All Good Things...

...must come to an end.

I have been anticipating this post for a very long time.  The last milestone as an MTC teacher: leaving.  I finished teaching my last district of missionaries, and had my exit interview.  I no longer work at the Missionary Training Center.

L to R: Sister Rasmussen, Sister Tanner, Sister Vincent, Sister Redford, Me, Elder Moss, Elder Richan

For a long time I felt pressure that I would have to summarize my experience once I was done.  I can't possibly remember, let alone recount, every detail of my time at the MTC.  So summarizing it would be convenient, but I don't think it is possible.  It is difficult when people ask me things like, "Oh, how was it working there?" or "Did you like it?"  What do you say?  "Yep.  Loved it."  Long story short: it is hard to describe the last three and a half years, and this post isn't going to be a summary of my experience.

It was definitely bittersweet for the last two weeks as I taught my last group.  I totally felt like I was on my A game, like an aging athlete that gives one final great performance.  That thought is actually the opposite of what the MTC is trying to accomplish, namely that the experience is for the missionaries, not to stroke the ego of a teacher on his way out the door.  Nevertheless, I felt like I was having some great results in the classroom.  It helped me appreciate in the moment how great my time has been there, and how much I have grown and changed as a result of the experience.  Also, the joke, "What are they going to do? Fire me?" never got old.  I said it at least twice a day.

As the days came and went, I couldn't help but think, "This is the last time I will ever teach this." or "This is the last time I will do this activity in the classroom."  Then, as we said our goodbyes on our last day, I half-joked that "I am not just saying goodbye to you, but to all missionaries I have ever taught."  For those interested, I didn't cry.  I had to be strong for everyone else.

The greatest take-away from my time at the MTC will be the many relationships I have come to cherish.  I taught 248 missionaries who served or are currently serving in 14 different countries.  Many have returned home, and some keep in touch through Facebook and other means.  The vast majority are still in the field.  I also developed close relationships with my fellow teachers.  It was really great to work with such high caliber people.  Lastly, I can't forget my boss, Rand "The Man" Erickson.  We had a good run together in the Spanish area, as well as the English area--working together for a solid three and a half years.  He taught me a lot through his example, and during our many discussions together.  Thanks Rand.

I am not sure when it will hit me that I am not going to be walking back through those gates anytime soon.  For now, I think back on the many happy memories during my time there.  The MTC is a special place where a sacred work is progressing, and it will always hold a sacred place in my heart.

Boiling Point Reunion

One last time before Sean and I head out to Tennessee, and leave Utah forever, I got to get together with these ladies.  So glad to see them.  I always feel at home and comfortable around these girls.  They are such amazing women, and now amazing mothers to two of the sweetest little ladies.

We ate yummy dinner, chatted, and caught up, and it felt as though I had never been separated from them.  I think that's how you know you really get along with and love someone.  It just feels as though no time has passed at all.

I got some good advice about motherhood, birth, and raising a baby.  Both Summer and Stefanie have had such different experiences and I enjoyed hearing all about both, and their advice and suggestions.

Maybe one day all 6 of us will be reunited again.  It seems nearly impossible, and Sean and I moving over a thousand miles away makes it even more difficult.

Love you two!

Anna's Endowment Weekend

Anna's Endowment weekend brought us all together.  So great to all be in the temple together! 

Now on to the next event, the WEDDING!

One Year Older

In a last minute turn of events, Cory and I decided to spend my birthday weekend in Wyoming with my family.  My mom said it would be nice to have the whole family together before we moved to Tennessee and all that sentimental mumbo-jumbo, but we all know that she really wanted us there because my birthday is her favorite day of the year!  Once we confirmed with her that we were coming, she asked me what I wanted to eat for my birthday dinner.  I decided to get the family involved in making an Argentine menu.  Here is Dad tenderizing some beef for the milanesa.

Lacey and Chris were on empanada duty.

Cory got in on filling some empanada shells, too.  The baby was helping her.  I love my girls!

Here is the milanesa, ready to be breaded and fried.  It was delicious.

