a quick succession of busy nothings

Surprise!

2010-01-18T12:04:00.000-07:00

I have officially reentered the world of blogging. Please visit athousandtinymiracles.blogspot.com and enjoy!

Hi.

2009-03-06T09:54:00.000-07:00

I am home. Weird.

Someone's Coming Home!

2009-03-03T11:52:00.002-07:00

Hi all,

This is Stephanie's Dad with the best news you've heard all week. Sister Stephanie Cannariato will be returning to Boise on Thursday, March 5, just after noon.

She will report her mission in the Hickories Ward on Sunday, March 8 at 11:00 am. We invite you all to come and enjoy this day. We will have an open house later that day from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at our home, 5400 N. Hickory Tree Way, Boise, ID 83713. We'd love to see you.

Hurray for returned missionaries!

Wadsworth here I come...almost

2009-01-05T15:13:00.002-07:00

(Posted by Steph's Dad on 1/5/09)

Hi family!

I got an email update with Dad’s blog post on how I was recovering. I’m glad to hear that I was loopy (I know, I really was) and I’m even more glad that now I’m not so loopy! I took my last pain pill on Thursday—they were starting to make me tingly and woozy so I decided the slight pain (it wasn’t bad) was better to deal with than being sick. Anyone need some Percocet? I’m kidding, I’m kidding…

The surgery went really well. I had my follow-up appointment to get my stitches out and talked with Dr. Musgrave. He said that there was a lot of damaged cartilage behind my knee cap and on the inside of my knee so they cleaned it all up and stuff. I don’t think that my meniscus was torn at all which is good. I am still a bit swollen but not bad, and Dr. Musgrave said that it’d still swell up for the next couple weeks but that I just need to ice it and it’ll be okay.

My time in Kirtland has been good. I laid on a couch at the Visitors’ Center for the first two days and was in and out of sleep for most of it. Sister Butterfield, the site director’s wife, made sure that I had soup and crackers and things—she’s so nice. All of the sisters that were in Kirtland were so good to check up on me and things. They all had to be there for a training meeting on Tuesday morning so I got to see a lot of sisters. Wednesday was a little slower (which was probably a good thing because I was a little more out of it than the first day so I got to sleep more) and then they had a New Year’s Eve celebration at the sites that evening that I was able to attend. It was a fun time—I even was able to tie for second place in the Phase 10 tournament they had. We did a countdown at about 10pm and then headed home to go to bed.

The next morning when I woke up I found out that one of the other sisters in the home where I’m staying had the flu, so I ended up staying with her companion to keep her company since she was going to be in for much of the day. The three of us (Sister Munford from Kannaraville, UT and Sister Fortie from Smithfield, UT) have pretty much spent the last four days together and at home (Sister Munford’s been sleeping off the flu though). I wish she wasn’t sick but I’ve been glad to have the company.

This past week we were able to start the Book of Mormon challenge that President Peterson issued at our Mission Conference a few weeks ago. I’ve gotten a little bit ahead (since I have the time and all) and it’s been really neat to mark three things: how many times the names of the Savior are mentioned, how many references there are to His life and ministry, and how many times the Savior speaks or is directly quoted in the scriptures. I love learning of His life and ministry—it is a profound experience to read again from the Book of Mormon and to focus on the life of the Savior while I read it. I know that it’s the word of God and was written for our day. What a blessing it is to have it!

Yesterday after church I had Sister Frederickson (from TX) and Sister Ayala (from Guatemala) take me on mini-tour of the Newell K. Whitney store. We went there in a spirit of prayer and fasting, just like the brethren who attended the School of the Prophets would do back in the day. We were able to bask in the spirit while we were there and it was fantastic. The sisters even let me be there alone for a couple minutes and it was a sacred opportunity to pray and speak with the Lord while I was there. I love Ohio and I love Kirtland. It truly is a special and holy place. Sister Fredrickson was talking about how much she misses the temple and that she realized a few days ago that the School of the Prophets room was just as holy because of the appearances of God the Father and Jesus Christ in that very place. We read from D&C 88 about creating a house of God and I knew that we were in such a place and I loved being able to have a temple-like experience! Can we go as soon as I get off the plane?

I am so incredibly grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and the knowledge that was restored through the prophet Joseph Smith. I love being able to testify to people everyday about it! And I can’t wait to get back to Wadsworth and the people I love there. It’s going to be a great week and I’m excited to be a real missionary again :)

I hope that you all have a great week with school starting up again and life getting back to normal hectic rather than holiday hectic. I sure love you and have felt your thoughts and prayers. Know that you’re in mine. You’re so great!

Love love love,
Sister Cannariato

Kirtland Here I Come!

2008-12-29T12:51:00.001-07:00

(Posted by Stephs's Dad 12-29-08)

Hi everyone!

I hope this fine morning finds you happy and healthy. I’m just getting ready to head over to the Crystal Clinic but they bumped back the surgery to 2:30 so I had some time this morning to actually write.

I did find out from one of our investigators that Crystal Clinic is one of the top surgical centers in Ohio—so I guess I’ll be well taken care of.

This past week was really great—we experienced a lot of opposition but the blessings just kept flowing. I know that the adversary works really hard to frustrate the work in order to debilitate and distract us as missionaries. Well, he didn’t succeed! We had a really great week and were able to see a lot of miracles.

We finished up delivering our Joy to the World referrals and I loved being able to go into homes of members’ friends and help them to feel of the spirit. We’re going to try to stop by a few of them again and I’m excited for it.

We were able to teach Emily again this week and she talked about how she’s finally beginning to be comfortable with prayer. We asked her if she’d prayed about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon, to which she replied yes and that she knows that it’s true. I wanted to commit her right then and there! But we’ve been getting a vibe from her mom that we need to take things slow and give her opportunity to make the decision in her own time and way. I love seeing her progress though and I’m sad that I’ll miss out on her appointment this week!

We were able to teach a husband and wife named Dave and Sue. They are FANTASTIC and are planning on coming to church this next Sunday. They had great, probing questions and the spirit was really strong as we watched the Restoration DVD with them. Sister Van Meter said that she could picture the two of them as senior missionaries! Love it. We also have an appointment with them this week and I look forward to hearing how that goes as well.

So it’s true—I’m heading in for my surgery today. Sister Zirker, from Idaho Falls, Idaho, will be coming down with President and Sister Peterson today and will be with Sister Van Meter for the week. I’m way excited for them because Heavenly Father totally packed our week full of appointments and assignments from the PEC. I am really excited for Sister Van Meter and Sister Zirker to tear it up while I’m gone!

Not much else to report or say…I hope that you have a wonderful new year and that it’s everything you could ask for and more. I hope that the winding down of the holidays go well too.
I know that our Heavenly Father lives, He loves us and wants us to return to Him. I know that He provided a means for that return through the Atonement of His Only Begotten Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. The Atonement is truly the great equalizer in this life and enables us to overcome sin, death, and affliction. What grace! I am so incredibly grateful for His life and His sacrifice. We truly are blessed to have the restored gospel of Jesus Christ again available to us in beautiful simplicity; it's a privilege to represent the Savior and invite God's children to come to Him.

Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers as I spend some quality time in beautiful Kirtland. You’ll be hearing from me again soon!

I love love love you.
Sister Cannariato

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T08:02:00.002-07:00

(posted by Steph's Dad 12-24-08)

Happy Christmas!

I just wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. Things here in Wadsworth are going well and I’m trying to make the most of my time before I have to go up to Kirtland in a week.

This past week we were able to teach a really great part member family. The husband has just started coming back to church and is super excited about the gospel and preparing to receive the Melchizedek priesthood. We were able to teach him and his wife with their home teachers (one of whom is the ward mission leader) about the plan of salvation. The spirit was really strong as we taught them and Erin even cried. They are expecting their first child and I think it really hit home with them. Sister Van Meter and the sister from Kirtland will go see them next Monday and I can’t wait to hear about it!

Emily (the 16 year old) came out to church again this past week and it was so great to have her there. She just is eating it up and I am so grateful to be a part of seeing her come to an understanding of who she is and how much God loves her.

Lex asked me about the Joy to the World referral thing, and yes, we’re doing it again this year. We’ve had about 10 people/families given to us and we’ve been able to stop by and deliver 3 of them so far (I know, we’ve got to get on the ball if we’re going to get them done before Christmas!). As we were driving home last to write our weekly letters to President, I felt like we needed to stop by one of the referrals. At that point it was four degrees and there were 35mph winds and it was not going out weather, but I still felt like we needed to stop by. So we did. The family had just recently lost their father/husband and they were in need of a message of hope about the Savior. I felt really strongly like we needed to offer a Book of Mormon to her in addition to the DVD that the boy from our ward had given them. She was really excited to have it and committed herself to read from it that night. It’s amazing to see what peace and hope the gospel brings!

We had mission conference up in Kirtland this past week…it was FANTASTICO! I loved every minute of it. They had it at the stake center instead of the temple this year (which was fine—it was still a very powerful and spiritual experience) and I was able to play the piano again. We sang songs and had some great workshops about the Book of Mormon and the Atonement. Our mission has been given a challenge to read the Book of Mormon in two months starting January 1st. I am SO excited to do it because it means I’ll get to read the whole Book of Mormon another time on my mission. I can’t think of a better thing to do. :0)

I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and that it will bring us closer to God. By reading it, pondering the message it contains, and sincerely asking God if it is true will bring a greater understanding of Jesus Christ to our lives and prepare us to return home to our Father in Heaven. What a blessing to know of the restored gospel and to have tangible evidence of the prophetic call of Joseph Smith. It’s been amazing as a missionary to seek that confirmation and to deepen my testimony of Jesus Christ, the Book of Mormon and the Restoration of the gospel through Joseph Smith. The spirit will always testify of truth and I know that as we ask with real intent our prayers are answered.

One last thing. While driving in a more remote part of our area, we definitely were held up for a moment or two by a HORSE and BUGGY. Yes, that’s right: a horse and buggy. We cover a small portion of Amish country in our area and it was fun to see. I love Ohio!Thanks for all you do and I hope your Christmas days are merry and bright and that all your Christmases are white this year! TALK TO YOU THURSDAY!

Love love love,Sister Cannariato

Meniscus Malfunction, Soon to be Fixed

2008-12-17T13:23:00.001-07:00

(posted by Steph's Dad 12-17-08)

Hi family,

I know I’m emailing a little later in the day than usual but I just wanted to send you my first official email from Wadsworth!
I really like it here and the area is doing well. The elders that were here before were so good and they had really built up the area. We actually went to the ward Christmas party on Saturday evening and one of the sisters in the ward (she’s actually the mayor of Wadsworth) paid them the best compliment I’ve ever heard. She said that they reminded her of Ammon—they were diligent in serving and then went about doing their missionary labors with quiet dignity. I thought it was such a nice thing to say and I hope that we can live up to the high standard that Elder Hicks and Elder Paulson set.
This past week we spent most of our time trying to contact investigators, less actives, and familiarize ourselves with the ward. There are some really good things happening. Wednesday evening we went to teach a young woman named Emily. She had ordered a Book of Mormon because she’d heard about it from a friend (someone who’s also not a member). The elders had taught her a couple times but I think sisters will be good for her because she’s only 16. She’s been reading from the Book of Mormon and any time we talk about it her face just lights up. She really wants to be involved and she came to church this past Sunday. The young women of the Wadsworth ward were so great and just welcomed her right in. The best fellowshipper was actually a foreign exchange student from Germany who’s not a member either...I love it!
This week we’ve got some great appointments lined up and I’m excited for it. We’re also going to have mission conference on Thursday up in Kirtland and I’m looking forward to having another great experience like last year. I’ll let you know how it goes.
So I got the blog post via email about my knee. Dad pretty much summed it up but I have a few more details for you. I’ll be having the outpatient arthroscopy (sp?) in Medina on December 29 at 1:30. President and Sister Peterson will come down and pick me up after the surgery and take me to Kirtland where I’ll spend about a week to recover. A sister from Kirtland who is in a triple-up will come down to be with Sister Van Meter. Then we’ll switch back after I’m back to at least driving capacity.
It’s kind of crazy just thinking about spending time in Kirtland. Weird, but cool at the same time. Most likely I’ll spend time at the sites with the senior couples but I still don’t know all the details as of yet. I’ll keep you updated.
This has been a really interesting experience because it’s helped me to have another experience with personal revelation. Initially I was completely against getting it taken care of because I don’t feel it’s that bad and I figured I only had three months left so I wouldn’t worry about it. Even when I was talking to the doctor about it I told him I’d probably just wait. Then I talked with Sister Peterson who asked me what I wanted to do. I tried to have the ready answer of "just wait" but she asked just the right questions to get me to be open to the Sprit. The next morning was transfers and I was trying to get all my things packed and organized when I just got the urge to go into our study room and pray for a bit. I poured out my heart to Heavenly Father asking Him what I should do (since before I’d prayed but was looking for my answer instead of the Lord’s answer). As I prayed, I counseled with Him about my options and went from praying a prayer of "this is what I want—tell me it’s okay" to "help me to align my will with Thine." It became clear as I prayed that God wanted me to get this taken care of now. After I made the decision, I was filled with peace and knew everything would be okay. Truly, sweet is the peace the gospel brings!
Now that this is kind of figured out (well, as much as it can be at this point) I love being able to focus on Wadsworth, the people here, and making the most of my two weeks before surgery. I hope that all of your Christmas preparations are going well and that you’re finding time to remember the Savior during the holidays. Thanks for all you do and know I’m thinking about each of you!
Love love love
Sister Cannariato
Since some of you have been asking for my address, I’ll include it here:
Sister Stephanie Cannariato
295 Third St.
Wadsworth, OH 44281

December my foot! Are you serious?!?

