I know I have some explaining to do for such a late post. My apologies! First off, it was finals week - need I say more? Secondly, we had no email from Dallin on Monday. Carter did hear from him so we knew he was still alive, but there was no email for us and no explanation as to why we didn't have one. I was sad and a little upset. I thought Aldste Milne had grown tired of his parents and opted not to communicate this week. I double checked my "sent" box after Carter said that Dallin had mentioned that he hadn't heard from me or dad. It was then that I realized that I had sent Dallin's Sunday night email to my address instead of his. His always pops up just below mine so I must have inadvertently sent it to mine, so I quickly resent it to his email address in hopes of possibly hearing from him on Wednesday when they go to the church to work on doing missionary online. Sure enough we had a letter from Dallin on Wednesday. Hilariously he had done the very same thing that I had. He had written an email to us, but he had clicked on an old letter of mine and hit reply which meant it was sent to him instead of us. I chuckled.... Yes, it runs in the family.
Anyhow, Dallin sounds great. I'm glad that we don't have to cut-off foreign aid to Sweden. Finals week is over and I feel like a new women. I finally have my Christmas tree up and decorated, I just need to add a few more things around the house and we will be in business for the Christmas season. Thank you everyone for your patience on this post. I promise that I will double check and make sure that this week's email is sent to Dallin and not me!
My Email this Week:
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this is a video I made out of others. just watch it, this story is so unbelievable amazing!
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Added on 3/22/08
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Isaiah 40:29-31
Dear Dallin,
How is my precious, oldest son? I pray this email finds you happy and well, and that you have had a wonderful and prosperous week. We pray for you multiple times and day and trust that the Lord is keeping you safe, warm, and fed. I also pray that He is opening doors and hearts to receive the glorious message that you bare. I know the Lord has blessed you abundantly there in Sweden Dallin, and I also know He will continue to bless you. Work hard, be obedient, and pray to have His Spirit to be with you always. He has blessed you with some wonderful gifts to aid you in your service. Seek to recognize these gifts and ask the Lord to show you how to best use them to build up His Kingdom there in Sweden. By now you can probably tell that I taught a lesson today to all the young women on spiritual gifts; what they are; Why they are given, and how the Lord wants us to use them. I read an amazing talk by President Eyring called "Help Them Aim High" in which he tells how he sought revelation from the Lord to discover the spiritual gifts He had given his own children. Once that revelation was received for each child he made a wood carving representing that gift and presented it to them to serve as a reminder of the special gifts they had been given, but to also encourage them to develop this gift. To his oldest son he carved an eagle which included the inscription "On Eagles Wings" (hence the scripture I shared at the beginning). This set my mind to thinking about my own sons and what spiritual gifts the Lord had given them, and then wouldn't you know it, it reminded me of one of our favorite Disney movies "Brother Bear". If you remember in that movie there are three brothers and they each receive a wood totem necklace to remind them of their special gift. The oldest brother Sitka's totem was the eagle of guidance. The middle brother Denahi's totem was the wolf of wisdom. And the youngest brother Kenai's totem was the bear of love. Interestingly enough I would present those very same totems to my three sons. You the eagle of guidance because you are such a wonderful leader and you have always been such a powerful example to your younger brothers. I would give Carter the wolf of wisdom. He really is insightful, especially when it comes to the gospel. He has a gift for seeing things clearly and has always been very responsible. And undoubtedly, Ty is the bear of love. I know very few people who have a heart as big as Ty's - not to mention the giant crocodile tears that accompany that big heart. This all brought a smile to my face and a warmth to my heart. So many memories from your precious childhood came flooding back. Thanks for letting a proud mother ramble about how much she loves her boys and is so proud of each one of them.
