I almost bought a cow...

Dear Dixie,

When I heard I was to do service in your honor, I thought, how am I going to do that, you live with me?  As I thought and thought, and the days clicked by, I decided I wanted for my service to be actually for you, in addition to in your honor.  I have seen how important temple work has been for you and when you wanted to do a few temples in UT before your mission, I wanted to make it a reality.  It was so fun the 2 days before your mission to see the temple square highlights and visit 3 temples. 

When I saw the Giving Machine for "Light The World" I thought it was a great thing to add to my service.  As Dixie was not going to be able to read these in the MTC, I decided to tell her that I had her for the season of service. I asked her to choose something from the Giving Machine and that I would buy it in her honor.  I told her she could spend up to $15.  Dixie chose fish seed for subsistence, she thought it was very Alaska.  She told me it was number 263.  I put in my credit card and pushed the numbers, 2....6.....2....yes, I accidentally pushed 2 instead of 3!  What did I just buy?!?  I knew they had a cow for about $200, a classroom in a box for over $200 and a goat for about $180...what was going to fall down, what did I buy?  Other seeds, a quarter of an acre of seeds.  Cool!  Then I also bought fish seeds.  I was really nervous for a bit.

Dixie, I love you lots and I'm so proud of you.

To Sister Gates from Sister Dittbrenner

I cannot take credit for this idea, my Mom thought of it.

It was so perfect though that I couldn’t not do it.  Ever since Grandma has returned home, I have heard her mention on several occasions how she wants to write a memoir about her life. I know that Grandma wants her posterity to know her story and testimony. So, in the service of all of us and the children those that have yet been born in this family I wrote down the testimony Grandma and Grandpa gave Thanksgiving 2018. I was able to write down the words thanks to Mitzi’s Marco polo. As Elder Nelson says we want to invite children on both sides of the veil to come unto the Savior.  I want the posterity of the Gates family to know what Kriss Gates is thankful for and t know of the love that she has for each and every one of us. And I know she would want me to also include her husband’s testimony he gave that night as well. So Grandma (and Grandpa) I will email it to you, you are welcome to share it here or anywhere else you want. I hope you share it with the world, like your example, we can all learn to be better because of it.

To Ashley from Darcy

This year for Christmas service I have actually. I had many ideas and little Services here and there but when I heard about this opportunity I knew it was exactly what I needed to do for Ash. Christmas Eve morning denim Dillon and I went to the food pantry in Eagle River, Alaska. It was there that we were able to serve with two people in our Ward. We went through 20 or so boxes of fresh produce. When I heard about it it reminded me of Ashley's old job working for the produce company. We spent lots of time going through each piece of fruit and vegetable checking for broken skin or bruises. From there we would separate it in three piles trash, compost / Pig, chicken feed, or good to eat. If there was any bruises or broken skin it had to go to the chickens any mold it would go to the trash. They ended up telling us about halfway through that if we wanted to take any of the bruised food that would go to the chickens normally we were welcome to it. We ended up walking out with a box full of apples tomatoes peppers and even a dragon fruit.

The service was to this food pantry more than anything. But in the end I was able to serve my family as well by making homemade salsa, guacamole, and homemade apple cider.

Something I always admired about Ashley was her ability to cook. I may sound stupid when I say this but she's very homey in the fact that I just know she has the best barbecue sauce you will ever find. And she makes it herself. I've really tried this last semester to make a lot of food by hand. I don't buy tortillas normally anymore. Tortillas are easy to make though.  Homemade pizza if I can afford it I also do the sauce by hand. But tomatoes are expensive. And lastly bread has been my exciting one I learned this semester .

My goal for this next semester, homemade pasta.

Ashley Merry Christmas and thank you for being an inspiration to me.

Love Can Never Be Taken Away

I was involved with something a while back and realized after it was done that it could possible be a great opportunity for my Gates Service project. Charise was notified of a LLR Retailer that had lost their fight with addiction.  Her husband had all this inventory in his house and didn't know what to do with it. He just wanted to return it to Home Office ( LuLaRoe headquarters) and get it out of his house. It was all so overwhelming and he didn't know where to start. Charise set it up for us to go and remove her inventory from his home.

