Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Our Korea Trip in 5 Minutes!

Nathan...

... Goes to the audiologist tomorrow. Hopefully this visit will be productive. Supposedly she should be able to test his hearing with his aids and let us have a better idea of what he does and does not hear.

His friend, the Occupational Therapist, came today and said he is showing signs of improved strength....of course, that is what happens when you get older. I am not sure why she thinks he should be running a marathon right now, but.... Nothing is really the matter, she just thinks he should be sitting up by himself and he can't without support.

His genetic test came back negative, which means he does not have the common gene that causes hearing loss. Doctors don't like when there is not a reason for something, so they want us to persue further testing to find a reason for his hearing. We will talk to his pediatrician on Friday about that.

I am teaching myself sign language and sign to Nathan everyday. I know about 8 sentences and close to 200 words. It is pretty fun even if he ends up not needing it. Mialee is picking it up also. Her favorite word to sign is frog.

Update on James

James is off his crutches and only using a brace now. He is so much happier. He and his companion will be signing for the entire MTC at the next devotional. They had to try out and the MTC presidents wife chooses who will perform and who won't and she liked them alot and they were chosen. Cool huh?! Also, they have changed his departure date. He will not be leaving for Taiwan on 6/26/06. So when you write to him, instead of the 07/04, use 06/26. That way there won't be any problems with him receiving mail. The good news is that we get to speak to him a whole week earlier now. Woo hoooooooo. Can you tell I missed the mothers day call? I hope he has a longggggggggggg layover. We will let you know what time he is going to call on the 26th just in case any of you want to be there to talk to him. Its a Monday so not sure anyone will be able to make it, but I don't want to assume. We will keep you posted.

Update me....

Are the Cornwall's home safely? Is Layne in Palmdale? How long is he staying? Is Martissa still going to Palmdale in June?

Tuesday, May 30, 2006

Jee Wilakers

Where are the Spencer's and Lambert's, and what are they up to?

I need prayers too

I passed the 4 tests as part of the application process for ConocoPhillips and I have an interview this friday.

Its hopeless, I think

Stefanie,

things all about dried up on here while you were away. Its sad. I am sure that people are checking the blog, why they don't post or post pictures is anyone's guess. I know I just heard from Shelley and she has forgotten how to get in again. LOL. Do you ppl use cookies and password reminders? Or heck, just write it on a piece of paper and tape it on your computer monitor. There isn't anything here your kids can't read. Heck Leslee's kids post more than she does. Keep it up Taryn and Brad. We love jokes and love to hear from you. Mine read the blog but don't post either. What is with that? I need to call them personally to repentance.

Lewis had a discussion with his head hunter this morning, prepping him for what we think will be his last interview tomorrow. I had received some revelation for him and his job and after the prep talk this morning we were able to write out some concrete things that he can do for his interview tomorrow. We are trusting in the Lord that what ever happens will be the "right" thing. For those of you who have asked, this is a manufacturing company located in San Bernardino. Lewis's commute will be cut by more than half. The money is abit more but our lives would be dramatically changed for the positive in that he wouldn't have to work every Saturday anymore, he wouldn't be gone 10-11 hours everyday and exhausted when he returns and he will be doing more exciting and somewhat different things at the new job. Its perfect for him especially since he got his MBA and would be a wonderful opportunity. If you pray for him, we ask that you pray that Heavenly Father's will be done and that Lewis have peace with what ever the outcome.

James is doing well. I am looking forward to getting his letter today as this one should include the news that he now knows he doesn't need surgery too. Its been a great faith building experience for our family and our ward. I hope its been the same for James. We are all busy getting ready for this weekend. Its the annual Fontana days Half marathon and 5k. Everyone but Lewis is participating this year with Jon and Caitlin running the 5k and the rest of us doing the half. My friend Patrice is coming down from St George to run it again with us as well as a friend from Arizona and my boss from Halsey. We are all very excited. Patrice is also bringing us a "puppy". He was rescued from a fire by her firefighter daughter and we are going to "test" drive it with Roxy. We have a back up family in our ward in case it doesn't work out. His name is Samson.

