....Summer Vacation

This past Summer we spent a month in Utah visiting our family.We had an AWESOME time. Being there for so long meant that I would dump my pictures onto my mother's computer. I received these pics recently and wanted to post some of our fun memories.

We spent quite a bit of time at my Dad and Mom's. Hopefully they will want us back again. We had a great time. Cousins came over for a Fathers Day Celebration and played games out back with water and sponges, always great to get one in the face. My sister Cristy came over all the time with her three little ones and my little Claire loved her two big girl cousins Alli and Morgi. They all couldn't get enough of holding baby Corbin. We enjoyed playing games with Grandma and Grandpa too!

The Ross Family Reunion was a real highlight. Brad and Corine and their ever growing family filled our days with fun and family. The first day we made these humanitarian kits. I thought this was such a extraordinary opportunity to really serve with those we love to help those in need. Service really binds people together and what better people to bond with then our family.

We were able to see Ty play football in a tournament at BYU, which my boys thought was awesome. The Hannay kids are something of a wonder to my kids. They are just in awe of their stature and abilities. Come to think of it so am I. We love hearing about them on the family Blog. After football it was off to the BYU bowling ally and the book store. Bowling is always fun with little ones. Blake had a blast trying to match his real world skills against his Wii bowling skills. He decided reality is a little harder. Ain't it the truth!

We spent the better part of a day at the "This is the Place Pioneer Village" . I thought the whole village was done pretty well . The kids enjoyed it. We made arrowhead necklaces, rode ponies and wagons, we made rope, learned about the stars, had a train ride and carded wool. The kids also tried there hands at some pioneer games. I loved seeing the Monument and reading about the history. There is just something about our church history that moves me; frequently to tears.

We also went to Seven Peaks water park. I hung out with Blake and Claire in the kiddie pool for most of the time. Towards the end of the day I was able to go on some of the fast slides and crazy slides with Sam and Jack. It was so fun to go with them and see the fright mixed with joy on their faces. There is nothing like dropping off a ledge, on a float, straight down, staring at your eight year old across from you, seeing the horror and excitement in his face, knowing or thinking you know this is going to be fun. I loved It!

On Sunday we went to the Salt Lake Temple to take pictures and enjoy the sweet Spirit that resides there. Both Sam and Jack were touched by the Spirit as they gazed up at the Temple.

Happy Birthday Eva!

My Mother-n-Law Just had her birthday. Her children did a conference call between the West Indies and all the kids here in America. Sadly our family didn't get notice in time. Sorry we missed such a grand occasion.

Eva has been a wonderful Mother-n-Law. I couldn't ask for better. She is extremely caring and thoughtful. I wish I had known her better through out the years.{I am getting to know her better through BLOGGING} As I watch her children use their many talents, I am always turned back to Eva and what a nurturing mother she must have been to them. Each child is strong in voice as well as convictions. Each an independent spirit. I hope I can follow her great example to me and give my children these gifts.

Right now she is serving with her husband as faithful missionaries in "The West Indies", awesome! My children are now being blessed by her example, wonderful!

Sink Or Swim

For the past three weeks I have been trying to attend a swimming aerobics class with my mom. I think I was able to attend about seven classes. The Class was at 6:oo AM {way to early for me. but I wanted to work out with my Mom. What are you gonna do? When in Rome...Go at 6:oo AM} We are he ones in the back with our weights raised high. The work out was pretty good. I wish I could go all the time. Here we are taking a Jacuzzi after a tough work out. Then to top it off today we went for a hour long massage. NICE!!! I could get used to this.

My Dad

My Dad is pretty great.What can I say about him....well, he is fun and funny{Blake says so}. He is smart, willing and so many other things to numerous to say here. I love that he plays with my kids. They love it too.

He wrestles with them, plays UNO with them and beats them up a little. Those hand games were you have to be quick can really leave your hands red, just ask Jack. You can see my boys love him.

He has been working with them on their football skills. They are improving and having a blast.

Sleepy weeding

We arrived at my Mom's house and just wanted to veg. We were all tired, even Grandma and Grandpa. We toured around the yard and saw all the pretty flowers. The grass was green and lush, perfect for playing on and the kids could tell. They were excited to be in UT where you could see forever and have the mountains ever present.