Things were a little more complicated than at first. He (Matt, the husband) had to go to the ER for immediate surgery a few weeks before we were to go to his house. After his surgery, he was not allowed to drive home so he had a friend take him home leaving his suburban in the parking structure at the hospital. So Charise and I went to the hospital to retrieve his vehicle in Durham. We then drove to his house in Pittsboro where he lived.

When I pulled onto his property, I observed about four RVs, three camping trailers, and a stock trailer. My first impression was what kind of condition this inventory was in. Matt lived on about three acres in the outskirts of town. Two dogs met me as I pulled up to the house. I knocked on the door and was greeted by a bearded man bent over walking like he had cinder blocks attached to his feet. After a brief introduction, I started to load up his LLR.

After I was done, I learned that he had a biological daughter in Hawaii and two daughters that were living with him from his wife's previous relationship. For some reason, his two daughters went to live with their biological father. He is trying to get them back, but is hitting a lot of resistance. His strength is minimal due to his surgery and thus cannot get much done.

Now back to the camping lot in the front of his property. Matt explained what he did for a living. He repaired motorhomes and many types of trailers. YES PLEASE!!!! That explains the camping site in his front yard. He told me he does anything from major repairs to roof sealing. But in his condition, he is not able to stand very long much less work.  His life is upside down right now not only loosing his wife, but his kids, and he is unable to make a living.

I have been trying to meet up with him to help him with whatever he needs. Repair a water pump, replace a tire, heck, even do some housework. The first time I tried to schedule, he was going to Las Vegas. Then we re-scheduled and that was postponed due to our snow storm (a woping 6"). I tried to get a date in before Christmas, but he was really stressed out trying to get his daughter in from Hawaii. He was having an issue with getting there and back. OH!!!!!!!!! I totally forgot. A week ago he went back into the hospital for another emergency surgery. So that was another hurdle he was trying to clear. 

So I haven't actually done my service yet, but I feel strongly that this man needs me. I also feel very drawn to him (maybe it is the RVs). Garrett, my heart aches for you when it is an act of Congress to even talk with your girls. But I know Heavenly Father has put someone in your path to make it easier for you. You are a fantastic man and even a better father.

I Love You - Bill

Proud to be a Canadian? An Irishman? An American?!!! YES!!! Yes to ALL OF THOSE!!!

I don't know if any of you noticed... but on our family cruise, when we did the veteran's celebration.... I tried to really include others. Other service persons. (firemen, peace corp, police officers) &.. other countries! I reached out and expressed an interest in showing appreciation to all those in the armed services... of whatever country they belonged to. A family traveling together with two cabins replied to me that they both had someone in their family on the cruise serving in the Canadian armed forces. CANADIAN ARMED FORCES!!!!

I was THRILLED!!! I explained our family gift of service program... and I told them that my person this year is my brother Mike McBride.... A Canadian! I found out the sizes of everyone in their family traveling on the cruise... and I told them that even though we were not singing any of "their" songs... that the songs were about loving the country they live in, and supporting those who serve to keep them safe and protected. Firefighters, Ambulance Drivers, Police Officers, Military.... Everyone!

I searched our LuLaRoe inventory...  and I found all my Red and White items... (Sorry dad... who came looking for leggings to get from me 3 weeks later, and I didn't have any Utah colors for him.) On the cruise, I personally found and met each of these two families, and talked to them about how their dad and mom (one in each family) were true heroes, and that when we sang our songs.... we were singing about their families also!

Anyway... Mike McBride. You are an amazing man. A Canadian, an Irishman and an American. & I LOVE YOU!!!!!

Picture to come.... still need to download! Edited: I am just using Mitzi's picture of us performing on the ship for the veteran's.

Serve others as Jesus served

Our family has always been known as a service oriented family. I remember being 7 years old, and someone over the pulpit one Sunday talked about the Gates family and how we were always there helping set up or clean up a church event. I don't say that to brag or boast, as we never did these things for others. We always did this because our parents taught us that it was something we could do to show the Savior and our Heavenly Father that we love them. And something that the Savior would do himself. 

