazy words haha sutupid thing”
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“Love makes the world go round... and alcohol brings it down” (after an investigator turned back to the bottle) :-(
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Coming from a boy who used to try to get away with wearing sneakers with his church clothes on Sundays… “this week we completed the goal of the mission so we got to wear clothes like levis and tshirt and it is weird feeling, i dont know about this. how i am going to survive at home?” (Um, who is he, and what did he do with our son?)
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Me: Do you have a microwave or oven or two burner stove? (and I'm wondering if you are laughing hysterically at this question).
Elder Reid: Sheesh mom, I don't even have a shower! Ha ha (at this point in time he was in a tiny little town, and for a week or two his shower was a bucket and a cup)
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Me: Any sweet treat you have been CRAVING? Like, someone might get their arm chewed off if you don't get one?
Elder Reid: Ha ha, no not really i have abandoned the craving for sweets that i really liked because i don’t remember them.
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This one after telling him I had a dream that he snuck a girl to the movie while on his mission and then got sent home – which is double weird because he didn’t date much while he was home: “so well mom, your dreams are weird, haha! but no i am not going to get sent home and no i dont even talk to “the women.” But that reminds me, the other day one drove by and said ‘come to my house becasue i want to learn more about the gospel’ while laughing and then she drove off and said ‘guapo’ which is handsome -- so why thank you, but no - haha”
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In a bigger city… “didn’t have any incidences with buses lately - i am getting used to it and staying away from where i can get ran over.”
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After battling stomach issues and weight loss, I commented to him that maybe I should move there so I can slim down. His reply: “oh and if you want parasites you can buy them here in the pharmacy and you take them and they live in you. So after you lose weight you take these pills that come with them to kill them, haha - i know, i thought the same thing you are thinking right now......take care and love the tread mill ....love Derek” Not sure if this is true or if he’s been fed an urban legend -- but I love the tread mill comment! Ha!

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“w ewilll see about more baptisms this next month ahaha we hope to have lots.thank you for all you lov and support adn i tup you and this keybouard is horribleeeeeeeeeee so i will end it nwo haahahhhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa this tupid thing love you, ELDER REID”
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But of course, our favorites are the sweet and simple: “i am loving the mission, it is the greatest thing ever - you realize all you know to be so true.......”

Amen!

Time is moving at lightning speed!

Elder Reid and "his baby" spent two very successful months in El Fuerte. When he first arrived he received a new baby (what they call a new missionary in the field). The two of them did so well together they let them both stay put through a transfer. They had much success in this area! The cute little girl in the picture was just baptised last week, isn't she's beautiful?! The church building and baptismal font are brand new, his words "state of the art." He said the water was very warm. :-)

Also while in El Fuerte, he got the opportunity to travel 20 minutes away to El Corrizo (a previous area he taught in) to baptize the younger brother of one of his previous converts. Very cool!

In today's e-mail he wrote: we broke the record of baptisms in the mission and so ya we are doing good and we are going to have a free day next monday. (Missionaries love to meet goals and challenges -- and enjoy the rewards). Next week I'll reveal what the "free day" included. :-)

I must say, I was a little taken aback by his photos -- he's looking rather skinny (don't tell Grandma Riding!). But he's soooooo happy and loving the work. And in just four short months this journey will sadly be ending and then we will work on getting some meat back on the man, ha ha! Another line from an e-mail: i weighed myself the other day and i wiegh 156 pounds - if you can imagine i am a little skinnier as i left the MTC at 180 haha sweet huh? Um, wow! And yes, it's typical for the natives to gain weight in Mexico, and the gringos to loose because of the environmental changes, the extreme heat and let's not forget, the walking walking, and more walking. ha ha!

