Exit Interview ;)

Kiley told me this story in a letter to me. I thought it was hilarious and just had to share :)

Dear Relley,

...Can I please tell you the super awkward thing my mission president told me in my final interview. He looked me sin the eye and with a straight face said "Sister Bailey your not getting any younger and you dont want to waste your baby bearing years." I wanted to vomit. I was like "EW SICK!!!!!" Wow nothing like having your mission president say that to you! Wow thanks pres! It was nasty. I seriously felt so awkward. I was like "umm yeah." Yeah I have no plan to have children. That sounds atrocious. Anyways that was my awkward exit interview story. I hope you giggled about it. Then today when the elders called to tell us transfer doctrine they were like "sister bailey you are getting transfered to....BYU IDAHO!!! Your new mission is to find an eternal companion." the other one in the background yells "Yeah you dont want to miss out on your baby making years" and the other ones starts "tick tock tick tock." I wanted to punch both of them! The little poops!! It was pretty funny. I love to tell people how awkward that was because I find it super funny! Anyways thats my weird story for the week.

Well Im excited to see you this week! I love you so much!!! See you soon

 

love. sister bailey

Kiley's LAST letter!

July 30, 2012

Dear Sweet, most faithful writer, amazing, wonderful, hardest working, wonderful, perfect example mother,

 

Holy crap. I am in shock that this week is here. It is seriously so weird. I want thursday to be here so badly but at the same time I am so scared for it! Tuesday is going to feel like a very long day. Its my last day as a missionary. Wednesday I spend with the mission president at the temple and such and then bright and early thursday morning I get to be with you!!! YAY!!! holy cow!! AHHHHH I have such weird feelings inside of me Icannot even describe them to you. I couldnt sleep last night and this morning I woke up sick to my stomach. It is so strange. I am just so excited to see all of you but so so so nervous. It is going to be good. So we arent allowed to cry at the aiport. Its a no no ok? Please remember this. Mom where on earth did the time go? I am with you I feel like its just yesterday Sister Terry (who you will get to meet soon!) was erasing the calendar and making me feel better. And now I am going home! I only have today and yesterday left in flower mound! HOLY COW!!!!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHH Can you tell I am feeling anxious. My hands are shaking. Its epic.  

Well anyways my week was good. Nothing to crazy happening. A member brought his friend to church yesterday. That was awesome! He said he really liked it and will come back! YAY!! So thats awesome. Sister Cunningham is going to be in a zebra...and the poor girl is killing again. Two kills in a row. I feel awful for her. That stinks. Shes awesome though and can totally handle it. She was a little sad yesterday. She said she felt like she was at my funeral. The Bishop announced I was leaving during third hour. Yeah it took us 30 minutes to leave the building yesterday. It was insane! Poor Sister Cunningham she wasnt too happy. They would all talk to me about what I am going to do and lah lah lah and then they would turn to leave and say "oh and sister cunningham we will see you next week." So then at dinner we are talking and sister Cunningham is telling them this story and we all laughed. Then as we left they said " well sister bailey good luck in your next chapter of life and sister cunningham...long pause...we'll see you next week!" It was so funny! We both laughed. The couple was so cute they said it in perfect unison. Oh man. It was funny.

So we are going to have to convert McKays love interest. Well as long as she joins before he marries her. I love her already! She sounds awesome..mostly becaue her name sounds like mine. Its creepy and I think its awesome! 

Im ready to hear the Lauren story. It sounds like there has been so much more going on then what I know. I am sure I will get to hear all of it during our long sleep overs. Oh man. Its going to be great.

Well mom I cant believe I am going to see you this week. I have missed you so much!  Make sure everyone stays safe this week! I will see you on thursday and then we will have ALOT of time to talk. Then maybe my stories will make more sense b ecause they wont be typed. I hate typing. I love you so so so so so so so much! I cannot wait to give you the BIGGEST hug! I miss you mom. I love you so very much!

see you super soon!!

 

loves loves kisses hugs

 

love. sister bailey 

July 23, 2012 Pictures

The first picture is me ROCKING at hoola hooping

the second one is me not NOT rocking at hoola hooping

the third is my companion...she catches random things

and the fourth is our pet spider Chester who lives outside our house.

 

I LOVE YOU!!!

July 23, 2012 Letter

Dear Wonderful, excited, funny, patient, hard working, still good looking even if you dont have time to get ready, best mother in the world,

 

Hi mom! I know isnt this the weirdest. Im so nervous about next week. Its weird. I felt like this day would never come and its still very surreal. This week is board week and President is deciding what is going to happen with everyone and Im not even on the board anymore! It is very weird. but exciting.

Well the person getting baptized I know I talked about her before I just cant remember what name I gave her. We will call her Red. We have been teaching Red the whole time I have been here. She is great and is really ready to be baptized. It has just been a struggle with the law of chastity. She is finally ready to commit though. It almost went down hill last week, thanks alot satan, but we had a good  talk and I think she really wants to gospel in her life. She is a really hard worker and has taught me alot. Its funny how you can meet people and learn so much about what you want in your life and what you dont want in your life. My mission has really helped me see what I want to have in my life. Most importantly the gospel! Man having the gospel in our lives really does give us an adavantage! I have never realized how blessed we are to have it. Im so grateful for it. Ive also realized how important education is! Man that is important to have. I want to get as much of it as I can now. Lots of things I have learned from alot of people but most recently from Red.

We are finding alot more potential lately. I am grateful for that. I have really wanted to leave more in this area then I found. Its proven to be difficult! But I love this area it really is amazing. I love the people. Sister Cunningham and I havea saying its "dont hate the people love the people." Sister Cunningham used to be a bit angsty. Its the funniest thing of my life. I like to give her a hard time about it. Now shes a people lover though.

Im so glad to hear that everyone is doing well!  thanks so much for the pictures! I love them! Baby Ella is so cute! Good Job JaRelle! That is so fun! I cannot wait to meet her. Im proud of  Tyson! I am such a sinner because I get so excited to meet Ella and to watch Tyson play soccer. I really look forward to it! Is that a sin? I dont know. The only thing I am excited for about coming home is seeing all of you. The rest of it makes me sick inside.

Umm yeah we are going to be stingy with Tosha and Eric the next week! I am NOT going to be ok with sharing. At all. Not ok. For anyone. The non sharing policy goes with all of the family members :you dad tosha eric anna wes dave jarelle peyton ella mckay lauren and tyson. No one is allowed to even think of seeing other people. Its not going to happen. Just going to throw that one out there. 

