Hi all...
I just wanted to post and say hi to the best family in the world! We think of you all often and love you to bits. Really...you would be in pieces if I could hug you!
13 years ago
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Monday, May 10, 2010
Happy Mother's Day
Happy Mother's Day to the woman that can make flowers bloom
And has weathered the prairies wind
And has weathered the prairies windThank you for being the wonderful, kind, loving, beautiful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother to our DeMeester family! Three cheers for Grandma Lil!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Where in the World in Grandma Lil?
Grandma Lil came out on the train to visit Seattle around Christmas, and we were so excited! We planned a couple things for her, just to make sure she wasn't too bored and here is the recap!
On the second day of Christmas, we took her caroling!
On the third day of Christmas we took her to the Rockettes Radio City Christmas Spectacular
On Christmas Eve, she sang Christmas carols.JPG)
On Christmas day, she checked out the goodies Santa left! I'll let you guess if she was naughty or nice...
.JPG)
On the first day after Christmas, she enjoyed a nice Christmas program
.JPG)
On the next day of Christmas, she went to Seattle and enjoyed the gingerbread houses
tending the kids :>
the carousel ride
the Macy's train window display
and feeding the seagulls at Ivar's
She was busy! But we loved every moment of it! We miss you Grandma Lil! Come visit soon!Monday, June 22, 2009
Emmen...
Thanks for the loving support that you send every week.
My first transfer ends on Wednesday. I will be staying in Emmen with Elder Bell!!!! I am excited.
Top Ten 10 things that are different here in Holland:
10 their public transportation system works effectively and people use it a lot.
9 it seems like there is a holiday or a day off work every other weekend.
8 the toilet is in one room and the shower is in another
7 when it rains, it pours - it is drier in a shower than outside
6 they have this dessert called Vla (said fla) and it is sooo good. It’s like a mix between pudding and yogurt
Top 5
5 we are not allowed to wear helmets on bikes as missionaries. No one does. Kids throw rocks at people with them on and break them when they are left with the bike.
4 bikers have the "right of way"...Always
3 almost every House (I’m not saying apartments) shares a wall with another house
2 people say heel laas pindakaas which literally translates as unfortunately peanut cheese.
#1 people ride bikes in the rain with their umbrellas out and open
Miracles are being poured out from heaven. Our district (only 8 missionaries in 4 cities) has 10 baptismal dates. We have just set one.
Found 6 new investigators yesterday.
loves
Elder DeMeester
My first transfer ends on Wednesday. I will be staying in Emmen with Elder Bell!!!! I am excited.
Top Ten 10 things that are different here in Holland:
10 their public transportation system works effectively and people use it a lot.
9 it seems like there is a holiday or a day off work every other weekend.
8 the toilet is in one room and the shower is in another
7 when it rains, it pours - it is drier in a shower than outside
6 they have this dessert called Vla (said fla) and it is sooo good. It’s like a mix between pudding and yogurt
Top 5
5 we are not allowed to wear helmets on bikes as missionaries. No one does. Kids throw rocks at people with them on and break them when they are left with the bike.
4 bikers have the "right of way"...Always
3 almost every House (I’m not saying apartments) shares a wall with another house
2 people say heel laas pindakaas which literally translates as unfortunately peanut cheese.
#1 people ride bikes in the rain with their umbrellas out and open
Miracles are being poured out from heaven. Our district (only 8 missionaries in 4 cities) has 10 baptismal dates. We have just set one.
Found 6 new investigators yesterday.
loves
Elder DeMeester
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
helaas pindakaas
Already we had 4 new investigators come to church yesterday!!! It was sweet. 3 from Africa (Congo) and a Dutch man Arejon. Hopefully we will be having more next week.
At the beginning of the week we set a baptismal date for a Dutch guy named Elmar but yesterday he didn’t come to church and so we visited him and he doesn’t want to make a return appointment...which means he dropped us.
I am starting to realize that control over people really is an illusion. There is no control that we have as missionaries over people. We meet with "friends" for 30-45 min 2-3 times a week, we expect them to come to church and become baptized. We have to rely on God for the rest. He is the one that prepares people and guides them with the light of Christ and the Holy Ghost everyday for every choice. I have a testimony that the only thing we can attempt to control is our attitude and our actions. Me as a person, I can choose to wake up on time or not. I can choose the music that is played and I can choose to work hard or waste time. With each choice that we chose we can come closer to God or further ourselves from him. When obedience becomes a quest, that is when god endows us with power. The more obedient we are the more power He will trust us with. that is why mission presidents give us so many more rules than in "regular life", because we need more power to change people in those 30-45 min that we have sharing the gospel. With greater obedience comes a greater amount of spirit thus we must always watch our actions and smile at the tender mercies that the lord gives us
Elder De Meester
At the beginning of the week we set a baptismal date for a Dutch guy named Elmar but yesterday he didn’t come to church and so we visited him and he doesn’t want to make a return appointment...which means he dropped us.