Ok, Caitlin wants a turn on the computer. Gotta go.

Sunday, May 28, 2006

Saturday, May 27, 2006

Happy Weekend to all

Dear Family,

Dad and I are spending the weekend here at the mission for the first time. We did our laundry in the apartment building laundromat this morning, and we will soon go do our grocery shopping. This is a great adventure for us.

Layne is arriving this afternoon to visit us for a week, it will be fun to see him again, and tomorrow morning we will pick up Jason, Stefanie and Paisley. We sure have missed them and will be glad to have them back. We are counting on Stefanie and Leslee to play with Layne because we have a busier than usual week here at the mission and will have to keep on top of things.

We are feeling a little sad because the other office couple, the Crook's, are leaving on Friday. We will miss them a lot! We have met the new couple coming to take their slots and they are very nice. They will spend next week being trained by the Crook's. Part of the sadness we feel, I think, is that this means we are next to leave. It is hard to imagine not being here, but I'm sure there is "life after a mission" for seniors just as there is for the young missionaries.

We hope you all have a pleasant and safe holiday weekend. Lewis, our prayers are with you as you prepare for your interview. Please give our love to all of our grandchildren and let them know that we think of them and pray for them often.

We love you!! Dad and Mom

Tuesday, May 23, 2006

The work is done it's time to PLAY!

Jason finished up his work at the naval base in ChinHae today and so now for the rest of the time we are here we get to be tourists. Last night we found a "department store" which is kind of like a mall and bought a few souvenirs (sp?) Things aren't cheap here like we thought they would be so we haven't gone shopping crazy. Anyway, just thought we should update on our progress. We miss you guys and can't wait to show you pictures.

Happy Birthday Mialee

An incredible letter from James

Dear Mom and Dad,
So you already know I twisted my knee. It was during soccer yesterday. Some Elders thought I slipped on the ball, others don't know, and I thought I did it in mid-air. All I remember is a loud crack, sharp, sharp pain and me yelling and holding back curses. It hurt alot, I literally was clawing at the ground trying to get away from the pain. Elder Cook from Disctrict C, an Elder I am friends with came over, my eyes were closed, and told me to hold his hand. I grabbed his ankle and his arm and did NOT let go. The two trainers came over and I was helped to the training room. They checked me over and iced it for 20 minutes, then an hour later checked it again and asked to provide information (insurance, which I no longer have) then sent to the health center. I read on the paper she thought that I had torn my meniscus. They sent a van for me to go to the Byu Student Hospital. The doctor thought the same thing, gave me a knee sleeve for support and a prescription for Naproxen. (Being there felt wierd, world music, world women, I felt disgusting and cold). BAck to the health center set up an appointment for today. Today the doctor said I took my mission into my hands. They usually send 1-2 missionaries home because of things like this. He says NO SPORTS ever, don't know about running. He said I will only do bike to build up strength for Taiwan, (I did NOT mean to twist my knee, it was never my intention). He checked me out said I would go to get checked again and you know the rest. Being on crutches is hard. I am exhausted in 2 trips, not to mention my body aches. I feel like Job, lots of stuff the past two weeks. Though I have complained a little bit, my spirits are high. Romans 5:3-5 is once again an aid for me. If I have to have surgery (moms note here...he does have to have surgery) I have accepted Taiwan may not be or wil be pushed back. I told Heavenly Father I am in His hands. I love you alot. Sorry for causing grief. My voice is still not normal. Oh well. Elder Sobotka leaves soon. He laughed and could not believe I did it again (my knee). He was help, lots of help. It was good seeing him. A sister companionship that my companion and I befriended left for San Jose, CA this past Monday. We would teach each other and we helped them out a bit, since we had a week on them. Another elder, Elder Tam left for Hong Kong, Cantonese. I miss his friendship. A sister from england who is going to Elder Sobotka's mission and I are good friends. Don't worry, I am not losing focus. She finds it extraordinary and "exciting" as she puts it that I was born in the "OC". The "OC" is big in England so she asked if I could write a letter to her home saying I am from the "OC". She is 23, has a degree in law and has a powerful mind and testimony. Dad you would love to ask about Jane Austen. I become the top dog in less than two weeks. Crazy to think I am almost half way done with the MTC. Well, ttyl. Tell everyone to write me, could I get a picture of the family? Can I get a picture from the Big Bear trip? Also, can you send one of Dad's inhalers, occasionally I get tight in the air up here and it would help. Hope to hear from you....