As we sat down, the special red plate was out for my place setting.  Family tradition, but it had been a while since I have been home on my birthday.

For dessert, Mom whipped up a banana cream pie.

It was fun to see my family's reactions to some of the different foods they tasted that I ate on a regular basis in Argentina.  Successful 25th birthday!  The truth is that I was actually home for almost a week, and Cory flew up on the weekend, so we made a lot more memories watching movies, playing games, and visiting.  On Memorial Day, Dad planted flowers we had gotten the previous week.  And my parents' new dog, Winnie, rounded out our Red, White, and Blue theme.

I don't know when I will stand on this porch again, but it was a great trip, and I was glad to have the time at home before we head east of the Mississippi.

The Ultrasound

This was a day that was much anticipated by both Sean and I.  Leading up I was having a lot of nervous feelings.  While we were sitting in the waiting room, Sean was getting nervous and had sweaty palms.  It did seem like a really big moment for us and the pregnancy, and it was exciting to know that we would be finding out so many things about our baby all in one moment.  We were already super in love with the baby and were so excited to find out how everything was going and looking in my belly.  Of course, we also were so anxious to know the gender!

The actual ultrasound was very peaceful.  The lights were dimmed and the tech was super sweet, nice, and excited for us. I laid down on the table and she covered me with some warm gel and went to town!

It was so amazing to see our little one moving around inside.  They were moving around so much.  It's surprising that I can barely feel flutters every now and then with how much they were kicking and wiggling.

Even though it was one of the last things we were able to see, I will tell you now...It's a GIRL!

We took tons of measurements and saw so many cool images of the baby.  Her heart, spine, stomach, arms, legs, and cute little profile.  I couldn't believe how perfect she was already.  She measured a few days small but nothing to change the due date over, she is just a petite little lady. 

Our technician said the baby was breech, but she would most likely move in the next 20 weeks.  Also, she told us that my placenta was low, but again it would most likely move before the birth.

Sean's favorite thing we saw was her whole spine from head to bum.  It was so cool that we could see all the little bones from top to bottom down her whole back.

My favorite thing we saw was her little legs kicking in the amniotic fluid, it was getting all stirred up and looked like she was kicking up glitter in the womb.

We got some printed off pics of her and I scanned them and sent them all to my family.

My favorite is the profile with her little fist by her face!

I had totally prepared myself for the little one to be a boy.  Mostly because I really wanted a girl and didn't want to be disappointed when it was a boy.  I think I was very unsure of what the gender would be, but was definitely convincing myself it would be a boy.

I know I would have been excited either way, but I was pretty shocked when it was a girl.  I had been preparing myself so much for a boy that when she said it was a girl I was stunned.  I think Sean and I both were.  We were both silent, and I had little tears streaming down my face.  The tech must have been surprised by our reaction because she said, "Is that alright?"  She probably thought we were sitting in frustrated silence about our little lady.  It was definitely the opposite.

Sean thinks he will be a better first time dad to a little girl, and I am so excited to see him as our little baby girls Daddy.

It all feels more real now that we have a gender to put with the baby.  Now time for some baby girl clothes shopping.

Arthur

Yesterday, my district of missionaries headed off to their missions in South Carolina and San Antonio.  It was one more reminder that my time at the MTC is quickly coming to a close.  I will only be teaching one more district before I leave for good.  I will deal with those thoughts/emotions when the time comes.  I realized that I am 7 years older than the average missionary I teach, which makes me feel uncomfortable about the amount of time that has passed since I was in their shoes.  In accordance with what the youth are doing today, we took our district picture in the "selfie" pose.

L to R: Elder Adkins, Sister Johnson, Sister Smith, Elder Gajkowski, Elder Webb, Me, Sister Stidham, Sister Clawson

As part of my job at the MTC, certain missionaries teach me as I role play the part of an investigator.  They set up teaching appointments, and when they knock on the door of the classroom I am in, I go into character.  I do not break character the entire time they are teaching me.  I do what the investigator would do, say what he would say, and react to their message like the investigator would react.  Now, I am not a trained actor, but the experience is generally effective in helping simulate a meaningful teaching experience for the missionaries.  We have always been instructed to take on the role of someone that we know personally, so that our role play is as authentic as possible.  Most teachers take on the role of someone that they taught on their mission, and that is what I have done for the past three and a half years with my missionaries.  Until this district.  

