We are down to 8 more months...

Elder Grace, R.J., Gracie, and Elder Pe'a

The kids in the picture above are part of a family the missionaries visit. The family are not members nor investigators but they enjoy the company of the missionaries.

The Elders walked down this street this week.

I'm not sure what this is a picture of? I'm guessing a service project?!

Elder Grace on a swing

Such the show Daredevil Cole!

Elder Grace is doing so well. He sent home a nice package to our family which included Bookah ball key chains for us all. He also included a letter which he typed on a typewriter. 

"...I love my mission it's the best thing I could have done, and is the best thing anyone can ever do. I expect all of you to go on missions (even you Mom and Dad)."

"Asa keep going on dates with the "ugly" girls lol. I know you only date the "hot" girls, keep it up."

"Peyton I don't know what you are up to but have fun and don't be a brat."

"Dad get good grades in school and don't forget to do your homework."

"Mom I love you very much! I will be home very soon."

My heart just melts knowing how awesome Cole is. I am so blessed to be his Mom!

Elder Grace's most recent journal

One of Cole's most favorite uncles ever passed away the end of January. And this is a couple of pictures of his Uncle Kenny. Cole's uncle was so proud of him for choosing to serve a mission and faithfully followed this blog and Cole's progress.

Elder Grace with Sister Borden and her Son.

Elder Grace baptized Sister Borden Last year. And Elder Borden was Cole's ward mission leader earlier on in Cole's mission.

I am so surprised at how fast Cole's mission is going by. So much has happened in the short  time Elder Grace has been away... New babies, weddings, Good family friends with health struggles, and death. Elder Grace has prayed for everyone both with good news and not so good news. I am so proud of Cole and his strength to endure with his mission.

Selfie over load

Elder Grace and Elder Pe'a currently have 5 investigators and are very busy with lessons. I'm glad the work has picked up for them.

Selfie #1

Selfie #2

Selfie #3

And now we have an ussie

All is well with the Elders. The weather has been really cold with temps in the single digits. I hope they get some warmer temps soon.

February 19, 2014 Only 9 more months

Elder Grace is doing really well. He and Elder Pe'a currently have 2 investigators.

Blink ball key chain

A girl in Cole's new ward makes these key chains. She can make anything you request I think they're so cool. Of course Cole chose some Blink 182 designs.

The lonely astronaut

A local legend in the Alton area.

It's findings go back to 1673

Father Jacques Marquette described it as a birdlike monster painted high on the bluffs of the Mississippi river

According to the diary, the Piasa was as large as a calf with horns like a deer

red eyes, a beard like a tiger's, a face like a man,

the body covered with green, red and black scales and a tail so long it passed around the body, over the head and between the legs.

The creature was given it's name by the Illini Indians, meaning a bird that devours men.

Ice storm

I hope this is the last ice storm Cole will experience.

Looks too cold

Oh my

I'm not really a fan of Guinea Pigs

Lynn and Elder Grace

I wish I knew more about this photo but I don't... Lol

Meet Elder Pe'a

Elder Grace is now in Godfrey. He has a new companion Elder Pe'a.

Elder Pe'a and Elder Grace

Cole just got done serving in the St. Peters area. He was there for 6 months so this transfer has been a little rough on him. He will miss a lot of the members and people that he has met in St. Peters.

Elder Grace will sure miss Elder Payne as well

Elder Grace does not have a bellybutton. I really have no idea what is on this disc.

Quite the collection of ties!

Game of Nerf gun war

Elder Grace will be getting a transfer call this Saturday and we will know next Monday where he will be headed.

Cole and Elder Griffith currently have one investigator and the lessons are going well.

gearing up for some Nerf war

getting prepped for a serious game

Watch out Elder Aiello

Elder Grace, Elder Payne, and Elder Aiello

What a handsome looking crew

Lets get this game started

Its game time

Yay Elder Grace has no training wheels!

No more games time to do some sweeping

Good job Elders!

I do not know if Elder Grace and his squad won the Nerf war game but I hope the Blink182 T-shirt was good luck! Til next time.... Have a good week!

Happy New Year 2014

So Elder Grace was able to celebrate the new year. He said it was really boring but it looks like he had fun to me.

Elder Derek Payne and Elder Grace

I love the party lights around the pole

New Year jam session Elder style

Elder Payne has got the duck face down

More jamming. Cole did not say who this other Elder is?!

Must be getting a lil sleepy

Rebooting with some water

Elder Aiello and Elder Grace play pool

New Year Pool Playn'

1st Selfie of the New Year!

New Years shenanigans

Happy New Year now get to bed

Elder Grace is doing really well. He and Elder Griffith currently have 2 investigators and are in the process of gaining 2 more. Now that the holidays are over the missionary work should pick back up. Good luck to Elder Grace and all the missionaries in this new year! Hope you all had a nice New Year celebration!

PS. once the holidays are over and you still have your lights up they are now "party" lights! Happy New year y'all!