I also want you to watch this video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64A_AJjj8M4 It is so inspiring and will make you cry. I also used it in my lesson on spiritual gifts after talking about the parable of the talents and how this family and father could have institutionalized (or buried) this precious gift that their Heavenly Father had given them in this son with cerebral palsy, but instead they accepted this precious gift and enlarged it, which not only blessed the son and the family, but has truly inspired millions of people throughout the world. Here is a follow up to that video as well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBXy1EH4nYc
Anyhow, this week has been even more busy than last week, but miraculously the Lord has pulled me through once again. I am so grateful for the tender mercies that the Lord bestows upon me each day. I only have a few more days left and this semester is over. I can't wait. Then I can sit back and enjoy the holidays. We had a fun week with Carter's basketball team. They are off to an awesome start 3-0. Carter is not starting even though I think he deserves to, however, he is getting a lot of playing time and looks great. I'm certain he will tell you all about it. They played Enterprise on Wednesday and beat them by 20 points, they played Emery on Friday and beat them by 30, and they played Payson, who is tough, but beat them by seven points I think. Carter isn't scoring as much as he or dad would like him to, but he plays great defense and moves really well without the ball. It should be a real fun season. It was really neat today though because he bore his testimony on the blessing of fasting, prayer, and priesthood blessings. I recounted the story of his leg and how things didn't look too promising and instead of getting better it was actually getting worse after receiving medical care. He became quite emotional during his testimony as he expressed his gratitude for his Heavenly Father healing his leg and inspire his dad to change doctors and the care approach. When he sat down he turned to me and told me that he realized while playing in the game on Saturday what a miracle it was that he was even out there and that it didn't really matter how many points he scored each game, but what really does matter is that he is able to play. Now don't get me wrong, he still wants to score, but I think it will take some pressure off him and he will be able to settle in a little better on focus on being grateful.
Saturday the Lewis' spent the day with us and got up this morning, went to sacrament meeting and then headed to California for a week to visit Disneyland, the beach, and other places. They will stay with us again next Saturday night on their way back through. They have the cutest kids and they are all so sweet. We are going to spend some time with them after Christmas at their home in Monticello and do some snow mobiling. I am really looking forward to that, but Julie is so pregnant. I hope she doesn't deliver the baby in California. She isn't due until the middle of January, but she really looks like she could deliver any day. What a trooper!
Ty's basketball games are on hold. The league has had some legal issues and facility issues they are trying to resolve so he probably won't be playing until January, but then they promised them they would play five full months of basketball. So that is why I haven't shared anything about him. He is growing though. He is about as tall as I am. It is so hard knowing that someday all my boys will be raised and gone. That makes me sad. I guess that is why I am hoping to get into a graduate program. What on earth will I do with all my time?
I can't think of much else to tell you. I will be putting a package in the mail this week for you so hopefully you will get it in time for Christmas. When is your Christmas Zone conference? Would it be better to mail the package directly to you? If so, what is your address there?
Take care of yourself and have a fantastic week. Ty just walked in and said to tell you that he loves and misses you and that he can't wait until Christmas. Talking with you will be the best gift of all for all of us. I'm counting the days. Let me know if there is anything else you need or want. I will also put more money in your account. Let us know how things are going there in Vasteras. Stay warm!
All My Love,
Mom
My apology email:
I am so sorry, as you can see Dallin, this letter was written Sunday night, but for some stupid reason I inadvertantly sent it to my email instead of yours. Your address is right below mine so I must have accidentally clicked on mine. I was wondering why we didn't hear from you. Completely my fault. Please forgive me.