I am starting to realize that control over people really is an illusion. There is no control that we have as missionaries over people. We meet with "friends" for 30-45 min 2-3 times a week, we expect them to come to church and become baptized. We have to rely on God for the rest. He is the one that prepares people and guides them with the light of Christ and the Holy Ghost everyday for every choice. I have a testimony that the only thing we can attempt to control is our attitude and our actions. Me as a person, I can choose to wake up on time or not. I can choose the music that is played and I can choose to work hard or waste time. With each choice that we chose we can come closer to God or further ourselves from him. When obedience becomes a quest, that is when god endows us with power. The more obedient we are the more power He will trust us with. that is why mission presidents give us so many more rules than in "regular life", because we need more power to change people in those 30-45 min that we have sharing the gospel. With greater obedience comes a greater amount of spirit thus we must always watch our actions and smile at the tender mercies that the lord gives us
Elder De Meester
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Weekly letter from Emmen...
Hi all. Grandma Newton, thank you so much for getting my baptismal clothes ready for me (she hemmed his pants) because I am doing a baptism this weekend! We are baptizing a Chinese student that is up here for college. We have taught him in English and he has such a great testimony. His name is Chen Zhi but he goes by Jules! He is 19 (we have been putting missionary thoughts into his mind) and he asked me to baptize him on May 30th! We also have a woman being baptized on June 6th ish but we might have to move it because of her finals. I love this city!
My “Hand of the Lord” experience this week: for two of our appointments the investigator calls us before we get there and is like "Is it all right if I bring some friends?" and of course we were like ja. So basically the Lord gave us 4 new investigators and was like, "Teach them" with no work on our side. Blessings of being obedient in the small things I think. We have interviews with the mission president tomorrow-- my "first” and "last" because he is leaving and we are getting a new one. I love you so much. The work is hard but satisfying! Letters take about 1 week to get here. Happy Memorial Day! I can’t wait till this weekend! My first baptism and I know that with the help of the Lord there will be many more :D
My “Hand of the Lord” experience this week: for two of our appointments the investigator calls us before we get there and is like "Is it all right if I bring some friends?" and of course we were like ja. So basically the Lord gave us 4 new investigators and was like, "Teach them" with no work on our side. Blessings of being obedient in the small things I think. We have interviews with the mission president tomorrow-- my "first” and "last" because he is leaving and we are getting a new one. I love you so much. The work is hard but satisfying! Letters take about 1 week to get here. Happy Memorial Day! I can’t wait till this weekend! My first baptism and I know that with the help of the Lord there will be many more :D
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Happy Days Will Come To You All Year!!!
Happy Birthday to Grandma Lil! If the candles are too much to blow out... use your garden hose! We love you and wish you the best of today and the whole year! Wish we could all be there with you.
Monday, May 18, 2009
First P-Day in Emmen...