2008-12-01T16:55:00.001-07:00

(Sorry I have been remiss in posting Steph's letters - I will repent. Steph's Dad.)

Happy December!

Can you believe today is December 1? I’m seriously weirded out by it. I cannot believe that 2008 is almost over. I just got to Ohio—seriously!We had a really good Thanksgiving. We ate with a less active family and it was delicious. They are really great and we want them to get back to church! We’re going eat with them again this week and I look forward to being in their home. The spirit is there and we just need to get them back into the habit of full activity.I was reading over some conference talks this morning and was really impressed (again) by the talk given by Elder Lawrence C. Corbridge of the seventy in this last General Conference. He talked about how the way of the gospel is simple and requires, as Elder Oaks put it, “the steady dedication of a lifetime.” We don’t need to fret or worry—we just need to have faith. I am amazed at how often I neglect or forget this simple principle. Especially in the turmoil that’s all around us, we need to get back to the basics and trust in the Lord. It’s then that everything will work out and work for your good.I also heard another good quote yesterday. It was this: “I don’t do everything; I do what’s important.” I find that so often we let the good things get in the way of the better or best things, and it’s easy to become distracted. Several months ago Jake wrote me an email saying that Satan doesn’t have to get missionaries to be disobedient; he just has to get them to be distracted and not do the work in the Lord’s way. The same goes for our day-to-day lives as well. We must not become distracted by things that are just things; we have to do what’s really important. I love being a missionary because it helps me to recognize that there is a lot of time in each day to accomplish the things we need to do. We’ve just got to be efficient! Oh dear, I’m starting to sound like Dad! jk,jk…really, it’s a good thing.Last year in the Tallmadge ward Sister Corbridge and I decided to do a little referral thingy where we would wrap a copy of the DVD “Joy to the World” and then hand-deliver it to ward members’ friends and neighbors. Sister Van Meter and I decided that we’d do it this year too and presented it to the ward council yesterday morning. They loved it! I’m really excited because this year we’re just more prepared to do it and we’re starting to advertise it earlier that we did last year. I loved doing it last year because we were able to get into homes where I don’t think we could have gone in to otherwise. It’s a great way to share the gospel in a non-threatening way. This year we’re also providing the option of giving them Mr. Kruger’s Christmas if they want too! I’ll let you know how it goes.Thanks again for all that you do for me and for the Lord. I feel so incredibly blessed to have been reared in a Christ-centered home where love, fun, and respect resided. Thanks for helping me become the best person I can be and I pray that my service here is sending blessings your way! I pray for you continually and think that you’re the best. Sewiouswy.Love love love,Sister Cannariatop.s. Here’s a good quote to think about. It’s from Elder Holland: “Every experience can be a redemptive experience if we remain bonded to our Father in Heaven through that difficulty. These difficult lessons teach us that man’s extremity is God’s opportunity. And if we will be humble and faithful—if we will not curse God for our problems—He can turn the unfair, and the inhumane, and the debilitating prisons of our life into temples, or at least into a circumstance that can bring comfort and revelation.”

Some More Pictures to Enjoy!

2008-09-09T13:19:00.002-06:00

A look into the life of a Sister Missionary

2008-09-09T13:13:00.002-06:00

Here are some recent pictures from Sister Cannariato on her mission in Akron. She is quite busy doing some amazing, and also some crazy things! --Her sister Eliza

There's a Tablecloth on My Wall!

2008-07-21T13:48:00.001-06:00

Posted by Steph's Dad 7-21-08

First and foremost, I just have to tell the entire world that I have the best family on the planet. The tablecloth was AMAZING! I can’t imagine how much time and energy must have gone into making that. But you’ll be glad to know I have it hanging up on my wall next to my bed so I can look at it and have it brighten my day each time I do. You are the best!

It’s been a pretty busy week and in order to not make this eternally long, I’ll give you some of the highlights:

1. I got a SWEET package from the best family in the whole world. I love my tablecloth!
2. I had to give a workshop about effective finding but it ended up being more about the steps that lead to effective finding, tying those to D&C 4:2. We must serve with all our heart, might, mind, and strength. I looked up the definitions for each of those words and it was powerful to see the connections between them and finding those that are searching for the truth. I also loved studying Nephi’s example of faith, diligence, and righteous desires.
3.We had a conference called "Zoned Out" Thursday where we got together with 3 other zones and had a day of fun. We had a barbeque, took a tour of the John Johnson Home (definitely the highlight), played scriptorianoid (exactly like scriptureman from seminary), "the Brethren" jeopardy, dodgeball, relay races, and human foosball. Our zone did pretty well and it was fun to spend time with other missionaries. I have to admit though, I was really wanting some spiritual nourishment that day but we’re going to have the normal workshops and things at our interviews this Wednesday.
4. Funny story. After zoned out there was a bus tour that had just pulled up with a bunch of youth from Utah on a church history bus tour. They had finished the tour and sang some hymns, so President Peterson suggested we go and sing our mission song to them (it’s "We’ll bring the world his truth" with the 2 and 3 verses changed to pertain to our mission). We did so and it was really neat to sing to them. Afterwards we went to meet some of the people and it was pretty funny to watch the Elders interact with cute high school girls from Utah. At least for me, anyway.
5. Sunday Sister Knowles sang in sacrament meeting and I accompanied her. She sang a really pretty arrangement of "O, My Father" and it powerful for me to sit and listen to the message behind that hymn as she sang. In the hustle and bustle of life today I think we neglect or disregard that divine relationship we have with our Father in Heaven. I am so grateful that we have a correct knowledge of our relationship to our Heavenly Father and how we fit into the eternal scheme of things. It’s such a blessing to know of the gospel of Jesus Christ—Heavenly Father’s plan for us to be successful in this life and return to live with Him, with the Atonement of Jesus Christ being the center of that plan!
6. I wanted to tell you about a convert of just over a year, Stacey Miles, that’s the gospel principles teacher in our ward. He used to play for the NFL and then was a successful sports agent for 15 years. He has a lot of health problems so he spends much of his time in the hospital for treatment and walks with crutches. I am so amazed at his desire to live the gospel and the strength of his testimony. He has such strong faith and I love being able to learn from his example each week. He just recently lost a friend and it’s been hard for him to deal with the grieving process. He told us Sunday that when he’s at home he’ll turn on BYU-TV, have the hymns playing on his internet, have talks from general conference on his CD player, and his lesson for gospel principle laying out so he can study it. He said that he loses himself in the gospel so he won’t go nuts. :) I loved that idea that the gospel of Jesus Christ is what brings consistency in a chaotic world, what brings peace in times of discomfort or unease, etc.
7. I just wanted to also bear testimony of the power of personal revelation. I’ve been pondering a question for about two weeks now and last night as I was getting ready for bed the answer just hit me. The Spirit didn’t stop there, but continued to bring scriptures and examples and things that’d I’d already studied about to mind to make connections that allowed me to figure out how to best proceed in applying the answers to the question. I know that "Salvation cannot come without revelation" and that "revelation is vital to [our] daily work. ‘This is the principle on which the government of heaven is conducted—by revelation adapted to the circumstances in which the children of the kingdom are placed’" (PMG 89). I know that the Lord will give you the answers you seek as you qualify for guidance from the spirit by keeping the commandments and honoring your covenants.

I probably better end because I could go on forever, so I’ll just end by saying that I love you, the gospel’s true, and you’re all fabulous. Have a fantastic week!

Love,
Sister Cannariato

yep, here she be

2008-06-16T16:33:00.000-06:00

Posted by Steph's Dad 6-16-08

Hi family,

I just thought you should know there was a celebrity sighting here at the Holland branch of the Toledo Lucas County Library…Mr. Miagi from Karate Kid!!!

So really, here’s the rundown for the week. After the accident last week we’re finally back to a full day. Sister Webb still has dizzy spells and fits of nausea, but they’re fewer and less severe than they used to be. I’m so glad that she’s feeling better because it’s no fun being out. She’s really amazing though—it’s been neat to learn from her example how to rely more fully on the Spirit in times of trial. It’s a lesson I’m sure I’ll continue learning throughout my lifetime.

This past week we were able to get in contact with a former investigator and her daughters. We are now teaching them all and are trying to get the fiancé in on the lessons. He was a minister with another church so he’s a bit more hesitant, but I am really impressed with the family’s ability to recognize truth. That’s one thing that I love about the gospel…it just rings true. When people are willing to open their hearts, the Spirit can not only confirm the truthfulness of all things but recognize that it’s true.

Esther’s baptism was this past Saturday. She was so incredibly excited and overjoyed to be baptized. During the talk on the Holy Ghost, she punched her fists in the air as the speaker mentioned how pleased she was with Esther’s decision to be baptized. I just love her. She was confirmed Sunday and was just glowing afterwards. I love seeing how the gospel has brought her great joy.

We had an amazing lesson with Samantha this week. She’s always really open with us but she bore her testimony about the Book of Mormon and the Church at the lesson. She knows it’s true and it’s SO COOL to see that! The challenge for her is that her family is giving her absolutely no support whatsoever. In her words, they’re scared of it because they don’t know it. It really makes her sad that her family and friends back home are against her coming to church and things. But the whole time we’ve met with her has been a miracle because from the get go she was defending the church and the doctrines of the gospel. It’s been amazing to see the light that’s come into her life as she’s come to know these things are true. We’re going to talk with her about baptism this week and also get a recent convert over to her house that had a similar situation when she was baptized. It’s exciting work.

Well, I probably better get going, but thanks for reading. I’m safe (no tornadoes or craziness with the storms…at least not too crazy) and happy. Hope you have a great week!

Loves,
Sister Cannariato

THOUGHTS

2008-05-19T10:04:00.002-06:00

(Posted by Steph's Dad.)

Hi family,

This week has been kind of sporadic, so I thought a numbered list woudl be best. Here’s kind of the rundown of the week:

1. I was so sad to hear about Grandpa Almond, Jim’s dad, and our neighbor Carla. Death seems to be everywhere. A senior couple, the Deschamps serving in Kirtland, were in a terrible car accident last week in which Sister Deschamp was killed and Elder Deschamp will be recovering from for the next several months. It is difficult to have such experiences and I can’t find words adequate to express what it feels like. But I know we’re all having similar feelings and I’m so grateful we can find comfort in the words of the prophets and the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. They will live again.

2. Greg and Esther are both doing well…Greg has been alcohol-free for 10 days now and as a result, his insomnia has kicked in full force. He didn’t get sleep Friday or Saturday night and crashed early Sunday morning, thereby missing church. We stopped by his house Sunday afternoon and when he opened the door, he said, “I figured you’d be stopping by” and proceeded to tell us what’d been going on. I love that he's sticking to his decision to live the word of wisdom and that Heavenly Father is blessing him with the strength to do so. He’s counting down the days to his baptism and is still super excited about it. It’s just so neat to see the change that’s occurred in him over the past several months.

3. Apparently, words gotten around in the mission that I’m 27. I don’t know how that happened, but it did. I can’t decide if I’m going to set it straight or play along. Maybe I’ll have to take a vote for all of you.

4. We are going to get a ward mission plan!!! We were able to talk to Bishop Dewey this week and touch base with him about what a ward mission plan could do for his ward and he’s really excited about it. It’s on the agenda for ward council next week and I’m excited to get it going.

5. We got a phone call from someone we’re teaching to let us know that their house was INFESTED WITH LICE. Yep, that’s what I said: INFESTED WITH LICE. I wanted to buy a box of Nix right then and there. Luckily though, neither Sister Webb and I have it. The Lord truly blesses His missionaries! :)

6. Sorry, I have a lot of funny random things today. At our last district meeting, another Elder in my district (he’s from Rigby actually) handed me a pass along card after district meeting. It had an address on it. His home address. With his brother’s name on it. Apparently he wanted me to write his brother, who was home from BYU for the summer. Hahahahahahahaha, I know. I guess being 27 isn’t so bad :) That is a referral I don’t know if I’ll be able to contact!

7. This past week has had many ups, downs, and quirks, but it has been a great week nonetheless. The Lord continues to bless us and is helping our investigators develop testimonies of the restored gospel. Samantha started reading the Book of Mormon and it’s amazing to see how much she comprehends…I know it will be an invaluable tool in her conversion. She just started a few days ago and is nearly finished with 1 Nephi. The Book of Mormon is such an amazing gift and I wish everyone could understand just how much it can strengthen their faith in the Savior and bless their lives.Well, I better go, but thanks for your thoughts, prayers, emails, and just everything.