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Different story, but still missionary related. I went to Minnesota last week for some meetings for work. After the meetings we were treated to some very fun things such as touring a federal cartridge building, shooting different guns and ammo, going to a Minnesota Twins game. However, one of the things I enjoyed the most was what I experienced at the airport. My co-worker and I arrived for our flight a little early, and their was a delay with the plane. Susan headed off to do some quick shopping and I stayed back in the waiting area. I noticed a young missionary standing by himself looking quite out of place. He made a phone call, then went back to pacing the floor. When he got kinda close, I said "Hi Elder, where ya heading?" He immediately sat down by me and said he was on his way home from a full two-year mission in Canada. I asked him, "so are you feeling a little lost being without a Comp?" (missionaries are never without a comp -- ever). He told me it was sooo weird! He had to call a buddy to talk him through it. He said the two years went by sooo fast for him. He talked about his mission, and how his older siblings now had babies. There were some deaths in his family, so he got to talk to his parents more than a few times. And his girlfriend at home got married the week before (ouch! ha ha). I could tell he had such a range of emotions that it was all over. Susan came back, and I wished him luck as the plane was now boarding. And then he ended up in front of me in the line to board. The funny thing was, he was chatting with a young man that too had sought him out. He had just finished his mission four months ago, and was traveling to Utah to go to college. They stayed together and chatted the rest of the time like they had known each other forever (and the young man was warning him how many times his mom was going to hug him, tee hee).

So the plane landed and I kept looking over my shoulder to see where he was. Couldn't spot him. When Susan and I were coming down the escalator there were two families with big yellow signs and we looked at each other and said "mmmm, that one!" We could tell which family was his by their similarities. So I asked the mom, "did your son serve in Canada?" she smiled and nodded. I told her we got to meet him, and what a nice young man she raised. Susan and I stepped away and watched for him to come down.... we both teared up immediately when we saw him step on the escalator. And somehow he had managed to find the other missionary returning from who knows where. Funny how they find companions even in strangers -- such a neat thing to watch.

I never thought I would wish the journey would slow down a bit, but I sure wish it would! What a ride it's been! We have much to be thankful for, life is grand isn't it?

Happy 21st Birthday Elder Reid!!!

On this day 21 years ago, this little guy entered our lives as a gift to us - it was our fifth year wedding anniversary.

Our lives, and the kitchen pantry, would never be the same! :-)







In honer of Elder Reid's 21st birthday, we celebrated by hanging out at G&G Ridng's cabin, one of Derek's favorite places -- well, actually, it's a family favorite!

And, a piece of Elder Reid was right there with us...

Choppin wood with dad

Swayin with the humming birds

Skippin rocks on the creek

Climbing the old tree

And playing cowboys!

Happy Birthday to Derek, happy birthday to you! And many more.....

For his birthday, a newly baptised sister was making him brownies and they were going to visit with her and her husband and planned to watch "Together Forever" -- they are hoping her husband will be baptised soon. He was quite excited about the brownies and said he'd probably be eating the whole pan all to his self.

Fun in the sand in El Fuerte! And he turns 21 soon!

I'm sure with weather in the upper 90's and very humid, that water is more tempting than we realize! Missionaries can't get in the water, it's against the rules. Which is why he doesn't want us to pick him up from his mission, he says he wants to come home and go back when he can get in the water! Hey, we're good with that!

He's loving his new area, and is having much success with baptisms there. He's training a new baby, Elder Perez who is from Mexico. He said Elder Perez is already loosing weight from all the walking and the heat! I've been bugging him for a picture of the new little one. It sounds like they get along great and he was excited for him to experience his first baptism.

He has met the new Mission President and says "he's really cool!" Awesome, because the new MP had some shoes to fill I'm sure as the old MP was awesome too!

I asked him he was going to start buying a few Souveniers to bring home (he's became VERY frugel!) and he wrote back "yeah, I'm thinking about reverting back to my childhood and buying these sic cowboy boots I saw, they were super sic!" Always a TEASE! ha ha. When I read that to Keith he laughed and said, "as long as he wears socks with them!" Derek had a favorite pair of cowboy boots when he was little and he loved them because he could just slip on by himself, and with any outfit, socks or no socks. And then he'd wiggle his little toes in your nose after he took them off and say "Look, they smell like cherries!" and then he'd giggle his evil belly laugh! I have pictures of him in his shorts, boots and cowboy hat. Gotta find that soon and scan it! ha ha -- hey! He's not here to defend himself, right?! ;-)

Derek turns 21 on July 27th!!! Please please feel free to send him a Dear Elder (instructions to the right of this blog) or a card or a letter and wish him a Happy Birthday, he would LOVE IT!

