Nan has Scott 2013- "Kids and Music", (not Kids-r-Music)

Dear Scott- kids and music.  You are so drawn to the happiness music brings kids. I think you also connect with learning through music, as most kids do too. I have always been so proud of you and all you have creatively accomplished through your endeavors with Gabba and various other projects. That is why I felt like this service would be important to you.
 Last Schoolyear I approached our Principal of Tierra Linda Elementary to see if he needed any help with bringing more music in the school. (This was his first year as a principal and first as our principal.) He sighed, looked up to the sky and said, "this is heaven sent". Apparently he just had the custodian pull the dusty piano out of storage as a start to more musical enrichment, and me offering to help was a blessing to him. So, we started a string of emails to figure out where to start. 

STEP 1- Here is my first email: 

STEP 2-I brainstormed some ideas we could do with zero funding!

STEP 3- met with the PTA and current ART volunteers at the school to ask for funding and help.

STEP 4- Mr Waggoner sends me this email in November of the next schoolyear 2013-2014 that we received a little bit of funding!

STEP 5- We hire a music teacher and make a schedule for each class to have 6 weeks of music instruction. 

(Here is his email to me telling me of the good news)

Robert Waggoner	Dec 17 (6 days ago)
to me

I’m going to present this to the staff today but wanted you to know too… We are going to be able to fund a Music teacher! PTA allocated $1300 and I found the rest with one-time money. Each class Transitional Kindergarten through 5^th Grade will have a 6-week instruction period where Mrs. Cheney will go into the classroom. We are going to rely on her expertise and follow her lead!

We are not going to be able to maintain funding structure for next year, but we have time to fundraise. Thanks for all of your help in making this happen!

Just the start…

Robert

Robert Waggoner, Principal

Tierra Linda Elementary School

I took this photo on Dec. 20th- right after he met with the new music teacher. We both couldn't stop smiling! We are so excited it is actually happening. Thanks for inspiring me to do something for the school. I felt in the beginning like it was impossible but feel so happy and proud to have started the ball rolling with bringing music to Tierra Linda. Thanks Scotty-

Mr. Robert Waggoner- Tierra Linda Elementary School- Camarillo CA

Out in Nature-- From Matt to Harrison

  

So I had a hard time coming up with a service to do on Harrison’s behalf.  I was originally going to sing with the ward choir since Harrison is so musically inclined.  I soon realized that this would be such a disservice to the members of my ward it would cancel out any good in Harrison’s name.  

The next idea has been only partially implemented and I blame Amber.  If she had given me this great idea before there was snow on the ground in December, I would have been able to finish it out.  One of my favorite things about Harrison’s instagram posts has been his newfound love of nature, hiking, and the outdoors.  I had always remembered him as the kid who went on campouts and reunions only to sit in an air-conditioned camper and drive around in Harry’s golf cart.  My service this year was to donate on Harrison’s behalf to the Sawtooth Society (a group that organizes and funds preservation, trail repair and maintaining the wilderness in pristine condition).  

                To let you know a little about the Sawtooths, the Sawtooth National Recreation Area (SNRA) comprises 756,000 acres of public and private land in central Idaho. The size of Rhode Island, the SNRA contains 50 snowcapped peaks exceeding 10,000 feet, 500 alpine lakes, lush meadows, countless species of wildlife, and treasures from our pioneer heritage. The spectacular beauty and varied world-class recreational opportunities are arguably unmatched anywhere in the world.

I would have liked to have gone up and worked on maintaining and repairing hiking trails in the Sawtooth National Forest with the group, but they can’t get back into the wilderness until Spring.  As an alternative for my service, I supported the land and helped some Young Men for High Adventure by spending four days backpacking 30 miles through the Sawtooths.  It was beautiful.  The only area I have visited that is more impressive is Yosemite. I thought that supporting them would be right up Harrison’s alley and hopefully he and I could and we could hike together someday.  I would like one day to get some of the guys and girls from the family up there to see it too. Schultz family backpacking trip anyone?

No One Left Behind on Christmas-- From Brian to Amber

I've always thought of Amber as a person that is very concerned with making sure that everyone around her is included in anything.  Whether it be a family gathering, or feeling like they're a special part of Christmas.  I can't imagine her being happy if she knew that someone got left out.

When it came time to thinking of service that I could do on her behalf, I struggled for a little while; until I heard about the Angel Tree program they do on the army base for those less fortunate.  For those of you who don't know what that is, it's where you pick a name off the tree of a child who is in need of a toy at Christmastime.  I didn't like the idea of some of the children over here not having much of a Christmas; especially when one of their parents might be deployed or gone for the holidays.  So I went down to one of the (several) "trees" that were to be found in our area and found a 3-year old Boy and a 2-year old Girl that I could try to help make Christmas a little better for this year.