Always, your gimpy (Elder Teare calls me that)

Wei Zhang Lao

ps. Give Nana and PopPop and Grandma and Grandpa my love.

Sunday, May 21, 2006

Greetings from Hotel International in Changwon South Korea

Well there is free internet in the lobby so Paisley and I will have to spend our days down here while Jason is at the navy base. I'm sorry if there are a lot of typos but this keyboard is really small and there are korean letters on it. Paisley is handling the time difference pretty well and all the attention. Everyone loves Paisley and they always point and stare and try to get her attention. Today we were out exploring and one man came up to her and pushed her forhead back with his finger so he could see her face. Then he put 1000 won under her bib and said a lot of stuff we didn't understand so we just smiled and nodded. I'm not sure what the fascination with Paisley is (we know she is very cute, but seriously it is out of control, the front desk people in the hotel have taken pictures of her) Anyway we will post again later. Unfortunately we can't put our pictures on because we didn't bring the cables so there will be a picture post later. Bye for now! ㅠㅛㄷ, ㅗㅁㅍㄷ ㅁ 해ㅐㅇ ㅇ묘!

Friday, May 19, 2006

They're on their way!

Stefanie called me a few minutes ago from inside the airplane and they were all seated and ready to go. As I type this they should be in the air. Jason is considered certifiable as he gave up his business class seat to sit, squashed, in coach class with Stefanie and Paisley. He is a wonderful husband and father!!

Thursday, May 18, 2006

Mother's Day

there are Mother's Day fotos of Smith Family on Smith Blog.

Bon Voyage Family

The Cornwall Family is off to Korea! Jason is going on a business trip and if everything at the airport is ok as far as tickets are concerned Paisley and I will be tagging along! We have been frantically working on our passports for the past week and we recieved them all (the post office ladies said it would be impossible). We leave tomorrow afternoon and arrive in Pusan, South Korea on Saturday night. We will take lots of pictures so you all can anxiously await that exciting post!

James has been injured!

Dear Family,

I received a phone call awhile ago saying that James has been injured while playing soccer during p.e. They said that its his knee and that they think its serious enough to want to send him to an orthopedist. They wanted to let us know what was happening. They explained that if its bad enough to warrant surgery or such, we would hear directly from the orthopedist. If its determined to be anything minor (i.e requiring icing and ibuprofen and perhaps wrapped etc) that we would just hear about it in a letter from James. So, no news is good news. Please keep him in your prayers. I would hate to think that he might be returned home to us due to a phys ed mishap.

I have called Maria (at the mtc) back to find out when James will be seen by the orthopedist and she said not until tomorrow at the soonest but probably next week. Faith.....and patience. Faith I have...patience is NOT one my virtues. Sigh.

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

James most recent letter

I was going to post them all that I have missed posting, but its too much and I am too busy at the present. Forgive me and enjoy the one we received yesterday, please.

Dear Mom and Dad,

I am glad that Dad's interview went well. It has been in my prayers. I can't believe that a month is almost gone. The day's go by fast here. LOL. I go to the Temple every Thursday which is my p-day. I am glad that Daniel has had a change of heart. I am grateful and blessed that those prayers are being answered. The food here is alright. Some stuff is good, most is bad. The food gives you bad gas and what not. LOL. I have sung in the MTC choir every time they meet since I got here. I have saved every piece of music as well. Wo de tong ban and I are working hard on "Face to Face" where we hope we can sing it at the Sunday Fireside.