Well not alot of crazy stuff is going on. Just the usual missionary life. I like it though. Its better usual sometimes craziness is not good. 

Well I love you so so much! Thanks for everything mom. Oh yeah my favorite hymn...I have really been pondering it. My favorite hymn is Come Come ye Saints but I feel bad because I feel like everyone just sang it for pioneer day. So if that sounds like an awful idea because I have been given much is a good one too.  Or  if there is one that sounds super awesome on the flute she can totally do that! I have faith in her. Umm also..so next week I have to pay for my luggage. I have no idea how much that is. Sorry mom....I LOVE YOU!!!

Have the best week ever! I love you so much! Thanks for all that you do for me! I love love love love love lvoe you!!!

 

loves loves kisses hugs

love. sister bailey

July 16, 2012 Letter

Dear most special, fun, crazy, busy, exciting, splendid, beautiful, wonderful Mother!

Hi mom! How are you doing? I am doing pretty good. We have had a pretty good week so far. It is amazing how fast the weeks are going. It is truly strange. I felt like this transfer would go kinda slow but it has been SO fast. Holy cow I cant believe it. 

Tyson is the sweetst kid in the world! That little boy is amazing. I love how kind he is to everyone. He is so special and I just love him to death! Powell sounds like it was so fun. I am glad you had a good time and that no ones ribs were broken :)  I can't believe Tyson is wakeboarding! Wasn't he afraid of it when I left? Wow Good Job Tyson!

I cant believe your children aren't calling you! Don't they know how lucky they are to be able to call their mom! I will smack them around a bit for you mom. If I could I would be calling you daily. I'm pretty sure I am going to bug the crap out of you when I get home because I haven't been able to talk/see you for so long!

Well this week we set a baptism date with one of our investigators! I am so excited! Her date is for Aug. 4. It is going to be amazing! Im really excited for her. Its amazing how you just come to love the people. It was a sad week because alot of the members who I really love left this past week and will be gone until August. So I had to say goodbye to some of them. I was like well this is strange! I still have so long left but Im saying goodbye. The people here are amazing and I really love them. I just love the people in Texas.

Other than that we are just working hard to find. Oh finding. It is a treat. I love it more. Then I love feet. It rhymed.

I love Alma and the sons of Mosiah. They are amazing. I love the Anti Nephi-Lehis as well. They were some amazing covenant keepers. And I love you because you have been a wonderfully perfect example of covenant keeping. I am lucky to have such a great mom! Thanks so much for all you do!

Well I love you so so so much!! I miss you mom BUT we dont think about that because it leads to trunky thoughts! Oh man trunkiness. Well I love you I love you I LOVE YOU!!!

 

loves loves kisses hugs

 

love. sister bailey

 

ps. im kinda excited to hug you. oops  I  didnt say that out loud!

July 9, 2012 Letter

Dear Wonderful, Trunkie, Sweet, Lovely, Partying, Faithful, Smart, Amazing Mother

 

Hi Mom! So guess what you win the award for most faithful writer. I like you for that. You win! Ask Dad what you won. Hahah(evil laugh) Im an awful child. Man your life sounds so fun! Lake Powell sounds like it will be so fun! I am glad that you have things to keep you busy! Im so grateful to have missionary work! Sometimes you hear about these missionaries who check out their last transfer and I simply dont get it! Not working would be awful! The work is what keeps me focused. Sometimes though I still have some freak out moments. Its a little scary coming home.

 

Well then on to the current stuff! Sister Cunningham and I are doing well! She is a great companion! She is really teaching me alot. I really do love her. SHe puts up with all my craziness! I know I bet you cant imagine me being crazy. Im a bit of a talker..I know shock right! She is so cute she just lets me go and then she will do something and reign me back in. Its kinda funny. We work really well together. She works so hard on being a consecrated missionary and is really helping me to be even more consecrated. I love her for it. 

We are working on finding. We are teaching one person right now! But we need to find more. We have decided that we need to be working on our faith. I read about the stripling warriors earlier this week and was so struck by their faith. Everything they did was because of their faith. I want to have faith like the Stripling warriors so I can find more people to teach here! Maybe you could put in some special prayers for us and our faith in finding!   
Our 4th was pretty good! We met a really nice lady who invited us back this week! I am excited about that! Its a good step! Im feeling some hope about it! I had a less active freak out on me. That was exciting. The next day I sinned and compared the person to the zoramites in the book of mormon. Yes sometimes I am bad. Other than that nothing to eventful happened. We couldnt see any fireworks from our apt. I really wish we could have! I miss them. I thought about cute Jonathon. I cant believe it has been 6 years either. Thats amazing. Time goes so fast. Its a little gross.

Well I love you so much mom! I think you are amazing! I hope you have the best week ever! Thanks so much for all that you do! I love you I love you I LOVE YOU!!!

 

loves loves kisses hugs

 

love. sister bailey

July 2, 2012 Pictures! :)

Ok here are some pictures:

 

 

 the first is just me being SUPER awesome. Yep Im classy!

 the second is the exotic wild life here....yes the squirrel

 the third is my EXTREMELY sad short hair!

the fourth is me and Sister Cunningham. Shes cool.

July 2, 2012 Letter

Dear Wonderful, bright, patriotic as well, lovely, sweet, happy, giving Mother,

 

Hi mom! How are you doing? Wow life sounds crazy there! That is so sad for Tyson to not have fireworks. Tell him I feel his pain. I dont get any fire works either. Its so strange to not have fire works on the 4th. Oh well we get to have fun in other ways! Just tell Tyson that it just means he gets more next year! Haha im awful.

How crazy for Lauren. I feel so sad for her arm. Its amazing how long this has been going on! Her arm issue has spanned my whole mission! That is crazy. Poor girl. I cant believe she wasnt sleeping well at night. Thats awful. I feel like not sleeping well at night is like the worst thing on earth that can happen to you. Today we were at this place and peppy music was on and sister cunningham was like "my hell would be sitting in a white room listening to this music forever." I just decided mine would be not being able to sleep at night! Deh its awful! Im glad to hear that it is helping her.