I love you!
Sister Cannariato

Mother's Kirtland Wisdom Day of Word Interviews

2008-05-13T08:52:00.001-06:00

(Posted by Steph's Dad)

Hi family! It was so great to talk with each of you yesterday. It was amazing to think how much time has gone by and yet how normal and wonderful it was to talk with you all. I'm glad that things are going well and that you're all happy and well. Becs, I hope your cough goes away soon...that's no bueno!Well, the word came this morning about transfers and I'm staying! I'm really excited to spend another transfer in Holland and to serve again in the Toledo 1st Ward with Sister Webb. Our district of 8 missionaries has 3 people leaving and half of the missionaries in our zone are leaving. It'll be a different experience next transfer but I'm really grateful I've been able to serve around so many dedicated and obedient missionaries. We've had a blast doing the work and enjoying our time in the blessed area of Toledo.I'm really grateful I can spend more time helping the ward become more missionary minded. We're still working on getting a ward mission plan going and I know that it is something that will unify, fortify, and edify the ward...we've just got to get everyone on board. We're going to meet with the bishop this week to talk about it with him.So, this past week was good. We were able to commit Greg to live the word of wisdom, which was a bit of a scary thing because that's pretty much the only thing that is separating him from baptism. It was neat to hear that he'd been praying about wanting to quit drinking and soon after the sisters had knocked on his door. The desire to stop is there and he's been alcohol-free since Wednesday. I'm so proud of him!We were able to attend a baptism with Esther and it was fun to see her recognize the importance of that sacred ordinance being performed by one with priesthood authority. Ether's planning on being baptized June 7.On Thursday we were able to have interviews with President Peterson. I was so grateful to have the chance to talk with him and counsel with him regarding the needs of the area. He's an inspired leader with such great wisdom and strength. He then took us all out to lunch at the Olive Garden! It was so nice.So this past week we had a neat experience. Saturday we pretty much tracted all day and had set a goal to find 2 new investigators to reach our weekly goals. It'd been a crazy week so Saturday was our only time to be out finding. We worked really hard and found some good potentials but only one investigator. As we planned that evening I suggested we take time out on Sunday when we had scheduled in planning to tract some more to find a new investigator so we prayerfully selected streets. After an appointment with a less active we headed out to our first street. We got to the second to the last house on the street and found our new investigator. I love that the Lord will provide for our needs and desires when we act in faith and give of our heart, might, mind and strength.Our trip to Kirtland with Samantha was a blast. It was great to spend time in that sacred place and to have Sam feel of the spirit. I think the more she's learning the more she's coming to realize the magnitude of our message. She recognizes that we all feel fulfilled and she wants that too.Seriously, it was really great to talk with all of you yesterday and thanks for all being available. I'm always so uplifted by your emails and letters and I'm so grateful that you're willing to support and sustain me with your prayers. I love you and hope that your next week is fantastic!Love love love,Sister Cannariato

I love this work!

2008-04-12T20:47:00.000-06:00

Posted by Steph's dad 4/12/08

Cello!Sorry last week’s email was so short, we were running low on time so I had to be pretty fast. It’s been a busy week and definitely an adjustment, as it always is around transfers, but it was good nonetheless. We’re still seeing great miracles in this area.With Sister McFarlane leaving, they didn’t know where to put me because the closest sisters were in Tiffin (about 2 hours away). So, lucky me, I got to ride out to Kirtland for transfer meeting. It’s a long drive but I was glad I got to go so I could spend more time with Sister McFarlane and see old companions and friends at transfers. They called a new assistant since one was going home and it was one of my zone leaders from the Toledo zone this past transfer. He’s a great missionary and I’m excited to learn from his example. The other assistant used to be my zone leader in Tallmadge and I have to admit, it's nice to know them both since I still feel like I don't know that many missionaries.After transfer meeting we headed back to Toledo and Sister Webb was, as I said last week, ecstatic. She was so excited to be in the field again because she’d been serving in Kirtland. It’s really been fun to have a companion with such a strong desire to be proselyting. We’ve been able to go out finding since both of us have been in good health, so that’s nice. We’re teaching some really great people and I love it!Ken’s still doing really well. We’ve been able to make a bit of headway with his wife Adrianna so that’s great. They actually had us over for dinner last week and it was fun to sit down and talk with them both about the gospel.Did everyone else think General Conference was amazing?!? I sure thought it was. I loved how there was such a focus on family, the articles of faith, and John 7:17. Esther came to conference on Sunday as well as another investigator, Greg. Greg was found by Sisters Dickson and McFarlane but we were only able to teach him once my first transfer because he was sick and things. Well, he’s read through most of 1 Nephi and was able to hear President Uchtdorf’s talk in the Sunday morning session…perfect for him with his Lutheran background! In our lesson with Greg earlier this week he told us he knows that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that the Book of Mormon is true…but at this point it’s intellectual rather than spiritual knowledge so we’re really working on getting him praying and trying to facilitate learning by the spirit in our lessons. I'm excited to have him come out to church this next Sunday so he can see what our regular Sunday service is like.The past couple weeks I’ve been thinking a great deal about the role of full-time missionaries in any given ward. I was so grateful for the insights Elder Bednar gave; ward members are the principle finders and full-time missionaries are the principle teachers. We as missionaries are here to assist the ward in the missionary work in their ward, their area, their lives; we are not here to force the work upon them. We come and go as missionaries but the people we teach need that stability that comes from a ward family. We currently do not have a ward mission plan and I’ve been prayerfully pondering how we can get that going to not only unify the ward and us as missionaries but so we can support, strengthen, and edify the families of the ward through missionary work. I didn’t fully understand how much proclaiming the gospel affected all parts of the three-fold mission of the church. I know that it is essential for our spiritual progression as well as those that are searching for truth. We all need to assist in establishing Zion and helping others grow closer to our Savior Jesus Christ.One more random thought: just the other morning Sister Webb and I were sitting at the kitchen table during companionship study and I simply said, “I love being a missionary.” I’ve said it and meant it many times before, but for some reason when I said it that morning it really hit home to me just how much I really do love this work. It’s such a blessing to be a part of it—of all of it, whether it’s proselyting all of the time or sharing it simply through our examples, giving a random pass-along card, or whatever it may be. We have such a precious pearl of great price, something that our Heavenly Father longs all of His children to have. I’m grateful that I get to assist in that sacred work.Lots of love to you,Sister CannariatoOh, and p.s. I got asked out by an investigator’s son last night…awkward. Funny. Okay—really, really funny. But awkward.

Toledo again (hooray)

2008-04-02T22:01:00.000-06:00

Posted by Steph's Dad 4-2-08

Hi family!

The past week has been a great one but also kind of difficult knowing that Sister McFarlane would be leaving. She went to serve at the Johnson Farm in Hiram, Ohio for her last transfer as a missionary. I was so grateful to have had the privilege of serving with her her last transfer in the field. I learned a great deal from her example of diligence, faith, and optimism and I’m excited to refer to her example as I begin this next transfer. I can't wait for the miracles to keep happening.

My new companion is Sister Webb from Henderson, Nevada (a suburb of Las Vegas). She’s a riot and I love her already. She’s served all 10 months of her mission in and near Kirtland, so she’s ecstatic about being out in the field and being further west than Cleveland. I’m excited to apply her enthusiasm to our area and to keep seeing miracles.

I don’t have much time to email today because we still need to get grocery shopping done and such, but I wanted to let you know I’m still in lovely Toledo and I’m loving it. The Lord is amazing and this is His work. Thanks for being so great and I love you!

Sister Cannariato

P.S. I just found out that Sister McFarlane’s aunt is from Shelley…her name is now Pauline McFarlane but before it was Pauline Cox. Grandma or Dad, do you know her?

random thoughts from Sister Cannariato

2008-04-01T13:54:00.001-06:00

Posted by Steph's Dad 4-1-08

Greetings to those of you in beautiful sunny weather from one with snow still on the ground (though it’s mostly melted),

It’s been a very busy and exciting week. We got everything squared away for Ken’s baptism and it turned out to be really nice. We had to get over to the church a couple hours early to fill the font but we were able to set up the chairs and pictures and stuff. Ken had called nearly the entire ward, so we had a really great turnout. His wife and four of their close friends also came and it was great to have them there. The Spirit was very strong as we talked about the importance of baptism, both by water and by fire. I love the simplicity of the ordinances but that they have such symbolic and profound meanings. I loved seeing him enter the waters of baptism and having that sacred ordinance performed. And Easter Sunday was great—Ken received the gift of the Holy Ghost and I loved seeing him as he reverently folded his arms and closed his eyes prior to the blessing being given. He just glowed.

Ken also got some other exciting news this week—he had his baby boy yesterday! Brandon Michael Taylor was born at 2:55pm, was 21 inches long, and weighed 8 pounds 4.5 ounces. Both Adrianna and Brandon are doing well. We were able to go see them last night and it was great to talk with Adrianna and see how excited Ken was to have Brandon blessed in church. He wanted to do it this next Sunday since it’s fast Sunday! He’s just on fire and I love to see the joy that the gospel’s brought to his life. He loves telling everyone about “my sisters from the church” and we’re praying that Adrianna will continue to open up so we can teach her too.

We’re going to be heading to Kirtland this Friday with Dawn (a recent convert), her two girls (Tatianna and Heaven), and Dennis (the girls’ father). Dennis is the one who has really opened up in the past few weeks and I think Kirtland will really be a great experience for him. It’s going to be a bit of a drive, but it’s totally worth it. I love the history of Kirtland and the spirit you feel when you’re there.

We had another really neat experience happen just while we’ve been emailing today. A younger man came up to us and asked us to pray for him as he’s looking for a new job. He and his wife were sitting across from us while using computers and he came over to us after they’d gotten up to leave. He gave us his information so we can go visit them. It’s amazing to see how people are being prepared to hear the message of the Restoration. Preach My Gospel mentions how we will be able to find those that are ready and that they will find us. We just were witness to that.

Things continue to go well here in Holland. Transfers are next Wednesday and I can’t believe how fast time has flown. I’m so grateful that I’ve been able to be here in this area and to be witness of and participate in so many miracles in the last five weeks. I love this work and I feel honored to wear the name of Christ each day. I’ve gotten to the point that I feel without my tag...

How lucky we are to have a knowledge that Christ’s church is again upon the earth after centuries of darkness; that instead of just attending a church that mostly aligns with the teachings of Christ we are privileged to have 100%. With this knowledge we then have responsibility to share it with others so they have the chance to find out for themselves if the Church is true. I know that it is because I’ve studied it out for myself and asked God for an answer. And time and time again the Spirit bears witness that Joseph Smith was a prophet, that the Book of Mormon and the Bible contain God’s word, that Christ is leading the Church of Jesus Christ, and that every doctrine and ordinance that will enable us to return to our Father in Heaven is found in this church.

I've been thinking about the three-fold mission of the church: proclaim the gospel, perfect the saints, and redeem the dead. In my ignorance before my mission, I felt like I was good about the last two but that the first one didn't really apply to me and that I wasn't good at it. Now that I've been here in Ohio I've come to realize that proclaiming the gospel is one of the best refinement processes I've gone through in my life; that teaching others about the restored Gospel has perfected me in a way no other experience could. I've also seen how proclaiming the gospel to another allows that individual's family--past, present, and future--to be redeemed. We need to be involved in every aspect of the mission of the church because it's through doing each of them that we bring to pass God's work and glory. So keep up the good work and pray for those opportunities to share it with others!

I hope you're all safe and sound. I love you and hope you have a great week.

Sister Cannariato

the proud owner of a toledo lucas county public library card

2008-02-20T17:03:00.000-07:00

(Posted by Steph's Dad 2-20-08)

GREETINGS FROM TOLEDO, OHIO!!!

As of about 15 minutes ago, I'm the proud new owner of a Toledo Lucas County public library card, hence me being able to email you right now. I got transferred to the Holland area and am serving with Sister Kirsten McFarlane. It's so amazingly neat because she was MTC companions with Sister Corbridge (my trainer) and also because of a neat experience that happened a couple months ago. We had mission conference before Christmas and I got to sit at a table with Sister McFarlane and her companion during dinner. As I was sitting there I thought about how much I would love to serve with her--and now here I am! As we were on our way to the library she told me that she had also felt that we'd get to serve together while we were sitting at the table. Man, I just love the Lord. She only has 2 transfers left and is a Kirtland sister so she may go to Kirtland for her last transfer...which means we're definitely going to make the most of our time here, whether it's six weeks or three months. I can't wait!

The drive to Toledo took about 3 hours...we drove a HUGE dodge ram van and the six elders that were being transferred out here let me have the front seat. Very kind. I tried to keep the driver from swerving too much and falling asleep. Needless to say, it was a interesting drive. I just felt bad for the greenie who we happened to leave at the transfer meeting--we ended up having to turn around to go get him. Luckily we were only about 15 minutes outside of Kirtland. It was kind of weird to be the only sister in a car full of elders...I guess I've gotten used to always having a companion :)

It was so sad to leave Stow but I know that the Lord wants me here in Holland. I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for me!

Oh, and an update on Jim: we had dinner with him at a member's home and invited him to be baptized. He said yes (!!!) but when we talked about a date (we were thinking end of March) he said he was thinking more like 6 months. It's amazing to me though because he truly is one of the elect. He just gets it and recognizes the spirit and is independently keeping commitments. I think that as Sister Leavitt and her new companion (who, I might add, is Sister Dickson, my MTC companion...crazy huh?) increase contact with him (we're teaching him about once a week), he'll progress even faster.

Leaving Stow was kind of surreal. I had Gail, Sister Stebel, and Sister Hursell in tears...luckily though I pretty much stayed dry. I think it'll hit me a little later. Right now I just feel a sense of peace that I've done what the Lord asked of me during my time in Stow and am looking forward to gaining a knowledge of the vision the Lord has for Holland.

As for my address and birthday information. I told Dad I'd like a copy of Gospel Principles and I would also love more paper for my mission journal (it's loose leaf and from deseret book). Music is also great but it does need to be hymns. Sister Leavitt had a great acoustic guitar CD called "The Field is White" I believe. I have a lot of instrumental music so ones with singing would be nice I guess. Other than that, I'm not picky, nor can I think of anything I'd like. Maybe just your prayers :) And here's my address: 5814 Sims Dr. Toledo, Ohio 43615.