About James (Sobotka, his friend from our ward going to Berlin) helping me, I wrote the Sobotka's and said that whenever I see him, I feel an empty glass that is now overflowing. Both of us talked about seeing each other alot, but we have not even hit 10 times. I know I am blessed when I see him since it is usually when I am at a low point. Yesterday I was really frustrated but I talked to Ding Lao Shi in the TEC and he said when he gets frustrated, that is when he has to double his efforts at putting out and working. Satan can rarely get to a missionary when he is working. Only through outside distractions and frustration does he halt progression of the Lord's work. In me it is usually short. Wo de tong ban has been a big strength as well as my teachers and Bro Robbins (1st counselor in our branch presidency). He has been a big strength and I know him and I will not lose touch with him.

But when I saw Elder Sobotka and talked with him he said barely two days ago he felt comfortable to talk all the way in German. His friend was worse off and says it will come. Not to mention they have been here 8 weeks and me only 3. My teachers, Elder Sobotka, and my branch president say they see remarkable desire in me. They say that will pull me through and it has. With the Lord aiding me I rarely stay in a slump for more than an hour. True two major blessings have come while I am on my mission (Dad's new job prospect and Daniels' mission) but I am awed at the little ones that hit me every day. I can not even begin to imagine long term ones. I am grateful to be here. I love the MTC. I will teach someone in Taiwan and touch their heart as long as I stay worthy and work hard. I will return with Honor. I love you all. Sunday you get individual letters if you want one.

Love always,

Wei zhang Lao

Ps. enjoy the pics, send hot cheetos please? Send Roxy....LOL.

Monday, May 15, 2006

Messy Mialee




YUM! That looks so good!

How Tender



My little sleepy boys...

Sunday, May 14, 2006

Saturday, May 13, 2006

Howdy...

I loved the video. I look at the Cornwall blog often and get laughs from theirs. I think Rob's bday one to Jason's sister is the best so far!

Nathan had his 6 month check up yesterday. He happily weighs in at 16 lbs
1 ounce and is proud to be 25 inches long. He maintains his standing in the 50% in every aspect of his person. He is doing very well with his rolling over; no longer does he pin his arms under him when rolling from his back to his stomach. That has decreased much of the screaming at our house. Afterall, who wants to have their arms stuck underneath them? He has a mild form of Exzema, so lucky dog, he gets the good soap and lotion (doctor's orders) that I am too cheap to buy for myself. Now he smells so good and is soooo soft.

Mialee is potty trained at night now....YAHOO!!!! I still take her potty when I feed Nathan at 4:30am just to safe guard. Let's see..... her cute sentences this week are: Daddy is King, Mama is Queen, Nathan is a prince, and Minee is a princess. I'm a child of God, Nafen's a child of God, Mama is a child of God, Daddy is a child of God and we are all a family. She frequently is heard singing I am a Child of God and Pop Corn Popping, so I know my Nursery leader is doing her job :):) She cannot pronounce the "L" sound, so she is quite funny when she wants you to uck(look) at something or when she tells you she is eating a row(roll).

Derrick is in finals week and doing well. He is singing with my Primary in sacrament meeting tomorrow because we lack boys and are singing a boy/girl song. Hey, good job Derrick, way to help out!

Our letter from James was very nice and thoughtful. His P.S. was a thank you to Mialee for the painting she sent him. His spirits seem to be up.

That's all.... the kids are in bed, the hubby is at work, the house is clean, I am not in charge of sharing time tomorrow so I think I will go rewax (relax) as Mialee calls it!
Ok how did you do that? give me instructions plz, thanks. How everybody doin? we got a letter from james today. Mailee drew him a picture so he responded. very nice. Sounds like he's doin fine.

Saturday Afternoon

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

Tracy...

Is there any word from James this week? Did you and Lauren run a marathon or am I making things up? :)

Monday, May 08, 2006

Our fun day...




Today we went to a little zoo close by. We saw kangaroos and flamingos and a huge tortus. Then we played at the playground and ate candy from the 25 cent machine. Wahoo!!!

Sunday, May 07, 2006

Pictures from the MTC





I thought you might enjoy seeing some pictures that James shared with us. The first is of his companion Elder Teare.

