We sure have missed Japan since we left, I miss my best friend, Molli misses her friends, Jessica misses Jusco and Dale misses the work place.
Now for Elder Folsom!!
He I'm sure misses the most. We have a friend who was able to return to Okinawa and while she was walking alone the Sunabe Seawall she found some old writings from Elder Folsom (Bobby) and Elder Nielson (Parker).
So Elder's this is for YOU!!!
This has got to be one of the funniest posts that we have ever made, at the expense of my nephew...Who has serious sleepwalking problems, but oh how funny they're. And
Micheal is 17 yrs old "Stud", he excels in ALL sports and is loved by Family and girls!
So this is how the story starts: When we would travel home (Utah) during the summer, we stay with different family members, the last couple summers we were blessed enough to stay at my brother Lorin's house, he has room for all of us and then some. (Elder) Bobby's last summer visit before this mission, he experienced Micheal's sleep walking adventures.I also witnessed it and therefore can verify this post...Had I not, it would be hard to believe.
This happened at his Mom's house and here's her story:
After Michael waking me up by calling me on my cell phone at 1am and telling me that I was late to work and he was backed up with customers and I had a bad work ethic, I walk out in the family room and find this...
Please note the "Please tip" what a businessman!
The water jug nozzle was pointing down but I had to turn it up so it wouldn't leak.
All the customers that were lined up to get a car wash.
Down the hall.
The line turning to go in the car wash.
Michael isn't this detail oriented when he is awake!
Baby feel asleep while waiting.
More irate customers.
Backed up down the hall
Notice the towels for drying them.
Leading right from my bedroom door and around the corner into the family room.
Thanks Micheal...Your a trooper for letting me publish this. Elder Folsom is going to have a smile on his face for weeks.......
Well we finally have a back yard and we're LOVING it, Dale spent the day clean the branches and twigs, and putting them into piles, along with some leftover moving boxes.
We then went and got some Marshmallows, Hershey bars, graham crackers and of course hot dogs. The girls decided to invite one friend each, Jessica's friend is an exchange student from Germany (Who has never seen a outdoor fire and have never tried smores). Molli's is a "friend" from here in Tennessee.
The fire started out Big and Hot, but after the ashes dyed down and the heat somewhat "cool off" we were able to roast hot dogs and make smores. Next time we will do it TOTALLY different, and have regular wood and maybe even a lantern. We are going to make a fire pit back there and have chairs surrounding the pit...How FUN!!!!!!
I just cannot wait for Elder Folsom to return and enjoy the house and yard also!
Well this year was a little different from other years. I guess being in Japan for 8 yrs can do that to you...
The neighbors had this AWESOME set up, they must have spent ALL day getting ready. The photo's don't do them justice. They had music blasting, some people were on the ground cause they were "Wounded"...
And then of course I HAD to dress up..After all I finally got a grown up costume. The kids liked it, the adults actually loved it, except one lady...she was a little offended, but after I thought about...She must have been jealous....right? I mean really, some people just need to lighten up and take a chill pill.....
And I also had to decorate with the traditional lawn decor. Not only was I missing my puppy, I also lost the two girls!!!
Oh WOW....Since moving to the States I have discovered vinyl lettering, and LOVE it. My dream would be to own a machine so I can make my own. However, if I did I think my house would be covered.
Above my bed....
A view of the fireplace and the awesome Japanese stand. We are still working on the move, so please excuse the cords and stuff.
A better view of the vinyl above the fireplace....Notice my Mamasan and Papasan?
Now doesn't this look like fun?
I opened up my email and was so excited to read this email. This came from the Mission Presidents wife, Sister Wade.
Brother and Sister Leifson,
I want to let you know how much we love and care about your son. We immediately noticed him when we came into the mission field, and are so proud of him and his efforts. We have witnessed an amazing change in Elder Folsom. We've watched him dedicate himself to the Lord with a sincere desire to do what is asked of him. He is happy, and he is working hard. He has a great spirit about him and is serving well in his new calling as District Leader. Thank you for all you have done to raise a fine son.
With Love,
Sister Wade
CA Oakland/San Fransisco Mission
How wonderful is that? Of course I didn't expect anything less from Elder Folsom, but it's nice to know others feel the same way about him...
We have made a very drastic move and decided to add another addition to the family. We usually always have had a dog, but now that the girls are older and with Bobby serving a Mission for the Church, we have no one to walk the dog, or pick out his droppings. So we wanted to try a CAT. Yes, I know we have always said we hated cats, but this one is so darn cute. I did some research on the internet and found the type we would like and then went on a search to find one for us. We found MARLEY, he is SO cute and funny. He is just as the information describe he would be. Just always so entertaining. Here's a picture of him taken right after his weekly bath.
Oh and yes, he has one blue eye and one brown eye!!
Sorry for the side angle, but I was on the floor laughing so hard, I couldn't get up.
I always knew I was a better speller then him. Hoked on fonic's wurked four me!
