February 17, 2011 - Elder Ipson received his Travel Iteniary



Getting Ready to Travel to Ohio!



February 16, 2011 - E-mail chat between Austin and Jolene

E-mail between Austin at MTC and Jolene

Austin:  Halllllloooooooo!!!!!!!?

Jolene:  Halloooo!  We are up and at ‘em.  How are you????

Austin:  So, there goes another week.  I honestly can't believe my time at the MTC is almost up!

Jolene:  We can hardly believe it either.  I didn’t think I would survive this long, but we’re doing fine here.  We’re only enjoying looking younger without our towering 19 year old.

Austin:  Muy bien, Hay fever is starting up.  So, I've been hitting the pills in the bags you've given me.

Jolene:  Already huh?  I can send you more if you want.  Do those one make you groggy?

Austin:  Anywho, last night we got an Elder Holland in disguise.  Elder Pearson of the Seventy came and spoke to us.  If you had any ego coming into the MTC, you've been knocked to your knees, but your knees were broken in the process.  In essence we got a slight chastisement, but we were awakened to a small vision of this work.

No, they don't make me groggy.  It's just waiting for them to work when I take one.  Yesterday, when Elder Ragan and I went to pick up the mail (Elder R. is the District Leader)  There was one letter.  He looks at me, and gives me a salutation of disgust.  I wasn't expecting anything until the Dear Elders came out that night.  I noticed the stamp.  It looked sort of funny.  The handwriting looked vaguely familiar. Elder Z. Ipson had finally gotten his note to the U.S.  So pass word along that the letter made it into my hands.  Although by the time I write back, and he gets the letter.  I'll be somewhere in the abyss of Ohio.

Jolene:  So, that’s a good thing, I take it?  I’ll have to look up who Elder Pearson is.  The assignment of being a missionary is so encompassing.  Such a huge responsibility.  It may be hard to understand, but I think he’s trying to prepare you for Ohio and reality.  Do you feel like you have an ego?

 Hey, listen for an airplane overhead…..Dad is on the 6:30 flight to SLC.  He’s probably flying over the Provo area right now.  He says the flight only takes about a half hour with the new bigger airplanes.

Austin:  I'll use the vibe to track the plane>>>>> nope didn't work...  So T. and Earl had to part ways?  That's too bad.  Earl was a good truck.  Despite his carnal self, that truck and I went through enough rains storms you might be able to count it as a baptism!  So, maybe we'll see Earl on the other side.  (Rain cloud following Dad's plane)

Austin:  Si est muy bueno recibo un nota from my cousin.  So at this rate if we send letters until he finishes his work in Trinidad, I'll get about 12.  (Assuming both Postal services don't become the Newman service).  Oh by the way, I received a letter from a Sister Beckstrand.  She made a zone cut at state.  (Something Biff failed to mention).  Next time you see her give her a good pat on the back for me.  There are a few things I would have given to have a zone cut. 

Jolene:  I had talked to Penny last week about State Swim and asked her to tell Shayne that you needed details about everyone at PVHS swim.  She said she would get her to tell you that, but that she was planning on writing you again soon because she told her mom that was her plan.  Did Shayne tell you about Ben and all the fun he had last week?

That’s great to finally get a REAL letter from Zac.  I’m hoping you two will be able to e-mail back and forth once you get to Ohio.  But hand-written letters are so cool.

Take a allergy pill before you go to bed and that will help in the morning.

Yes, T was pretty sad about it.  I think he’s mostly sad about losing the vinyl lettering you gave him for Christmas.  I think dad will try to recreate it for him.  “Bessie” will be a good car for Tanner, it will just take some time.  We cleaned out all of your stuff from Earl.  Found all sorts of interesting items! 

 Hey, tell me what you want me to do with your PVHS blanket.  I’m assuming you want me to send it to the mission home so when you arrive on March 2, you can pick it up….let me know.

 Leighton is here in the office with me.  She’s playing a computer game while she waits for a ride to school.  She says HI!  Your lil’ sis sure loves you.

Austin:  I have the file on the laptop if dad wants to use it.  They'll just have to take out the Truck Series stuff.  So, now we've got Bessie!  This sounds like a real honey of a car!  This four banger sounds like it needs the "Euro Treatment" when I get back!  Tanner and I are going to have fun tricking out this Saturn!

Austin:  As for the blanket send it to the mission.  I have my blankets here but, I won't have all of it when I leave.  So it would do me more good, and less weight if you send it out there.  Hopefully President Jenson doesn't think it's garbage!   HI LEIGHTON!!!!-

Jolene:   I’m sure the mission home is used to receiving all sorts of packages, so it will be fine.  I’ll mail it a few days before you get there so it will be there.

 I will tell dad to look for the file.  Yes, Tanner named the car.  We had come up with all sorts of other names, but that’s what he wanted.  He was kind of stubborn about it.  I did mail you two photos yesterday.  They will make you laugh.  Both of Tanner.  Let’s just hope the Saturn survives the next 22 months as well as you will!