A Mother's Prayer (video clip below, please read first)

I (Momma Reid here) am a lover of music (although I can't carry a tune). When I was a little girl, and couldn't sleep I used to keep a portable radio under my pillow and would find soothing music to listen to while lulling off to sleep. Derek asked for an MP3 player a while back, and the missionary guidelines are very specific. Only spiritual and uplifting music, no romance, no rock or pop. Just Christian based, and spiritual in nature. Ah-ha, I thought, I can do that! It was fun finding an array of songs for him that weren't just Motab (Mormon Tabernacle Choir). One of the first songs I searched for and downloaded is Celine Dion's "The Prayer" with Andrea Bocelli -- if you haven't heard it, search for it -- it's stunning! I also found that Motab does a version of it as well, also very pretty. While looking for that song however, I stumbled on a slightly different version by Celine tightled 'A Mother's Prayer.' It made me cry. I immediately knew I wanted to put together this video clip in time for Blythe's birthday (however, I'm a little late). The words to the song say it all...

Although this blog is about the happenings of Elder Reid and his excursions in the Culiacan Mexico Mission -- our first born child, a beautiful daughter named Blythe (who is married and has her own blog) is also our pride and joy. Both of our children have blessed us soooo much. Happy belated birthday to our beautiful daughter, both inside and out. You have the face and heart of an angel and we love you! Thank you for being such a joy to raise! Forever and eternally yours, Mom, Dad and Derek

Any suggestions???

I haven't blogged about Elder Reid much lately, and am feeling guilty. Life gets so busy. Or is it that the weather is distracting me? However, rest assured, Derek is doing fantastic. He recently transferred to a new area (and was really needing the change). He's now in El Fuerte (sp?) -- and loves it, "very hilly." He's getting a workout! He's also training a newbie, and is loving that! He said it brings back memories of things he experienced when he was new. It sounds like they are getting along great and have a couple interested in baptism. This past month he battled some stomache issues but seems to be on the mend. Not sure, but I think he may have had to endure another "poop" analysis (as he puts it)... but as long as he's feeling better we're happy. He's learned that yogurt is a good bacteria and has taken to eating lots of it.

Through this, I've been reminded that mom's all over the world are such a blessing! The role of a mission president's wife is in many ways "mom" for the missionaries -- Hermana Johnstun is absolutely WONDERFUL! I'm convinced her and President Johnstun are heaven sent. Their love and compassion for each missionary is inspiring. Their call is ending soon, and we will miss them.

GUESS WHAT??? Derek turns 21 at the end of July... we are pondering what to put in his birthday package -- any suggestions??? He's telling me he doesn't need anything. So any fun and/or creative ideas are welcome!!!

In Memory of... So long Lil' Foot, what a ride it's been!!!

A fun story for the family, but if you want to hear how Elder Reid is doing, skip this one...

In 1989, shortly after we welcomed Derek into the family, we bought this baby! A brand new Mazda 626 with a five speed manual. She had 144 miles. Oh what a ride it’s been!

At the time, Poppa Reid was driving a big ol’ Ford pick-up with a lift kit nick named Big Foot. So Blythe in the wisdom of a child, decided that must mean our new car was Lil' Foot! Little did she and Derek know, "Lil' Foot" would one day become their prize possession! When Poppa Reid handed over the keys to his precious 16 year old daughter, he also put a $400 sound system in it – which at the time was probably worth more than the car itself. So off Lil' Foot went on some new bump thumpin adventures! The next thing Blythe discovered was the “date eject button” – if you rolled the window down on the passenger side, the car door opened – so if she had a guy with her that she deemed a dork boy, she could just say “hey, will you roll that window down?” and as soon as the door latch un-hitched she could make a swift left turn and out the poor dork boy would go, ha ha! Later on we hooked her up with a Honda, also five speed manual, so she could head to college and Derek could take the reigns of the ol' car with the same birth year as his. Yes, he was quite thrilled (insert sarcasm).