 Mom and Dad have shown us how much they love the Lord and Heavenly Father by their service the past decade in Africa. I was taught so many wonderful principles and qualities from my sweet parents. One of these principles is to be helpful and to serve others. I remember being at Girls Camp when I was a teenager, and every meal I would stay in the mess hall until all the cleanup was finished.

When you have young children, it is easy to make excuses and say that right now in your life, that just isn't possible. Young kids whining and crying to go home and tired, you feel like "ok, i'll help the next time." But this Christmas season, I wanted to do something different. 

This year I decided to put myself out of my comfort zone in my new ward, and to volunteer for as much as I could for our ward Christmas party and my Relief Society Christmas night. 

For the Christmas party, they had a sign up sheet go around a couple of weeks starting in November. I signed up for one of everything: to make one of the casserole dishes, bring an extension cord, bring an orange thermos cooler jug, and to bring a crock pot. The Sunday before the party, they announced in Relief Society that they needed 10 more casseroles to be made. After church, I went to the Sister in charge and I told her I could make as many as she needed, and just to let me know. On Wednesday, she stopped by my home and asked me to make 3 casserole dishes. I happily obliged. It was pretty funny because mom and dad happened to be here when I was making those casserole dishes, so they were able to benefit directly as well. The day of the Christmas party, I packed up everything that was needed and took it all to the party. 

At the Relief Society party, they didn't have pre-sign ups for anything. It was just a show up thing. But I knew that I could still help in the way my father has always taught us... don't leave until everything is cleaned up. The event was over at 8:30. But I stayed until 10:30 that night helping clean dishes, pick up trash, put the chairs and tables away, and swept up. I left the building that night with a clean cultural hall with my relief society president and secretary as they locked up the building. 

I could have easily made the excuses that we were new in the ward, and that I didn't need to help that much. We were the "newbies". No one would expect or notice if we didn't do anything. But I was grateful for the opportunity to help and to serve those in my ward. 

Thank you daddy, for teaching me the importance of hard work, as well as the wonderful benefit and love of serving in our church. Love you dad, Merry Christmas. 

To Chuck From Lani

As a young 9-10 year old (Houston's age now) I remember being in grade school and we were supposed to dress like our favorite athlete. In my mind, I was the little sister of a big time football star so I proudly wore my big brother Chuck's football jersey.

I used to love sitting with dad and Chuck and watching sports. It instilled a love of competition and athleticism in me which paved my life. My love for sports led me to a life on the path of athletics which taught me many important life skills as well as to a husband that loved sports like I did.

When Chuck was a Senior I went to every one (minus 1) of his football games, even his away games! I loved it and loved the sport. It didn't matter if he was playing or not, Chuck was an example to me.

Having sports a part of my kids life has been important to me. I feel it teaches life skills that every child should have. At this level my kids are at, youth sports is heavily dependent on the coaches.

We signed 3 of our kids up for soccer. Not my best or favorite sport, but a sport I have come to really learn and enjoy. The director was begging for more coaches.

So, in honor of Chuck and our shared love of sports, despite not having a ton of spare time or ANY knowledge of the game other than the shape of the field and color of the ball, I signed up to assistant coach not 1, but 2 soccer teams.





Hadley and AJ's 6-7 year old team, and Hunter's 4-5 year old team.

For me not knowing anything about soccer, and not thinking I even liked the sport, this was a big deal for me.

Some days I would even bring my little assistant with me.

I ended up researching the game and learning to really enjoy it and might even coach again it was so fun!

The second thing that came up while thinking of how I could serve Chuck this year was when AJ asked for a "picture book" for Christmas. He wanted it to be like one I had created for Michael but wanted it to be about him. It was pretty close to Christmas and I was pretty busy- but I felt like that is probably how Chuck felt when mom asked him to help with the book. So I decided to make it a priority.

Thinking of Chuck diving into helping mom on her temple book inspired me to make this happen. So I spent a few VERY late nights gathering and compiling 2 picture books of AJ's life to give to him this morning on Christmas. They bring me joy and are very precious to review how blessed we have been especially throughout AJ's life.