Well, I'll write more next week but I just have to say again how excited I am to be serving with Sister McFarlane in Holland!

I hope all is well with each of you. Thanks for your emails, letters, and prayers. I think of you often and love each of you!

Sister Cannariato

Many Miracles

2008-02-07T19:27:00.000-07:00

Posted By Steph's Dad 7 Feb 2008
Family of mine,

Oh how grateful I am for the amazing family that you are! I can’t find the words to express how blessed I’ve felt to have such great family and friends.

And I’m so sorry to hear that many members of our family have been so sick the past little bit. There have been a TON of people here that have been ill here as well…oftentimes we catch people at home during the day while we’re tracting but they’re in their pajamas and are pretty miserable with the flu and things. But we’re still working hard and the Lord’s blessing us.

We’ve been able to find a couple of people this week while tracting who’ve met with missionaries in the past. It’s interesting to note how the Lord’s timing is such a factor in the process of conversion. Many individuals need exposure and contact to the church at specific times to prepare them for the day when they can progress in the gospel. It’s amazing to see the Lord orchestrating the salvation of His children and how He allows them to take advantage of the opportunities He presents.

This past week Sister Leavitt and I have been spending a lot of time role playing in our companionship study. It’s something our President Peterson has challenged us to do every day, generally geared towards the investigators we’ll be teaching that day. Sister Leavitt and I are kind of in “finding mode” so we’ve been teaching the Restoration a lot. It’s amazing to me just to see how every day my testimony of the reality of the Restoration and the experiences of Joseph Smith is strengthened as we role play. The gospel just makes sense—both to my mind and to my heart. When we look at the constancy of our Father in Heaven, how He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, it’s just simple and pure and perfect that our Father would reach out to us in love in our day, calling a prophet to reveal His will and help families return to Him in our time.

I’m so grateful for the life and teachings of President Hinckley. We were able to watch the funeral proceedings at our church building and I was touched by the tributes shared and the Spirit that was there. As Lexi said in her email she sent this week, “I hope, in my way, I can live a life as good as President Hinckley's--a life worthy of remembrance.” Amen to that, Lex! I know that he was called as a prophet of God and was uniquely prepared to meet the needs of the Church and receive direction from God. His example is one any and all should strive to emulate. In watching the broadcast the Spirit also bore witness that that mantle and calling of prophet, seer, and revelator was now upon President Thomas S. Monson. I look forward to being edified and educated by the newly called prophet and his counselors, President Eyring and President Uchtdorf.

Of the miracles we witness in the work, there are some I’d like to mention today. The first is that Sister Stebel came to the funeral broadcast. She hasn’t been out to church for some time and I wanted her to be there not only so she could feel of the Spirit but be there to support me because I still have a bit of a hard time at funerals. And she came. I shed tears of joy and appreciation knowing the Lord had answered my prayer in working that miracle. The Lord—He’s just great!

The second miracle is kind of a series that involves our investigator named Jim. Jim came out to church this Sunday, which was a miracle because he was supposed to be out of town. He brought his son, which was amazing that he wanted to share what he was learning with his family and his son was just awesome. Jim got married this weekend, which was a miracle because he and his now wife had been living together for at least 10 years and I didn’t know if the marriage would happen, making Jim’s ability to progress limited. We haven’t taught him specifically about our stance on family or chastity, and it truly was a miracle that the Lord moved Jim to tell his girlfriend “it’s now or never” (Jim’s words, not mine) and to get hitched. Again, the Lord—He’s just great!

Lastly, Richard and Gail have kind of been on hold for a bit…we’ve just been maintaining contact. Last night Richard called to ask us a question about the church organization now that President Hinckley had passed away. We stopped by and were able to have an open and spiritual lesson with both Gail and him. Then Richard had to finish up a few things for work so we talked with Gail for a bit. She expressed some of the feelings she’s had for the past little bit and some of the trials she’s struggling with and I had the chance to pray for her at the end of the lesson. She was crying as we said, “Amen” and I was pretty touched myself because I experienced some of the love that our Father in Heaven has for her. It was really an answer to many, many prayers, as we’ve made it a point in every prayer we offer as a companionship to ask the Lord to soften Gail’s heart. He’s answering us and Gail is slowly but surely opening up.

Well, I better be off—we’re doing zone preparation day where a bunch of us get together to play sports and have fun and such. I’m excited. Sister Leavitt and I are also going to get our hair cut (yes, Dad, all of them cut) by a member of the ward that we work with. The member, Sister Ingebo, has a salon called April Mae’s. Love it. And I think I may cut it shorter than I’ve had it for a while. I’ll have to send pictures next week.

Thank you for your continued support, love, prayers, and thoughts. I feel strengthened by them every day. I love love love you!

Sister Cannariato

Oh there's no place like Stow for the holidays

2007-12-19T10:03:00.000-07:00

(Posted by Steph's Dad 12/19/07)

Holiday Greetings!

I only have 10 minutes because we have a lesson today at 12 (one of our investigators could only meet then this week) and then a man wouldn't get off the computer at his assigned time so I had to sneak onto a different one.

Anyways, things here are great. We have been able to do lots of Christmas things for investigators (a great way to increase daily contact with them!) and then we've been able to deliver the DVD Joy to the World to referrals we've received from members. We were able to get 20 referrals just for our area alone and the two sets of elders got a few as well. It's been great to share a Christmas message with people and invite them to learn more about the gospel of Jesus Christ. We've seen some success from it and we're hoping for more.

Last Thursday we had mission conference. It was held at the Kirtland visitor's center as well as the Kirtland temple. They asked me to play the piano, so I was able to play "the Spirit of God" while over 100 missionaries sang it in the Kirtland temple. I caught a glimpse of what it must have been like for the saints to hear heavenly hosts singing with them as well. It was beautiful. President also gave us an opportunity to bear our testimonies while we were in the temple. It was again beautiful and amazing and an experience I'll never forget.

We're getting excited for Christmas--the Tallmadge ward really spoils the missionaries and I feel like I can't repay them for all they're giving us, Joy to the World referrals included. I'll be giving you a call in the afternoon on Christmas day, it'll probably be after we eat dinner around 1pm EST. Nicole, I'll try to call you on your cell phone too.

Yesterday we had a great time--I saw a man out on the street while tracting so we walked down to talk with him. He was starting to shovel his walk so Sister Corbridge offered to help. She ended up shoveling for an hour while I taught him the first lesson and a bit of the second. He'd met with missionaries before and we're excited to go back to meet with him again. Sister Corbridge is pretty sore today :) but it was worth it.

We also were able to have 5 lessons with a member present because a member of the singles branch, Leah, came with us for the day. I loved being able to share the gospel with her there. It was just a good day to teach and testify about Jesus Christ.

Sorry again for this being so short, but we have to get going to our appointment :) I love the Lord, I love this work, and I love love love you!

Love,

Sister Cannariato

p.s. I sent a padded envelope for the family...i hope it gets to you in time. you can open it when you get it! Love.

War and Peace

2007-12-13T10:47:00.000-07:00

(Posted by Steph's Dad 12/13/07)

Hola my familia!

I hope things are going well for you in idorut. That's my new word for where all of you are. Ha.

A couple things before I forget. Dad, I talked with Dave Cook and Callie Shaw/Shawl, who both went to school with you. Their daughter lives in our ward and they came out to bless their new grandbaby. They also informed me that the same year Brother Cook was Mr. Incredible for Shelley High, you were too. Is that true?!?

Secondly, Dawn, could I get the alfredo sauce recipe from you? I have a less active family that wants it and I'd love to give the recipe as a Christmas gift.

Thirdly, I had a couple in our ward came up to me the other Sunday, the Seavers, and informed me that "their missionary" was Keith Bond! It was so cool to see how connected the work is. They LOVE Elder Bond and I guess had recently talked with him. I didn't even realize that he'd served in the Tallmadge ward so it was way cool to hear their conversion story and see how the work missionaries do continues to bless the lives of those they taught years later.

I would love to say that this week has been the best of the mission so far, and it has. But it's also been the hardest. I continue to be amazed by the Lord's involvement in the work but also amazed at how much it can hurt when people make poor choices. But even though I've had a heavy heart in the midst of those difficult things, the Lord has blessed me with deep peace and comfort, knowing that He is conducting this work.

We had the opportunity to take Richard to Kirtland last Thursday. It was so great to go to a place full of the Spirit. Richard was very touched by the film, Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration as well as the tour. We were able to talk openly with him about baptism (the tour guide even told him that she wanted an invitation to his baptism! I loved it.) and get his feelings about how he's gaining a testimony of the Restoration. It was a great tour. Brother and Sister Stebel drove us there, and I think it was also a very important experience for them to have as well. I'm grateful to have been blessed with the chance to bask in the Spirit of light and truth at Kirtland.

The Lord has really blessed us in the past week in our finding efforts. Last week we found twice as many investigators as we have since I've been here! The Lord really blessed us. I think the Lord knew that we needed to have that support from our finding because many of our investigators that were consistent and solid have begun being flaky/have so much going on that they aren't making meeting with us a priority. Grr. I still love them but want them to just get on the ball about things and recognize the importance of the message! But knocking sense into them doesn't work, because the Spirit isn't in the wind or the earthquake, but in the still small voice. And they have their agency to choose to accept or reject the message we share. I just want to be able to share the message I guess. Sorry, I'm ranting. I just want people to get it! But agency and the Lord's timing are critical factors to that process and I need to just be a willing instrument in His hands to assist in that work.

But then the Lord has blessed us too. Saturday night we got a call from one of our investigators (yes, one of the formerly consistent ones) who called to let us know he'd be at sacrament meeting on Sunday. It was so great to have him there. He enjoyed it and I think will be bringing his kids to the ward Christmas party this Saturday. I look forward to continuing to build upon the things he already knows and strengthening his faith in Jesus Christ.

Another blessing this week has been a project Sister Corbridge and I put together to deliver the DVD "Joy to the World" as a gift to referrals we receive from members. We have received 15 referrals through it and I'm so grateful the members are willing to share the Christmas story from both Old and New world perspectives. If there is anyone you are thinking about sharing the gospel with, Joy to the World would be a great gift to give them to strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ and help them get a taste of Lesson 1 from PMG. We were able to deliver 2 last night and it was great to talk with people about Christ. Sister Corbridge and I memorized the nativity story from Luke 2 and Matthew 2 and I loved being reminded of that sacred night in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago.

Monday we had district meeting combined with our whole Zone. They're going to start doing that every 2nd Monday of the month so the Zone Leaders can relay the workshops they hear during mission council. We talked a great deal about our role as healers, the need for commitments, and about the need to make plans of action for the goals that we set. I loved the workshop about spiritual healing, going off of the scripture in Matthew (chapter 4? I don't have a Bible with me) where Christ went about teaching, preaching, and healing. Our role as missionaries is to invite people to come unto Christ by helping them become clean from their sins. In asking them to make commitments, we're essentially asking them to repent and align their lives with the teachings of the restored gospel. That's why commitments are so important; they provide a way for individuals to progress. One of my favorite things we talked about was choosing the commitment and/or identifying the concerns, THEN creating a lesson plan rather that doing it in the reverse order. It's like in all of my teaching classes--you start by stating the objective, what you want to have the students accomplish, THEN write the plan. I needed the reminder and also someone to help me see how to apply it to the gospel message.

I'm so excited for this Christmas season and for the chance I have to talk with people about the true meaning of Christmas. Thanks for you love, support, emails, letters, pictures, stories, prayers, etc. I'm so grateful I have such an amazing family--the longer I'm here the more I realize just how blessed I've been in my life. Thank you for your examples of Christlike love and diligence and for helping me to see what it means to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ.

I hope all is well and I love love love you!

Love,

Sister Cannariato

P.S.
1. when a former investigator opened her door, she was wearing a coat but no pants. she came outside to talk with us for a bit then to clean up some of her yard. yep, without pants.
2. another pants story. while tracting a younger guy came around the back of the house to talk to us. as he walked up, his shorts (which were so low that he was wearing them as pants underneath a really long t-shirt) fell. he casually grabbed them but still, i had a hard time not laughing.
3. I had the nicest dinner at a investigator's house the other night. dim lights, sparkling cider, music playing softly in the background...it was gourmet! then she and her member sister asked me to play the piano for them. For the life of me, I couldn't remember a single piece! I got through maybe 5 measures and then went blank. That's what I get for not memorizing arrangements of church hymns, I guess!
4. we have a Christmas chain :) and it's short. Christmas is less than two weeks away...crazy!

two months already?!?