Love ya Dad!
This summer my dad got remarried for Time and All Eternity to a wonderful lady, Her name is Julia Moss and she is just perfect for my dad....My best friend!.
Before the wedding they had a BBQ and Cameron and his family was able to drive up for it, it was so great to see them again. Cameron's wife Sandy was 9 months pregnant and was able to hold off 3 days to deliver their new daughter Ellie.
We had the opportunity to go to the annual FFD here in the new Stake, (We are so use to it being called a District)
The Church had bought this farm in the early 1990's and have gone through and really made a lot of repairs and upgrades. It's now a wonderful place for anyone at anytime to go and just chill...or party.
It's surrounded by different kinds of crops and sits out in the middle. Very quiet and peaceful.
The Future Elder Robert R. Folsom (Baptism Day)
I've always said "Bobby, Your MY HERO"
Elder's Story:
We were teaching Diana Stall and her 22 year-old Daughter Elizabeth Stall. Elder Hurlbut, a 2nd transfer greeny came in my area and it was nothing but miracles every week with the Stalls. 2 of the 5 lessons we had over at the Bishops house. I actually cried because of what Diana was saying about life in general and how she needs to do more in life. She referred it to "walking" as in Action, showing God we love him and not just saying we do and then live our lives the way we choose to. After our last lesson and we decided that the 22nd of August was the date for them to be baptized. We all stood up after the prayer and went into the kitchen. On the way there I shook Diana's hand and told her I loved her (Diana is the mom...haha) she thanked me for teaching her and gave me a hug!
A few days later she was interviewed by our District Leader Elder Redd a good friend of mine. I wasn’t present because we had companion exchanges that day. Once the day was over Elder Hurlbut and I were companions again, he told me that the daughter Elizabeth chose the Bishop to baptize her, and that Diana chose me to baptize her. I was very warm inside, I saw it happening, but that she said she wanted me to baptize her even though I wasn’t there that day of her interview was totally awesome. They both were baptized and it was great.
Her Husband is now curious about our religion. He's been coming to church for the last 3 Sundays now, every time he suits up a little better and will take the lessons soon. Her husband John said that they have been to many churches in there lives and are trying to find a good one, and he also said that he's been trying to find something bad about ours....and he Can't.
Sorry for no post's, we all have been kind of blah and not wanting to do much of anything. We are moving back to the USA and tying up loose ends here in Japan.
Here are just a couple photo's to look at. I will try to post more later.
This is a group shot of Elder Folsom's Mission, taken in front of the Oakland Temple. If you click on the photo...it does get bigger, for those who are tech-tards.
And ONLY in Japan can anyone get away with this!!!!!! YES, they are towing a VAN using a garden hose, AND the van was FULL of workers!!!
We received an email from Elder Folsom and in it he wrote about one of his recent Spiritual experiences, I told him I would post it to the blog for Family and Friends to enjoy as well......
Cheryl Jagger is her name!
Her 2 daughters chose to be baptized 15 years ago when they were 10 and 11 years old. Cheryl and her husband Josh thought it was great to see how well their daughters were doing and they wanted to have what their daughters had! But for them smoking was very a strong addiction that was holding them back!
Just this last June Cheryl started to take the missionary discussions and wanted to be baptized. 6 missionaries have taught her and invited her every week since then, but it was just too hard to quit!
After our last transfer the Ward decided to make her a "priority" and to focus on helping her work toward becoming baptized. We all knew of her sincere desires. Personally I had my doubts and I was scared and was not sure what I was going to do or say. They all finally realized that it was just not going to happen. But, I decided to do what I can, and put myself out there for her and hopefully God would direct me in some way!
So a ward missionary & I went to go see Cheryl and Josh, while my companion went with another ward member to work with another couple.
I was there and decided that I would do everything I could to get her to stop smoking right then and there (or to strive to...because they had decided to try and quit the next month.) It was very frustrating because we all wanted her to “start” quitting ASAP! Once I realized we weren’t getting very far in the conversation, I just sat quietly while Josh, Cheryl, and the member rambled on talking about whatever for about 10-15 minutes. I decided to step in and quiet them down so that I could say something I felt inspired to say. I asked Cheryl if she had prayed about stopping smoking that particular day, and see if God wants her to stop right now or not! She was very still, and then said, "No". I then asked her (very reverently) to pray tonight with her husband and ask God if He wanted them to quit next month or Right Now! They both agreed and we left.
The next day was General Conference! I told Cheryl that I was going to personally call her after Conference was over to see if she had found her answer. I called, she said that she had, she wanted to quit smoking immediately and be baptized April 18th. Which just so happened to be the same day that other couple which my companion had gone to go see the night we had split-ups with the ward members were getting baptized? I was very happy, and yet very, very unsure if it really was a miracle...
One week later we went to see her, for the first time her house didn’t smell like smoke! And, she was literally glowing! The spirit was strong in their home.