Chuck, I am also blessed to be your sister. You are a wonderful brother and I am grateful that Heavenly Father sent us to the same family so we can learn and grow with each other throughout this earthly life.

I love you big brother! Love, Lani

Merry Christmas Amy from Hock

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The day we found out about AJ's brain cancer and the days that followed were looooong days. The day we found out I hardly slept at all. The next day was his surgery. Lani and I (and many of you) fasted all day.

It was fairly late in the day that our surgeon came out to speak with us and tell us how the surgery went. We were then able to go and see our baby in the ICU. He hardly moved and looked like he was in a lot of pain. There was not a bed next to him, but there was a chair. After seeing the room/sleeping conditions and knowing that Lani and I were exhausted, sweet Aunt Amy suggested that Lani and I go home and get some sleep and that she would stay with AJ overnight. 

I felt conflicted about leaving him, but knew how tired we were and that he would be in great hands with Amy. It was a wondering respite. Lani and I were able to see our other kids and put their minds at ease. We were also able to go and partake of the sacrament and thank our Heavenly Father for the miracles we had seen over the previous couple of days. Amy stayed with AJ in the uncomfortable room and held him much of the night. My love for Amy increased greatly through this experience.

Not long after brain surgery, AJ went down to Jacksonville, FL for Proton Radiation Therapy for 6 weeks of proton radiation treatment. Once again Amy was a super hero for our family. She volunteered to stay with AJ and Lani in Jacksonville for a few days to keep them company and help out. 

We are also grateful that Wayne also came down for a while and many others watched our kids in NC- we are grateful to all of our angels!

Last Christmas, Amy was once again a super hero for our family. 

When Houston lacerated his spleen and broke his rib, Lani and I had to spend several days with him in the hospital. Once again Amy and the Dittbrenners volunteered to help, by taking our other kids home and staying with them for several days.  

Earlier this week I had a chance to ask "What would Amy Do?" and help out Bill and Charise. On Saturday, Bill and Char rented a kiosk at the mall from 8:00am - midnight to sell LulaRoe apparel.  They planned on taking their kids have and keeping them there all day. 

As they described their day and their plans to have Cole and Savvy there, I thought, “this sounds awful”. A full day of them working with kids asking, “how much longer” or "Mom, what can I do" (it's possible that Cole and Savvy would not have acted like that, but I know my kids would have, so I assumed they would as well). 

I thought about Amy, and knew that if she were here, she would offer to take the kids, so I called Charise and asked if I could take Cole and Savvy for the day and have them sleep over so they wouldn't be exhausted the next day. I know that watching two kids for 20 hours isn't an apples-to-apples comparison, but I'm not Amy, I'm me! For me 20 hours is a long time.

We had a good time. Cole and Savvy joined us for family Christmas shopping and then came home for pizza night/movie night. The next morning I woke up and made them breakfast so they could be on time for church.

I love Amy. I'm grateful for her and for all of the times she has served my family and been an example to me of what it means to show our love for Christ through service.

To Tiffany from Mike

Helllooo

Channeling my Mrs Doubtfire here. I felt I needed to do everything I could to gain a competitive advantage in baking and designing a Christmas cake so that I could suitably honor my service recipient. I needed mad baking skills. Therefore this:

And this. This recipe calls for egg whites. Don’t worry, I washed my hands thoroughly.

I should have kept my hoot (ers) on. This was the hard part and I needed to draw inspiration from somewhere. 

Shazam. Sprinkling candy cane particles for added effect.

Do you know how hard it is to do the “R” in Christmas? Really hard. But hey, nothing wrong with spelling CHRISTMAS, CH8ISTMAS

Tara pointing out my incredible artistic talent, what a beautiful wavy line symbolizing how arbitrary our decisions in life can be, also known as the Artist formerly known as Prince.

Lucky recipients. My Home Ministry Family. See how delighted they are. They have never seen anything like this, well, maybe at the Pompidou in Paris.