2007-12-10T16:08:00.000-07:00

(Posted by Steph's Dad 12/10/07)Hola,Greetings from snowy Stow! It's been snowing basically since the 1st and I can't wait for the next 4-5 months of it :) Luckily it was only really windy one day so tracting hasn't been too shabby.A couple things for this week. Thank you for the emails this week! I loved hearing from each of you and hope things continue to go well. So from Dad's email he said Monica and Nate are coming this weekend--does that mean you're staying all the way through Christmas or are you doing Christmas early? Just curious.Monday was my two-month mark and Sister Corbridge didn't let me forget! She's so great. She gave me a bunch of quotes about Kirtland and the prophecies that it would be built up again. I'm so grateful I can assist in that work. Sister Corbridge also let me know that as of Monday, I've completed 1/9 of my mission and that January 3rd will be 1/6. It was CRAZY to think of it like that. While I was in the MTC a speaker informed us that in the Lord's time, a mission lasts 2.16 minutes...so we need to sprint. I loved that idea. Time really does fly and we need to make the most of it. I'm so grateful that I can be in Stow, serving the people here, and beginning my 2.16 minute sprint in such a great place.This week was great--we had some memorable things happen. First, we've been praying about how to address Gail's concerns and decided we needed to boldly approach the subject. As we did so, she informed us that she too had been praying about how to voice the concerns that she has so it was great to see the Lord answering all of our prayers. Though we're still working on resolving her concerns, I'm so grateful that the Lord allows us to work through the Spirit to help people see the importance of the message we share. With Gail though, it's still going to take some time. She feels we put prophets up on pedestals and that they tell us too much while at the same time she won't read from the Book of Mormon because there aren't any other churches that believe in it and if she asked her pastor he'd probably tell her not to. She believes that people could have been in the Americas and written a record but she feels reading it would be a betrayal to the Bible and to God. That she's always been taught the Bible shouldn't be added to and that even though Revelations wasn't the last book written it's just compiled at the end, she's been taught that it is and doesn't really want to acknowledge that. As we've read to her during lessons, she doesn't disagree with any principles that are taught in the book but still won't read. It drives me crazy but at the same time I know that her concerns are valid. It's also great to know that as we teach and testify with clarity and conviction and promise her blessings for taking that leap of faith, the Spirit will work upon her and help her to realize the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon.Secondly, we had two awesome tracting experiences this week. On Saturday morning we were tracting in a nice, new neighborhood. We approached a lady speed walking and were planning on leaving a pass-along card with her. She said she couldn't stop because she was on a mission so we started walking with her...for 50 minutes. I'm sure it was hilarious to see two missionaries speed walking while teaching the first to a lady. But she was great and we have a return appointment with her. The second was right at the tail end of tracting on Monday night. It was getting close to being too dark but we decided to knock on a few more doors. When Karen came to the door, there was such a great feeling about her and her home. She and her daughter are new investigators and I can't wait to teach them more. To see the spirit that people can possess is so cool and I love being able to add to the light and knowledge and truth that people currently have.The ward here in Tallmadge is so amazing. This past Sunday a super nice lady gave both Sister Corbridge and I a hat/scarf. I wish I had a picture of it, because though it looks a little old lady-ish (it has a fur hat with a scarf attached to it), I think I'm going to break down and wear it when it gets really cold. Then we get fed several times a week and it's so nice to be invited into homes where the Spirit resides and the food is good too! :) One of my favorite families is a family of recent converts, the Stebel family. They live around the corner from us and are so great. Though they're experiencing some hard things, they continue to build upon what they already know and are learning how to rely on the Spirit and their testimonies of the gospel to help them. The mother and father are actually going up to Kirtland with us tomorrow to take Richard; I'm really excited for all of them (and for me too) to have a sacred and spiritual time there.Other than that, I don't have a lot to report. There have been a few hard days, but even in the midst of those hard times I see the Lord guiding me and guiding the work to bring to pass His purposes. Thank you for your prayers and your letters and your love. I pray for you daily and hope that you continue to strengthen your testimonies and receive the blessings you need. You're so great and I love love love you!Love,Sister Cannariato

The Latest from Stow, OH

2007-11-28T12:21:00.001-07:00

Posted by Stephs' Dad 11/28/07

Hello family!

Transfers were today, but seeing as how I’m emailing you, it means I wasn’t transferred. I get to stay in Stow for at least another 6 weeks. I’m really excited about it and I can’t wait to see the work progress even more while I’m here during the holidays. Sister Corbridge is also staying and boy was I glad--I love working with her and learning from her example.

Thanksgiving was really great. We ate at the church and it was actually really fun. We weren’t able to play lightning with the family because we had another house to get to (the Stebel family had invited us over for dessert, converts of about 9 months). Afterwards we went to the big apartment complex where one set of elders lives to play ping pong and pool. It was the first time I’d put jeans on since I got to Ohio…I almost forgot what it was like! We then rushed to a lesson with an investigator that evening. All in all it was a great Thanksgiving!

The only difficult thing about Thanksgiving was that I felt like it really disrupted the work. We weren’t allowed to proselyte or contact that day, so I didn’t know what we were going to do in the evening (we did have one lesson which was nice). Also, most people we talked with didn’t want to meet for most of the week because they felt the stress of the holiday and wanted to get everything in order. Lame. But it was funny because with every cancellation or change in our schedule, the Lord blessed us with another opportunity. Isn’t He just great? I’m so amazed by the involvement of the Lord in our everyday lives, both here in the mission field and also in all our current paths. Even with Nicole being able to stay at the Springville Museum—it’s just so great how the Lord micromanages our lives and blesses us with things we really need rather than what we think we need.

So some of the blessings with this week—we were able to meet a Russian woman who doesn’t speak a lick of English (I understood “Russian” “bye” and “no”) and a few days later take a Russian Book of Mormon to her. She wanted to give us money for it and we told her no it was a gift. She then gave us each an apple in return. We’re searching the ward to see if anyone knows Russian but so far haven’t had luck. I hope that she’ll take the time to read from the Book of Mormon.

The next blessing. Richard finished the Book of Mormon! He talked with me on the phone for about 30 minutes the other day asking questions and discussing the feelings he’s had as he’s read. He’s truly experiencing the power of the Holy Ghost and I hope that soon he’ll be able to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost—it’s now just a matter of meeting Gail’s needs and addressing her concerns. We were able to prayerfully plan a lesson for Gail on Monday where we talked about her concerns—it was awesome because she had been praying too, wanting to know how to go about voicing the concerns that she has. I love the Lord. We were able to get things out in the open and I realized it’s not so much that she disagrees with things (though she does to a certain extent) as much as it is she hasn’t fully understood and feels rushed. I know that it will take time and that it will ultimately be here decision to join the church, but I also couldn’t stop picturing her in all white clothing that night. I continually pray that I will know how to best help her understand the importance of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and that the Lord will help her recognize the promptings of the Spirit that this is Christ’s church again on the earth.

This week, in addition to being off because of cancellations, has just been tiring. We’ve been working really hard trying to find and teach, teach and find. Sister Corbridge even fell asleep while saying companionship prayer yesterday morning—it made me laugh but it’s just a reflection on what we’re trying to do and how hard we’re working to help bring souls to Christ. And I love it, I really do.

I’m always amazed at how much the Lord wants to bless us. I really think that it’s also amazing just how those blessings come by obedience to the commandments and direction the Lord has given us. Whenever the Lord gives a commandment, he also gives a blessing. And as I’ve been thinking about D&C 130:20, I’ve been thinking about how it says, “there is a law…upon which all blessings are predicated” in relation to the Bible Dictionary definition of prayer where it says that prayer is to “secure for ourselves and for others the blessings that God is already willing to grant, but that are made conditional upon our asking for them. Blessings require some work or effort on our part before we can obtain them. Prayer is a form of work and is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings.” I don’t know if this makes sense or if this is an accurate interpretation/application, but I definitely think that there is a law of prayer and that by praying, we obtain blessings that are predicated upon our working for them through prayer and obedience. Those are two principles that I am striving to live more fully while here in the OCM and desire to receive those blessings that are predicated upon the laws of God.

Well folks, that’s probably it for me for this week. I hope that you’re gaining strength from reading PMG, studying your scriptures, and committing to live the gospel to a greater degree in your life. Thanks for all you do and I love love love you!

Love,

Sister Cannariato

Happy Thanksgibbin'...back

2007-11-21T12:16:00.000-07:00

(Posted by Steph's Dad 11/21/07)

Hallo!
I hope all of you are doing well. We're going to have preparation day tomorrow instead of the usual Wednesday but President told us we could email today (since places are open) and then we'll be able to celebrate without interrupting the work. Just fyi, a really nice family in our ward is having us over for dinner--they actually reserve the church building and have all their family eat together and then use the gym and do skits, play basketball, etc. so it should be a blast. I think I may curl up for a nice nap on one of the couches in the foyer or something...we'll probably just go home afterwards and lay in bed. That sounds nice :) I hope you're all prepared for the big day. Dawn, do you have the cards with each item already placed in the serving bowl? Who's in charge of the mashed potatoes? Don't forget to make a sculpture! I hope your meal is wonderful and know that I'm thinking about you all. Jake and Nicole, please travel safely to Boise; Nathan, Monica, Ethan, and Blake, please travel safely to Utah.
This week has been great. We've definitely seen the Lord's hand in the work--even when original plans were altered, it ended up being for the best.
For starters--Wednesday. We normally meet with Brent M/W/F--he wasn't able to meet due to a new job he picked up. We scheduled a meeting for 7pm with Tara at a part member's home--she was late. We started our lesson at about 7:30 and right at the tail end Drew, one of the boys from the part-member family who isn't baptized, got home and sat in on the tail end of the lesson. We're now meeting with him regularly and if the situations with Tara or Brent would have been different, we'd have missed out on Drew. I love that the Lord is orchestrating the affairs of this work--turning what appear to be negatives into great opportunities.
Thursday we found another new investigator who is amazing--her name's Natalie and she just moved here from Cincinnati. She's looking for a church up here, was raised Catholic but is now attending Christian churches, and shares our views about the Godhead. She invited us into her home that day and we taught her again yesterday--my favorite part about it was when she sincerely asked, "How can I know what's true?" towards the end of the lesson. I love seeing people who truly have the desire to know for themselves of truth and are willing to seek it out for themselves.
One thing I love about being a missionary--you have no shame. We were supposed to meet with Tara on Saturday but she called to cancel because she wasn't feeling well. We grabbed a can of soup and took it over to her, then proceeded to read the Book of Mormon with her and teach her a short lesson. We also have been spending a lot of time in the Walmart parking lot at night, because sisters can only knock doors in well lit areas after dark but we cannot knock doors at night in Stow due to a city ordinance. So we contact, meaning we stop people when they're walking to/from the store and talk with them. If that's not awkward, I don't know what is, but I actually love it. It just makes me laugh and we get to talk to a whole lot of people. Usually we offer them a pass-along-card and see if we can meet with them another time. It's not as effective as tracting, but we have met a couple people from it. I think the thing with contacting is not only to get a lesson in but also just to give individuals contact with the church. I heard from someone that it takes the average person multiple contacts with the church before they're interested in taking the lessons/learning more. Though the goal is more investigators, I know that this work will help down the road.
This week in district meeting I was asked to give a workshop on the topic, "How can I apply principles of faith in missionary work" and I wanted to share some study ideas with you because the principles apply to all of us. I came up with 5, pulling them from Romans 10:14-17:
1. Believe in Christ yourself (Romans 10:11; Moroni 7:33; Mark 9:19-23; 3 Nephi 27:21) 2. Be Obedient (Mosiah 2:24; 1 Nephi 16:28-29; D&C 112:28; 130: 21) 3. Pray (Mosiah 27:14; Mark 9:17-18, 28-29) 4. Hear through the Spirit and the scriptures (3 Nephi 11:2-6; Alma 37:8-10) 5. Act in your office (D&C 81:1,3-6; 107:99)
I have been able to study faith for several days (both because of the workshop and because of mission-wide study topics that we do every Wednesday) and I continue to be more and more amazed at the magnitude and power of faith. It's amazing and I am working on developing faith as power in missionary work; I hope you all can do the same in the work you're called to do at this time, missionary work included. :)
It was Sister Corbridge's birthday yesterday--I sneaked in phone calls to members while she was in the shower and the bathroom this past week and we were able to have a surprise party for her at a member's home. The members here in the Tallmadge ward are amazing--and so dedicated to helping the missionaries in whatever way possible, even with a birthday! I think she felt pretty special. We were also able to commit someone to live the word of wisdom yesterday, so I think that was an even better birthday present for her :)
Dad, thanks for letting me know about getting another set of missionaries in our stake. It's a little different out here--we have 3 sets just in our ward! I hope that both sets will be able to find people that are prepared to hear the gospel in our stake. I'll be praying for you!
Goodness me. Another week, another novel. Let me know if this is too long/boring/detailed and I'll give you the summarized version in greater summary :)
Again, have a fabulous Thanksgiving and I love love love you!
Sister Cannariato
P.S. Dawn, you had asked in your letter what I wanted for Christmas...a scripture case (probably just a plain black canvas one unless you find something that screams "Sister Cannariato"), a warm, soft, scarf (it can be a color other than black but just not too crazy), some more thermal bottoms, more of those mint chocolate chip cookies the laurels made :) or even the recipe, a cardigan (maybe beige, brown or black?)...and lots of prayers. Dad, thanks for the info. Love you all!
P.P.S. We raked leaves at Richard and Gail's house for over 4 hours on Saturday (we'd planned on taking about 1 1/2 hours, including a lesson); afterwards Gail volunteered to pray and cried because of our willingness to help. It made the exhaustion so worth it.

