Would you like to write a letter to Elder Tippetts?

It's been almost 2 weeks since Tony's has been away.
Would you like to write him a letter?
I'm sure he would be happy to hear from you.

Here is his MTC address:

Elder Antony Aaron Tippetts Jr.
MTC Mailbox #244
RUS-SAM 0416
2005 N. 900 E.
Provo, Ut 84604-1793

He leaves the MTC April 13 ish.
To send Tony a package, send it to the Russian
Mission Home:

Elder Antony Aaron Tippetts Jr.
Russia Samara Mission
Vodnikov Street 95-1
Samara
Samara oblast 443099
Russia
Phone: 7 846-310-2829
If you send it with a private courier you will need
the phone number.

Here are a couple of different ways to send Tony's mail:
Go to dearelder.com
On the left side bar  under "Send stuff" click Provo
MTC (Free)You will have to fill in your name and
address and then his address. Then you can write him a
letter in the space provided. If you send a letter before
noon, they print it off and give it to him that day!

When Tony is out in the field you can also send
him a letter through dearelder.com totally free through
pouch mail. So, click Pouch (Free)  Click his Mission
"Russia, Samara" click "write a missionary"
and start writing in the space provided.

There's a bunch of instruction on sending Pouch mail.
You send a letter to Church headquarters
and they send it on with a private courier.
Only post cards or one-page correspondences
written on one side of the page may be sent through the pouch.
(No Envelopes)
Notebook or other light weight paper will not process through
the USPS machines. No Photographs.

You have to fold letters a certain way too. If you write a
letter through dearelder.com  they fold your letter the way
it should be. But this is how you do it:
Lay the letter blank side down. Fold bottom of the letter
about one-third of the way up the page and crease.
Fold the top of the letter to the bottom of the first fold and
crease. Secure the long side with two pieces of tape about
one inch in from each end but do not seal the ends. In the top
left corner write you name and complete address. Affix the
first class postage in the top right corner. In the middle write
the missionary address as follows:

Elder Antony Aaron Tippetts Jr.
Russia Samara Mission
POB 30150
Salt Lake City UT 84130-0150
Pouch mail leaves headquarters every Friday.
I hear it is faster and safer.

So Thankful!

Today I am so sick. But, I have so much to do. The kids have to be here and there
and I have to take them. I thought about just staying in bed, but I think I'm glad I
got up and had scripture study with the kids and showered.  I'm so thankful
for my healthy body! (when I'm not sick) I'm so thankful for my arms that
can hug kids and fold laundry. I'm thankful for my legs that they can walk up
and down the stairs.  I love when I go to my sisters house and she says,
" Bring your tennis shoes so we can go for a walk."
I love being able to feed my family healthy food.  I'm thankful for feeling pain
so I can fully appreciate no pain.

Dallin has been sick and yesterday he woke up with no headache. Finally!  He started
to fold laundry because it felt good  to be able to move again with out feeling pain.
I appreciate the natural way we can learn truths.

My silly brood!

We got a letter.....

We finally got a letter from Tony in the mail yesterday. (Sat.)
He's doing great. He's learned the Russian Alphabet
already (mostly). His companion's name is Elder Chriswell.
He said he can definitely feel the spirit there and He says
"Stay strong guys and remember I'm doing the work of the Lord.
Things are doing great! Love ya!
Tony"

Yep, I totally cried. So did my husband. We are so relieved to
hear something so positive from Tony. It's almost like I can
breathe again.
Have a great Sabbath!

The day came...and then it was over.

The time finally came to take Tony to the MTC.  The day before, we all went 

bowling and had a great time.  Bowling is really fun for about 1 1/2 games, 

then it becomes frustrating when your scores have only been about 60 pts.

I finally figured out how to put a spin on the ball and I got 2 spares in a row! 

Ya, that  happened at my last two turns. 

 

We laughed when we realized the old people that were 

bowling that day were getting drunk.:) 

We didn't get pictures of them though.:)

We all had a good time. We knew it was our last activity together for a while.

So, it was kind of a happy/ sad time.  

That night was tough on the kids and Tony's girlfriend. But they all held up okay.

Tony gave all of us blessings. That was the best part.  He was so confident 

and he set the most amazing example. I'm so proud of him.

Heather said goodbye to Tony before we went to the church.

He was set apart as a Missionary for the 

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. 

The next day, We all got our picture with him.

 I'm one proud Missionary Mama!

Then we went to an awesome restaurant in Provo:

Sam Hawk (Korean food)

 Dallin is getting the hang of it! 

 Getting used to those chop sticks is no easy thing.

 One last goodbye from Ian.

And a final picture with Dad! 

We all piled out of the van at the MTC drop off  

and hugged him one last time and  wanted one more 

family picture, but the missionaries were not 

allowed to help us with that.  So we got one with just 

Tony and Dad.  I love this one. 

Then he was off.....Dad heard the missionary that was helping 

Tony ask if he was the oldest.:) 

We thought that was funny because, really,  how

obvious can it be!   

What an example he set for our family.  

So the day came...and then it was over and Tony

is embarking on his greatest adventure yet!

When we got home it was super tough.

everyone had their time to cry. 

We still have our times, but we are all okay.

I'm waiting patiently(well, maybe not too patiently)

for some word from Tony. 

I'll let you know the news when it comes!