Knowing that this might be my last district (It hadn't been confirmed at the time that I would teach one more), I decided that for the first time, I would take on the role of my grandfather.  Not to get sappy, but I thought about it carefully, because I wanted to make sure that the missionaries had good experiences, and that it didn't just become some self-serving, cathartic trip down memory lane.  So, when Sister Johnson & Sister Clawson knocked on the door for the first time, they met Arthur Walker.

The last picture of Grandpa and me before his passing.

I feel like I know quite a bit about my grandpa's conversion story.  He was baptized when he was 70, but had been attending church, and basically living like a member would for years and years.  I knew some concerns/doubts I could incorporate into the "character" as the sisters taught me, and gave answers to some of their questions that I thought that he would give, or in a lot of cases, that I had actually heard him give in similar real-life conversations.  It was a great experience for them and for me.  

Obviously the work I do at the MTC is very spiritual in nature for me.  All of the activities revolve around the principle of Heavenly Father teaching his missionaries through the Spirit.  There is no way to teach them everything they need to know before they hit the field, but if they can leave the MTC knowing where they can look to for the answers they need, and have had tangible experiences doing just that, I consider it a success.

As I have done this role play activity, I have learned that the Spirit guides me as a teacher just as much as the missionaries.  It has led me to ask certain questions, respond specific ways, and even feel distinct feelings all in the context of the "character".  It was those experiences as I played my grandpa that made the experience so great for me.  During the lessons, I felt things I didn't think I would feel, or didn't know Grandpa would have felt.  My simple concern about the validity of Joseph Smith as a prophet was suddenly accompanied by a more complex worry, and even intense guilt, for a failed marriage, Jim, and the pressures, responsibilities, and expectations of being a step-father.  I really felt like I walked a step or two in his shoes.

Now, I fully understand and am content with the fact that maybe Grandpa didn't say everything I said to the sisters, and maybe some of the feelings I felt or motivations I used weren't exactly how his conversion took place.  Honestly, it doesn't actually matter to me.  I didn't walk out of the experience thinking that I had discovered something that nobody else knew about my grandpa.  I did walk away with a greater appreciation and perspective for who he was, and what he went through.  I knew him the last quarter of his life, once he was weathered, and had been refined by a lot of his experiences.  I heard stories, but never had a mature conversation with him about his regrets and lessons learned regarding his relationships.  This  activity allowed me a glimpse of maybe what a conversation like that would have produced.  

I know that Heavenly Father knows His children.  God lives.  He loves Grandpa.  He loves me.  He loves Sister Clawson & Sister Johnson.  He loves you.  The MTC has afforded me unique opportunities and experiences, and I am grateful for the Spirit that dwells in those walls.

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day!

This year is a special Mother's Day because Cory is pregnant.  Cory has that little baby all safe and snug, just like a good momma should, and that is a cause for celebration!



I have no doubt in my mind or heart that Cory is going to be an amazing mother to our children, mainly, because she is already an amazing mother to me.  Cory must have learned it from somewhere, which is why I can't now celebrate any Mother's Day without recognizing and feeling grateful for my mother-in-law, Buzz (a.k.a. Paula).

I will freely admit that I never expected to get along so well with my mother-in-law.  She is going to be such a fun grandma!  Cory and I went up for a surprise visit to tell her about the baby, and I mentioned to Cory how fun her house will be for our kids.  Buzz keeps us laughing, and taught me everything I know about horses.  Literally.

I am very grateful that Cory has her mother in her life, especially with all our exciting changes happening.  I know Buzz is and will continue to be a source of strength and wisdom for Cory throughout the pregnancy, which is good because she will be getting none of that from me...