After a much needed nap and with Claire still sleeping, I looked out the back window to see the boys at work weeding with my Mom. The were having a grand time, each weed with it's long root was a triumph and they showed grandma everyone

Flying Aces

After a very long night and early morning we arrived in Utah. We Drove to DC Thursday night and stayed in a hotel.{thank you Greg and Suzi for the help} We checked in at 10:30pm and checked out at 4:00am. We all got about 4 hours of sleep. Because the kids were so excited they didn't seem to mind the lack of sleep. We got through security fine, the shoe thing was a little bit of a hassle, specially when your kids think they need to remove their sweaty socks too. Imagine me carrying most of the bags and holding Claire's hand ready to go through the machine and turn around to see two of them taking off their socks, while the line gets longer behind us.

The tram ride to the gate was fun for them, Blake and Claire couldn't wait to get on the plane. Blake as constantly asking me.Once on, Claire fell asleep, Blake did not. He kept grabbing me to look out the window at every cloud, farm, road, or town, he was loving it.

Sam and Jack sat together. They mostly played their hand held games. As we flew over Denver and then landed, they all wanted to stay in Denver. I too wish we could have visited. Never enough time.

Blake and Claire were bummed to know that we would be getting on another plane. They were tired and done with travel. One quick story;Claire heard the noise the landing gear makes as the plane gets ready to land, and she said"Oh, Mom .... There are elephants on the plane. They are in the back."...... We made it. My mom and Dad were there to help us,big hugs all around.

News From Trinidad

We had a wonderful flight from SL to Atlanta. Everyone was so friendly in the airport because of our badges. We weren't charged the extra $25 per bag, courtesy of our status as missionaries. I don't know how Delta feels about that, but the agents often have done that for missionaries, since the new rule. We were in row 39 on the plane, almost the last row, and we had tons of leg room and our seat almost laid out flat! We were tickled. Then we got on the flight to TT and we were in an exit seat, again with lots of leg room.

We flew into Port-of-Spain in the dark and we could see the beautiful lights of the city. We made it! It was a bit traumatic going through immigration. We had a copy of dad's proselyting permit (no one has ever had the original) and he gave us a bad time and required us to pay $67 each for a visa (which doesn't really exist). We were the last person through customs from our plane. Dad left part of our important papers at the counter where we paid the fee in American dollars ( they didn't have change for a $50) and I had to back track through the airport going through "no entrance" doors, but I did find the envelope on the counter with all papers in tact. The only reason we discovered they were missing was because no one was there to get us and we needed the phone number to call for a ride. As soon as I returned to the curb with the papers, the Conks showed up. What a blessing they were late.The Conks took us to their old apartment and briefed us on the oddities of the place. We are on the 2nd floor and enter through a locked porch to our locked kitchen door. Our building has a gate for at the entrance. All the windows have bars for protection. We have a 2 bedroom apt with a screened in (with bars and mesh) patio. The view is of a hill and our swimming pool. The building and the area is rather old and tired, but everything in our apt works, including a washer and dryer. There are air conditioning units in each of the bedrooms and the living room. It will definitely meet our needs. We'll take some pictures soon.

The Conks took us grocery shopping, to lunch, to the office and then to Pres & Sis Robison's for dinner at the mission home. The Conks are staying at the mission home for 3 weeks while they train us, then they are off to Tobago to open the area. We really are going to miss them. We have enjoyed their company a lot. We will attend the branch with them tomorrow and then drive around the island for the "eye opening" to see what it is really like. They have hinted that we will be shocked. Trinidad has the highest rate for murder in the world.We'll report more tomorrow.

Michelle, Pres Robison wanted to know if you remember the "loot bags" from your mission? We told him about our connection to the Owens.Did you use blogger.com or blogspot.com for your blog? Blogspot was suggested to us at the MTC and you address seems to be that one as well, which is not the same as Ross Promontory.

Love,Mom

On Their Way

Hello everyone,

The climatis are blooming like crazy! The other picture is our classroom all week. I couldn't get either of them on the blog, so here they are.

We have packed our big suitcases to 49 pounds. The 2 medium ones we weigh tomorrow. We will leave for S Jordan after class tomorrow afternoon where there is no Internet. We don't know how long it will be until we have a phone, Internet, etc. So this may be the last message for awhile. We fly out at 8:30 Friday morning and arrive about 8 in Port-of-Spain. Getting though customs with 18 months of drugs and a 3 month visa (with a return ticket in 3 months as proof) could be interesting. We are also carrying heart medicine for someone else.

It was rainy here all day and very cold. They turned the heat off to our rooms a couple of days ago. It will be pretty chilly for showers in the morning.We have learned a lot in the computer classes and heard lots of spiritual experiences from the trainers who all spent at least 6 months in the office. They sure do a good job.

Michelle, you now know how I felt when Kim was scaling rocks at a park in Scottsdale for a mutual activity. It isn't a feeling you forget. Heavenly Father does watch over us!We know Heavenly Father will take good care of all of you while we are gone. We love you tons!Mom &

Dad

G&GRoss Reply......

