Sarah's January 31st Email

Hey Family!

Our family just keeps growing and growing! Welcome to Erin! Congratulations, you will be a Dixon soon!

I got your package, and thank you sooooo much! you are really the best! I needed it so much! My roomies steal my God nectar.

Heavenly Father keeps blessing us! This week we have two new investigators, Madeline and Doris, two adorable Chinese girls. They really want to know about God. Neither one of them has a religious background. they don't even know who God is. Like the concept, or really even the word. Absolutely no idea. Dad, did you get that a lot in your mission? One of their roommates is Christian and so they were curious when a missionary approached them. They are really sweet and interested. Thank you for your prayers.

This week, I went and visited MIT! Dad, you would love it. There are binary codes in the tiles on the floor. and the buildings are all numbered out of order in this weird random puzzle. And the buildings are different shapes (triangle, square, circle, trapezoid, etc.) and one of them was built to look like it was caving in on itself. It's such a geeky school!!! I loved it!

SO here is a tidbit of news I just found out...They are combining my mission with the Hartford, Conn. Mission!!! WHAT!!?!?! I actually just barely got the text! I really don't know what this entails, but we're all freaking out!!!! Don't I have a cousin serving in CT or something? Research is required...I will return with more later. But it won't happen until July, so it's pretty far away.

I love you all! I hope everything is going well for you all! Thank you so much for all you do for me! I really do have the best family.

I love you all!

Sister Dixon

Our babies

Mmmm green beans!

Mom's make the best cocoa!

Binky envy.

My Side of the Story

I cannot tell you how honored I am to be a part of this blog. Wow. WOW.

The story. The whole story is rather long and starts just over 3 years ago when I first met Jim in Institute Choir. I will save that long novel for another day.
I was kind of expecting it because Jan. 25th was 6-months since we were "officially" a couple. But Jim kept telling me the ring wouldn't be ready until February 1st, so I decided to just not ask questions and go with whatever happened. He picked me up just after 6pm and drove me to a look-out spot on the Wasatch mountains, a place we had been before a few times. He was recreating a night back in August when he asked me if he could do anything in the world for me and I jokingly had responded, "Pearls, Jim. I want real pearls." From which point he proceeded to get a small silk bag from his car holding a real pearl necklace. Of course I was shocked, I had been kidding!

This night was just after it had snowed, so there was a gentle cloud cover over the city. It seemed the sky was upside down, the gray being the earth and the city lights were floating in the sky. We sat on the hood of his car and he asked me the same question. "Erin, what do you want?" I said to him, "I have my pearls, I am happy." ... "What else Erin?" "Not to slip on the snow." "What else?" "Um.....Clean house, good kids and a million dollars.....and a good husband." "I think I can help with that one." He walks back to his car and brings me a long stem, gorgeous red rose, a heart shape box of chocolates (the tasty kind) and a small box. I grinned as he handed them each to me. I had trouble taking the ribbon off the box and he said "hurry!" Finally it came off and I opened it. Inside was the ring box which he took from me, opened and got down on one knee. It was really slushy on the ground, but he was down there anyway. I thought "Wow, this must be love if he's on his knees in the snow." He said that he couldn't imagine his life without me, that he loved me and "will you be my eternal companion?" I stared at him, then nodded and said "Uh-huh!" He stared at me for a minute before standing up and putting the ring on my finger.

Even though I knew it was coming, and even though he knew I would say yes, I still felt like a deer in the headlights and he was still super nervous (aka super cute!).


After we called all our families, we went to Epic Casual Dining. FANTASTIC FOOD by the way. Highly recommended. It was a bit of a shock every time I looked at my finger, and yet as Jim said, "It feels like business as usual." It seemed as if nothing else in the world could have happened but this.

Also, confession: Kristy and Faunice, you were KILLING me on Sunday, talking about dresses, rings and weddings and all I could contribute was, "oh, my sister did this" when I was DYING to say, "I've been dress shopping and it's insane!" etc. etc. Phew. I'm glad to have that out now.

Sarah's January 24th Email

Hey Family!!!

Things this week have been slow, but next week I fully expect to be very very busy. I didn't recieve the package you sent yet. Because of the snow the mail hasn't been coming (so much for "come rain come snow...glom of nit...yada yada") But thank you for sending me the book! It'll be awesome.

About learning ASL, I talked to my mission president and he told me that it was good that I was learning it, but to not go out of my way to teach deaf people, so our plan has sort of fallen flat. But not really, because our investigator, Jonathan, want to be baptized and if we can make it work for him, we can make it work for others.

We are expecting more snow tomorrow. yay. two feet. im so excited.

Ususally the snowgod and I are friends, but we have to be everywhere tomorrow, and if snow gets in my way, I will call down the firey wrath of the sungod.

I'm sorry to hear about Grandpa! I will be sure to pray for him!

I just want to give you all a great big hug!!! I think you are all wonderful!!

I miss you!

The Lord must love me so much! Cuz I'm obviously well blessed in family area.

Luffs!