When is Jarelles baby due? That is crazy! I feel like it was just yesterday she was letting us all know she is preggler. How fun for her. Babies are so cute. And cute tosha gets to be next! Yay! I love other people having babies. I think its fun.

So who does McKay want to marry? Oh man that was weird to hear. I mean it totally makes sense its just strange to think of my little tater tot getting married. Is this because both Max and Mariah are getting married? That is so cool about the orcas! Man I so wish I could have seen them! Did he get any cool pictures? Im a little jealous. The coolest thing I have seen is a squirrel eating a REALLY stale piece of bread. Maybe I will attach a picture of it. Its pretty lagit.

Well exciting stuff from this end of the world. Lets see....Sister Cunningham is pretty cool. I like her. We have a lot of fun and she is teaching me alot. She is a hard worker. Its fun working with her. Oh we had our no car day this week and by the time we got home poor sister Cunningham had heat rash all down her legs! I felt awful! The really cool thing is she didnt complain. It was happening all day and she didnt say a word until we saw it when we got home. The Lord has given me lots of moments that have shown why Sister Cunningham is here with me. I am always grateful for those moments. She is great and has a strong testimony and is really helping me to understand how I can be even better. I like her.

Umm my book of Mormon reading is going well. I am in Alma 40 now. Its amazing to see how much the testify of the Doctrine of Christ. It really is everywhere in the Book of Mormon. We are so lucky to have another testimony of our savior to really help us understand his doctrine! I think thats what makes it so sad when people wont listen to us. They just dont understand what they are missing out on. I just wish they would listen. There is a part in Mosiah 12 when Abinidi is teaching the priests, well he is more lecturing them for the failure to teach the people, but he says "ye have not applied your hearts to understanding." And then through out the rest of the Book of Mormon we learn that we really only understand things with our hearts. Thats why being a hard hearted people is such a bad thing. Sometimes I feel like that describes the people here. They all "understand" what we teach and how wrong it is. But none of them have softened their hearts enough to really understand, if they did they wouldn't be rejecting it. They used their brains not their hearts. Its sad sometimes. But then you find those with soft hearts and it makes it all worth it. Im still searching for one here in the flo mo but I know they are here! Its fun trying to find them. Man the Book of Mormon is so cool. I love reading it. Its amazing what we can learn, and even more amazing is realizing that these are real people. They really did live. I know I knew that my whole life but I never really realized it, I guess I never "applied my heart to understanding" until now. :) I want to be like the people in the Book of Mormon. They werent perfect but they gave everything to the Lord. Pretty amazing.

I had never read the book of mormon with the intent to learn about their characters and apply it into my life. But thats what has been happening as I have read it this time. I have been able to see their characters like Nephi was so obedient, he would do anything to obey the Lord. Ammon is an amazingly hard worker. Even after he chopped off all the arms and was pretty awesome he just went to the stables and got the horses ready. I dont know there are just so many cool lessons to learn from them. They are all patient and dilligent and charitable. They all have incredible faith. I want to be like them.

Well  I think I have gone on long enough. Sorry about that!  Thanks for all you do mom you are amazing! I love you so much! My love of the Book of Mormon was found on my mission buts it stems from your love of it. I have learned so much from your example! 

I love love love love love love love lvoe lvoe love lvoe you!!! 

 

Loves loves kisses hugs

 

love. sister bailey

June 25, 2012 Letter

Dear wonderful, understanding, comforting, lovely, non trunky talking, sweet, wonderful Mother

 

Hi mom! I am good. It is so sad to have short hair. I cant believe in one day I lost the comeptition with Lauren. I had been working so hard! I just knew I was going to win. How sad for me. Oh well everyone compliments me and says it is very cute. So I guess thats a good note huh?

I am glad I am staying in Flower Mound as well. I really like it here and it would have been super hard to go to an area for only one transfer. I feel like I would have had a hard time connecting with it. Sister Cunningham is good. She is funny. She is this quiet thing and you would totally expect her to just be quiet and timid but then she just says these things and I laugh super hard. I like her. She said when she got here that one of her goals for the transfer (she had set this goal before she met me) was to learn how to have fun in missionary work. I was like honey you got sent to the right place then because I dont like to not have fun! So we have been having fun. It was funny because I had been praying to know why God changed my companinonship and help in accepting it. I really loved Sister Reynolds and I was so sure she was going to be my last one and then He surprised us. But I feel like there is alot that I can learn from Sister Cunningham and maybe a few things she needs to learn from me. I feel like it will be a good transfer. Its weird though knowing our companionship is limited. It is a strange feeling.  She is from Parker Colorado. It sounds like a nice enough place. And she has been out for 6 months. I hate that. I wanted someone old to send me home. Poor Sister Cunningham. She seems pretty tough though. I have made her walk all over Flower Mound and she hasnt complained once. I like that about her. Shes not really a complainer. 

Thats so fun to hear about everyone getting engaged. How crazy! Is Desis fiancee nice? Do we like him? What is he like? Is he a member? What Is Maxs fiancee like? Do we like her? And what is Mariahs like? That is so crazy! Everyone is getting married. So the funny thing about my mission... It has kinda turned me into an independent little thing. I like being me, and I have these dreams that I would kinda like to have happen. We will see though.

The work here still continues to push on. People still dont particularly care to listen to us but I have faith! I know we are going to find some people!  I have the utmost confidence in mine and Sister Cunninghams ability to find and teach! I just really want to see things happen. Just have to rely on the Lord and work our hardest!

I am glad that everything is going well! Is Aunt Nell freaking out  about Clayton dating someone he likes? I feel lik that would make her extremely happy! I got a letter from Grandma Edith this week. I just lover her. I think she is so cute.

Well other than that no real news. I am Alma 14 in my reading. I feel so proud of myself I have been sticking to my schedule and I am on track to finish the Book of Mormon on July 31. It has been crazy but so amazing. I love the book of Mormon. Your youth conference sounded so great. How could they not feel the spirit when learning about the Book of Mormon. It is such a true book! 

Well Mother dear I love you so so much! I think you are just so amazing and I am so glad that you are mine! Thanks for all you do. I love love love love love love love love love love love love love love lvoe you!!!!!! 