I just have to post these letters from G&G Ross to keep a good record, so you can enjoy the spirit of missionary work too. I will publish this Blog as a book in Jan. and I need all the accounts of this years comings and goings for the book. I have already started putting it together and editing it.It is pretty exciting. There will be a section for G&G mission. Technology is so great. I mean we go from brass plates through time to virtual books that you can publish for your prosperity. This is so awesome.

Hi Ross Family,

Just a note to answer your question about the MTC: Indeed we do eat in a big gym-like room. There are hundreds of missionaries here and it takes a lot to feed them. But, you know, everyone is so kind and nice and thoughtful, it does not seem crowded or confusing. The MTC is a pretty big complex - lots of separate buildings. The main building is where we have most of our training sessions. Grandma took some pictures that we will post later and we recently learned that they have some great postcards in the bookstore. We have not been able to teach any real investigators yet but we had a wonderful experience this afternoon that was almost as good. We got to answer phones in the Call Center. This is where people call in to request things that are offered in TV ads. I spoke to a woman from Alabama who wanted a Bible. I talked her into letting me send the missionaries over to deliver it. It was really exciting. Grandma also took a call for a free Bible and got the same response. Regarding how it feels to be a missionary... it is WONDERFUL! I can't describe the strong spiritual feeling we have as we mingle with the other missionaries and our instructors. It is like no other place on Earth. We are really blessed to be here and wouldn't choose to be anywhere else. I better sign off now and get to bed. I love you all!!!!!

Grandpa Ross

"Called to Serve"

Today our Ward Relief Society was in charge of making and serving the full time missionaries. They were having a huge zone conference. There were about 120 missionaries. We served my RS President famous Catalina chicken with Rice, Strawberry Salad, Rolls and a yummy chocolate fudge cake. Everything smelled delish! We thought we might run out of rice, but with a little prayer and strategic serving methods we made it, whew!

The boys and Claire came along to help. I am so grateful that they get the opportunity to serve. They sat the tables and helped getting water and rolls. They were the gophers for all the women there. They brought rice out and carried empty bowls back to the kitchen. They handed out mints to the missionaries at the end.

The boys heard the missionaries sing "Called to Serve" and thought that was pretty cool. I know it is cliche but I never get tired of hearing the missionaries sing this song. I thought of Grandma and Grandpa Ross, I know that they are probably singing this song allot right now too. I met an Elder Bar from AZ {senior missionary} He said this was their first day in the mission and so far the food was great. Again I thought of G&G Ross and felt a big lump in my throat. Sam wanted to know if G&G were eating in a gym like ours. I told him no, but maybe when they get out of the MTC they would.

I hope as we pray for G&G, we can feel the spirit of missionary work. It's wonderful to be able to serve beside your kids and help them to feel the importance of helping others. It doesn't hurt to make sure they know where all the proper placement of silverware, napkin and cups are either.

We have an awesome ward. So many people just willing to jump in and help, when it wasn't even on their radar for the day. These sisters are great examples to me and my kids and I thank you.

Happy Mothers Day Eva!

I have a wonderful Mother-in-Law, her name is Eva Ross. I have to give shout out to her, because she is a fabulous Mother to Skip. Without her I wouldn't have the man that I married.

She taught the Gospel to him, helped him to understand the importance of the priesthood, and that if you persevere you can accomplish anything. She is a never ending example of love and faith to me and my children. She leaves tomorrow for the West Indies to serve a mission with her devoted husband. Together these two people influenced Skip in ways they might not even know. Those ripples of influence will forever go on through the generations to bless and build testimonies of children, that will be Rosses, to come.

I love you and pray for you, as you embark on this awesome adventure that is your mission.

I love you MOM!

MOM, You make me smile. You make me laugh. You make me think. You taught me to serve. You taught me to work. You taught me to love.

Never Ending Imagination

Sparkling eye's, as humming bird's float.

Fields fly by, crimson, burnt umber, yellow okra.

Hand's entwined with fabric and yarn,

Early morning haste, popping, blending, cutting, driving, chasing,

As children invoke a cherished embrace.

Cakes, bread, and Kidwiches,

Never ending imagination.

On stage, a voice that mesmerises, watching from the wings.