The boy loves Barney.  That was a challenge, since it seems that Barney isn't the most popular toy these days.  I checked three or four toy stores, but didn't have much luck.  But fortunately, walking through an electronics store I came across a 3-DVD set of classic Barney episodes.  Then, Spencer wanted to help, so he suggested that the boy would surely love some Thomas trains.  So we added two Thomas the Tank Engine metal trains to the gift bag.

The girl wanted a doll that she could dress up.  So I had to ask Christy for a little help there.  We searched a few toy stores until we found a toddler-safe doll that had plenty of accessory packs.  Here are a few pictures of the toys we got.  There were a few pictures of me holding the toys but I can't find them now.  I was also taken aback at how many people also participated in the Angel Tree program when I dropped the gifts off.  Especially because when I had first picked the names off the tree there were still so many that needed to be filled.  And that continued on for about a week.  But now the tree is empty and the box is full.  No kids will be left without a Christmas around here!

The second thing I did in Amber's honor was take part in the Mrs. Claus project Christy's friend started last year.  Over here, and even in the states, there are many families who's spouses would be deployed on Christmas.  A lot of times these spouses don't receive Christmas gifts because it takes too long to get to them.  Or many times their husband is coming home in month so they can bring the gifts then, or they simply just don't have the money.  Many of them are disappointed, sad and a little depressed not to have something to open on Christmas Day.

When Annie first heard of this she knew these spouses left behind needed a little something to be opened on Christmas Day. And who knows better about being left alone on Christmas than Mrs. Clause.  Thus, the Mrs. Clause Affair!

Each spouse is nominated and then the Mrs. Clause affair finds volunteers to fill a basket with about $50-$75 worth of gifts and bring it to them before Christmas Eve.  Here is the nomination email and instructions of what we're supposed to do.

Andrew writes:

"Amanda is a volunteer dance instructor, for children.  She dances ballet, hip-hop - everything for fun as well.  My wife is good friends with her and says she really wants a “Nutcracker” , the character from the ballet.  I guess it is at the christmas store in the BX (I have know idea, being a man!).  She also likes dogs - has two of them.  She would like to travel more around here.  Probably likes girl things like the spa and facials and things like that.  She is a very sweet 25yrs old, first time on her own for the past 4months away from her husband.  She is not able to take off Christmas because of her job here, so she has decided to make the most of it and will volunteer at the USO on Christmas day.  Overall, Amanda is easy-going and would be happy with any token of appreciation.  We just wanted to try something nice for her since we will be away from the holiday.

Thank you again,
Andrew"

Do not feel obligated to get her a nutcracker, I say have fun shopping for whatever you want to get her she sounds fun and easy. 

So here are your instructions:

1. Shop for something fabulous that you think is appropriate. Whatever you can give is appreciated. Remember, we want her to have something to open.

2. Write a PERSONAL LETTER including your address and contact

information so she knows who was thinking of her.

3. Wrap gift with your letter included.

4. PRINT OFF THE ATTACHED LETTER from TMCA. Seal it in an

envelope and write, "READ ME FIRST" on the outside. 

5. Deliver package!

Christy and I shopped for quite a few things to make this basket beautiful, even shopping for a handmade nutcracker at the Wiesbaden Christmas Market.  Here are a few of the items we put in the basket.

Here's Christy running it in to the girls.  We got to meet her and she seemed genuinely shocked and overjoyed that we would think of her.  I left my email just in case she wanted to touch base with us.  But at least she wasn't one of the ones who were "left behind" on Christmas!

It was a lot of fun, looking for toys for kids and giving a package to someone that will hopefully make their Christmas even brighter and makes me hope that maybe they'll have a happier, or more joyful Christmas morning.

Love you Amber!!!

****Update****
I just received an email from the Mrs. Claus Affair from the people who nominated Amanda to be taken care of.

From: Andrew Benton
To: "The Mrs. Claus Affair" <themrsclausaffair@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: Thank you

We were able to check our Facebook account yesterday evening from here in Italy.  My wife showed me a post from Amanda with a picture of all of the gifts you provided.  Amanda was very happy and surprised, and we are grateful for your care and kindness.  Thank you very much of making her Christmas special with a Nutcracker gift and extra savories. 

Thank you again.  I hope we can pay it forward someday soon.

Warm regards,

Andrew 

Love inside the NICU--- From Amber to Ruth

Dear Mother of a baby in the NICU:

      Your situation is close to my heart. My brother, Scott, and his wife, Ruth, had a baby born  in March of 2010. When she was 20 weeks pregnant, she found out that her first baby girl after having 3 boys had a rare chromosome deletion. She would be born with many complications. They were given no answers and would not know what to expect when she was born because the baby's condition was so rare. They spent months in the NICU, had so many scares, and kept receiving horrible news. I know there were days where Ruth felt like she couldn’t take anymore. And then Miracles would happen!