4 weeks since throw up

2007-11-14T16:20:00.000-07:00

It was so great to hear from so many of you this week. Thanks for your emails, your letters/cards, and your prayers. I feel so blessed to have so much support and it's been needed :0)
It was another good week, one with funny stories and great spiritual insights. We were able to head up to Kirtland with two of our investigators on Saturday. It was such a great experience both for me and for the investigators. We watched "Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration" and took a tour through the saw mill, ashery, Johnson Inn, Whitney home, and the Newel K. Whitney Store. I LOVE the Joseph Smith movie and every time I watch it it strengthens my testimony greatly. Being able to go to the Translation Room above the Newel K. Whitney Store where 17 revelations were received was so powerful; but going into the School of the Prophets had a profound impact upon me and all that were there. I was so amazed by the spirit that could be felt in that small room and to know throught that Spirit that Jesus Christ truly appeared to men there in that room. I was humbled again to know I've been sent to such a special, historic place to teach about and testify of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
We had stake conference this past Sunday and the focus was centered around Preach My Gospel. Our Stake President, President Centers, had asked everyone in the stake to read at least 4 sections from PMG before the conference. I was so impressed with the messages that were shared about the importance of relying on the spirit, keeping commitments to the Lord and helping others to do the same, and the importance of the Book fo Mormon for true conversion. President Peterson spoke about PMG and shared a story told by President Monson:
President Monson had been out of town on church business and got back late one evening to find Elder Ballard standing on his doorstep. Elder Ballard was holding the final draft of Preach My Gospel in his hand, as it was going to the printers the next day. Elder Ballard asked if President Monson would look over it just once more and President Monson consented. He told his wife he'd be to bed in a few minutes and began reading. He read all through the night and didn't realize it was morning. I know that the Brethren all contributed to the writing of this book, but to know that even those that helped author it caught the vision of this great resource is such a testimony to me of its power. It's been said numerous times (and I think it's attributed to President Packer) that Preach My Gospel was compsed on the other side of the beil and written/put together on this side. I testify to the truthfulness of that statement. The Lord truly is preparing His people for the Second Coming and this volume can support the scriptures in helping us to strenghten our testimonies of Jesus Christ, find those who are ready to hear and accept the gospel, and deepen our understanding of the teachings of the restored gospel. I love the scritpures, I love the Lord, and I love being able to stand as a witness of His Holy name. It's hard to represent a perfect person, but I am so grateful that the Lord has trusted me to be an instrument in His hands.
I have to go now, but I'll write more next week about the progress of our investigators and the funny stories from Stow. I love you all and please know you're in my prayers.
Love love love you,
Sister Cannariato

Snail Mail Address

2007-10-31T11:19:00.000-06:00

Sister Stephanie Cannariato
4533 Fishcreek Road
Stow, OH 44224

Posted by Steph's Dad -

A Delayed Hello from Ohio

2007-10-31T11:02:00.000-06:00

Greetings one and everyone!
I'm so so so SO sorry that it's taken me so long to email. I'm glad that you got my letter in the mail...I'm sorry I wasn't able to email--we held transfers that day and didn't get a chance to make it to the library for the internet.
I arrived at the SLC airport and was able to call many of you but wasn't able to catch everyone. Our flight was on a little Canadair jet for Skywest and we flew straight to Cleveland. Well, straight's a relative word, because it was so turbulent-y that I ended up puking. Yep, that's right. Good thing I'd stuck an entire change of clothing in my carry on so I could change my shirt before I met President Peterson. Ugh, I'm embarrassed to tell the story but man, it was so funny. I felt very humbled when I met President, because I had all these plans of looking and presenting myself as my best self but my stomach and Heavenly Father had other ideas. We had a great dinner at the Mission home in Westlake then had interviews. I was so impressed by the Spirit in the mission home and it was a blast to be there with 14 other missionaries (originally it was supposed to be 17 but we lost one to stay at the mtc to improve his English, one to the flu/sinus infection, and one to double pneumonia...I was so glad that mine was a one-time deal when there was no turning back).
We got up bright at early at 5am the next morning (so really 3am) to have breakfast and head to Kirtland. We were able to take a tour with a Community of Christ curator as well as Karl Anderson, the foremost authority on Kirtland history. It was amazing to go to Kirtland and see the beauties there. We were able to see the pulpit where the series of visions found in D&C 110 were received, the third floor office where Joseph Smith saw God the Father and Jesus Christ and received D&C 137. We were also able to sit in the pews and sing "The Spirit of God." Following the tour we went to the Newel K. Whitney Store and held a meeting in the same room as the School of the Prophets. It was a powerful experience to be in the same room where the prophet Joseph Smith had been, where Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and hosts of angels appeared, and where D&C 89 was received. President Peterson gave us a few minutes to kneel in prayer in the small room and dedicate our missions to the Lord. I was able to read through my patriarchal blessing and see just how my call as a missionary to establish and build up the Church in the Kirtland area is a fulfillment of that sacred blessing. I am truly amazed by how the Lord facilitates our learning and growth.
After Kirtland we held transfer meeting in the Kirtland Stake center. I was the last sister to be paired up with my companion because we were the closest to Kirtland (though it's still a ways away). My trainer is Sister Stacie Corbridge and we were assigned to the Stow area. It covers Stow and small parts of Hudson and Munroe Falls. We're part of the Tallmadge ward, which two sets of elders and us cover. Sister Corbridge was here last semester and was "shotgunning" the area (meaning the area was closed due to the Kirtland sisters being called out to do the visitor center and the missionaries were called to reopen it). She and Sister Knecht worked like crazy to reestablish themselves in the ward and I was able to reap the benefits during my first week.
Since Wednesday was preparation day, we just traveled back to Stow and I was able to go contacting on my first day. The very first house we went to said we could come back the next day (but they weren't there, surprise surprise) but it was good to get out and get talking to people on my first day. We also taught a less active sister and visited a young woman whose family is less active but she was never baptized. I was exhausted but so happy to have had a fantastic first day in the field.
The last week has been crazy! We've been able to go tracting nearly every day for a couple hours and although we haven't found anyone through that, I feel like that work we've put in is helping us when we teach the solid investigators we already have.
We're teaching Richard and Gayle, a couple where the husband is already in Alma 35 and the wife is still having a difficult time accepting there is any other scripture but the Bible. We've taught them twice this week and it's made it interesting to try to address their needs when they're on such different levels. I'm glad to have the special ed background to at least help with ideas to differentiate the lesson a little bit to address both of their needs, but it's definitely a process. My first lesson Gail cried and Richard loved, our second was a little more neutral and Gail loved it but I felt Richard didn't get as much out of it. We're working on getting them to church but Gayle's not ready to change because her roots are so deep in her church. We'll just have to keep working.
The same issue is happening with another one of our investigators, Brent. He's reading and praying about the Book of Mormon but his kids love the church they go to currently so he doesn't want to change. He's going through a divorce and Sundays are one of his days with the kids so he doesn't want to do anything to jeopardize that. And Mom doesn't even take them to church so he's trying to keep religion in their lives.
So yeah, I think our biggest obstacle is not that people don't have faith, but that they have a strong faith. So many people say thanks but no thanks when we knock on their doors because they are happy with their religion and the current status of their faith. As we've taught, I think our greatest challenge has been trying to help people progress. Change is hard for most people and it's a process only they can choose to do. I hope I can help them see the fulness of joy that the gospel can bring and help them to know for themselves that the Church is true.
We've also had a couple of other things come together in the last week. First, the young woman I told you about earlier is interested in us teaching her and her family is okay with that. We met with her last Saturday and I'm really excited to teach her. A family in our ward has been going through the adoption process for four siblings, two of which are over 8. We taught them about the plan of salvation Monday night for FHE and I am so excited to teach them so they know for themselves that they want to be baptized. We're also teaching a really nice mother of 3 with one on the way who converted to catholicism 3 years ago but loves to learn about religion. It's great that she believes authority is important but hard to teach that the authority was taken from the earth (Dad, you can probably relate after going to Italy and teaching many catholics).
My most spiritual lesson was with a lady who'd been taught about 6 months ago, Judy. She believes in the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith but her husband is very ill and wanted her to stop taking the lessons. She's opened her doors again to us and we were able to reteach lesson 1. The Spirit was almost tangible as I accounted the Joseph Smith story. Man, that account has such power and it's one of those things that people definitely feel different about (some, I guess, recognize it as the spirit and others just recognize that feeling as odd). But it was amazing to bear witness of the reality of that prayer and that vision. She was going to come to church, had a plumbing problem, so sent her son to come instead! We're going to try to teach him with his mom tomorrow.
Monday we had district meeting and it was great to get to know the elders in our area better. We're all experiencing success to some degree and it looks like we may have a baptism this month! Tuesday we had Zone Conference and I LOVED being able to learn more about how to be a better missionary. Though I've been able to stay really busy and keep active in the work, I definitely felt like there were things I needed to be doing better to make the work move at a rate the Lord wants, not at the rate of my personal capacity. I need to have faith that the Lord will provide the way and the desire to be exactly obedient so the Lord can in fact use me as an instrument in his hands.
I know that this was crazy long, but I just had way a lot to tell you. I hope you're all doing well and please know that I love love love you! Thanks for your letters, your prayers, and your support. I think about you all a great deal and thank Heavenly Father that I was blessed with such a great family. I hope you have a great week and you'll be hearing from me next Wednesday!
Love,
Sister Cannariato
P.S. I don't actually think I can check the blog, so if you want to email me your posts, then I can read them and that'd be great! I'd love to hear about the Walter Fam in OR, the Romney fam in P-Town, Lex in Rex, and the Boise clan. You're so great!
P.P.S. CONGRATULATIONS BECCA!!! I'm excited for you to be in all-state. Liza, how's the application? Did you get in? And when will you be interviewed for the Hinckley? Lexi, how are classes and college life? Nic, did you find a job? Jake, how's school for you--surviving? Monica, how are the boys and the house? Nate, how's the new job? Dawn, how's life with just two at home? How are the cubs and have you seen Box recently? Dad, congrats on the new office! I hope you continue to settle in and things go well for you downtown. Please tell Grandmas and Eddie I say haldo! Have a fantastic week!!!
P.P.P.S. Someone has asked if everyone can email me. The answer is yes, I can get emails from anyone, but I'll only be writing the family via email and the rest snail mail. Just fyi.

Letter from Sister Cannariato

2007-10-12T16:53:00.000-06:00

Hello family!Being the brillant missionary I am, I wrote down everyone's addresses but not their email addresses. So sorry this is getting forwarded to all of you from Dad's account. If you'd email me at this address then I can write you back and it'll be a happy day :)Also, this email is going to be a novel because you're the only ones I can write on email and there's so much to say to fill you in. Plus I don't have everyone's emails memorized/with me. But normally I'd love to write you individually so then it'll feel like I'm talking with you.My email address is stephcan@myldsmail.net. You can email me at this account address at any time but I only have 30 minutes on the computer per week, so some responses may come more slowly through the mail. But I would love to hear from all of you to find out how things are going!Things here at the MTC have been fantastic. I've been able to spend so much time immersed in the gospel and I love it! We normally have P-day on Fridays but last week we had class to make up for conference so that's why it's taken me half of my mtc stay to get on the computers and email. I've really appreciated all of the letters I've received. It's been so nice to hear about how things are going.Just fyi, you can send me letters through dearelder.com--it gets delivered at least 2x/day and it's free while I'm in the mtc. Then it's normal postage but they'll mail it for you. The only bad thing is that I can't write you until Fridays, but still, for your convenience it's there.So, the mtc. I have two teachers, Brother Mecham from Mesa, AZ and Sister Haymond, from the Cleveland area! Her dad is a bishop out there and they have a set of elders and a set of sisters that serve in their ward, so I may get to serve with her family, watch conference at her house, or possibly even see here during Christmas or something. That'd be crazy! But honestly, I couldn't have asked for better teachers. Through their examples and instruction I've really been able to gain a better understanding of my purpose as a missionary and how to go about accomplishing the work the Lord's asking me to do.I just have to put in a plug here about Preach My Gospel. I know Nicole and Jake and Grandma are studying it, but I would recommend it be a study aide to everyone. It explains the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ succintly and beautifully, making it not only easy for us to share it with those not of our faith but also enhancing our understanding of the doctrines of the kingdom as well. I loved studying it prior to this mission but I don't think I realized what a great resource it really was. I also think that because of my calling and being set apart my understanding has grown ten-fold concerning it. It's really a great tool for learning how to study more effectively too to get more out of the scriptures.Yesterday I went to a meeting with my zone where we talked about the importance of having a balanced approach to missionary work. We discussed the importance of church members, church leaders, and full-time missionaries in the acts of conversion, retention, and activation. I loved the insights I gained on the charge "every member a missionary" and how we need to help new converts by giving them 1. a friend, 2. a calling/responsibility, and 3. nourishment by the good word of God (Pres. Hinckley said these three things). I think that the missionaries have that role of baptism and starting the process of conversion but since it's a process, we need members and local leaders to continue that conversion process and support new and/or reactivated members. The work that I do in Cleveland wont' be of much worth, especially after I leave an area, if the members don't support the new members. It's the same in your areas too.Whoa, I need to get off my soapbox! Sorry. But yeah, I've loved the insights I've gained. I'm so grateful to have this mtc experience. Some people said that you're on a spiritual high all of the time, which made me think of EFY, but it's totally different. You're feasting on the spirit but you have a specific purpose and, for me, it's more of an overwhelming sense of peace and assurance that the Lord's hand is in this work as well as an expanding of my mind to comprehend more of the gospel with greater clarity. It's just so cool.Like I wrote, my companion is Sister Dickson and she's awesome. She's such a hard worker and we've been able to accomplish so much here in the mtc. I love teaching with her because of the testimony she has and the spirit she carries. We get to practice on volunteer investigators on occasion, which has been by far the most amazing experiences while here. Being in a mock home with a mock investigator but still having the Spirit witness that the words you're saying are true; it's such a great feeling.I don't think that I've gained the freshman in the 10 days I've been here, but there sure is a LOT of food. Sister Dickson referred to a scripture that someone else shared with her about the consequences of mtc food: Jeremiah 4:19. It's hilarious and I thought you'd appreciate it. For me, I usually stick to cereal and fruit in the morning, salads or wraps, and occasionally having one of their pasta dishes. I'm excited to be in a place where I won't be sitting all day and I can actually make my own food :) And though it's crazy to think it's so close, I only have about 10 or 12 days left here.We got to go to the temple this morning for the first time since I've been here. That's going to be the thing I miss the most out in Cleveland (besides you...love love love).Well, my time is almost up...but I just want you all to know I love you and appreciate your support and your prayers. The gospel of Jesus Christ is so amazing and I'm so grateful that we know of it's truthfulness. I'll be thinking of you and praying for you this week!Love,Sister Cannariato

it's official

2007-09-30T10:19:00.000-06:00

As of 6pm tonight, I will officially be set apart as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am so excited that the day has come so I can get started! I don't think the experiences I've had in the last two months could have gone any better or smoother. I have felt the Lord's hand in my life as I've prepared temporally and spiritually for the mission, put my affairs in order, and said my goodbyes to those that I care about. I feel so incredibly blessed. I know the mission will challenge me in ways I never thought possible (which I will really come to know and understand by going through it), but I also know that it will bless me in ways I never imagined. I can't wait.