Now the bump thumpin car was strumming to a new beat, which consisted of rap, rock and even some country! Some stickers got stuck to the back window, to reveal "this is a dude's' car now" (nice try, ha ha! worked well with the pink pin striping!). He didn’t have much need for the date ejector, as he was too busy getting into mischief to worry about girls. And some how they managed to squish as many boys, snow gear and snow boards as possible in this lil mean machine and head for the Snowbird and golf clubs in the summer. Now Derek was famous for leaving the car lights on and draining the battery. He almost blew up the nice sounds system this way. And him and Blythe were famous for loosing the keys to poor ol' Lil Foot (we learned to make them by the dozen!).

By now Lil’ Foot was growing weary and tired. Her clutch was starting to slip, her A/C was gone and to be quite honest, she smelt funny after you drove her for a while - ha ha ha. So we transferred Derek to a 1995 Jeep Cherokee (thanks Susan!) -- and with a little moola and a lot of elbow greese he was off and running once again. With a more "manly" ride now, he actually started to date! Of course Derek stripped Lil' Foot of her sound system and woofers. So I took pity on Lil' Foot and polished her off by driving her to work as long as she could go -- which wasn't long.

After spending some time as yard art we decided to donate her to Kars-4-Kids. They hauled her off today. While with us she commuted Poppa Reid to work, went to Disneyland, Jackson Hole, the cabin, Layton, Kearns, and quite a few trips to Mesquite. She helped mask Blythe's nose in the back corner of the car while her kid brother barfed all the way to the first 5-hour ride to Grandma's house... and she survived only one fender bender. Yep, it was a great ride!... Oh yes, and notice the little dings in the body? "Nobody" was responsible for those and "Nobody" knows how they got there... tee hee! Great memories -- we drove her for all she was worth! Her mileage as of today is 237,539. She went forever on a tank of gas, and kept her windows intact despite the shaking from those big ol' subwoofers! And we never replaced the clutch... AMAZING! R.I.P. Lil' Foot!!

Fun facts and another video clip...

1) Who needs good eyes sight? Derek informed us he gave up on his prescription contacts. During our phone call we asked if he needed more and he said "oh no, I gave up on those. Too much dust and dirt here - I was going through them way too fast." Good things his eyes aren't that bad! Note to us, he'll need an eye check-up soon after he gets home.

2) Derek promised his dad he would write in his journal every day, and he's kept that promise. He totally filled his first journal and it's written entirely in English -- so he told us his 2nd journal for year two is being written totally in Spanish. Clever!

3) He has learned the art of making tortillas and loves them! Oh, this makes Momma Reid very very happy!!!!! :-)

Here's another random video he sent home on a thumb drive at Christmas time. It's from his MTC days. Again, you can't see Derek but you can hear him laughing hysterically! I don't know who the banana eaten Elder is, but he's got quite a talent! I love how Derek tries to stifle his laugh and then just loses it... that's my boy! ha ha, love it, makes me smile every time I watch it!

Mother's Day 2010

Wonderful Mother's Day call! We got to call Elder Reid at 7pm Sunday evening. He sounds so great! Very in love with the people of Mexico. He said they are so kind and loving, and share everything, even though they don't have much. I asked him if he's going to want to go back, and he said he actually wants to move back and go to college there! Hmm... we talked college briefly (have to get him enrolled soon) -- he has no concept of home and holidays in the states. He asked what I was going to do the next day (Monday) and I said "going to work" -- he was totally confused as Mother's Day lands on the 10th there and the festivities go on all week! When I brought up college, he had no concept of where Provo/Orem is or Logan. Still remembers St. George, as that's where Blythe went for a while. He said: "How about that school, I won't freeze my butt off and I can also golf!" ha ha, yeah, no! ;-)

He sounds so great! Was suffereing from a little food poisoning, but is used to toughing through it. I don't know what my deal is, but those phone calls just wipe me out! I put Blythe on dialing duty this time (thanx B!). It's like dropping him off at the MTC all over again. And he's going to be home soon! I just deal with seperation anxiety all over again, so weird. I hold it together while he's on the phone, but afterwords I'm a complete mess. My poor husband (who is a SAINT for putting up with me). I'm so blessed, and also grateful those calls come but twice a year (weird, I know). He wrote me the sweetest e-mail Monday, and the tears sprouted again! He truly loves his mission and the people he serves and sends his love to you all!

Take That!...