After completing my service, I can say, I nailed it (inside joke for my recipient—trust me, it is funny). And my French has improved beaucoup as it usually does when your baking skills increase. Je suis tres bon boulanger. Mon gateaux est tres magnifique. (although I am not sure if cake is masculine or feminine). Kriss and Ed can let you know.

True story, I watched my first episode of "Nailed It" yesterday. I walked in on my 3 daughters watching this show. It is a baking competition where they pit 3 contestants against each other. Each of these contestants has various levels of competence when it comes to baking (now you know the reference for the inside joke above). In this episode, they tried to imitate a French baker’s artistic cakes and failed dramatically. I mean, they were not even close. Definitely cringe worthy. But here's the thing. Having tried to bake and decorate a cake for my HM family a few weeks ago, I can tell you that baking and creating an art piece is really very difficult. Tiffany has an excellent talent for this. She is a baker extraordinaire. And from what I hear, it is mainly self taught. She has taught herself well enough that she can sell these creations. That is pretty impressive. I see myself as one of the competitors and Tiffany as the French Chef. As I have gotten to know Tiffany a little better over the last several months, I recognize her as very talented woman. And it has been fun to see our kids get together over the last little bit. 

In addition to baking the cake, I also made dinner (no, not frozen pizza or fast food). I actually made a full meal. I know Tiffany works hard as a mother so I served my wife by letting her take the night off and once again, nailed it!

to Char from Dad

This is posted by Ed Gates.... not Kriss

My service will be directed to Charise Kehaulani Johnson/ Gates

In the past I have tried to keep my recipient anonymous till the end of my dissertation but this year for some reason,I did not know who I had till yesterday,yes folks the 24th of DECEMBER 😳🤔😘

Now before you all start to judge me may I give a little background.
When your Mom got her name I went to my email to see who's name I had but I didn't  get the email with any name!
I can remember trying several times but with the great internet we had I got aThanks I bit frustrated 😡
And I even tried at the job site but there I got so involved in serving that I never took the time to get the name.
So at one point I decided to serve the whole year and when I would find out, I figured I would be able to direct my efforts to that person! With all that said you all may now see why I can now direct all my service to Charise.😍😘
Char is no doubt a person who goes out of her way to serve anyone and everyone she can.😇
She seems to always have a great smile and always,always upbeat and talk about Charie Land,
 Can anyone of us say that any given time that we have not referred to "Charie land"
If water could run up hill in her mind it may happen!
There were many many times during this past year that I wished I could have had that Charie world at my side.
My responsibility changed very early in the construction of the temple where I was asked to be the inspector which gave another set of eyes to watch over the work which was being done by local men.🤔🤔Theses men were not familiar with the quality of work that we needed to try and get! needless to say many frustrating times we would have to do things twice and sometimes three times!😡😡😳
Yes there were many things and many times I had to try hard to be positive and I thought about Charie Land,  So yesterday when I found out who I had,I was thrilled that I could write and tell Charise how proud I am of her and that what she is and has is an unusual gift 🎁 I hope that some of that world will rub off on me😁

To Darcy from Grammy

Dearest Darcy… Our precious oldest granddaughter.

What a great young woman you have become.  We are so proud of you!  You have blossomed in many ways.  You have been an example to all of us with your family history work, and I hope to follow your example.  You were chosen to represent all the young adult women to be the first girl in the church to conduct a YSA general broadcast.  You are becoming a strong, valiant woman and I know that your Heavenly Father is proud of you too.   

I want to have family history be a special part of this next year.  I have been blessed to have had many opportunities to serve during this past year, but I haven’t lived by a temple.  However, I went to the temple in New York City last week.  We did initiatories and when they asked if we had brought any family names, I realized I have a long way to go to keep up with you.  My goal this next year, as a gift to you, is to do 10 family endowments, some sealings and some initiatories.   Since we don’t have a temple right now, it will take some travel and coordinating, but I really hope to be able to do it.

For my gift to you this year, I was able to “Light the World” at the Manhatten Temple.  When given the opportunity to choose a gift, I decided to donate 5 blankets.  Thinking of you, freezing in the Idaho weather, I think it was a good gift to give in your honor. 

Thanks for being a good example to all your younger cousins.  We love you dearly.  From Grammy.