 

loves loves kisses hugs

 

love. sister bailey 

June 20, 2012 Letter

Dear crazy, fun, happy, smart, astounding, clever, gorgeous, amusing, wonderful Mother,

 

Hi mom! I know can you believe how fast the weeks are going! It is crazy! I dont know where they are going either. But they are going super fast! I cant believe I am in my last transfer. Dah! It freaks me out! I remember this time last year I was killing sister crossan off. That was a crazy transfer. I was so sad. I wanted to be going home so badly and I felt like it was forever away. Well forever can really sneak up on you! I am staying in Flower Mound. I am really grateful I wanted to stay here. I love it. But I am super sad because Sister Reynolds is leaving! I really thought we were both staying. I was so excited about it! We had so many fun plans! But I guess it was just not meant to be. My new companion is Sister Cunningham. I dont know her at all. So it will be interesting! I am sure it will be great! New adventures are always fun.

I was so relieved to hear about toshas baby! Oh my goodness I was nervous to read your email! I knew it was going to be ok! Oh MAN I AM SO HAPPY!! I have been praying my buns off! I had faith. I am so glad though. It is still super relieving! YAY FOR MY SISTER! She is such a cute mom! I love her.

Well here is my story for the week:

Once upon a time there was a beautiful girl! We will name her Princess bailey, well the Beautiful Princess Bailey had really beautiful long hair. She had been working her hardest on growing it out. It had taken months and months and she was feeling so happy. She was so proud that she was going to go home with beautiful long hair. She was going to beat her little sister in there competition, and it might have been close to her older sisters hair too. The Beautiful Princess Bailey was very happy and proud of her hair. Perhaps that was her problem...they say pride cometh before the fall. Well the princess Baileys companion needed a hair cut and a very kind ward member gave them giftcards to a place we shall call it Ye olde hair butchers. Ye olde hair butchers appeared nice, but secretly it was a dark and an evil place. It loved to strip people of their hopes and dreams. It was run by the wicked Morgana!!!! *DUN DUN DUNNNNNN* Morgana was a sad and miserable soul. Her favorite past times were taking candy from small children, and sucking happiness out of the hearts of all she met. So the Beautiful Princess Bailey and her Lovely companion reynolds set out one morning for the Ye olde Hair butchers, they never expected what was coming. Princess Bailey skipped into the hair place and sat patiently on a chair. As she sat she looked in the mirror and contemplated her beautiful hair. Yes she was quite happy with it. The evil Morgana glared at her. She could sense the happiness and it chilled her bones and made her cold stone of a heart ache. Happiness disgusted her. She came over and asked the beautiful girls what they wanted done with their hair. She took the lovely comanion reynolds and cut hers first. Then she turned on the Beautiful Princess Bailey. She was set on destroying her hopes and crushing her soul.  And that is just what she did. She took her hair and ripped it apart calling it ugly and gross. Then she took her scissors and in one clean swipe robbed the beautiful princess bailey of what she held most dear....her beautful long locks. With every tool she hacked at The Princess Baileys happiness, and shredded her dreams, til they were left laying on the floor. In tears the beautful Princess Bailey looked at what had once been so lovely and saw now...a sad and short hair cut. On the bright side it really doesnt look that bad its just rather shocking. I will send you a picture sometime!

So thats the story for the week! Sister Reynolds and I have been making jokes all week about it. It was so funny. She really did do a number on our hair. But she did a good job so we really cant complain!

Our investigator is doing better. Every day she feels a little better. Her boyfriend hasnt come back and we are grateful. I feel like its an answer to prayers! She deserves better anyways.

I love the idea of Alex getting married Aug. 11! That is a great day! Good job Alex!! And yes we had better do her shower after I get home! That will be so fun! Oh man! Im secretly very happy about that. Dont tell! How is mama ferg doing? I am keeping them all in my prayers. That includes the gardners!

Well mom I love you too much! I think you are amazing! You are the bestest mom in the whole big wide world!! I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!

 

loves loves kisses hugs

 

love. sister bailey

June 11, 2012 Letter

Dear most wonderful, happy, fun, TRUNKY, funny, amazing, lovely, person I want to be exactly like in every way Mother,

 

Hi mom! hahaha mom you are so funny. I cant believe you and dad. You are awful! And know you have to tell me where the fun trip is planned to because It will bother me more not knowing! You are awful! Maybe I only think your awful because I am really looking forward to it too. I am still working and focusing on my mission, but I m not going to lie thinking about seeing you soonish makes me really happy. I am such a bad missionary!! I try not to think  about it...but it still happens. I cant believe I only have one transfer left. Its amazing. I really never imagined it would go so fast. Its almost done. I now wonder what crazy thing dad is going to harp on me to do when I get home! For so long it has been "go on a mission ky. Your going to serve a mission." Now I can say " I did!...what now dad?!" weirdness. One time I had a dream that I got home and a week later you and dad came up to me and said "guess what?! Your going to Argentina!!!" I was like "for what?!" and you both said "to serve another mission!!!" I got super panicky inside and was like NOOOOO. Im so tired please just let me sleep! And you were both like "nope you have to go!" I was feeling all sad and I was like "well at least I dont have to go back to the MTC right?" And you were like "of course you do!! You have to learn spanish!!" I was not very happy in my dream. Does that make me the worst person in the world?! It was kinda funny. Im not going to lie thinking about that dream makes me a little nervous. Haha. 

I did get judged this morning for being the worst missionary in the world. We do our laundry at this members house and normally its just her. This lady is incredible she has 10 kids! Its crazy! They are all moved out now but one, so normally its just her. Well today all of my stuff was nasty dirty so I put on my skirt and my shoes and my big baylor bears t-shirt. I looked funny, but it was just for laundry. We show up to her house and it just so happens to be the day that everyone is there. She has this son who is home from BYU and as we walked in he just stared me down. I felt awful! I was like yes yes I do look like the worst missionary in the world right now! No this is not what I plan on wearing all day. Yep I was judged. It was no bueno. Ok it was pretty funny. Sister Reynolds and I giggled at it when we got in the car.