"water fun" -- it was old and creeky and it was super high but was awesome fun pic of the week (Sigh, that's my son. Unlike his mom, he's never had a fear of heights!).

I had been anxiously anticipating my e-mail this week, knowing he would have instructions for the much anticipated Mother's Day phone call (yesssss!). I was sitting at my desk when I happened to see Derek's e-mail address in the little balloon thing pop up on the bottom of my screen and it said "Mom, if you're on -- I need to know when you would you like your call - Sunday night or anytime Monday." (Mother's Day in Mexico is always on the 10th, no matter what day of the week it lands). I was so happy I saw his e-mail come through so we could chat live! It's only been recently that we've been able to do that. So Sunday at 7 it is! Woo-hoo! So our chatting back and forth was short and sweet as we get to talk to him live soon right? So I said to him -- "guess what? I'm sitting at my desk eating a breakfast burrito from Beto's and it's yummy!" (haha, he loves their breakfast burritos) -- this was his reply: "I love burritos, and when I get home I will be able to order them in Spanish so they will give me a discount and more meat, so take that! ha ha" -- Hmmm, we'll see about that, but we sure love that kid! He also said he's jealous of our recent snow, and said it's in the 90's there and his nose is feeling it... Hmmm, time to send more sun screen! He's loving life still, can't wait to blog about how our phone call went.

Dreams of December

As I've said before, one of my talents in life is NOT sleeping. I've never been a good sleeper. When I do finally crash I sleep so soundly that I don't usually remember my dreams. However, since Derek has been out I dream about him periodically. It's usually the same dream, doorbell rings - and when I answer Derek is standing on the porch in his missionary attire, big grin on his face - just came to "grab a few things" out of his room and upon leaving gives me a big ol' hug (the best part) before running back to the airport to catch a flight back to Mexico. One time he was in goofy clothes because it was his P-day, ha ha! I have joked with him a few times about how nice it is seeing him in my dreams. A while back I downloaded a song to my ipod, I only downloaded it because it was free -- it's titled "December" by Norah Jones -- I gave it a quick listen, had a nice melody and then didn't think much more of it. So I'm lying in bed doing my not sleep thing recently and grabbed my ipod to play softly in my ears (to also drown out my husbands snoring, tee hee) -- and that song came on and I had to chuckle!

Here's some of the lyrics that make me smile: December, come to me / I hope I can see / You, not just in dreams / December won't you come / Back with snow, wind and sun / Don't say that it's done...

So I'm laying in bed listening to this and chuckling! Derek will be home in December! How ironic! It's my new theme song!!! Kind of a pretty song too, but I love a wide range of music. Here's a YouTube link to the song, hope it works!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRAs-EfkiLI&feature=related

Video: Unexpected Visitor in the House of Prayer

There were a few little video clips on the thumb drive Derek last sent home. His camera has the ability to take short clips. I think he takes these little clips for his benefit, not ours, but we sure have gotten a kick out of them. In this one you can't see Derek, just hear him. This was just before Christmas when he was serving in a small town and lived in this little "house of prayer" -- looks like they had an unexpected guest! ha ha, I had to show it to a couple of friends that speak Spanish so they could tell me what Derek is saying. Basically he's telling his comp to not kill it and put it outside -- but notice he keeps his distance just the same, ha ha! I was also told that these trianchula's (sp?) have stuff on their skin that will sting human skin, which is probably why his comp is knocking it around with a broom. Interesting also, that his native comp starts speaking in Spanglish when they get outside. I was also told Derek's Spanish is spot on. That he "sings" his voice perfectly -- a friend from work (who knows Derek) told me "he doesn't sound like a gringo trying to speak Spanish -- he sounds like that real thing!" ha ha, I love it! I told Derek this in last week's e-mail and then half of his response was written in Spanish! ha ha, sheesh! Amazing how far he's come in such a short time (remembering back to when he first got off the plane and didn't understand a word "everyone talks so fast!!!") Good news though, they are having much success with baptisms and he is on Cloud 9!!! Patience (and hard work) is a virtue!

Life's a Beach!

In last week's e-mail I asked Derek how the work was coming. He replied "well, last week was spring break and it was pretty quiet around here. Seems everyone went to the beach, including our baptism!" Doh! ha ha, I thought that was funny!