Sisiter Dixon

So in the university ward I now serve in, there are like, twenty kids going to Harvard and they all invited us to dinner.

I WANT TO GO TO HARVARD!!! They are spoiled rotten there! And they are all beautiful! There was not a single Harvard student I've met that is not absolutely beautiful. So we went in to get food and I was feelin all cool, cuz while I stuck out like a sore thumb, I was in the harvard dorm, being all smart and awesome. They have their own freaking cook!! You give her an order and she'll cook up whatever you want!!!! from steak to grilled cheese to pasta salad--whatever you want.

I tried to be all cool and trendy so I got these patties that were vegan and looked like poo, but it was cool because all the Harvard kids were doing it. It tasted bad, but I felt smarter after doing it. And then a cool Harvard student recommended this bread with honeybutter on it. So I wuz bein all cul, and I tuk the bread, and I started butterin it, lookin all cul, and so smrt. And then I looked down and realized I was buttering it with Mayonnaise.

In the middle of Harvard.

With all the students watching me.

So I ran with it. Mayonnaise bread wasn't that bad, and I wuz all cul eatin it.

But....now I know why I don't go to Harvard.

Anyway, it was cool being there.

So I just thought I should let you all know.

BIG NEWS!!!!

So, you all probably saw the handwriting on the wall, so this won't come as a big surprise for you... especially since I called you all and those who didn't answer got awesome voice mail messages (I'm really sorry I wasn't able to get a hold of everyone.) Anyway.......

ERIN AND I

ARE ENGAGED!!!!!

Here is a picture of the happy couple (that's us!)

And here is a zoom-in of the ring!

We are thinking sometime in the beginning of June. We haven't picked a concrete date yet, but we will be sure to keep everyone posted. We are both so FREAKING EXCITED!!!!!!

Sarah's January 19th Email

WHAT??????

Another Wolford baby!! YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY!!!!

A little girl! awwww. You have to name her Sarah. Well, you don't have to. You could name her Sara, but I wouldn't love her as much. I'm so excited!! Congratulations!!

It's been very icy out here. I didn't e-mail yesterday because the library was once more closed due to snow, later in the day, however the snow turned into ice, and since the busses weren't reliable, we were told to go home and stay there. As we went home, there were like, five old people trying to scrape ice off of their driveways. So we went home to get shovels to help them out, but as we went down the stairs, I slipped and fell and managed to hit every stair in a different position. I can only imagine how funny I looked. But now I'm kind of out of commission. Don't worry, it's not that bad. It only sort of hurts when I stand up, sit down, walk, breathe, ect. My companion won't let me do anything, and I feel worthless just laying around the apartment. but seriously, don't worry. I managed to make it to the library, I can do anything, no matter the bruises!!

Hooray for moving!! I'm glad everything went fairly well, It's always nice to have help. You have to send me pictures when you get all settled.

I'm afraid that's all the news on my end. I hope you feel better! I'll pray for you. I love you all, and thank you so much for your prayers!

Miss you,
Sarah

Our Awesome Family

Moving today went really smoothly, and Missy and I just want to tell everyone thank you so much. You guys are so great to sacrifice your Saturday and help us!! Everyone was so willing and helpful and cheerful. Man we have the coolest family ever.

Our family is like this except more.

You guys are the best! If you ever need any artwork, embroidery, fabric, babysitting, moving out or just anything, Missy and I are your girls. We also can cook! (Well, Missy can anyway.)

OUR FAMILY IS AWESOME!

Sarah's January 13th email

Hey all!

Sorry it's taken me so long to write. It's transfers week and then yesterday we were snowed in, and everything closed because of the ninjas (you know how they are). So I'm writing you now. And the next time I write will be on Tuesday, because the Library is closed on Monday, due to the holidays!

Yay!

So about transfers: I am (hopefully) not moving. They asked us to go to transfer meeting though. They told us we were staying the same, but that we should go. I think that we are being assigned to different wards.

The Sister missionaries who work in the city always work in the singles wards. Usually, there are three sets of Sisters for four wards, and one set covers two wards. Recently, there have only been two sets of sisters, two wards for each, but we have just found out that Sister Stevens and I are going to become the only sisters in the city now, and possibly will cover all four wards. I will let you know what happens on Tuesday. Either way, the whole point of telling you this was to say that my address has not yet changed, but may because I don't know how boundaries work out. SO FUN!!!

In other news: I may have mentioned before about out deaf investigator, Jonathan. Well, he's doing really well. He loves church and he understands (we think) what is being taught to him. We are really sad though because even if he wanted to be baptized, we don't have a permanent interpreter for him, and we want people to be able to talk to him.

Our solution?

BAPTIZE MORE DEAF PEOPLE!!!!!!!

That's right. Semi-supported by our mission, and with a haphazard and unsure plan about how to proceed, Sister Stevens and I will endeavor to become (dun dun dun daaaaaa!) The First American Sign Language Missionaries in Boston!!!

Fist big problem: I don't know sign language.