Hey everyone! Its Monday preparation day! It has been the best 6 days ever! My trainer is Elder Bell from Idaho. I got to my city, Emmen on Wednesday and on the train rides up I got to meet him. Also on the train rides up we had both of our appointments cancel on us :D typical right. So we decided to go finding with our bikes (they typically have an extra one at this city if one breaks or if someone like me doesn’t have one...) turns out that the key to the extra bike went to de Hagg with an elder and my companion’s promptly breaks. So we came up with a backup plan for our backup plan and we started talking to people in the bus station. The good part of the story was that we got 3 numbers from people to call them back. One couple that we found later on Saturday found us and told us that they had read the pamphlet and wanted to make an appointment. We are going to be meeting them on this coming Sat. On Friday we had a baptism, Elder bell baptized and I was a witness :D. She was a Chinese student who has good English and her friend, Jules has a baptismal date on the 30th! We also have Elmar, 32 years old who came to the baptismal service for Melody and yesterday came to church for the first time. We have complete confidence that he can kick smoking and we can get him a date soon. Azadeh has a baptismal date on June 6th and we are working closely with him. The work goes on and I am loving it. As for the jet lag! Such a myth!! It hasn’t slowed me down a bit. I’m sure all those long nights "studying" at BYU-I help out there. Tomorrow is district meeting so I am going to Zwolle for the meeting (my companion is the district leader) and then Nijmegen with another elder for exchanges! I got to bear my testimony in church on Sunday, it was leuk. There is a strong branch. I am buying my bike tonight (the key hasn’t come back yet and my companion’s bike is in the shop) so till now we have been using the bus and walking. P.S. I am loving the food here! But all things in moderation as dad would say:D. Sister Ekstrom is in de Hagg right now and i am sure my Danish MTC companions are loving life in Denmark. ps. Ganzenveld 70, 7827 SC Emmen, Netherlands is our address so you know. my love goes out to you all!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Elder DeMeester has arrived safely! He looks excited and enthusiastic about his mission. We are delighted to have him with us. His first assignment will be in the city of Emmen. His address will be:
Ganzenveld 70
7827 SC Emmen
Netherlands
We are continually impressed by the eagerness and strong testimonies of the new missionaries arriving in the mission field. We are happy for his addition to our missionary corps and assure you that we will do everything possible to make this a rewarding, cherished, and spiritual experience.
As you know, missionary work can be quite demanding. To help maintain a positive attitude for your missionary, communication from family and friends is especially important and should be supportive. May we make the following suggestions: write each week; make your letters optimistic and encouraging; avoid references to problems at home unless absolutely necessary; show genuine interest in your missionary’s daily activities and especially in his accomplishments.
Sister Woodland and I wish to thank you for this ambassador of the Lord. We know that you will
be blessed during the service of Elder DeMeester. We have frequent opportunity to review each missionary’s situation and needs. We hold zone conferences one month and personal interviews the next month. We do our best to love, encourage, sustain all of our missionaries, and to take personal interest in each one of them. They keep me informed as to their specific circumstances through a weekly letter. If you know of anything that would help me in assisting your missionary, please don’t hesitate to let me know. Know that your missionary is in the hands of the Lord and under His protection (Matthew 28:19).
We are most appreciative of your constant support for your missionary.
Sincerely yours,
Paul R. Woodland
President
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Elder DeMeester Letters...one month in and one month out
Sent: Wednesday, April 08, 2009
So this is the halfway mark! this sat is the 11th and i came on the 11th of march and i leave on the 11th or may!!!!!! yeah i dont think that I have the language half way done tho. seems like there is a lot mre to learn but that will come with more time. i love doing english fasts. we had two last week and we are having two this week. we will be haveng more as the weeks go on. that really is one of the best way of learning the language...just speaking it. i love being with my two companions. they are great examples for me.it is a blessing to have sister ekstrom speaking dutch with me. she is a dilligent worker and we help each other learn and grow in dutch and in english. on monday we taught 4 lessons 3 of wich were compleatly in dutch. it was the first time teaching in dutch and so we are getting as much practice as we can. tho it can be hard to teach cause the person who is learning is usualy one of your teachers or a tutor who comes in. but we are doing our best. thatyou so much for the package with the one shirt and socks. also thanks mohameds for the letters and picts and everything else in the envelope. no i have not gotten McKay woods package, i hope to soon. i am also looking forward to the other package with more shirts and everything else moms putting into it (including those cookies!) I have gained 3 pounds in the 4 weeks ive been here, so lay them on me :D (that was not a lie either, the food just isnt as good as your cookin mom so i just dont eat as much of it) i loved general conferance!!!!!!!! wow it was soo good. highlight stories, ya uchtdorfs priesthood session talk, story of the lightbulb. i loved it. i also loved how he stressed that we are all "doing a great work and can not come down". what a great man i Loved elder hollands talk. what a passionate speaker. my mouth was droped and tears streaming the whole time. i love it when he talks about our savior. did anyone else feel the stress that was put on going to the temple? just because they are dead doesnt mean that they dont want their work done for them too:P please take advantage of having a temple close!!! what a blessing it truly is. i also loved elder todd chistoffersons