I googled 'dollar bill origami' the other day for a top-secret project I've got going on... (well, I lost a bet to my son-in-law and am trying to figure out a creative way to loose and pay up! ha ha...) but I found this dollar shirt and tried it out. Cute, huh? I'm sending one to Derek and his comp! Of course I had to add the tie and the name tag for authenticity. The instructions caught my eye because the "In God We Trust" run down the left side of the shirt and I thought -- PERFECT!!!! I likeee, I likeee a lot! I like instructions my pea brain can understand.

"My Sister" by Derek Reid

The following was written by Derek while he was a Sophmore in High School.

My sister and me are good friends. Other brothers and sisters are fighting with each other and complaining to you that their little brother is like a mosquito that won’t go away and just keeps biting at you. Not me, maybe because we are only two years apart and we like a lot of the same music and other things, but what ever it is it keeps us from fighting.

One day I was at school in math class, oh math class it is like being stuck in a torcher chamber with no way out. When I get a text from my sister saying she is bored and she is on her way to come check me out and take me to lunch. I was so exuberated that she was coming to rescue me from math! That is one of the best parts of having a cool sister like mine.

So we are pretty close and we hang out once and a while and we have a pretty good time.

And yes... I actually had Blythe on the check-out list so she could pull out her brother anytime.... and I'm glad she did just that. They always got excellent grades so I didn't have to worry.

Elder Reid's e-mail to Blythe dated 03/29/10:

i am pressed for time but i wanted to tell you how much i love you and you are the best sister in the world! and thanks for saying "the wonderful man you have become" -- sorry, but i have not become a man yet and dont think i will ever til like dad's age! not saying he is old or anything ...... or am i? haha but that is fun and what did you do with the couch? did you put it in my room?! i love htat couch! - you could send it to mexico haha but no, that is cool and that is good you are doing good and loving life - me too haha! love you take care and love life! its amazing right?!......ELDER RIED (yes, he spelled his name wrong! tee hee!) -- It's Reid R.E.I.D... :-)

Both Derek and Blythe are great writers, and I always held on to my favorites. This one from Derek and another one about Moscow Russia (where he hoped to serve) and one about his hair -- I'll have to post later. They are great too! Blythe wrote more matter-of-factly (or more frankly), and also with humor. She once wrote a bit about the ol' faithful 1989 Mazda (the five-speed manual we so graciously handed off to her) with the "date eject button!" - ha ha! That's a classic too! Gotta love FAMILY!

We're Expecting!....

A returned missionary in nine months!

Instead of counting sheep...

I should be in bed (Momma Reid talking here)... in sweet dream land. One of my talents in life is definately not sleeping. So, I've learned to roll with the punches... Read myself to sleep, listen to my ipod, anything to try and keep my mind from thinking too hard. When life gets busy... it gets worse. So, while I should be in bed counting sheep, or reading my nook -- tonight I'm staring dumbly at this little ol' laptop wondering how time raising my two cute little kidlets flew by so quickly -- and missing my son a bit. So here's another piece of Derek's letter that makes us smile... "So the other day we were teaching this girl that's 11, and there was this little boy there that was copying everything I did... so I started doing things with my hands, like the crab claws and all that. And I like filled my cheeks with air and hit them with my hands to pop them and so he does it and totally just SLAPS himself, ha ha - it was so funny! And I was teaching about Joseph Smith, and I asked the little boy "how old are you, like 19 or 20, no? no?" and he says "8! only 8!" and starts laughing so hard like a chuckle, and it reminded me of me and you mom when we would just laugh and the ones laughing so the other laughs more and more and it reminded me of us, ha ha! -- so funny this little kid!"

I can hear Derek's mischevious giggle in my head! He sent home some small video clips on a thumb drive and we were showing them to Blythe & Steven the other night. In one of the videos, a missionary at the MTC is stuffing a whole banana into his mouth and Derek, who's video'ing the event is trying so hard to stifle his laughter that he just looses it - total Derek style! Just like when he was a kid. Good times! Boy, wouldn't that be nice to get that on my ipod to listen to when I'm in my not-sleepy mode! hahaha, hmmm! ;-)

Thoughts on "finding ones self"

Derek sent us a long letter, the third since he's been in Mexico. We just about had to beg for this one, which is great because it means he's loving his mission and staying busy. I love his letters as he puts more thought into them. So, I'll post bits and pieces of my favorite parts, but not all today -- it would be too long (it's six pages) and as Derek would say - "lufff-it!!"