Blaine's Reprimand Email:
He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Dear Dallin,
How is my precious, oldest son? I pray this email finds you happy and well, and that you have had a wonderful and prosperous week. We pray for you multiple times and day and trust that the Lord is keeping you safe, warm, and fed. I also pray that He is opening doors and hearts to receive the glorious message that you bare. I know the Lord has blessed you abundantly there in Sweden Dallin, and I also know He will continue to bless you. Work hard, be obedient, and pray to have His Spirit to be with you always. He has blessed you with some wonderful gifts to aid you in your service. Seek to recognize these gifts and ask the Lord to show you how to best use them to build up His Kingdom there in Sweden. By now you can probably tell that I taught a lesson today to all the young women on spiritual gifts; what they are; Why they are given, and how the Lord wants us to use them. I read an amazing talk by President Eyring called "Help Them Aim High" in which he tells how he sought revelation from the Lord to discover the spiritual gifts He had given his own children. Once that revelation was received for each child he made a wood carving representing that gift and presented it to them to serve as a reminder of the special gifts they had been given, but to also encourage them to develop this gift. To his oldest son he carved an eagle which included the inscription "On Eagles Wings" (hence the scripture I shared at the beginning). This set my mind to thinking about my own sons and what spiritual gifts the Lord had given them, and then wouldn't you know it, it reminded me of one of our favorite Disney movies "Brother Bear". If you remember in that movie there are three brothers and they each receive a wood totem necklace to remind them of their special gift. The oldest brother Sitka's totem was the eagle of guidance. The middle brother Denahi's totem was the wolf of wisdom. And the youngest brother Kenai's totem was the bear of love. Interestingly enough I would present those very same totems to my three sons. You the eagle of guidance because you are such a wonderful leader and you have always been such a powerful example to your younger brothers. I would give Carter the wolf of wisdom. He really is insightful, especially when it comes to the gospel. He has a gift for seeing things clearly and has always been very responsible. And undoubtedly, Ty is the bear of love. I know very few people who have a heart as big as Ty's - not to mention the giant crocodile tears that accompany that big heart. This all brought a smile to my face and a warmth to my heart. So many memories from your precious childhood came flooding back. Thanks for letting a proud mother ramble about how much she loves her boys and is so proud of each one of them.
I also want you to watch this video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64A_AJjj8M4 It is so inspiring and will make you cry. I also used it in my lesson on spiritual gifts after talking about the parable of the talents and how this family and father could have institutionalized (or buried) this precious gift that their Heavenly Father had given them in this son with cerebral palsy, but instead they accepted this precious gift and enlarged it, which not only blessed the son and the family, but has truly inspired millions of people throughout the world. Here is a follow up to that video as well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBXy1EH4nYc
Anyhow, this week has been even more busy than last week, but miraculously the Lord has pulled me through once again. I am so grateful for the tender mercies that the Lord bestows upon me each day. I only have a few more days left and this semester is over. I can't wait. Then I can sit back and enjoy the holidays. We had a fun week with Carter's basketball team. They are off to an awesome start 3-0. Carter is not starting even though I think he deserves to, however, he is getting a lot of playing time and looks great. I'm certain he will tell you all about it. They played Enterprise on Wednesday and beat them by 20 points, they played Emery on Friday and beat them by 30, and they played Payson, who is tough, but beat them by seven points I think. Carter isn't scoring as much as he or dad would like him to, but he plays great defense and moves really well without the ball. It should be a real fun season. It was really neat today though because he bore his testimony on the blessing of fasting, prayer, and priesthood blessings. I recounted the story of his leg and how things didn't look too promising and instead of getting better it was actually getting worse after receiving medical care. He became quite emotional during his testimony as he expressed his gratitude for his Heavenly Father healing his leg and inspire his dad to change doctors and the care approach. When he sat down he turned to me and told me that he realized while playing in the game on Saturday what a miracle it was that he was even out there and that it didn't really matter how many points he scored each game, but what really does matter is that he is able to play. Now don't get me wrong, he still wants to score, but I think it will take some pressure off him and he will be able to settle in a little better on focus on being grateful.
Saturday the Lewis' spent the day with us and got up this morning, went to sacrament meeting and then headed to California for a week to visit Disneyland, the beach, and other places. They will stay with us again next Saturday night on their way back through. They have the cutest kids and they are all so sweet. We are going to spend some time with them after Christmas at their home in Monticello and do some snow mobiling. I am really looking forward to that, but Julie is so pregnant. I hope she doesn't deliver the baby in California. She isn't due until the middle of January, but she really looks like she could deliver any day. What a trooper!