However, I can bear testimony and compliment someone on their shoes AND say "I want a hippopotamus for Christmas" So I think I'm on the right path.We aren't sure if it's going to work, but there is a huge deaf community here in Boston and Sister Stevens knows how to get to them. We plan on starting a ASL class here for the members, so they can communicate with them, and there are lots of other things to be done in this respect. We plan on being very busy for the next few months. YAY!

We have two or three members who are really excited to help us out, and I'm pretty excited about it all.

Thank you so much for your prayers! God has blessed me so much! I know he watches out for me, and that he has something great in store. Thank you all so much! I love you!

-Sister Dixon :Sign language missionary.

Oh yeah.

PS. What the heck was with that picture!?!?! Who is fondling my little sister? and why does it look like that? And why is her face all white? And Lilli, Why oh why would you wear that bow in your hair?

PPS. Just kidding, you rock the bow.!!!

PPPS. I'm guessing it was for a play. You look awesome.

Wolford Surprise

Read our silly little poem

It leads to a surprise

It's something cute and something warm

And something small in size

Her arrival date is still unsure,

But could be mid-May maybe

This big surprise, you may have guessed,

Is a brand new Wolford baby!

More moving stuff!

Hey peeps! Us at the girl house just wanted to thank you all over again for being so willing to give up your Saturday to help us. We has the best family ever :) :) :)

We want this move to be super organized and super easy for everyone, so here's more info. We're renting a 17' Uhaul truck (!!) to fit all our stuff in. Yesssss.
I've never driven a Uhaul before, but I bet it'll be a cinch.
We're hoping you'll be willing to help Melisa move out some of her stuff too, she doesn't have much (mostly kitchen stuff :D). So, a big-3 move out. We're organizing all the boxes so they are grouped--Missy's in the truck first, then mine, then Melisa. That way we can unpack Melisa's stuff first (she's moving to a spot in Sugarhouse) (we'll have maps and directions for everyone), then to my place (and perhaps a quick stop at Jim's, to drop off the coffee table), then to Missy's, where we'll have lunch. WE'RE HAVING PAPA JOHN'S PIZZA!!!! Papa John's is the best. Let us know your topping requests.

Thank you so, so much again for being willing to help us move out. You guys are wonderful!

I'm moving too!! PRIZES!!

So Missy is like the on-top-of-things roommate. She's had her apartment reserved and everything all planned out for like months. She's more organized than a soccer mom.

I, on the other hand, am a lazy loaf and only just found a place to move to today. ...But it's really cool!! It's in the basement of a building built in 1905. I think it's haunted (!!!!)

It's on 3rd S and 4th E. Now comes the begging.

Will my wonderful, talented, strong family be willing to help me move out?? I promise there won't be heavy furniture! (I am selling most of hte heavy stuff.) And there's only a few stairs to go down! I don't think it will be hard at all! Plus I will treat you all to pizza too! I will love you like no other relative did!!

To prove my love, I'm offering prizes for those who help:

1) A pink camera! Oo shiny! Perfect for the little girl (or camera-desperate boy) in your life!

2) A lovely 3-panel Hobby Lobby screen! Good for dressing behind, just like in the movies!
3) A granite-top coffee table so sturdy it will withstand the terror of a thousand kids!...And much much more junk I'm trying to get rid of prizes for anyone who helps!

YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!!! I love you forever and ever and ever!

Missy is moving!!

As most of you have heard I am moving and I am inviting anyone who would like to help me move my junk. I mostly need help with all the big stuff so any strong buff guys would be my hero. Of course anyone who helps will be treated to pizza afterwards. So, Saturday, Jan 15 at 9:00 am. Be there or be square. Let me know if you can come.
Thanks in advance!

Missy

Life With Your Father Is Always Interesting!

So for Christmas Dad received a gift of some fake mustaches in his stocking, a gag gift. He wore one of them Christmas Day. But I found it rather difficult to kiss him without a lot of giggling. I mean how can I take him seriously.....really! Well, I thought he had put them away in a drawer. Today as I was walking past the cookie jars in the cabinet, I all of a sudden noticed where he had stashed them. He said he had put them on before he went to Chicago.

I can't stop laughing.

Sarah's January 3rd email

Hey!

So for new year, I dyed my companions hair red. It looks super cute. She looks like she was always meant to be a redhead.

How was Chicago, Dad? I bet it was awesome and rainy. It seems like a cool place to go. What did you do there?

Nothing has really been happening here, everyone is still gone for the holidays (since all the people we teach are young single adults, there were SERIOUSLY ten people in church) so all our time is spent talking to people on the subway and buses and passing them off to other missionaries if they are interested. It's nice and warm on public transportation, so we're usually out of the cold and that's nice.

Thank you all so much for your prayers! I'm sure as people come back for school, we will have tons of people to teach. I'm excited.

I hope everything is well with you, I'm sorry this one is so uninformative, but it was a really boring week. The most exciting thing that has happened was a crazy lady wandered into church on Sunday and started saying some interesting things. We had to escort her out. Yup! cool stuff!

Love you all!!!!
Sarah