Of course, no Mother's Day would be complete without going back to the reason for the season, my mother.  Nothing is ever quite as good as the original.  For a long time, my mother knew more about me than I knew about myself, and that is when I had to tell her to quit being so nosy!  

In all seriousness, though, I have you to thank for most of the successes I've had in my life.  The successes that you aren't responsible for were sheer dumb luck.  I have never questioned for a moment whether or not my mother loved me, or if she had my interests at heart.  I have laughed harder with you than anyone, cried more with you than anyone (though Cory might pass you soon. When did I get so sensitive?), and stayed up later watching movies with you than anyone.

Thank you for investing so much into me, and also into my wife.  I can't wait for our babies to be held by you, sung to by you, and spoiled by you.  Cory and I also won't mind being spoiled every once in a while.  You are now officially the babushka, or just Bushka for short.  Mama Bear, Mama Panda, Bushkamama, Panda Bushka, Mommy, Mom, you are one of a kind!

Save a ride with me to Neverland sometime!

We Don't Smoke...

I knew I wanted to tell my roommates about the baby in a fun way, so I got a few chocolate cigars and handed them out when we were out to lunch.  As you can tell from the picture, we don't actually know how to smoke cigars, but the chocolate was good and my best friends were excited about our news.  That's all you can really ask for.

Incognito...

As some of you may have noticed, there has been a serious lack of updates from us during the last few months.  Now that we have officially announced our pregnancy, hopefully updates will be more frequent.  In March I remember telling Cory, "Everything newsworthy happening to us right now is a secret."

Well, the secret is out, so expect more updates!

First Comes Love, Then Comes Marriage, Then...

As a lot of you know already, Cory and I are a really attractive couple.  Also, we are having a baby!!! We announced our exciting news right after graduation, at about 16 weeks along.  We actually announced it on our two year anniversary, which seemed an appropriate way to celebrate.  We had been slowly telling family and close friends before the big reveal to the masses, and we are so excited for the new member of our little family to get here.  Mark October 12th on your calendar!!!

One of my graduation gifts was a actually a BYU athletic polo with a matching onesie, so now our little one will be prepared to watch the football games with me!

Graduation

I am a college graduate!!!

This weekend I graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science.  I also minored in Spanish.  It was a little surreal during finals that my time at BYU was coming to a close, but when I walked across the Marriott Center as they called my name it kind of hit me like a wave of reality.  It's over.  A new chapter is starting.  I couldn't help but reflect on all that has happened to me in the last seven years since I graduated from high school.

Of course one of the most influential parts of that seven years was my two year mission to Argentina.  As Dad and I walked around snapping pictures, we couldn't pass up the chance to get a picture by the Argentine flag.  Those two years shaped who I am in a way I can't fully express on a blog.

Graduation was also a promise fulfilled to myself and my bros.  Back at 10 years old, Kyle and I committed to come to BYU together (Brett was going to go to the Air Force Academy, that jerk, but he later came to his senses and joined us in our goal) and here we are 15 years later on graduation day.  They both were commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the Air Force later that day, and report to pilot training later this summer.     

Of course, BYU's most valuable contribution to my life has to be my sweetheart, Cory.  We met here in Provo, and are now both BYU alumni!  She is more important to me than anything else I will be taking with me from my undergraduate career.  She and my parents have been my biggest supporters as I have finished up my degree and prepared to pursue further education in Memphis.

Her dad and grandma even came to celebrate with us for the weekend.  Jake and Anna also came to show their support.  Thanks guys!

Something I have inherited from my dad is that we both like to milk every nostalgic moment out of an experience, which is why we trekked around BYU campus taking pictures at every significant statue or sign.   

GO COUGARS!!!

South Pacific

Since I am graduating and finals are not a huge stress for me this semester, I was excited to be able to accompany Cory and her family on a trip to Great Falls.  Cory's sister, Sarah, lives with her husband, Darron, in Great Falls.  He is in the Air Force, stationed there, and Sarah is the choir director at the University of Great Falls.  We all headed up to see the University's production of South Pacific, which was Sarah's directorial debut.  