We had dinner the other day with this family. I love this lady. She is so funny. The first time we ever ate with them was easter dinner and she burned the ham so bad it was like we were eating ham jerky! It was so funny!! Well this time we show up and the dinner is really good. She starts preparing dessert and she is telling us about this caramel sauce she made and how she hopes it is good. Im the first person to get dessert and I am patiently waiting for everyone else and Sister M is like oh dont wait just go ahead. So I go to eat the ice cream with caramel sauce on it and I cant get my fork to break through the caramel sauce. It is seriously hard as a rock! So I finally pull it free get a little ice cream and put it in my mouth...it almost ripped all my fillings out!!! It was so funny and right as I am chewing it  trying not to cause permanent damage to my mouth she asks "Is it ok?" and I just start laughing. I couldnt keep it in. She was like "oh no it tastes awful doesnt it?" and I was like "no it would taste really good if we could eat it." She starts laughing and is like "welp Im not putting it on mine!" so she served all the rest of us caramel sauce and skipped over it on hers. Her husband started teasing her about it too, we were all laughing so hard. She is finally like "well the recipe called for cream but I was all out so I just decided to substitute it for canned milk. I thought it would be a  good substitution but it wasnt. Nope never gonna do that again." I started laughing even harder because it honestly reminded me of something you might do mom! I am still giggling about it. Oh man. So to make Sister M feel better I told her about the time you cooked my tooth into our beef stroganoff! HAHAHA do you remember that?! She felt a little better after that. 

We found out this week that we get to teach the youth in our wards. We are really excited about it. The youth are so amazing I learn a ton from them! Im excited to get to know them better and to hear all their testimonies. It is going to be really amazing.

Our investigator....Sweetheart had her boyfriend leave her this week. It has been really hard for her. He just up and left. She has been so broken hearted about it. But as we have seen her and talked to her I feel bad for not feeling sad he is gone. As I have watched her I have realized how lucky we are to have the gospel. I hear alot of people say that we cant be very happy because we are so restricted by all the rules we have, but if only they knew! God really does know what will make us happy! He gives us the commandments so we can have real happiness. Not the fake  kind the world promises. There is just so much heart break and pain that could be skipped if we simply follow the commandments God has given us. Im so grateful for the commandments. We are so blessed to have them.

Im glad to hear that everyone is doing well. Thats cute Lauren took Tyson out on a date. I have something I made for the both of them. I will send it home this week.

Well mother dearest I love you! I am glad that you are doing so good. That makes me happy. Thanks for the card and the Chick Fil A certificate. You are so nice mom. I love you and I really want to be just like you when I grow up.  Oh yeah, ways I show respect and love for Dad....I dont know. I always tell him how much I love him. I think the best way to show respect and love is to do what he asks. Just like we show our love and respect for our Heavenly Father by following his commandments. Our dad is given to us to help us grow and become the people we need to be. He sets up rules and standards to help us become that person. As we follow his rules and obey his counsel we show him that we really do love and respect him. I dont know if that makes sense at all? Sorry its just what popped into my head right then. You will do amazing speaking! I love love love you!!!

 

loves loves hugs and kisses

 

love. sister bailey

June 4, 2012 Letter

Dear Wonderful, caring, inspired, beautiful, funny, happy, splendid Mom

 

Hi Mom! Can I tell you that I like the way we start our emails. It always makes me smile. How did this tradition get started? I dont want it to end anytime soon. I think it will make me sad when it does. It makes me a little sick how fast the time is going. I cant think about it or I almost hyperventilate. :)

Ok so yes I have the BEST idea to keep your small children busy this summer! They are going to love it. A couple weeks ago President Sagers asked all of the missionaries to read the Book of Mormon by the next zone conference. Well I wont be here for the next zone conference...yeah its weird...So Sister Reynolds and I decided to read the whole Book of Mormon by July 31. Then that same day we were teaching the Beehives in our ward and we ended up challenging them to read the whole Book of Mormon by July 31 as well. They all agreed! So now we have Sister Reynolds, me, the Beehives, their leaders, and some of the YSA all reading the Book of Mormon. Well inviting all these people made me think of my family. I thought it would be so neat to have the family all reading the Book of Mormon together. How cool would it be for all of us to finish on the exact same day! I know it might be a lot of reading now. I was going to tell you last week but I forgot...but Suz and Tyson have alot of extra time and I KNOW they could do it! It would be so much fun to have them reading the Book of Mormon with me. It sounds sorta  trunky because yes it does count down my mission, but I dont care. I feel like it would be really spiritual and so neat. So yall should talk about it and see what you think! 

Holy cow lots of news about people. I am so sad about Sister Gardner. I will make sure to keep her in my prayers! I wish I would have known by yesterday I would have included her and Sister Ferguson in my fast. How sad! I will pray for them. I hate that. It makes me sad. 

I cannot believe that about Sister Ferguson! She is so tough! It would take alot more than that to take down a woman like Sister Ferguson. I love that woman. I think I will write her a note today. She is awesome. How is Fergy doing? How are the wedding plans? I need to write her today as well. Im glad that she is ok. That could have been so heart breaking. I am so grateful for miracles like that. I love how much Heavenly Father looks out for us. 

I bet dad is amazing. He is a trunky little thing. That man. What are we going to do with him? Dad and his new toys he is so funny! Is that my "good job grape for serving a mission" present from him? haha I am totally just kidding. Sorry I shouldnt joke like that. He is fancy. I like it when dad loves things too. It makes me happy. I like how much he loves his family. I always tell stories about you and Dad and they always make me so happy. I feel so blessed to have such amazing parents who love us so much. Its amazing how blessed we are to have a worthy priesthood holder at the head of our family. I feel so blessed for it. I never realized how much that really meant until I came on my mission and saw what it is like to not have that. I never want that. It is sad.

Where is Eric traveling too? Im glad to hear the familia is doing so good. I love that. How is Jarelley feeling? Is she huge yet? Poor girl she is getting close isnt she? When is her baby due? Oh man the other day I saw someone with a new little baby and it made me so excited. I am a bad person!

Well we are still just working hard. President Sagers has asked us to have a no car day once a week. So we get to have some fun adventures with that. We figured out that we walked about 13 miles our first no car day. It was so funny. We laughed so hard all day. Especially on our walk home. It was the best worst day of our lives. This past week we were able to find a ride home so we didnt have to walk as far. That was a blessing. Its fun though. We are trying to find like crazy. Its a little difficult. Everyone is "happy" with where they are at. Stupid money. But we have been praying and fasting for miracles so I know we are going to see some!

Oh my address is:

5210 Long Prarie Rd #1626

FLower Mound TX 75028

Well I love you so much mom! Thanks for everything that you do. You are the best mother in the whole wide world! I love you I love you I LOVE YOU!!!!