A nice young man that Blythe works with, said to me when I was training for my 2nd job "the first testimony a missionary finds is his own." Came to mind when I read this part of Derek's last letter...

Hi Mom & Dad, how's it going there in Utah? Sorry for the long wait, I am just so busy all of the sudden with the work of the Lord. I am writing this letter from Guasave Mexico (which is where he still is, just got a new Comp -- another native who has only been out three months). So as you know, Christmas just passed and we just chilled. Never made it down to the beach, but oh well, it was good. Well, alright with no family, ha ha! But ya, and New Year's rang in with me completing 1 year in the mission, that's one year being away - doesn't it just blow your mind!?! It does mine. I can't believe where the time has gone. It's really gone by super fast -- I guess with trying to learn Spanish and the lessons and everything. I now only have one year left. Or, as you put it, 11 more fast Sundays. Sounds way shorter that way, ha ha. OK, so for stories, everyone likes story time! ha ha. So well, to start -- well, I can't think of any right now. But you always ask me what I have learned most in my mission... and I would have to say out of everything "I found myself," not that I didn't know who I was before -- like, who I was -- or, you know, didn't fall into worldly things like drinking, and I always went to church because I knew it was a good thing, and that the church was true, never doubted any of that for a second. But what I mean "I found myself" is that I found what I want to be, why I did all the things I did, what I know I can be. I always knew these things were good things, but never realized how "really" important they are and when you really know, really have a testimony of things -- like Sundays for instance. I always went but never had the mind like "tomorrow is Domingo, I am going lots of mornings, not going to lie, I layed in bed hoping your were sleeping and we were not going to go to church. But now it is my favorite day of the week, where I can forget everything, reflect on the week, how it went and what I want to do the next week different! And I have gained a great appreciation for scriptures too... reading them everyday, you can find grand things in them and just the joy and peace! And I've realized this gospel does more wonders, brings more change in people. I've seen the changes first hand, it's amazing to see -- this gospel completely changes peoples lives. The way they dress, act differently, it's amazing. I would not trade this time, this mission for anything in the world. It's the best thing I could have done and am doing! I would not change it for the world!

Awesome, ay? In this week's e-mail he's quite excited about a couple of upcoming baptisms that look promising. He was very excited about staying in Guasave. He loves it there. He's hopeful for his new Comp to get some baptisms soon. Please continue to pray for Elder Reid, he really does feel your prayers! Love you all! Momma Reidriquez (ha ha) -- next blog will be on how he's found patience and learning to not let himself get "tweaked." :-)

Got some more pics, and the smiles speak volumes!

This one just cracks me up... from the MTC obviously, hadn't seen it before. Trust boys to figure out how to turn a bunk bed into a triple bed! Ha ha ha, that ROCKS!






This was taken on Christmas day, they treated themselves to Burger King in Guasave!

I believe this is his current Companion in Guasave - he's loving it here! Can't think of his Comp's name right now - but he's really cute! There's more pics I'll post later. These cute little kids just make me smile and it's fun seeing Derek being Derek! ha ha

Good looking bunch of smiling happy missionaries! I love it!

They loved this family, I'll have to research back letters for names and the area. The boy in the middle in white was baptized.

We were presently surprised with a long letter and a thumb drive full of pictures over the weekend. Quite a few pictures! Well, when he only sends them every six months that's to be expected. I'll pull some of my favorites from his letter, it's obvious he's just loving his mission and his self esteem and confidence have grown tremendously. Especially now that he's got the language down. He also sent a couple of short video clips he was able to take from the camera Blythe & Steven got him for graduation. Really cool to hear him talking in Spanish! I'm so impressed. I'll try to figure out how to posts those too!

I tried to do more pictures, but blogger doesn't seem to wanna run tonight... stay tuned for more!