{March Package}

The Package sent to Glen Donald for St. Patrick's Day and because he's a greeenie. He's the cutest greenie around... <3

{Missionary Letter Box}

As I was waiting for Elder Ledingham to email me this past Monday I decided to get crafty. I had been stashing my letters from him in random places, from journals to my purse to random boxes. I wanted to have a special place for my letters because they are so special to me. I looked on pinterest and thought making a suit and tie box was cute. I decided to change it just a little bit though and make it my own. Other boxes I saw had what looked like a white shirt and tie. I decided I wanted just the suit coat though. I just used a regular old shoe box and construction paper. I didn't take very good step by step pictures but have some of the process. If you have any questions feel free to comment. 

{Two Months Down}

Elder Ledingham hit his two month mark of being in the mission field on March 7, 2015. Because of some very unexpected events in my family I am just barely writing about it. Although there are still many hard days, it does seem crazy that he's been gone for that long. He is doing such amazing things in Ohio and I am so proud of him. He is learning and growing more than he ever could back here in Utah. Two months down, Twenty-Two more to go Elder Ledingham. We've got this........<3

{Valentines Day}

Valentines day while your missionary is away is of course very different. Just like every other day though he is exactly where he is supposed to be. The biggest difference though is that you have to use the wonderful US postal service to send your love. I made a package for Glen Donald which I like a lot. I have improved at drawing the state of Ohio (it's not as easy as it seems). This valentines day I was lucky enough to be able to be around family and some great friends that helped me get through it. My father, sister and I went and saw "Night at the Museum 3" and then went to a few stores. One of the cool things about sending a missionary out is that it gives you an opportunity to get closer to your family because you don't really have another option, at least in my opinion. 

After spending time with them I was able to go to a missionary girlfriend date night in Provo. There were twelve of us missionary girlfriends who got together. We watched two movies and ate ice cream sundaes. It was so good to be able to talk to other girls who almost completely understand what you're going through. As in all things all couples are different and so the mission experience is different for everyone. There are lots of aspects of the missionary girlfriend experience that are the same though. I was the newest MG at the date night which was weird but I cannot wait to be the seasoned veteran that helps other new girls through this experience someday. I look forward to the next time I get to spend time with these awesome girls and to meet new ones. 

The valentines day package I sent to Elder Ledingham had the open when letters, his second companion tie, a bear, treats (of course), bubbles, silly heart straws, balloons, missionary conversation hearts, our story book, and a valentines card. The states are connected by an accordioned paper and it says "I love you to...Ohio and back". The open when letters took the most time but are what will last the longest. He said the package really helped him and that it made him smile. Here are some pictures of the package and contents:  

                                                

No matter how many miles lie between Elder Ledingham and I he will forever by my valentine. Each email and letter makes me fall deeper in love with him. He is growing so much on his mission and is doing such a good job. I am so proud of my valentine for doing all that the Lord needs and wants him to do. 

{One Month Down}

Elder Ledingham left to serve the Lord exactly one month ago today. It seems kind of crazy that it has already been one month but it also depends on the day. This month I have already felt myself getting stronger. There are of course still times when I feel like this is all impossible and that I am never going to get him back. Right now though the good times are outweighing the bad. Saying goodbye to Elder Ledingham one month ago made it easier for me to say goodbye to my best friend since elementary school this past week. He has already taught me so much and is such an example to me. I have made it through the first of twenty-four chapters in this "book" of waiting for a missionary. It has been hard and I'm sure will continue to be hard. I already know however that it is going to be oh so worth it. He is growing and becoming the man that our family will need in the future. We are both going to come out of this stronger and ready to take on the craziness of everyday life. One month down, just 23 more to go. We've got this!

P.S. Thinking of cute countdown pictures is also a fun part of being a missionary girlfriend. :)

{Open When Letters}

Elder Ledingham and I are 1,458 miles apart right now. Because of this I obviously can't always be there to make him feel better. So I made 13 "open when letters" so I can still support him even from far away. 

#1: Right Now 

   • Letter explaining letters 

#2: You need to know why I love you- 

    •Letter 

   • Kisses with reasons why I love him

#3: You've had a great day 

     • Note 

    • Confetti 

    • Happy quotes 

#4: You need to laugh 

   •Note 

   •List of jokes 

   •Giant fake mustache 

#5: You need a walk down memory lane 

    • Note 

   • Pictures with dates and explanation 

#6: You need an extra push 

    • Note 

   • Keep moving forward quotes 

   • Talk: "Endure and be lifted up" by Russell M. Nelson 

#7: You need to hear my voice 

    • Note 

   • Flash drive with videos 

#8: It's a rainy day 

    •Note 

   • Coloring book 

   • Silly toy (harmonica) 

   • Rain quotes 

#9: You've had a rough day 

   • Note 

   • Balloons with inspiring quotes 

 

#10: Just Because 

     • Note 

    • Spiritual Directory 

    • Little heart card 

#11: You need a hug 

     • Note 

    • "A hug from afar"

    • Hug quotes 

#12: You are worried about the future 

     • Note 

    • I will wait picture 

    • Trusting God quotes

    • Talk: "Beautiful Mornings" by Bruce D. Porter 

#13: It's your birthday 

     • Note 

    • Balloons 

    • Pictures 

    • Card 

These are only a few open when letter ideas. It was a lot of work to make all of these but the good news is they were just for this package. Hopefully these can brighten at least one of Elder Ledingham's days. I hope you found some ideas for yourself. Open when letters ✔️.