In figuring out what I wanted to say on my last pre-mission post (wow, that sounds so 19-year-old-BYU-freshman-on-facebook. Yuck. Oh well.), I decided I'd leave with what I wrote to my mission president on the back of my personal information sheet:

My testimony about the Ohio Cleveland Mission is pretty simple: I know it's where I'm supposed to be. The story is long and the circumstances somewhat complicated, but ultimately, I have learned that when God speaks, I must obey and when God calls, He also qualifies and blesses. There is no other place I would rather be and no other work I would rather be doing than teaching individuals and families in the Ohio Cleveland Mission for the next 18 months.

I know there is a God. I know He lives and has a body of flesh and bones just as tangible as our own. I know Jesus Christ is His son. I testify that Jesus Christ atoned for the sins of the world and was resurrected, thus enabling us to overcome temporal and spiritual death through His sacrifice. I know God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

I know God loves His children and made a way for us to return to Him by repentance, baptism, laying on of hands by proper priesthood authority to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, keeping His commandments, and exercising faith in His son Jesus Christ.

The fullness of the Gospel truly was restored to the boy prophet Joseph Smith. I know God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to him and ushered in this dispensation. I know that the Book of Mormon contains the word of God, is the keystone of our religion, and brings joy, happiness, and knowledge essential for exaltation. I know it is a true book.

I testify that the windows of heaven are not closed, but are open as in days past and that a prophet is on the earth today. I know that the Plan of Salvation is God's handiwork and enables us to live together eternally as families as we make and keep sacred covenants and activate the Atonement in our lives.

I am so grateful for this privilege to serve and learn in the Ohio Cleveland Mission. I can't wait!

D&C 39:13-15

confessions

2007-09-22T09:56:00.000-06:00

1. I am not dedicated to my blog.
2. I hate no, loathe being the center of attention.
3. I slept in til 8:30 this morning.

Blake's Birthday Bash

2007-09-05T17:06:00.000-06:00

Blake turned 1 on September 1. Pretty much I have the coolest family ever. From eating cake to tube-hooping, it was a blast!

McCall=pretty pictures

2007-09-05T16:43:00.000-06:00

The fam went on a Labor Day weekend trip to McCall....

I love to see the temple

2007-09-05T16:24:00.000-06:00

I went there yesterday.

babysitting (sigh of exhaustion)

2007-09-05T15:32:00.000-06:00

Monica and Nate went to Portland for a few days and asked me to babysit Blake and Ethan. Boy, did we have fun! It made me realize just how much I love my nephews and what an amazing Mom Monica is. Though I was exhausted afterward, we had a blast!

A little tower building

Some Messy meatball subs

Standing practice-Blake's close to walking!

a day of fishing

2007-09-05T15:09:00.000-06:00

Since there was mutiny aboard USS Cannariato/Almond, Dad, Lex and I decided to go on a day hike to Lost and Hidden Lakes southwest of Cascade Reservoir instead of a 3-day backpacking excursion. Dad took his float tube while Alexis and I fished from the shore. Apparently, the float tube made a difference; Dad caught 20+ fish while I caught 2 and Lexi caught, well, lily pads. Some good fishing, naps, and laughs were had. Thanks Dad!

return to idaholand

2007-09-05T15:07:00.000-06:00

Moving back to Boise from Provo was, to say the least, an interesting experience. I haven't lived at home for longer than a Christmas break since the summer of 2003. Wow, I sound really old. I was torn between wanting be done and not wanting to leave; I couldn't decide which felt stronger. I think the knowledge that I'd be back to visit made it better.

I never thought I'd say it, but I do miss Provo. Well, the people in Provo. Over the last 5 years I've been able to form lasting friendships that have brought joy and timeless memories. It was hard to say good bye, but I knew it was time to go.

So, I packed. And packed. And packed. In the end, I think I made my dad proud; his packing skills must be hereditary. Here's what Lola looked like for the drive home

And I could still see in my rear view mirror.

ears lowered

2007-09-05T15:05:00.000-06:00

mission shoes...mission dresses...mission haircut.

In case you were wondering

2007-08-12T01:16:00.000-06:00

Since I'll be spending the next little while in Cleveland, I thought I should inform everyone what I've learned since Wednesday.

CLEVELAND FACTS:

Flag

City seal:

mayor-Frank G. Jackson

residents are called "clevelanders"
Nicknames-the forest city
Famous Clevelanders-Halle Berry, Drew Carey, Dorothy Dandridge (first African American to be nominated for best actress for the academy award), Phil Donahue, Margaret Hamilton (played wicked witch of the west), Langston Hughes, Don King, Toni Morrison, Paul Newman, Charles Oakley and John D. Rockefeller
Named for General Moses Cleveland when founded on July 22, 1796; declared a city in 1836.
Home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame & Museum

Record high 104; record low -20. July is the warmest month with a mean temperature of 71.9 and January, with a mean temperature of 25.7 is the coldest. Normal yearly precipitation is 38.7 inches.
A Christmas Story was filmed here.

Home of the Indians, Browns, Cavaliers.

Named the "most tortured sports city" in 2004.
Area: 82.4 sq mi
Elevation: 623 feet
Population (in 2000): 478, 403
Time Zone: (EST) Eastern Standard Time
Area Code: 216
Click here for the City of Cleveland's website

oh, and by the way, CLEVELAND ROCKS!

why no one should let me out of the house

2007-08-12T01:11:00.001-06:00

I know it happened last Monday and I'm pretty sure it was at FHE, but I don't know exactly how I did it. Oh well, it'll heal.

my first mission purchase

2007-08-12T01:07:00.001-06:00

the call

2007-08-12T00:19:00.000-06:00

No, not the backstreet boys song (sorry to disappoint, Nicole.). I received my mission call eight days after my interview with President Bratt. I was super surprised, expecting it to come at the earliest this upcoming Wednesday. I was able to coordinate things and had four or five cell phones sitting out to let in those that couldn't be there in person.

Here are some shots and the actual video of me opening it...though I must put out a disclaimer that the videographer (bless his heart) didn't know that he needed to hold the camera one direction...but there you go.

my former roommate Emilyme and Nictalking to the famthe group who were there while i opened it (minus jake, nicole, aunt chris, uncle john, and isaac)

And (drumroll please) the actual opening:

a little timeline.

2007-08-11T23:22:00.000-06:00

Since my blog is entitled "a quick succession of busy nothings," I thought I'd relay a series of events.

July 1: I don't know which word to use, but I was informed/told/commanded/inspired to go on a mission while fasting
July 3: Talked with my Bishop and received a blessing from my old hometeachers confirming I should go
July 6: Nicole got married!!!
July 12: I finally told my parents and family that I was going on a mission
July 18-21: Filled out papers online
July 22: Bishopric interview
July 23: Dentist appointment
July 25: Doctor's appointment
July 31: Stake presidency interview
August 8: Mission call comes in the mail
October 3: Report to the MTC to serve for 18 months in the Ohio Cleveland mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!

Wow, I think that short explanation would make Dawn proud!

in memoriam

2007-08-08T02:02:00.000-06:00

During the course of my training and career in special education, I had the honor of working with a dedicated, organized, loving, master teacher named Laura Stuver. Not only did she help me survive my summer practicum (the only time in my life I can remember when my dad requested to give me a blessing), I had the privilege of completing my student teaching in her classroom for kindergarteners with Autism. She died after battling cancer for a year while maintaining her job teaching students and mentoring teachers.

Her distinct style impacted my own teaching more than any other individual and I feel blessed to have known her and worked with her. Below is her obituary, which was printed in the Deseret Morning News today.

Laura Marie Stuver
Laura Marie Stuver 1970 ~ 2007 Laura Marie Stuver, 36, went home to Heaven on Saturday, August 4, 2007 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Provo, UT on Oct. 18, 1970 to Michael D. and Marie T. Stuver. When she was almost three years old, the family moved to Parker, AZ where she attended preschool and early elementary school years. When she was 10 years old the family moved to Boulder City, NV where she completed the remainder of her public education. Throughout her early life she participated in swimming and band. She graduated from Boulder City High School in 1988 then promptly moved with her family to Provo, UT where she attended Brigham Young University. There she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology. She then earned her Masters Degree in Special Education, with an emphasis on Autism, from the University of Utah. She began her career teaching an Autistic Transitional Kindergarten Class at Vineyard Elementary School in Orem, UT and became the Autism Specialist for Alpine School District. She held these positions until her death. Laura loved her job and found great joy in going to work each day to teach the little ones left in her care. She also mentored several children individually through the Respite Care Program. She became very close to them and loved them like brothers. She loved traveling throughout the United States and Europe. Some of her favorite places were Walt Disney World, Austria and Germany. Her last unfulfilled wish was to go once more with her niece and nephews to Walt Disney World. Laura loved hiking, attending musicals and plays, reading, crocheting, and spending time with her family and extended family, especially her niece and four nephews with whom she was very close. She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was very faithful, had a strong testimony in the Plan of Salvation and knew that she was ready to go to Heaven. She is survived by her parents; four siblings, Kent (Darlene), Brian, Jon (Casey), Becci (David) Swinton; one niece, four nephews, and her step-grandmother, Lillian, as well as many extended family members. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Bessie and Lyman Tyler, Betty and Dick Stuver, an uncle and two cousins. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, August 9, 2007 in the Provo Parkway Stake Center, 2801 West 620 North, Provo, UT 84601. Family and friends may call Wed. evening from 6-8 p.m. at the Berg Mortuary, 185 East Center Street, Provo, UT 84606 and from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Thursday morning prior to the services at the Church (A scrapbook will be available for those wishing to bring a page to add to the memory book). Interment will be held at the East Lawn Memorial Hills. Condolences may be sent to info@bergmortuary.com Thank you, Laura, for the influence for good you have had on so many.

fill in the blank

2007-08-06T10:35:00.000-06:00

A new adventure awaits just around the corner.

it comes in threes

2007-07-18T13:59:00.001-06:00

I promise I'm not obsessed, but the following three posts are about the same general topic...see if you can guess what it is.

Mr. and Mrs. Romney

2007-07-18T13:55:00.001-06:00

On July 6th, 2007 my best friend and older sister, Nicole, got married to one of the greatest men I know. In honor of their recent nuptials, I have written a sad excuse for a poem, but here it is nonetheless.

This ode is for Nicole and Jake,
Two people who are far from fake,
I love them so dearly,
My voice says quite clearly,
I want what you have someday.

The care that you show to each other
The lack or the pleth’ra of brothers
Your testimonies are strong
You help others belong
I want what you have someday.

Exercising together in the early hours
Cuddling during warm April showers
Jake makes tunes on a whim,
And Nic laughs to stay trim,
I want what you have someday.

Watching The Phantom with glee,
For me it is easy to see,
Your love is eternal
Your example supernal,
I want what you have someday.

my new mantra

2007-07-18T13:53:00.000-06:00

I was talking with some good friends the other night about life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness (that is to say, dating). This topic seems to come up all too often in my apartment complex, much of it based on speculation and theory rather than action (yes, Greg, I mean this in all terms of the word). In talking with them, I came to a conclusion about dating that I’ve decided is my new mantra:

IF HE’S INTERESTED, HE’LL ASK YOU OUT

By saying this, I’m not passing judgment or simplifying the thoughts and feelings of men but attempting to counter the overanalytical tendencies of my sex. I realize that there are caveats to this, but generally speaking, it hits the nail on the head. This is something many women live by, but occasionally our girlish predisposition to grow hopeful gets the best of us, and we end up setting ourselves up for disappointment. Therefore, I am going to live by this statement when it comes to dating. If he’s really interested, I’ll be worth asking out.

Once the asking comes, though, women also need to remember it’s just a date, not a proposal (Think flashbacks to How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days when she brings over the photo album of the photoshopped pictures from their yet-to-occur wedding and trips with their two yet-to-be-born children). Again, it’s just a date, not a proposal.

You’d think love would be pretty simple: finding someone you love who loves you back. And in the end, it usually is. But how can something be so exasperating and exhilarating at the same time?