 

Loves loves hugs kisses,

 

love. sister bailey

May 29, 2012 Letter

Dear Wonderful, beautiful, kind,loving, generous, humble, smart, amazingest mother ever,

 

Hi mom! I am good how are you? I cant believe it was memorial day yesterday either! I feel like time is just going so fast! Where is it going? It is going to be june this week. I cant even believe it. If I really get thinking about things I freak myself out. Not pleasant. So I dont think about time. It makes me nauseous. :) This week has been good. 

Anyways that is so fun about Taylor and Mike! I wish I could have been there to see it. That makes me a little sad. But I am so happy for them! How fun! I love the temple. It is so amazing. Isnt it amazing that we can have our families forever? We have so many great blessings I wish some people would just open their eyes and see it! Im glad Uncle Sheldon and Aunt Nicole are doing good. That is good to hear. How is Dom doing? I cant believe him and Jesse are graduating this year! What the heck?! When did they get that old?! How strange!  I feel old. 

Tyson is so cute! I had the strangest dream last night. I walked over to someones house because there was a huge group of people there and I wanted to see what was going on. Well President Sagers was standing in the pool baptizing people. I just stood there and watched. I had no idea what was going on and people kept talking about a restoration and prophets and joseph smith but I had no idea what they were talking about. All I knew was I had the strongest feeling I needed to be baptized. That I needed to be a part of it. So I ran home to grab Tyson. He was it. He was the only family I had. And I brought him over to show him. He looked around and was like "I dont get it. I dont think I want to do this yet Ky." I was like "thats ok bud." I felt ok with him not wanting to join now because I knew he would join later. All that mattered was that I did it right now. It was the most pressing feeling in the world. I had no idea what I was doing but I didnt care I felt SO strongly that I had to be a part of it.  So I walked downstairs to get to the pool and you and Tosha were sitting on the couch. Tosha had a baby in her arms and yall were talking. You stopped me and asked me who I was. I knew who you were but you werent my family. It was so weird we talked for a second and I walked outside and got baptized.  It was so weird. Tyson was the only family I had in that dream. Isnt that strange? Its sad to think about now. How sad to not have my mom and sister. I would hate that. Anyways thats my weird dream with Tyson. He is just always my little brother. Not even weird dreams can separate that! I love that little boy. I hope he wins today! He would be cute with a mowhawk. THat kid could pull anything off!

Im glad to hear suz is doing ok. Dont dave and JaRelle live in McKays room? She is funny. She is too cute. I cant believe she is going to be a junior! How weird!! She is old.

Well there is nothing too crazy going on over here. We are just working and working and working. Everyone we meet says the same thing, "no thanks we are happy with where we are at." I hate that stupid line. No one seems to realize that they could be happier. They dont really listen and then they just shut the door. Its ok though. We will just keep 

working because I know there is someone here who needs us.

Well mother I love love love you! I think you are the best mother in the whole world. I was thinking about it the other day and there are a lot of women who say they wish they had served missions but I think the best missionary I know is you. You successfully brought 6 souls to Christ (and I bet alot more). What would I do if you had never taught me about the gospel? I was converted to the gospel because my wonderful missionary mother took the time to teach me. You prepared me to make covenants, you helped me learn how to love the Book of Mormon, you taught me to pray, and you taught me what it means to be a true servant of Christ. In my mind you are the best missionary in the world. Thanks mom. I love you tooo much. Thanks for all that you do for me.

 

loves loves hugs and kisses

 

love. sister bailey

May 21, 2012 Letter

Dear Wonderful, amzing, fun, happy, spiritual, uplifting, positive, splendid, best Mom in the whole wide world!

 

Hi mom! I am good. 

Tosha and Eric: I am glad to hear they are doing good! I pray everynight and morning for that little alien life form growing inside of her. Thats good it is the right size. I think that is a good sign isnt it? I will keep praying for it. Also I have been prayin for tosha to be less sick; that is unpleasant to be sick. So I am glad to hear she is doing better. God does answer prayers!!

Dave and JaRelle: Im glad dave is doing good. He sounds busy! He is a hard worker and so smart. Im glad I have that kid as my older brother. Hes a good example. So If JaRelle names her kid Ellie is tosh still gonna name hers Elle? Thats gonna get confusing! One name, two kids that way when they are in trouble we only have to shout once! Hey I wear my underwear now....because I have too! Peyton sounds very cute and like she has good taste. She just needs to make her hair ugly, have snot down her face, snow boots, swimsuit, and a nasty blanket she drags everywhere and she will be as cool as me! Tough shoes to fill. I feel like only my kid is going to be challenged enough to fill my shoes. Sister Reynolds tells me I need to marry a normal person so my kids have a fighting chance. 

McKay: I LOVE THAT KID. It makes me so happy he has a beard because he is in Alaska. That is exactly something only McKay would do. Can you please send me pictures? The other day I was thinking about when we were young and we were convinced we were the twins from Witch Mountain...HAHAHAHAHAHAHA I still think we are. I was laughing so hard Sister Reynolds sometimes thinks Im a freak....ok all the time.  She loves me still. 

Lauren: I want pictures of her Prom. And shes not in love. Love is an unknown concept to stupid kids in High school. It makes them do stupid things. and is stupid. and no one is in love til they serve missions. Thats all I have to say about that. Oh and I love her very much!

Tyson: what did he do to his teeth? THat sounds awful! Oh man I hope he is ok!  Tell him good luck for me at his soccer tournament! He is going to  be awesome! He is such a tough, smart, amazing, talented kid! Im jealous of that boy.

 

Well as for me.....oh man what to tell you! We are working hard but if you were to look at  the fruits of our labors you would say we are hardly working. Its annoying but I am not being annoyed or disappointed by it.

Funny story that totally proves Uncle Clive is related to grandma! This week I get a letter from Uncle Clive telling me how he sends newsletters to all the kids on missions from the family and his ward. He told me how sorry he was that I now only had a short amount of time left on my mission and was just getting the first one, but he had absolutely no idea until just last week that I was even on a mission. He ended it by saying they were sending prayers my way now that they are cognizzant of where I am. Did they come to my last talk?! Hahahahahahahahahahahaha oh man I am starting to fear what I will be like when I get older! The genes in our family are a little sketchy! I can just see uncle clive realizing I am on a mission. It made me giggle for days. I am giggling now as I type this. I bet he even sent letters to McKenzie! I am personally offended! If this were church related I would be leaving the church...as it is I cant leave the family! So that was definately one of the funniest things that happened to me this week.