Determined to see doctors take care, little ones,broken arm,

Beautiful face, small white lipstick, red and pink

School reports, plays, costumes, games, music

Early morning skimming of strawberries and peaches,

Summers of painting in the garage

Never Ending Imagination

Star Wars, matinee, out of school;

Protector of home, snakes stay away,

Running for hot water, hair in trouble, looking for a sink,

Breathing fast, new life, John, Mathew,

Hill of snow and ice, car parked, church clothes, walking;

Arms and legs tied, laughter, misery,

Never Ending Imagination

No cart wheels in the middle of a game.

Listening, comforting , counseling,

Pray for friends, cry for boys,

Decorating dances, pizza at midnight,

Driving, Driving, Driving

Pinatas, pirates, and moon-meals,

Never ending Imagination.

I HOPE THEY CALL ME ON A MISSION!!

CONGRATULATION to Grandma and Grandpa Ross. They recieved their mission call when they arrived home last night from their trip to Virginia. They are going to the West Indies. How romantic. I don't think romance is what they will be up to. Serving the Lord with all their might ,mind, and hearts is what they will be doing for 18 months, maybe more, you never know. They report to the MTC April 14th, 2008. Way to go in being a shining example to your Grand kids. We will miss you and pray for you.

"Prepare Every Needful Thing. ..Not Quite"

We dropped off Skip's parents at the airport this morning. The boys screamed from the car we love you as they walked through the door, unfortunatly I don't think they heard. We had an awesome time with them. You can see from previous post that we had fun.
I am so glad that they came. I started preparing for their visit by making list and organizing things. Yes I am an A type. Let me give you the run down; I started by thinking where should we have them sleep. Hmmm we have only three beds and two bedrooms {we actually have three other bedrooms but they were stuffed with boxes and stuff} so what to do. CLEAN UP! Lazy.
I decided to clean one of the other bedrooms. While in Las Vegas, Skip got a great start on one of the rooms. When I got back I went through boxes that were left and most of it went on the floor in my room (my kind of organizing when in doubt put it on Moms bed). We did get it cleaned out. Then moved Jack's bed, queen size, into that room. I then proceeded to iron all the linens that went on the bed. So when you come and stay with me you can be assured your sheets and comforter will be wrinkle free { I like that in a sheet, no winkles. Sleep on the floor if you have to} JK(: hehe. I'm telling you Type A thats me. Next I ran some white towels though the dryer,making sure they were fluffy and smelled great , then added some fresh curtains {thank you Beth, she saves the day yet again}. the room was comfortable as I could make it. I really wanted to put a rug in there because the wood floors are so cold, no such luck. On to the bathroom. I had Jack clean it and then I did a deep clean with bleach {I know so ungreen but hey I LOVE the clean smell of bleach and I Know it's clean} It looked good and smelled good. The rest of the house got a thorough cleaning with the help of my little and big helpers. There was some clutter and again moved to my bed {I know where do I sleep} The better question is when do I sleep or WILL I EVER GET TO SLEEP!! A question for another post. Back to the house, thursday night I ironed all the slip covers to the dining room chairs, cleaned off my bed and went to sleep. The next morning I got up and realized the dishes hadn't been done the family room was very cluttered and the trash needed to be taken out. {I had gotten home late and was upstairs ironing, so of course I thought Skip would take care of these things, I mean these are his parents coming, but he was busy watching "Lost"} We needed to be at the airport at 9:45am and I needed to clean all these things , plus dress, feed, comb hair,and get coats for my kids, not to mention get ready myself. We were running late, I was mad and I was speeding to the airport I called my in-laws and said we will be 10min late. I was wrong, about two miles from the airport as I was talking with Skip trying to let him know I was frustrated in a nice way { I was screaming on the inside and I guess it was coming through my foot} I noticed the flashing lights behind me.Busted!! The officer was very stern and not smiling. He asked me do you have a reason for driving so fast (80ish) I started to say something then said I have no excuse, there is never a good excuse. Then he asked for my licence { Yes I did have a current one} but it was from Colorado. Busted again! Ma'am he said" How long have you lived in Virginia?" Me "Over a year" Him " Do you have a reason why you haven't obtained a Virginia licence." Me "I have no good reason for this, I can give no excuse" all the while he is looking back at my kids. He walks back to his cruiser {I have always wanted to use this word in a sentence; sounds cool say it "His cruiser"} The boys now begin to question me; are you going to jail, what will happen? I say, trying to use this as a teaching moment, I am going to get a ticket thats what happens when you break the law, mommy broke the law now I will get a consequence. I will have to pay alot of money. Just then the officers comes back. "Ma'am "He says" You may not be concerned with the rest of us on the road but, please think about your kids and drive slower" he walks away. No lesson. I proceeded to get Grandma and Grandpa. { This whole week I have been nursing a cold and trying to keep a migrain at bay}