Two words: Home Run.  Let's get real for a second, people.  Great Falls is not the biggest place on the map, and it isn't crazy to think that there wouldn't be a ton of talented people to cast in the play.  Well, the joke is on you because there are a ton of talented people in Great Falls.  I mean, there were some great voices in that cast.  The play was entertaining, and seeing as it was the final performance of the weekend, Sarah was honored at the end by the entire cast and crew.  

Even though it was so short, I really enjoyed the trip.  We had never visited Sarah and Darron up to that point, so it was fun to see their natural habitat.  Buzz, Grandma Pladsen, Jake, and Anna all made the trip with us, so it was like a mini family reunion.  I think it is important to have those kinds of memories in a family.  The next morning we ate a delicious Easter breakfast together and headed back to Utah. 

The Work Rolls Forth

The past two months have been busy at the MTC.  Sort of.  We actually haven't had as many missionaries as we usually have, but with the high turnover in English (new districts every two weeks) it can make it seem like I have been really busy.  Here are the missionaries that have come through my classroom over the past couple of months.

L to R: Sister Cardona, Sister Warr, Sister Wangsgaard, Me, Elder Zehr, Elder Ortega, Sister Adamson

L to R: Sister Clancy, Sister Niska, Sister Bishop, Me, Elder Clutter, Elder Hornsby, Elder Mabey

L to R: Elder Hardesty, Elder Gibb, Elder Sortomme, Elder Edge, Me, Sister Mangleson, Sister Erekson, Sister Johnson, Sister Fincher

L to R Back: Elder Brown, Elder Haycock, Me, Sister Eastman, Sister Keeling, L to R Front: Elder Palakiko, Elder Christensen

Cory turns 25!

Cory is half-way to 50!  She still looks smokin for her age, though.  We don't have any pictures for some reason, that was my fault, but we spent an awesome day at the zoo up in Salt Lake City.  Neither of us had been to the zoo in a very long time, and realized that it isn't as exciting as we remembered.  Most of the animals were just sleeping, and the African Sahara section was under construction, so we didn't even see any of those animals.  Oh well, it was still fun.  Cory got a lot of great stuff for her birthday, including two Diamond Rio CDs and the Frozen Soundtrack from me.  She has been listening to them already on her commute to and from work.  Happy Birthday, Cory!

Tennessee Bound

Well, the month of March was an absolute whirlwind in the Gilmore home.  I started the month off with a weekend trip to Memphis, Tennessee for an interview with the University of Memphis.  I really enjoyed my time there and was really impressed with everyone I met at the University.  After the interviews, I met up with the Andersons for some Memphis BBQ.  It was delicious.  

It was also a mountain of food that I couldn't finish, so I had the leftovers for dinner in the hotel room.  In the following weeks I had more interviews, but only over the phone or Skype.  I found myself last week with multiple acceptance offers and the task of making a very important decision.  In January I had psyched myself out so much about getting into a program that I applied to over 10 places, and now in the end of March I felt blessed/silly that I had been accepted to 8 of them.  Great position to be in, but also stressful worrying about making the wrong decision.  So my family joined me in a fast and of all the places, Cory and I are super excited to announce we are heading to Memphis!  I personally feel really great about the decision, and while there were other great offers, I think Memphis is the next chapter for us.

So after making the decision I became infatuated with all things Memphis.  I read up on the city all the time and look up interesting facts.  I even went looking for a Memphis Grizzlies hat at the malls.  They didn't have any, but it's all good.  I already looked up tickets to a Grizzlies game and you can get tickets as cheap as $6.  That is what I am talking about.  Here is another classic reference to Memphis for your enjoyment.

Anyway, that is our March update!  I definitely have senioritis, and can't wait to graduate in three weeks!

In Buckeye Country

This weekend I traveled to Columbus, Ohio for an interview with THE Ohio State University.  Go Buckeyes.  I think that it went well, but we will see what happens.  I have never in my life been an Ohio State fan, or even set foot in Ohio for that matter, but it was interesting that by the end of the day, I felt myself catching a little Buckeye fever.  They really know how to sell their school.  Also, their football stadium is absolutely ginormous. 