talk. it was so profound when he said " in times of distress, let your obediance be exact so that you can ask, with nothing wavering of the lord." i know that i have been striving to do that. i need and hvae been recieving the gift of tongues. god is truly with his missionaries. i love it. the holy ghost leads and guides us on what to say and when ot sayit. our fireside that sunday night was one of the best. the old mission presidnet opend it up for the missionaries to sugest songs and then to sing the first verse of them. i sugested and we all sang be still my soul. i love that song, and hearing 2000 missionaries sing it was so powerfull. i cant bleive how fast these weeks are going. we have already had english missionaries come after us and leave. that is hard beacuse for 3 weeks we are able to get to know these great young men and then they are gone. some might even get a baptism in this next month...which would mean they would be baptizing while we are still in the MTC... kinda a funny thought. this is not an easy work. being in the classroom at 7:00 am and leaving at 9:30 pm. that is 14 and a half hours of mind-work-ness. but its all good. i love the gospel! i whish i had more time at the end of every day to learn. 14 hours is not enough.i know that i am on the lords errond and that he watches over every one of his missionaries. i love having the restored gospel in my life and i know that it changes and purifies us as we strive to live it. i love being able to hear the words of the prophet! i always took that for granted till now. he is the porphet of the world, not just for our church. i am so that that people are being humbled and i pray everyday to have the lord guid our footsteps. dont be afraid to open your mouth and talk to people. this gospel only has the power to bless lives. we are so blessed to have it, and if we dont share it then we are not furthing gods work. i challenge you to opem your mouth today and talk with all those on your path.love elder demeester
So this is the halfway mark! this sat is the 11th and i came on the 11th of march and i leave on the 11th or may!!!!!! yeah i dont think that I have the language half way done tho. seems like there is a lot mre to learn but that will come with more time. i love doing english fasts. we had two last week and we are having two this week. we will be haveng more as the weeks go on. that really is one of the best way of learning the language...just speaking it. i love being with my two companions. they are great examples for me.it is a blessing to have sister ekstrom speaking dutch with me. she is a dilligent worker and we help each other learn and grow in dutch and in english. on monday we taught 4 lessons 3 of wich were compleatly in dutch. it was the first time teaching in dutch and so we are getting as much practice as we can. tho it can be hard to teach cause the person who is learning is usualy one of your teachers or a tutor who comes in. but we are doing our best. thatyou so much for the package with the one shirt and socks. also thanks mohameds for the letters and picts and everything else in the envelope. no i have not gotten McKay woods package, i hope to soon. i am also looking forward to the other package with more shirts and everything else moms putting into it (including those cookies!) I have gained 3 pounds in the 4 weeks ive been here, so lay them on me :D (that was not a lie either, the food just isnt as good as your cookin mom so i just dont eat as much of it) i loved general conferance!!!!!!!! wow it was soo good. highlight stories, ya uchtdorfs priesthood session talk, story of the lightbulb. i loved it. i also loved how he stressed that we are all "doing a great work and can not come down". what a great man i Loved elder hollands talk. what a passionate speaker. my mouth was droped and tears streaming the whole time. i love it when he talks about our savior. did anyone else feel the stress that was put on going to the temple? just because they are dead doesnt mean that they dont want their work done for them too:P please take advantage of having a temple close!!! what a blessing it truly is. i also loved elder todd chistoffersons talk. it was so profound when he said " in times of distress, let your obediance be exact so that you can ask, with nothing wavering of the lord." i know that i have been striving to do that. i need and hvae been recieving the gift of tongues. god is truly with his missionaries. i love it. the holy ghost leads and guides us on what to say and when ot sayit. our fireside that sunday night was one of the best. the old mission presidnet opend it up for the missionaries to sugest songs and then to sing the first verse of them. i sugested and we all sang be still my soul. i love that song, and hearing 2000 missionaries sing it was so powerfull. i cant bleive how fast these weeks are going. we have already had english missionaries come after us and leave. that is hard beacuse for 3 weeks we are able to get to know these great young men and then they are gone. some might even get a baptism in this next month...which would mean they would be baptizing while we are still in the MTC... kinda a funny thought. this is not an easy work. being in the classroom at 7:00 am and leaving at 9:30 pm. that is 14 and a half hours of mind-work-ness. but its all good. i love the gospel! i whish i had more time at the end of every day to learn. 14 hours is not enough.i know that i am on the lords errond and that he watches over every one of his missionaries. i love having the restored gospel in my life and i know that it changes and purifies us as we strive to live it. i love being able to hear the words of the prophet! i always took that for granted till now. he is the porphet of the world, not just for our church. i am so that that people are being humbled and i pray everyday to have the lord guid our footsteps. dont be afraid to open your mouth and talk to people. this gospel only has the power to bless lives. we are so blessed to have it, and if we dont share it then we are not furthing gods work. i challenge you to opem your mouth today and talk with all those on your path.love elder demeester
Monday, February 23, 2009
Talmage's farewell
Before Talmage left for his mission, we wanted to have one last partay! So we packed up (just ask the uncles...they were packed) and headed up to Silver Star. We had a blast! 