2007-07-18T13:50:00.001-06:00

For one of my summer jobs, I’ve had the chance to watch BYU students while they teach special education students in Heber and Salem. One of the special ed students is a 16 year old named Amanda. Amanda is fantastic—she has a positive attitude, works hard, and has a great understanding of the skills necessary to function in life beyond school.
One day while walking to the grocery store Amanda and I had a great talk about her love life. She told me about the boys that have been contacting her and the dates she’s been on. At one point, she exclaimed, “I just love boys.” Having her say that made me realize just how much I have to learn from her.

the most...

2007-07-11T23:45:00.000-06:00

So the other day my sister, Monica, was talking with her son, Ethan. He'd done something that wasn't very good and Monica said in exasperation, "Your mom and dad love you the most; we want you to be happy." Ethan responded, "No, Stephy loves me the most."

Man, I love this kid.

Maybe it's prideful, but I just have to post it again.

in honor of the order of the phoenix

2007-07-09T23:36:00.000-06:00

so i know i haven't posted anything real for a while (even though i have a bunch that will be coming soon) but i had to post this because i'm going to see the 5th harry potter movie.

i chuckled.

he's got moves you've never seen

2007-06-29T11:33:00.000-06:00

I never knew Shaq could move like this. Crazy.

oh my darlin' oh my darlin' oh my darlin'...

2007-06-26T16:04:00.001-06:00

my favorite for the week:

communication, mis-

2007-06-26T15:44:00.001-06:00

passive-aggressive
adjective
of or denoting a type of behavior or personality characterized by indirect resistance to the demands of others and an avoidance of direct confrontation, as in procrastinating, pouting, or misplacing important materials.

and, i'd like to make two important additions to this definition: being two-faced and complaining/backbiting to an unrelated source or observer.

if people just knew how hurtful it can be.

it's a love/hate thing

2007-06-25T10:42:00.000-06:00

things I love from last week:

rice crispy treats: I forgot how good they taste and how easy/cheap they are to make!
the drive to heber: it's 60 miles round trip for four hours of work, but it's great think time and is just beautiful.
finding $7 cowboy boots at DI to wear to the Strawberry Days Rodeo...complete with snakeskin.
longboarding: I've always been nervous about board sports because I'm uncoordinated when it comes activities that require you to use your feet for skills other than running/jumping. but I went down provo canyon on a longboard saturday and realized just how great it really is. i'm thinking i may need to invest in one...
jinxes
late night chats with nicole
4-wheel drive vehicles--they make the drive to silver lake SO much smoother!
looking at the stars while lying on an air matress in the middle of a lake
my own bed
hearing "lamanite" again at the manti pageant...it still makes me laugh!
feeling the spirit
my sunday night walk with Rachel

things i didn't like so much:

loud, techno music listening, expletive shouting, drunk out of their mind neighbors while camping that have a lovers' spat until 4am and nearly start a forest fire with the size of ginormous blaze
wanting more but not getting any...or at least as much as i want
being content being quiet and then feeling awkward for not being louder than the next person
feeling territorial when it's not my place to be so
the hard ground at the manti temple pageant (though it was definitely better than the chairs, let me tell you)
sleeping in. way sleeping in.
funny jokes in improper settings

Félicitations!

2007-06-20T16:34:00.000-06:00

Check this out to see another one of the many reasons why my friends are the best. I'm so proud of you Zazzman!

BYU student ad team wins international best communications campaign

happy pappy!

2007-06-18T02:31:00.001-06:00

So my little sister emailed me tonight and opened up her email like this: "Happy Pappy! That's what was on the cake that Grandma Betty brought over for Father's Day dinner."

Man, I love my family.

why my dad is a great father

2007-06-17T20:53:00.000-06:00

It's been a great Sunday. One of those Sundays where you come away edified after each part of church and instilled with a greater desire to make a difference during the course of the next week.

I think a big part of that was the fact that it's Father's Day. During the course of the day I was able to sit back and listen to stories about fathers from people in my ward and ponder the example my dad has been to me. I want to write a fitting tribute to him that captures just how much he means to me, just how much he is a part of who I am, and just how much I love him, but I honestly don't know how to put into words the effect his 23 years of time, effort, love, concern, and involvement have had on me. But I think that President Ezra Taft Benson was able to capture, to some extent, how I feel about my dad.

"Brethren, we are to teach the fundamental doctrines of the Church in such a way that our children may understand. Some fathers teach, but their children do not understand. This places responsibility on fathers to study and learn the gospel.

With a few exceptions, righteous sons and daughters who have attained eternal blessings are not just physically begotten by their fathers. They are spiritually regenerated by the examples and teachings of their fathers.

Great fathers lead their children to Christ."

(“Great Things Required of Their Fathers,” Ensign, May 1981, 36).

Papa, thank you for being a great father.

this worked for me and could for you too

2007-06-11T21:56:00.000-06:00

click here to possibly have your wildest dreams come true.

i just needed a change.

2007-06-11T21:21:00.000-06:00

and must have been in a patriotic mood (with a hint of spring).

Santa's Workshop is in Shanghai

2007-06-03T23:34:00.000-06:00

I don't think there could be anything better than Christmas in May, even if I did have to pay for it. I'm taking votes for names.

i kind of miss my hometeachers...

2007-06-03T23:31:00.001-06:00

Why, you ask? Just watch.

if Diana Ross could see me now...

2007-06-03T21:39:00.000-06:00

I survived.

Yes, it's true--180 days of teaching, baby.

For the last year and a half of my life, I've spent the majority of it teaching, trying to teach, thinking about teaching, loving teaching, or dreading teaching 11 students with Autism. In the long run, I think I'll remember each of my 11 students for the amazing capacity they had to bless the lives of others and the changes they not only experienced but the changes they brought about in me. To each of them I say thank you for providing learning, laughter, tears, and growth that will last a lifetime.

I will miss these little guys.

5.25 days left

2007-05-22T16:12:00.001-06:00

just breathe.

PWC in Santa B.

2007-05-19T21:30:00.000-06:00

I recently became part of team PWC in Santa B for the Ogden Relay Marathon. We split the race between five girls: Rachel DeFreese running 7, me running 6.1, Kaela Poepping and Rachel Lovejoy running 5 each, and Shawna Bishopp running 3.1. It ended up being really fun--I'd forgotten how good it feels to be a part of something big like that.

Here are some shots and videos from the race...

cleaning mishap

2007-05-19T17:47:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I was rushing to get my things ready to go up to the Ogden Marathon. I had put some toilet bowl cleaner in and forgot about it until I was all loaded up with purse, duffel, and pillow. I rushed in and decided to just clean it before I left. Unfortunately, being laden with all my stuff tipped my purse and knocked my cell phone INTO THE TOILET. At least it was a newly cleansed toilet, but still, INTO THE TOILET. I let it dry out for several hours and had no luck trying to turn it on.This morning, when we got up at 4:15am to get to the race by 5am, I tried it one more time. IT WORKED! Prayer really does work and (in case you were wondering) phones really can dry out after being dropped in the toilet.

I'M RUNNING.

2007-05-17T22:03:00.000-06:00

WHO: me
WHAT: a relay marathon
WHEN: this saturday, may 19
WHERE: ogden, utah
WHY: i don't know. well, a girl got hurt and she asked me to take her place
LENGTH OF LEG: six miles
PREPARATION: zero
WHAT I'LL PROBABLY SEE: guy runners in manpris with fuschia singlet wife beater tops and matching socks

what did i get myself into?

You are looking at the proud owner of...

2007-05-14T17:39:00.000-06:00

...a slightly used video camera!!!

I'd like to thank everyone who made this possible, namely Geoff Wright, who drew my name from a styrofoam bowl since I participated in his video evaluation project. Thanks!

I can't wait to make music videos to Celine (which, by the way, Ash, I still need to get from Isaac somehow) and document the fun happenings of the summer.

I think I'm going to have to upgrade my computer that I'll soon be purchasing, now that I'm the proud owner of such a fun toy that will take up a TON of space.

I'm a weiner! I mean a winner! I mean, yeah for me!!!

a rough workout

2007-05-11T15:56:00.000-06:00

After getting frustrated about not doing the eagle exercise during our adapted p.e. class, Andy informed me that A.P.E. should go to hell.
And with the way my kids act every wednesday and friday after the class it might not be such a bad idea.

gracias bessa and zatchary

Heavenly Father's funny sense of humor

2007-05-10T22:04:00.000-06:00

so i got a phone call last night from my bishop who asks if i'd be willing to give a talk this sunday. about what, you ask? mothers and how they influence our testimonies of the atonement of Jesus Christ.

i didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

but there's no one person that has influenced my testimony of the atonement more than my mom, and perhaps it's time for me to let others know. i'm going to be on my knees a lot during the next few days.

2007-05-09T16:07:00.000-06:00

Here's a story for you. I'll give you the play-by-play:

(A student, "Jack," pokes me in the behind while walking down the hall.)
Me: "Jack, please don't touch me there."
Jack: (pokes again)
Me: "Jack, please don't touch me there. I don't like it."
Jack: "Oh, Miss C., I'm so sorry I poked your butt (fake cries). I'm sorry. I'm sorry, Miss C. I want to kiss your butt better."
Me: (hide the uncontrollable urge to burst into laughter)

So, there you go.

and another thing

2007-05-09T00:51:00.000-06:00

I can't sleep.

why i love my j-o-b

2007-05-09T00:06:00.000-06:00

yesterday I had a student come to school in a skirt. with no underwear.

conference pictures

2007-05-02T18:48:00.000-06:00

ch-ch-ch-ch-changes (thank you David Bowie)

2007-04-28T04:14:00.000-06:00

So tonight I cried. Not for very long, and not as hard as I wanted to or felt I needed to, but I cried. The reality of the changes that are occurring in my life finally caught up with me. And though it’s for the best, there’s still no denying the fact that change is hard and really just basically stinks.

I have had more fun and made more memories in the last 2 years than I could have ever hoped for. I’m so grateful for the experience I’ve gained in the last couple years and the friends that have blessed my life. As I sat with friends tonight and reminisced about the things we’ve done together, I couldn’t help but love my life. It’s been a blast. And yet, sitting there and talking about those good times made me realize just how hard it can be to find good friends. And not just good friends, but lasting.

I cannot wait to see what happens for those that I love over the next couple months and years. I have such confidence in the potential they have for goodness and greatness.

And though nothing big has changed in my life specifically, the little changes that are occurring all around me have resulted in a shaking of my entire being. As the world around me changes and the friends I’ve grown so accustomed to having near me are going away, I feel as though a part of me is dying. And even though I know that it’s necessary for the progression of us all to let go of the constant interactions and be grateful for the past and that it’s a healthy, natural part of what life’s all about, it doesn’t necessarily make the separation less sad or difficult or full of missing.

I think semesters are great because they allow us to evaluate the past and look forward to a new and hopefully brighter future on a frequent basis. But sometimes things end before you’d like them to.

The goodbyes of the past few days were some of the hardest words I’ve heard in a long time. Not because they were empty or shallow, but because so many things will change from now until the next time I can see my friends. Hopefully for the good, but it will still be different. But I really do feel like it’s an end and a beginning, a turning point where we can remember well the past but recognize how we can move on and the Lord will bless us with treasures greater and more amazing than we could ever conjure up ourselves.

spooning

2007-04-16T18:50:00.000-06:00

favorite find of the day

2007-04-16T18:43:00.000-06:00

drum roll please...

2007-04-13T20:00:00.000-06:00

JAKE AND NICOLE ARE ENGAGED!

And this is how I feel about it:

"You are a toxic staff."

2007-04-11T19:43:00.000-06:00

Not the comment I was expecting when I headed to a faculty meeting yesterday. I was surprised as I sat and listened to my principal explain the reputation we have throughout the district as a school that is negative and complains constantly.

I racked my brain trying to figure out the things I've done to contribute to the poor attitudes at my school, and to be honest, I don't think I really fall into the problem category, a) because I didn't realize it was a problem, and b) I kind of isolate myself/allow myself to be isolated because I'm on the special ed side of things. But still, it got me thinking. How does my attitude really affect those around me? Am I toxic when it comes to my interactions with others?

That led me to think about Elder Holland's talk from this last conference. Though I may not be the core of the problem at my school, I definitely can improve my personal positiveness and infuse my conversations with more encouraging words. I love the quote Elder Holland shared from Orson F. Whitney: "The spirit of the gospel is optimistic; it trusts in God and looks on the bright side of things. The opposite or pessimistic spirit drags men down and away from God, looks on the dark side, murmurs, complains, and is slow to yield obedience." Hmm. Definitely something to work on.

Who loves you the most?

2007-04-10T01:45:00.001-06:00

leafy greens

2007-04-08T00:59:00.000-06:00

Whenever I drive back from Boise, there's a clearing just past Sweetzer Summit where a lone tree stands. Every time I drive by it, I try to get a picture but it's usually not effective at 85 mph through a window. Someday I'm going to stop to get it for reals.

...and so it begins

2007-04-07T01:58:00.000-06:00

Seeing as this is my first post, I feel I should have something profound or poignant or simply good to say. Well, sorry to disappoint. I guess it could be considered empowering or liberating, finally getting your musings out into the internet world we know and love, but mostly it makes me feel more isolated. Go figure. Regardless, I think I'm going to like this succession of busy nothings if for no other reason than my own perusal. So here she be--post primo.