Other super funny thing that happened to us. I found a song for Mrs. T to put in her preschool program. Its super cute and I think everyone would love it! A darling 3 1/2 year old spent dinner singing to us. She sang us the songs she learned at her Methodist preschool among the favorites are Jesus loves all the little cowgirls, and Give your heart to Jesus.

Give your heart to Jesus goes a little like this:

Give your Heart to Jesus

Give your Heart to Jesus

thats what its all about

 

You put your right hand in

you put your right hand out

you put your right hand in

and you shake it all about

You give your heart to Jesus

and you turn yourself around

thats what its all about!

 

Yep that was the song they sang at the preschool program. The Hokey Pokey methodist style!! We were laughing so hard. I thought it might be a good one for Mrs. T to use so I passed it on.

Well I wish I had more cool teaching stories. Our only investigators right now are waiting on a divorce. They are awesome though. THey read every night and come to church. They really want to come unto Christ there is just a slight legal issue in the way. And all the rest of our time is spent finding. THere is no cool story this week. Everyone pretty promptly  shut us down. I feel like I am getting braver and more comfortable with talking to everyone. I feel like that is at least one blessing.

Well madre I love you so so much. I miss you lots and think you are amazing! Let me know if you need anything! I always keep yall in my prayers! I LOVE YOU!!!

 

loves loves kisses hugs

 

love. sister bailey

May 13, 2012 Letter

Dear wonderful, bright, happy, makes me smile, lovely Mother

 

Hi Mom! Man I cant believe we talked just yesterday. That is crazy. I am sad its over already. I feel like it came and went so quickly. As a matter of fact I woke up yesterday and was like "la di da Just another day in the mission life (sung to the tune of Just another day in paradise)" And then half way through getting ready I was like "Oh my goodness I GET TO CALL MY MOM TODAY!!" And then I was super excited but nervous because I KNEW my whole family was going to be ridiculosly trunky. And guess what? they did not pleasantly surprise me. They were super trunky. I was right. Man I know my family. I love yall. It was so much fun to talk to everyone. I hate 40 minutes though. It is so short and there is so much more I want to say. I just want to sit on the phone and ta lk to yall for hours. But I cant. And at least now we get the blessings of obedience! YAY! Those are way better than talking for hours.

Well the only problem is now I have nothing fun to tell you in my email. Oh except remember how I said I like to hide from my companion. I know Im funny. Well one day I was sitting on the bed and I heard her coming out so I quickly throw the covers over my head. She walked into the room and I pulled the covers away from my eyes and creepy watched her. She just sat there brushing her teeth trying to figure out what to wear and she passed by me again. I was like there is no way she hasnt seen me I will just give it up so I throw the covers off my head and really sweetly (seriously sweetly not sarcastically sweetly) say Boo! she jumped super high and punched herself in the face with her  toothbrush!!!!! I laughed so hard. I fell off the bed and was like rolling on the floor laughing. I looked at her and said "really I have hidden under the bed and grabbed your ankles, jumped out of closets, crawled from closets and nothing. Nothing has scared you and then I hide in plain sight under the covers make eye contact with you and sweetly say  Boo and you about pee your pants!!!!!" Does anyone else see a problem with this?
Oh man that was funny. It made me laugh.

I am sad to hear tosha isnt feeling well. After we hung up I felt like a poop face because I could tell she sounded a little down and I didnt ask her how she wsa feeling? Tell her sorry for me. I really was concerned for her welfare. I hope she is ok and I am keeping her in my prayers. I am keeping Grandpa Ralph in my prayers as well. He better get feeling better! Tell McKay he better be there when I get home! Or I will punch him. I guess I will forgive him but I am going to call him that night and keep him up super late talking to him so he is tired when he has to work. Punishment.

Well Mother I love you so so much! I miss you like crazy! Thanks for everything mom you are the bestest. I love you I love you I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

loves loves kisses hugs

 

love. your favorite sister

Linda's May 7, 2012 Letter (hehe!)

JaRelle's insert:


I usually just post Kiley's letters--not ours to her... but this letter from mom made my day! It made Kiley and her companion laugh for quite a while too, so I thought it should be shared. 


Linda took McKay to the airport this morning, and she was worried that she wouldn't get home to write Kiley before Kiley emailed today. So as she is driving home from the airport, she turns on the talk to text (well, email) feature. She gets home and is SO pleased with herself that she tells everyone how cool she is that she drove and wrote a letter to Kiley at the same time. She proceeds to tell us about this cool feature where you speak and it types and sends it for you (Lauren and I are like, "Um mom, this isn't anything new.") She was oober excited about her accomplishment though so we all giggled. When I heard Kiley's response in her email, I scrolled down to read what mom and written and laughed my guts out! I understood more or less since I know everything that has been going on, but Kiley must be thinking mom is on drugs or something! So here is mom's letter; enjoy!




Dear fabulous amazing kylie I'm writing to you while I'm driving home from the airport I just want you to know how amazing I think you are we had a crazy crazy weekend turning on friday night mccain decided to get the car out quietly which means he put it in neutral jacket out of the garage is his foot in the car got away from him and door was going to mass into the garage so he stuck at his arm to stop in and crushed his wrist trouble ligaments ovaries went to the er was in the morning stayed up till 3 got home at 330 so you know not to wake us up funny thing yar broken car needs to be repaired so I got office at it on saturday at 7 happy hours of sleep and running and I had to decorate for the cinco de maya party which was very successful and on top of that lauren had junior prom with my guess lauren and junior prom with my guess she looks beautiful I'm so happy for her the bad part was she took her dress got some done came home early not feeling well so I like when you can I was stephen merchant so sick that's exactly how it sounds I kept rolling in she's out like 2011 passed out she hit her head the voice truffles her because if I skip a song came on an ear of jumping in anyway 1230 she was home on prom night she didn't do so well yesterday went to the sacrament came home and slept all day and still busy how to take her to the doctors this morning I just took makese airport he's off to alaska I'm excited for you I think it will be a great experience which really means we are all doing well we love you so much and miss you can't wait to talk to you next sunday let's make it at that time let us know if you get transferred that will be exciting I think you just a reynolds are doing really well together so you probably won't get transferred how did it go with her companion for the days friend but she opened the gospel okay my love have a great week keep us posted on what's going on with you remember how much we love love love love you just in case is better seems a little screwy understand and I'm dictating it into a microphone which is amazing so amazing also remember that I'm running a very few hours until late friday night I got 3 and saturday night lauren came home sick so give me a break I'm a little brain power okay I love you sweetheart love hugs and kisses take care of yourself oh I'm sure it will write you spin in your car very exciting weekend but I'll let her show everything she needs to share I love you so much honey be good love mom