Ty's basketball games are on hold. The league has had some legal issues and facility issues they are trying to resolve so he probably won't be playing until January, but then they promised them they would play five full months of basketball. So that is why I haven't shared anything about him. He is growing though. He is about as tall as I am. It is so hard knowing that someday all my boys will be raised and gone. That makes me sad. I guess that is why I am hoping to get into a graduate program. What on earth will I do with all my time?
I can't think of much else to tell you. I will be putting a package in the mail this week for you so hopefully you will get it in time for Christmas. When is your Christmas Zone conference? Would it be better to mail the package directly to you? If so, what is your address there?
Take care of yourself and have a fantastic week. Ty just walked in and said to tell you that he loves and misses you and that he can't wait until Christmas. Talking with you will be the best gift of all for all of us. I'm counting the days. Let me know if there is anything else you need or want. I will also put more money in your account. Let us know how things are going there in Vasteras. Stay warm!
All My Love,
Mom
My apology email:
I am so sorry, as you can see Dallin, this letter was written Sunday night, but for some stupid reason I inadvertantly sent it to my email instead of yours. Your address is right below mine so I must have accidentally clicked on mine. I was wondering why we didn't hear from you. Completely my fault. Please forgive me.
Blaine's Reprimand Email:
Hi Elder Milne,
It looks like I am going to have to cut off all foreign aid coming from Washington, Utah to Vasteras, Sweden. You missed writing your mother today and we are all upset about it. One thing you can't do is miss a P day not writing your mom.
So at this time I am suspending all aid to your address. To restart this aid you will need to write a lengthy apology letter.
I hope this letter finds you safe and sound.
Your Dad,
Blaine 'Glen' Milne
It looks like I am going to have to cut off all foreign aid coming from Washington, Utah to Vasteras, Sweden. You missed writing your mother today and we are all upset about it. One thing you can't do is miss a P day not writing your mom.
So at this time I am suspending all aid to your address. To restart this aid you will need to write a lengthy apology letter.
I hope this letter finds you safe and sound.
Your Dad,
Blaine 'Glen' Milne
Dallin's Two Cute Emails (He's Such a Good Son):
hey mom don't worry about it one bit. funny that we did the same thing. I don't have a lot of time we just stopped by real quick to see if your emails came. I wish I could watch those videos but youtube is blocked here haha. maybe they are on lds.org? I'm very happy that things are going well for you in school! That is awesome to hear about Carter and his testimony. He sure does make me proud.
That's too bad about Ty's basketball. but awesome that he is growing. sure will be weird to see that when i get home next year hahahaha.
Anyways our Christmas program is on the 18th I think. as far as the package it would probably be best to just send it to the mission office. It is very likely that I will be transferring soon so I don't know where i could be in the upcoming weeks.
You guys are the greatest! I am doing fine otherwise. It looks like it will be another mild winter. Still no snow hahaha
hey guys just got your emails. I thought I had sent mine but it looked like i did the same thing you did. Because I didn't have an email from home to respond to I responded to the last email that I sent to you guys but it just sent it to myself haha. Please don't cut off foreign aid! hahahahahah
Hey Fam,
Missed hearing from you guys today. I'm sure that something just came up. I'll try to check the inbox back later.
Anyways, I'm doing good. The weeks are flying by so fast! I cant believe it! Christmas is almost here! Where is all the time going? Dang!
Well, I've decided to copy elder sandquist's email pattern of giving a short account of what went down everyday this week. I have a pretty bad memory but the planners help out with that. I would die without it as a missionary!
I'll go ahead and start on Tuesday, because last Monday was in the last email I believe.
Tuesday: Got out in the morning and did some good contacting for a few hours. Took a load of stuff across town to the new apartment. Kind of a pain that we have to move by bus. The Tolleys (Apartment Couple) got a lot of the stuff, but we still have more! After that, we went on splits. Elder Zaugg and I were invited by our investigator Ida to come to her step class before awesome tuesday. We confidently accepted. We got prime positions, front and center. We went hard and had a blast doing it. I'm pretty sure we pumped up everyone else a bit too! By the end I thought I was going to die ha ha but we made it through. The rest of the week I was so sore!