Austin:  No I haven't heard anything about Ben.  Oh!  I think KSL is doing something affiliated with the MTC.  Over the past couple of weeks we have be filmed around the campus.  So, keep an eye out for something on TV.  I might be on it!  It was really weird to see the female anchor waltzing around, because it was a face I knew.  It just took a minute to find.

Jolene:  That’s cool about KSL.  We will have to check it out.  Maybe we will see your happy face!  I’ve loved all of the photos you’ve sent.  You’ve done good!

Ben, (I know you’re sitting down) ran his bike into a moving car on Bulloch Street.  He’s miraculously OK, but banged up and bruised.  No broken bones.  I think Penny was way more upset about it than Ben, which is understandable.  He should be fine, but if you’re looking for an excuse to write to Ben, you could send him some get-well wishes!

Tanner just came upstairs.  He also says hello, and wants you to know that he has his last ward basketball game tomorrow night at 6pm.  He scored 4 points again last week.  This has been a good experience for him this year, so we’re kind of sad to see it all end.  We went to Dixie HS last night (I know!) to watch Braxton play on the 9^th grade basketball team.  The kid is tall and pretty good.  Fouled out though, and we could tell he had a hard time playing when he had 3 fouls already.  Kind of hard to be defensive when you don’t have any fouls to give.  Went out to dinner afterwards with Grandma Ipson, and that was fun to visit with her.

Austin:  Yeah, D is tough when you don't have any fouls to give.  We play basketball fairly often here.  I don't put up points very often, but yesterday I splashed a three.  Everyone gawked when I made it, because all I play is D, and my offense is stuffing the ball back up when I get the board.  So T, and I will be a pretty good team if we both keep practicing.  (3 minutes left)

Jolene:  Awesome!!!

The time goes so fast!!!!   I love you, we all love you!  Hope today is great for you.  Are you going to the temple?

Austin:  If it survives we will be tricking it out.  Although when I come back I want to commandeer Ace again.  Whether by force or barter.  I want that old friend, even if it's more work than I want.  It would be fun to get my hands dirty on something!

The minute is winding down.  Have a good week and I love you all!

Elder A. Ipson

Ohio Columbus Mission

Jolene:  Love you Austin.  Have an awesome week!

(Yes, I know it’s a little crazy to try to read this, but it sure is fun having this conversation online.  30 minutes goes by so fast!)

Will Trade Photo Card for Care Package...

Elder Coby Johnson & Elder Austin Ipson
Good friends since the Middle School.
Sure is great to find familiar faces at the MTC.

Elder Ipson Junior with Dale Ipson Senior's Tie.
Yes, this is the tie Dale wore when he entered the MTC.
Austin wore the same tie on his first day at the MTC.

Apparantly, they were a little too good....  :)

Companion Name Tags - Elder Ipson & Elder Ragan

HI? E-mail from the MTC - February 9, 2011

On Wed, Feb 9, 2011 at 6:48 a.m.

Austin Ipson wrote:

HI!  To preface this email I need to talk about my genetics.  Those two girls I taught a couple weeks ago, they we're missionaries.  Though we (Elder Ragan and I (obviously....)) drooling during that lesson, we learned some of the reasons why the sisters (as Dad says it) turn the world over with baptisms.  So from a Spok outlook Elder Ragan and I are going to be teaching them today (they, us), and hope we can learn from them.

 (And it sent without notice...)  The week has just been another one.  Really not much to report so far (checks journals (realizes that parenthesis make everything better)).  Really the past week has been a kick in the rear.  We've been told so many different things on how to study.  We were told that we need to emphasis Spanish, or just love the person you are teaching. It has been a hard time figuring out a good study plan.  This week seems to have been a wall for Spanish, in fact yesterday we were teaching one of our "investigators", and he asked me a question, I had no idea how to respond.  All I heard was something like "leo mas?"  Which means, "What can I read"?  I whipped out 3 Nephi 18, said something, and progressed with the lesson. Afterwards, we were giddy because we got a commitment to baptism, but I had to ask, "Did what I say fit"? Elder Ragan replied the affirmative, and complemented me for the segue I gave to his part of the lesson. I then baffled him, and told him I didn't even understand what was being taught to that point!  He was baffled, but we set down and realized that I may not have the gift of tongues, but I have the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Besides me I'm glad to hear that Tanner is still trying to splash some tres, but T, if you aren't hot, you're not.  Pass the ball around!  Goooozawits, I hope your calling is going well!  Keep serving the Lord! 

I guess the big question for me right now is about Grandpa I.'s legislative session.  How did the Trucking Bill go, or is it still waiting to hit the floor?  Is the Mrs.  Speaker treating him as the good man he is, or an Urquhart (Can't remember how to spell it) Whig?  I know I'm not supposed to get into politics too much, but since it is family related, I feel obligated to stick my nose in.

So, it sounds like my puppy is having too much fun!  No wonder he sent that box!  He's trying to cover up the parties he's been having for the past 6 weeks! With all of these parties with the dog, I have to ask.  Why isn't T in on these Parties?  I thought he was the "Party Animal"!

BTW, I got the box full of Español sweethearts!  I'm pretty sure that my blood sugar is going to be through the roof, but I forgive you, only if you send the addresses of a few of the Priests.  Firstly Scott Carlson, and Rob Lusk.