May 7, 2012 Letter

Dear Wonderful, amazing, funny, not so good at writing letters with a microphone Mother,

 

WHAT THE DEVIL?!?!? Will you please go back and read that email. I have no idea what you said. At one point I was starting to think you might have been on something when you wrote it. Who did what with the car that crushed a wrist and tore ligaments and ovaries? And what happened with Lauren? Did you say something about my broken car? I didnt even know I had one. I am so massively confused! I was going to call you Edith though because that thing spelled my name wrong. I was like "Oh my gosh my mom cant spell my name now?!" Clearly I have been away too long. Ok that was like the funniest letter of my life! You might need to resend all the information to me with a code. Oh man...Sister Reynolds and I just laughed for about 10 minutes. Oh good I got my ab 

workout in. Mother I love you more than life itself. You are wonderful. 

Well I am just going to tell you about my week because I dont know how to respond to that email....I hope everyone is still alive and well because after that email I feel like maybe there was a zombie attack and everyones dead and chaos has ensued...and I  dont know what else. Im uncertain.

Anyways super funny story for the week!!:

So last P-day we had an activity with the zone. We were all told about it and asked to bring a broom. We didnt have one so we brought a mop. We all thought oh cool we are going to play broom hockey or something. Oh no thats not it at all. We get there and the Elder is like "we are going to play missionary quidditch." Oh my gosh if you want to laugh super hard right now please close your eyes and picture this: 8 elders and 2 sisters running around a basketball court with an assortment of brooms, mops, and random sticks between there legs. 2 of the biggest elders have pillows in their hands that they use to beat other players (yep those are the bludgers) The game is basically ultimate frisbee played with a football except for you have to keep one hand on your broom at all times. So here we are all these missionaries running around with brooms in between our legs throwing a football and trying not to have the crap beat out of us with pillows. Well unfortunately the elders are smart and they know not to pass it to me so I really didnt get much "play" time, and my broom was taller than me. So here I am walking around with my broom actually dragging on the floor. I turn to sister Reynolds and Im like "hey sister look Im the sweeper!" I think I am so punny! Seriously I kill myself...sweeper...do you get it? Oh boy why am I so funny? I bet dad laughed. Ok well the really funny part of the story comes now. Sister Reynolds passes the ball to Elder Moore and he misses so he lunges to recover his fumble and in the process lets go of his broom. Well the broom smacks him in the face and I just see spit fly out of his mouth...it was nasty. And then all of a sudden he is touching his face and hes like "oh no...oh no ....oh no." So I am getting a little worried about him but still kinda giggling. And he looks over...yep he chipped his tooth! The best was the phone call to Sister Sagers it went a little like this:

Elder Moore: Hey Sister Sagers this is Elder Moore...I chipped my tooth.

silence

Elder Moore: Well I was running and a broom smacked me in the face.

silence

Elder Moore: Well Sister Sagers the Broom was between my legs.....

 

We were all laughing so hard! Oh man it was pretty funny. He got it fixed super fast. One of the members in his ward was a dentist. We all still laugh about it. It was seriously so funny! Holy cow. Man. too funny. Whew. Is everyone else laughing? Was this only 

funny if you saw it? Im giggling.

Well other news...we really dont have much. We have been tracting a lot lately and just trying to find. Its sorta working out. Tracting is tough in this area. No one is home and if they are they dont want to listen. But its pretty exciting. We still have fun while doing it.

OH I know. We saw a snake the other day! It scared the poop right out of me! Seriously! So we have this creek that we always cross and usually we see turtles there. Well there are two sides to this creek one is over a bridge and it takes us to area A and the other is over some rocks a little further down that takes us into area B. Well we are crossing the rocks into area b and I was like "why dont we ever see turtles down here?" When I look over and there is a turtle sitting on a log down the bank. I exclaim to sister Reynolds "turtle!!" And we head down the bank to look at it. By the time we get down there the turtle is gone. We are both like dang turtle! we missed it. So I am standing there and I look to my right and a little further down the bank I just see this massive snake body. I didnt see its head just the body it was dark brown with some red in it and it was thick! So Im like "holy crap" I hit Sister Reynolds arm and Im like "lets get out of here." So I start booking it down this bank across the rocks and into area b with sister Reynolds right on my heels. I am pretty sure I flashed the world because I was running so fast my skirt was up over my waist but I didnt care I was not about to get eaten! I am pretty sure that turtle was in cahoots with the snake. It lures in the innocent bystander and then the snake eats them! Well not these two servants of God! The whole time we are running Sister Reynolds is like why are we running? I didnt tell her til we were safely on the road and she then looks at me and says " you idiot now we have to cross the rocks again to get to the other area!!!!" Oops I didnt think about that....well we crossed over the rocks safely the second time...yes we did run. Then we walked further down the creek to the bridge. We crossed over it everything was fine and dandy then as we are crossing back over later that day we stopped to look for turtles. There were none. I am pretty sure those turtles are smart, because I look over and Im like "Holy freak sister look at that snake." there was  a different snake hiding in the water. Its head was resting right on this log. It blended in super good. It was black and white and HUGE!! Holy cow I was so scared...so I took a picture of it. It creeps me out! We left and are all safe but we are a little more leery when we cross over that bridge. CREEPY!

Well thats about the craziness for the week! I hope everything is going good for yall...oh yeah I get to call you on sunday!! WOOT WOOT! Ok it will probably be around 6 or  7ish Texas time. How far ahead of yall are we? I dont remember! But look for it then. Im so excited to talk to you! I cannot believe it is already mothers day! Holy cow how did that happen! Time flies. I feel like we just talked for christmas. Oh and did I tell you Sister Reynolds and I are both staying! Woot Woot! We are excited. I think I might die in this area. We will see.

Well mother I love you so much! Til we email again...hopefully I can understand it next time...hahaha. I love you!!!

 

loves loves hugs kisses

 

love. sister bailey