Her husband Josh did not feel the same as Cheryl did, but we have faith that in due time he will. Cheryl got baptized the following week and asked me to baptize her. I told her that Bro. Lewis our ward mission leader deserved to do it more than me! He had faithfully been there for her for 16+ years. In the end it was ok because the other couple who also got baptized asked me and my companion to baptize them! So we had 3 baptisms, including a family. It was a great Saturday!
They are still strong. We still pay them a visit now and again.
I love whoever is reading this!! God is truly guiding this work. I am so blessed to be his humble servant.
I love you ALL!
Elder Folsom
Every now and then we get some photo's from Elder Folsom and we wanted to share them with the Friends and Family that visit our blog.
He's doing great! and misses everyone, but his work is paying off. He has had 5 Baptisms and many more prospects. So please continue to have him and the other Elders, in your thoughts and prayers.
My dear friend along with her kids and I, went to the Kids Cottage and stocked up on these Wonderful Puzzle Boxes. They had so many different designs to choose from. I grabbed these for now!
I'm going to give one to my Wonderful Grandson Jaden, and also send one to our son Dane. I just need to know which one they would chose. The sword is for Jaden (Sorry Jared.)
The inside is this nice red felt, a perfect place to hid some goods! I don't want to mention the cost, because they are a complete STEAL!!
A look at the inside.
Molli is babysitting two dogs while their owners are in Thailand or Hong Kong, I don't remember where.
Anyways, I caught Molli barking at the dogs and getting them worked up. You can also hear Dale helping out a little, Too funny. You'll notice towards the end, she knows that I'm taping it! Little does she know....I'm posting it. Parents have rights also!
I saw this Poem and it seemed to trigger something in me. I'm missing my Family, Kids and Jaden. I hope this can stir something in others as it has me.
Each family has moments,
Moments of happiness and emotion.
Moments that show love and kindness.
To each member of the family.
Some family moments are sad,
Some show hate that never lasts.
Then the truth shines and shows,
Each family moment is special after all.
Family moments may show happiness,
Happiness that lights up the earth.
Family Moments are amazing,
So don't forget your...
Family Moments.
Elder Folsom, one of his seven Baptisms!!
He is going to remain in Concord for another 6 weeks. (More picture's soon.)
Wow, have you ever tired Amish Friendship Bread? It is so goooood, and the best part is...you can change the flavor of it.
I had a dear friend bring me a starter about 3 months ago, and have since made 2 loaves every 10 days, and some of the days I cheated and just took a starter from my freezer and made 2 loaves. So in other words...I was able to forgo the fermenting process.
This is what your bag will look like on day 1.
After you add the ingredient's on day 6, the bag will start to bubble and gas will make the bag bloat. (Which is a good thing.)
And finally on day 10, you make the bread.......
(This loaf is Chocolate w/chocolate chips & pecans.)
The white stuff on the sides, is sugar. After looking at this photo I'm thinking brown sugar would have "looked" better. But after all, we are after taste right?
When you are giving this awesome starter, here are the steps you would follow.
Do NOT use a metal spoon or bowl
Do NOT refrigerate
Do NOT let any air out of the bag
It is normal for batter to thicken, bubble and ferment
Day 1 This is the day you receive the batter, do nothing
Day 2 Squeeze the bag
Day 3 Squeeze the bag
Day 4 Squeeze the bag
Day 5 Squeeze the bag
Day 6 Add 1 cup of flour,1 cup sugar and 1 cup milk to the bag and squeeze
Day 7 Squeeze the bag
Day 8 Squeeze the bag
Day 9 Squeeze the bag
Day 10 Combine the batter, I cup of flour, 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of milk in a large bowl using a wooden spoon. Scoop one cup of batter into four one gallon Ziploc bags (one cup each). Keep one starter for yourself and give the rest to friends with the recipe. To the rest of the batter in the bowl, add:
1 cup oil
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
3 eggs
2 tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp salt
½ tsp baking soda
1 ½ tsp baking powder
2 cups flour
½ cup milk
2 small boxes Instant Vanilla pudding (or any flavor you want.)
Pour into 2 large, well greased and sugar coated loaf pans. Sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on top. Bake 55-60 minutes at 325.
If you do not give away all your starters you may freeze them to use at another time.
I have tried Chocolate Pudding w/chocolate chips or butterscotch chips. Pistachio Pudding w/pecans. The flavors are endless...Just have fun!
You can order the starter HERE. Or try to make your own HERE. I have NOT tired either of these sites. My starter was given to me and is a true Amish Friendship Bread starter.
GOOD LUCK and let me know!!
OK, Now that I have your attention..
This is a Apple flavored fruit drink, I tried to capture the consistency of it. But the only way to describe it and to do it justice is...Snot! The flavor is actually really good.
Leave it to the Japanese to come up with a drink that others truly desire to at least try.
They come in Apple and Grapefruit flavors.
Thank you Molli, for putting up with Mom doing this to you.