We followed class by AWESOME TUESDAY!!! We went to David and Idas and ate dinner and played more scum. I actually won this time! David and Ida Holmdahl are my favorite people in Sweden. They have us over every tuesday night to eat dinner, play a game, and have a spiritual thought.
Wednesday: Got up early and got on a train to Karlstad for workovers. (As the new District Leader I get to go around on splits with all the elders in my district so we are starting with Karlstad). I spent a few hours with Elder Corbin, than a few with Elder Dahle. Mostly contacting and swingbys. It was fun to spend some time with Elder Corbin again. He is my good texan friend from the MTC. When we got back tot he apartment, Elder Corbin surprised us. He had Pre prepared a small "thanksgiving dinner". Just had to put it int he oven. We had Mashed Potatoes, Chicken, gravy, rolls, Honey butter, Green beans, and salad. Best missionary meal I have ever had. It was kind of a late night because we started cooking at 8 and it took a while, but it was well worth it! Super fun!
Thursday: Got up and went all together to Örebro for District meeting. it was pretty cool. Its us, Ahlstrom and Zaugg, Corbin adn Dahle, Edlers Taggart and greenie (cant rememebr his name... Demordant or something like that), and Systers Byrd and Sandelin and the Browns (senior couple). Its a pretty solid district. We also had a special guest. President and Sister Beckstrand came. That made me pretty nervous but the lesson went really well. I felt inspired to talk about the importance of testimony in the work. Sometimes its easy to just go through the motions andd give a through the motions testimony or no tesimony at all but we talked about the importance of always pushing ourselves to get out of our comfort zones so we can improve. Then to finish we all went around and bore a short testimony on a gospel principle and the spirit was so strong! President said he was very impressed with me afterwards when we had an interview. After the meeting we had chili for lunch (made by the sisters) and homemade Oreos (made by sister beckstrand).
Friday: did some boring missionary work for most of the day, a lot of contacting and swingby's but then we had a rehearsal at the church for the christmas party. They are doing some sort of little story and asked us to come be a part of it. We are still rather unclear on what it is, but we get to sing a bit. So itll be fun I think.
Saturday: Got up and headed straight to Innebandi! It was super fun! My team kinda got wrecked, but then I jumped in as goalkeeper and we started winning. i dont know if its cuz Im a good goalie or if Im bad at the other positions, but I did make a few stops again!
After Innebandi we played Basketball with our 3 converts Daniel, Hamid, and Emil and Emils friend Vincent who all showed up. it was way fun!
After Innebandi we went and hit the grind for a few hours tracting in some new areas. It went pretty well actually, got to teach a few lessons and found a new investigator. Then we went to dinner with a member named Thomas and his little family. They made us some spicy stew stuff and he surprised us each with a can of rootbeer! It was so good! Man I miss that stuff!
Sunday: Went to church like normal. Nothing too out of the ordinary. Zaugg and I taught the youth Sunday school class. It was pretty fun. the youth here are all pretty good kids! then after church, We went and visited a less active new convert who is kinda older and cant get around too easliy. Her name is Benita and she is a sweetheart. Elder Sandquist and I finished packing up the rest of our stuff and moved it over tot he new apartment. All moved in! We ended the night with Weekly planning and dinner.
Well thats about it for the week! Nothing too crazy to report! Life here is going great! I'm loving my comp and the new apartment.
Carter told me all about PVHS hoops. Sounds like a heck of a squad. I was really impressed with Carter's maturity as he talked about being happy for his teammates etc. Good that he is getting good playing time. Just got to get that jumpshot going!
Hope everything else is good otherwise. I sure do miss you guys a lot during this time of year. I had like 3 dreams this last week about being home for Christmas, it sucked waking up haha. but we'll get to see each other over the skype soon so that will be great!
I love you all!
Elder Milne
This Week's Pictures:
On the way to Karlstad
Quorum meeting on Thursday that I forgot to mention
It has been a long two years for these two...LOL!
Swedish class with Emil
Thanksgiving Part 3 with Elder Corbin in Karlstad
Wowowowowow !!!
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