This house has three full bathrooms and we only use two of them. I have never even used or cleaned the one on the third floor. The bathroom Jack cleaned has one of thoe sliding tub doors. One of the doors is broken so we never move it, this is a point I forgot to tell his Dad, of course it fell off the moment he tried to move it. Skip's Dad decided they should use the bathroom on the third floor (the one not cleaned with Bleach. )He was right, it was better for them, but then he wanted to clean it. No Way!
So I cleaned it while they were here and they much to my dismay, I find out later they used a dish towel from the kithen in the bathroom as a hand cloth. I gave them fluffy towels,and hand towels, I thought. I also forgot to give them soap. I am failing as a hostess. Lesson, be more prepared.
We did have fun though.

"Golfing with Grandparents"

We went miniature golfing with Skip's parent yesterday. The kids had a blast. Claire was so funny, she would swing her little club every which way and never hit the ball. " Mom. I can't do it, the ball won't go." she would say. ( Very Cute) Jack and Sam had the game down and did quite well, but Blake on the other hand was playing a different game, hockey, he would just push the ball everywhere til he got to the hole. He seemed pretty pleased with himself. There was stiff competition between Skip and his parents and in the end Skip came up with the win at Par. He was the one keeping score though, hm, kind of fishy.

Sam's Baptism

Sam was baptized today. It was awesome! He did have to be baptized twice, but he didn't mind.( his big toe) He was so happy. It also rained so Sam was clean and so was the earth. His Grandma and Grandpa Ross were able to be here and that was really nice. They gave the talks and Jack played a song on the piano" I Am A Child Of God". Skip baptized and confirmed Sam. The confirmation was very touching and Sam looked so happy when he was shaking all the hands of those participting. I am so proud of Sam for choosing to be Baptized. I am also grateful that Skip holds the priesthood and can perform this ordinance. We are so blessed to have the gospel in our lives.

"Forty Lessons Learned"

1. You don't know what is going on in anyone elses life, don't judge. (My Mom)

2.It's fine, it will be fine, don't worry.( My Dad )

3. No gossip! (My Mom)

4. Write down the pro's and the con's, then make the decision.( My Dad)

5. Love everyone. (My Mom)

6. How to show respect to my Mom. (My Dad)

7. Invite people over, even if you only have tuna fish, carrot sticks and popcorn.( My Mom)

8. It's fun to surprise people with gifts.(My Dad)

9. Serve with a smile and willingly. (Mom ans Dad)

10. Live what you believe.( Mom and Dad)

11.Party's are Fun, especially Halloween.(Mom and Dad)

12.How to can food, cook, and sew. (My Mom)

13. How to deep dust and deep clean. ( My Dad)

14. Family is important. (Mom and Dad)

15. Even if you only have one outfit make sure you take care of it.(MY Mom)

16. It's better to be over dressed then under dressed.( My Mom)

17. How to change the oil and spark plugs on a Valari, and not to leave just enough gas to get up the hill. (MY Dad)

18. Enjoy the ride even if you are lost, because you are really not lost you are just seeing new things that you might need to know where they are at some future date, and you will be able to find them. (My Dad)

19.How to dance, in the living room.( Mom And Dad)

20. Sometimes you have to wait, For the bathroom.(My Mom)

21. How to play basket-ball, and not do cart wheels after you score.(Mom and Dad)

22. When little boys wake up inthe middle of the night crying, they don't know it, but they gotta go.(My Mom)

23. Get an education. ( Mom and Dad)

24. How to ween a baby. ( My Mom)

25.Reading is fun.(Mom and Dad)

26.Cut your hair, color your hair, it will make you feel better.(My Mom)

27. Your hair will always grow back, take a chance. (My Mom)

28. Tickle your kids and be a bucken bronco, til some one gets hurt. ( My Dad)

29. Sing while you are in the car, the more the merrier.(Mom and Dad)

30.Tell your kids that they can do anything, and they will.(Mom and Dad)

31. Tell your wife you love her in front of your kids.(My Dad)

32.10 people can sleep, eat and have fun living in a family room for one week, with no power.(Mom and Dad)

33. Be prepared. (Mom and Dad)

34. Keep your temple recomend current, and you may get a house.(Mom and Dad)

35. Pay your tithing( Mom and Dad}

36. Read and study the scriptures. (Mom and Dad)

37. Pray always, even when you don't feel like it. (Mom and Dad)

38. As parents, you have to stick together, even when you don't agree. ( Mom and Dad)

39. Don't sneak out, there will be trouble.(MY Dad)

40. If you go fast over the bridge, you will bump high.(Mom and Dad)