For the rest of my time in Columbus, I drove around the city scoping out potential places to live if we were to go to OSU.  It seemed like a very nice place.  I also tried a White Castle burger for the first time in my life.  Not life-changing, but it wasn't nasty.  Anyway, I had a good time in Ohio, but I was definitely missing Cory by the time it was all said and done.

Love is in the Air...

So it looks like Cory and I have to give up our coveted title of newest newlyweds in the family sometime this summer.  Jake and Anna got engaged today, and are planning a June wedding.  I have mixed feelings about it.  On one hand, I totally support them and love Jake, and don't mind being around Anna.  On the other hand, I can see my last chance of being sealed to an Anderson slipping though my fingers.  I did everything I could to make sure Brett and Anna ended up together.  Heck, I would have taken Trevor and Anna, but J-Smoove was too much competition.  

In all seriousness though, we love and support them, and Cory and I have no doubts that they will be very happy together.  Welcome to the family, you filthy animal.  That was to Jake...

Valentine's Day 2014

Happy Valentine's Day to one and all.  Cory and I spent our 2nd Valentine's day as a married couple together this year.  It was awesome.  When we were dating, I feel like I usually bought flowers for Cory for every special occasion.  That isn't a bad thing, but this year I wanted to get her something that would last longer than a few days.  So I still got her a rose, but also got her some massage oil and a wooden, back massage tool thing.  It is cool.  Cory has chronic itchy and achy back.  It is a real disease and a real struggle.  Hopefully my gifts will help.  Cory got me some awesome new shoes that I have had my eye on for some time.

So the big surprise of the day was that we actually got to spend it together!  Cory had been telling me all week about how she had to work until 2 AM, and so I was planning on spending the evening alone.  On my way home from work I actually considered just going straight to a movie theater, but decided to at least change clothes first.  As I opened the door, I found a nice dinner waiting for me.  Cory never had to work, she just wanted it to be a surprise!  She is the sweetest girl!  She even made gnocchis, which I ate regularly in Argentina, and had just been mentioning them a few weeks earlier.

For all who are wondering, we are still in love!

Emergency Preparedness Fair

Cory and I are the Emergency Preparedness couple at church, and this weekend the stake had a big Emergency Preparedness fair.  We oversaw the emergency car kits booth, and it was a hit.  A lot of people came by and made comments like, "Oh my gosh, this is such a good idea.  We really need to do this."  It made us feel productive, and it was nice to feel like we were helping people.  Cory used her new Silhouette machine to make the sign, and Brother Fillerup provided us with some of the things he keeps in his car for our display.  It really doesn't take that much to just make sure you have a few necessities in the car in case of an emergency.

Busy at the MTC

The work rolls forward at the MTC.  Here are the past couple of districts that have come through my classroom.

L to R: Elder Newell, Elder Beal, Elder Tillotson, Elder Morgan, Me, Sister Patera, Sister Winkleman, Back L to R: Sister Lara, Sister Killpack

L to R: Elder Stanger, Elder Warner, Elder Hansen, Me, Elder Legierri, Elder Lentsch, Elder Wyatt

Mazda CX-7

As some of you know, Cory was in a car accident in late December, and the insurance proceedings have been a major headache.  I will leave it at that.  Cory has told the story a lot more than I have, but I think it is safe to say we are both sick of re-living it.  Moral of the story: Collision insurance is worth the mulah.  Here is Cory's poor Honda at the salvage yard.

Knowing that we might not get any money from the insurance company for quite some time, we made the decision together that it was time to invest in the future, so we started to look around for a new (used) car.  We ended up finding one that we loved in our price range, and signed on the dotted line.  Say hello to the new member of the Gilmore family!

I currently drive a Mazda 3, and made sure Cory understood that by doing this, we would be staring our very own Mazda fleet.  Long story short, I now go by Commodore Gilmore.