The second one is James in front of the infamous "map" wall. The third is some of his district and some others from their branch in front of the map wall. The fourth is a picture of his "magic" book. Its a book that he purchased and the missionaries find helpful in learning mandarin. Sorry for the sideways pics. I rotated them but can't find the ones that I rotated and so took these off his cd that he sent and of course they weren't oriented correctly.

Saturday, May 06, 2006

Nathan would

like to announce the arrival of his second tooth; a neighbor to the first. Oh he looks so cute!

Thursday, May 04, 2006

Nathan...

got his first tooth today. his lower left central incisor. how cute of him. he had a fever and a runny nose last week and i was feeling so sad he was sick. but, alas, he was not sick, he was teething.

Girly Girl



This was Paisley's first time wearing a skirt! She looks so cute in it. And what a big girl to stand up like that by herself!

Wednesday, May 03, 2006

Time flies when you are on the waiting side of things

I cannot believe that James has been on his mission for two weeks. Has it gone fast for anyone else other than me? He will be back before we know it if times keeps flying like it has. Wow! We just received a wonderful letter from another parent who just returned from Taiwan and picking up their missionary who has completed his mission. They highly recommend it and say its worth any sacrifice to make the trip. We are going! Jan, you and Carleton are still planning on coming with us yes?

I have just been feeling very blessed. I have incredible children, faithly, loving husband. I married into a wonderful family who has embraced me with all my faults and worldy ways. I love you all so much and thank you for loving me.

I hope you all have a great day! Its Wednesday.....hump day of the week, its downhill to the weekend. Actually my weekend starts tomorrow. Caitlin and I are headed to Ogden for a half marathon. Ta-ta.

Monday, May 01, 2006

Letter from James

April 27th


Dear Mom,

I sent a letter Monday morning! You should have gotten it by now. The MTC is still putting me in awe. We went to the Temple and it was wonderful. So my P-days are on Thursdays. Just so you know. I won't answer the other questions since I answered them already. You will be happy to know I have been faithful in writing in my journal and brushing my teeth at least twice a day! My money situation, I have $31 dollars. I have not been blowing it on junk. There is this Mandarin/English dictionary which is called the "Magic Book". Well worth the $20 it costs. I have also bought study and work supplies too. We were given tips and they have helped. Also got some pictures done and had to buy 2 cent stamps. My shot will be below $70 so the money in my account should be good. But later on by the 4th of July, I will need more money put in for the bike. Any word on my CTR ring or scriptures? If possible, all four scriptures together, a quad would be better. Could I get Emilys address? I have not written to her or received one so do not worry, but I need it.

Dad,
Keep me up on the sports if you want. Some of the guys are having a hard time adjusting from the world to the MTC. Hopefully, they will. My companion and I are getting along great. I love Bro. Robbins! He is the second counselor in branch presidency. I love hearing him speak and talking to him.

Sorry this is so short, but we are getting music to audition to sing! Love you both lots!

Love always,

Wei Zhang Lao

ps, Write as much as you want, the letters help. Give my love to all.

More Graduation

On Satuday just before we took off to come home we had lunch with Jay and Sandy and Courtney and Chad. Notice that Courtney is very pregnant. She is due May 7th so we are anxiously awaiting a call from them!
Paisley's first party! Her friend Hannah turned 1!
This is my friend Rebecca and Paisley's friend Hannah. This was at hannah's first birthday party!
As has become tradition we went to Los Hermanos for dinner on Thursday night with everyone.
Jason's convocation was in the Smith Field house. The main speaker was the CEO of Dell. That was pretty cool.

Stef...

Tell us about graduation!

Our Trip to Graduation

We left last Wednesday to go to Provo Utah for Jason's Graduation ceremony. He graduated in December but they don't have a ceremony then so we took a couple days off work and went. It was very fun. This picture is of Jason and his friend Seth who helped him greatly to get through some of his classes.
What a cute family. Paisley is so proud of her daddy. This is our cute BYU family. Two BYU grads and a future BYU student! YAY!
Our computer is running slowly today so there are more graduation trip pictures to come!