Other than that life is good.  Four minutes left so if you throw something my way I hope I can respond.

Con Mucho Amor,

Elder A. Ipson

Ohio Columbus Mission

P.S. Minute & a half.... 45 seconds.... 30 seconds....

#5 - "Don't Blame the Dog" - e-mail conversation

From: Austin Ipson
Sent: Wednesday, February 02, 2011 7:03 AM
To: ipsons@infowest.com
Subject: Blame the dog

Austin:        If you want to talk I am on right now.

Jolene:        Hey,  what’s up today Austin!?!

Austin:        So, I'll first start off on my weekly rant about food and weight.  I lost the weight I so begrudgingly lost.  Now I get this package from my dog, insisting I fatten up?  What kind of cruel world is this?  You tell that dog I love him, because those Butterfingers tasted good at ten o'clock at night! (My weight is now 192, rather than 198).  So, I've evaded my weight cap, but if that dog ever does that again, I might not survive.

Jolene:        Quik doesn't care if you get fat...he will love you no matter what!!!

Austin:        So today is just p-day.  Not too many letters, so I will be getting the photo card sent off to you.  Then the zone temple session is at 12:20

Jolene:        Bet you like P-day and going to the temple.  How are you?  Are you OK?  I would love some more photos!!!  Glad you dropped a few pounds.  You must have some willpower!

Austin:        BTW, I have made my intrustion upon Elder Johnson.  He is in the English Pilot program.  So he is learning the tougher curriculum that will be introduced in the summer.  Me, I'm just in a normal program.

Jolene:        I just took Leighton to the bus stop, and Tanner is downstairs eating breakfast.  What did you decide about mailing your robe home?

Austin:        Well if I get fat, I won't get married. If I don't get married he won't be able to break away from the kennel.  You should remind him of that!

Jolene:        Oh, you’ll get married, no doubt!   And Quik will love her too!  Woof!!!  Dad is at the WCCC right now running on a treadmill.  It’s only 22 degrees outside right now…too cold for us wimps.

Austin:        BTW, I have made my intrustion upon Elder Johnson.  He is in the English Pilot program.  So he is learning the tougher curriculum that will be introduced in the summer.  Me, I'm just in a normal program.

Jolene:        That’s interesting….what is the English pilot program?

Austin:        It's the new curriculum that will be introduced in the summer....

Jolene:        So will you end up learning it this summer anyway, or just the missionaries who learn it at the MTC?

Jolene:        Hey, watch for Danny Gillespie today…..another friend to join you.  You should make a list of all the people you know at the MTC…bet it would be a good long list.   Tell us about your branch music coordinator calling…..

Austin:        My robe started it's trek home yesterday.  Tell the Poob hi!  There are also a few other things with the package.

Jolene:        Ok good.  Should I open the package, or just leave it in your room?  Is there anything that you need us to send to you?  Or do you want to wait until you’re in Ohio to send anything else to keep your luggage from being too heavy?  I think your e-mail is slow….you probably think I’m slow too!  This is fun…..I can hear your voice in my head when  I read your e-mail. 

Jolene:        Dad says the Poob is on the loose.  Is that secret guy code for something?

Austin:        Overall I keep on growing, Spanish is the crux of my exsistance, but there have been times I have baffled myself, and others I was in an unitelligant stupor.  If I want to learn this language the gift of toungues might have to be put on a rush order.  Otherwise I will be blown away once I get into the field.  Other than that teaching has gotten easier.  Elder Ragan & I have built it so we know what the other person is going to say,..

Jolene:        Sounds like you have a good plan!  Don’t worry too much about the Spanish….it will come.  It will just take time, and maybe lots of time.  When you get to Ohio, it might seem like they’re still speaking a different Spanish than what you’ve learned, but you will catch on.  I bet it’s hard.  I can only imagine.  It will come, so try not to be too hard on yourself.  If I could mail you the gift of tongues, I sure would.  I’m praying for you though, and always ask that you will be helped with the language.

Austin:        Please tell dad Ba luna luna luna, (Pronounced Luh-nuh)  Open the package there is something inside for you guys.Then just put the few things in there away.  Por Favor.

Jolene:        Ooooo…I like packages!  Oh, I know the deal, you’re trying to speak French!  So what does that mean?

Austin:        please it is Shpanish

Jolene         I only know pig-latin!

Austin:        1:41 left....

Jolene:        Time is too short!  Just want you to know how much we love you.  I hope you have a good week.  Enjoy going to the temple today.  Maybe I will go too at the same time.  That might be cool.  Tanner says HI!

Austin:        Anyways Elder Ragan and I have it figured out!  For one of our assigned teachings we taught a couple daughters of god.  (I won't expound on that).  Despite our drooling, it was one of our best lessons.  Because of the circumstance, we didn't how it would go down, but we set aside the natural man and got the lesson out.  (Please don't judge this missionary he is a male too)

Anyways time is winding down, and I hope you guys have a good week.

Elder A. Ipson

Ohio Columbus Mission

Jolene:         Ok, so now we are laughing.  Dad says that genetics are hard to beat!  You have a good week too.

WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!!

Love, Mom