We did a little tubing (that was one big chain of tubes!) BEFORE:
AFTER:
We did a little Rock Band...
We played some games...
And we had a lot of fun! Talmage did hurt his foot on Thursday and after making sure it wasn't broken, he got to spend the entire day Friday with his nephews while we skiied;>Then on Sunday he gave a wonderful "farewell" talk and then Nelson and Mckay headed to the airport...but not until I made them take a couple more pictures. Yes, I'm the Nazi with the camera!
Good times were had by all! I'm so grateful that we've been so blessed to be a family!
Friday, January 16, 2009
Our Alison
Say a little prayer for our Alison so she will be up and about and her usual perky self.
We love you Ali bo bali and want you to know we think of you! I sure hope you aren't missing that hospital food too bad. You know, you aren't very far away that Dan could probably go pick some up for you!
Get better soon.
Oh, and Dan, thanks for not screening our call and talking to us last week!
We love you Ali bo bali and want you to know we think of you! I sure hope you aren't missing that hospital food too bad. You know, you aren't very far away that Dan could probably go pick some up for you!
Get better soon.
Oh, and Dan, thanks for not screening our call and talking to us last week!
Friday, December 12, 2008
A Day to Remember...
Take a moment today to call/ email/ or write Grandma Lil. Long ago today was her wedding anniversary. I wonder what it was like...obviously cold! I am sure glad it happened though! Where would we have been if she married, say, Bob Hope! We'd all have funny looking noses that is for sure. I am sure you miss your best friend, Grandma. Please know that we love you with all our hearts and I know that Grandpa Holly is thinking of you today and sends helping, loving hands to always be with you. Cheers to you!
поздравляю! Congratulations!
S dnem rozhdeniya! or Happy Birthday to Nick in Russian! Is there as much snow in Wisconsin as there might be in Russia on your birthday? We are glad to have a guy like you in the DeMeester Family. Those Ramptons are good people! Enjoy your day and have Angela make you your favorite meal... maybe something with a Russian flare?! We thank you for your infectious smile and your willingness to always serve.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Queen for the day...
Happy Birthday Dawna! Spoil yourself today and wear earplugs at Walmart so it will be like you aren't even there! Thanks for being a great cousin and always hanging with us all when we breeze into town. We love you Dawna!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Birthday Wishes...
A truckload of birthday wishes are heading to Sammamish, WA. for it is Jacqueline's Birthday today! I'm sure her little clan will be making her breakfast in bed, and a yummy dessert too! Or, maybe that is up to Shawn...
Here's to you Cuz... my partner in crime and a many parade planner (even when you didn't want to at first...thanks for coming out!) Have a great day with all your loving family!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
23 Cheers!
Raise a glass to Ellesse today as we all celebrate her birthday. Maybe watch the movie 'Clue', or 'Kite Runner', 'Amelie' or 'Everything is illuminated' and think of her... Listen to Coldplay, or something else from her 'bizarro music playlist'. Go see the play 'Light in the Piazza' and relax.
We love her and I can't imagine life without her. I know she has saved my life especially when I was really sick. I am thankful Heavenly Father sent her to us.
Happy Birthday, Ellessie!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Go, Go Elder T. DeMeester!
Yahoo for Elder Talmage DeMeester! He is headed to the Belgium Brussels mission Dutch Speaking (IF YA AIN'T DUTCH, YA AIN'T MUCH!) The DEMEESTERS are comin' home! (Well pretty darn close...) We are all proud of you Talmage for holding on and staying strong. Keep it up and we will all come over for a DeMeester Reunion old school in 2 years... I'm sure Grandpa Holly is smiling...
Now behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men.
Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.
Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work;
For behold the afield is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul;
And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work.
Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence.
Ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Amen.
Doctrine and Covenants 4
“The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done” (History of the Church, 4:540)
Now behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men.
Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.
Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work;
For behold the afield is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul;
And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work.
Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence.
Ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Amen.
Doctrine and Covenants 4
“The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done” (History of the Church, 4:540)
Monday, November 17, 2008
Birthday Shout Out!
Cheers to Candace another year older! I hope all your wildest dreams come true!... to quote Pedro from Napoleon Dynamite. I hope your friends toilet paper your dorm room...
Thursday, November 13, 2008
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