     It was a rollercoaster ride for them and all those that loved them. I lived just a few miles away at the time and I hated having to watch them go through all they did. I still, to this day, do not understand the strength Ruth had during it all. I felt so lucky that I was able to see her strength and to learn from her.  I know Davy has been a miracle because of Ruth's strength and faith.

Today, I give you this basket in her name. I want you to know that there is someone out there that feels your pain. And if she were here or if she could I know she would be holding your baby, or encouraging you to keep fighting for a miracle. Because “Miracles do happen”.

I hope you have a Merry Christmas and I will be praying for you and your miracle.

Love,

Amber Buhrley

To Learn more about Davy’s Story and the miracle she has become visit:

http://ruthschultz.blogspot.com/

I know that having a baby in the NICU was a big, life-changing experience for Ruth and her entire family. I was changed because of it and saw the challenges that went along with it. I know that at times it was lonely. So I decided for my service I was going to put together a package for a mother with a baby in the NICU. I called the NICU and talked with a Social Worker and told her what I was doing and asked her if she could pick a mother who would be blessed by the basket. She said to me “well, we have about 30 babies in here and any one of them would love some Christmas cheer.” It about broke my heart and I wanted to make a basket for each of them. But I knew I couldn’t and I decided I would put my efforts into one.

I had texted Ruth a few months ago and told her I had a “friend” with a baby in the NICU and wondered what would be good to include in a gift basket for her. Her response was sweet and heartfelt.:

I knew I had to include them with the Basket somehow.

I ordered a necklace like the one Ruth and Scott had given me that says “Miracles can happen” and attached it to an email Scott had sent out to the family telling all of us about the Miracle of Davy’s Coarctation changing and not needing the surgery.

I love you Ruth! You really have shown so much strength and faith and I really admire you. 

Love, Amber

I couldn’t pass by this opportunity the other day to add to my service for Ruth……

Any person who would stand out in the 3 degree weather needed the $20 bill more than I did. It was a little painful to hand over that much money to a peddler but it was the only thing I had and it made me feel good to do it. I held up traffic to take her picture and I told her I was doing it for my sister-in-law who spend months in the NICU.

To Matt from Nancy

SERVICE FOR MATTHEW BUHRLEY

2013 By Nancy Schultz

      This year the person I was given to perform service for was Matt Buhrley, my son in law. Matt is such a talented man in so many areas, it was hard for me to narrow down what I should do. I thought of ushering at a professional football, or basketball game, or doing something in Boy Scouts, or learning how to become a handy man person.

      But I decided to do something that involved Dentistry, which is how he makes his living.

On December 19, 2013, I went to Ruby Schultz’s school classroom to teach them some important principles about their teeth. But I didn’t just go as her Grandma, I went as a special visitor.

I had previously worked it out with the teacher, which day would be best. There are 61 students in her 1^st thru 3^rd classroom. I then went to Heather Williams home, who is a dental hygienist, and had her teach me how to instruct the students to brush and floss their teeth correctly. Then she had a fun game to play, gave me a large model of teeth, with felt pieces of food and cavities. She had large pieces of yarn to show how to floss, and gave me a book to read to them.  I felt very prepared!

Then I contacted my dental office, Nelson Dental Group in Fullerton. I told them what I was doing, and asked if they could donate some toothbrushes to give out to the children. They were so supportive and excited to be involved in my service! They ordered and delivered 61 gift bags filled with toothbrushes, little timers to time how long to brush, and a pencil with cute teeth all over it.

That morning, I put on my white dress, fairy wings, tiara, and my Magic Bag, and went to her class as The Tooth Fairy! Also in the class, were Clara and Clyde Berrett. They were all so surprised and mesmerized by seeing me. I told them I was here to teach them about how important taking care of their teeth was. I demonstrated on the teeth model how to brush in circles, and floss, how often to do it, Then I read a book to them about going to the dentist, and not being afraid. They loved it! Then we played the fun game. I had 2 large mouths on the board, one clearly had healthy teeth, and the other had cavities, and food, etc. On the back of several toothbrushes were little situations, like, “Jack loves to snack on candy all day, and forgets to brush his teeth at night.” Which mouth will Jack have?

There were about 10 of those questions involving healthy choices, or bad choices.

At the end, I told them that I was really Ruby’s grandma, and I was so happy to have come and taught them.

What was funny about the whole thing was that they had just finished reading Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, and had put on the play, talking about all kinds of candy, that very week. And that day their activity was making ginger bread houses, with candy! The teachers and I got a good laugh, but I told them that they needed to brush very good this Christmas, because they would be eating lots of treats and candy.

To Katie by Harry

SERVICE FOR KATIE LOUISE SCHULTZ

By Harry Schultz

      I had Katie for my service this year of 2013, and these are the things I did for her:

1. Because I know Katie has German ancestry, in her honor I went to Germany to visit and check it out for her.

2. Because I know Katie is a kind person and has a great love for animals, I decided to give her the opportunity to love and care for another dog; Shelby. By doing so I know she will learn unselfish love.

3. And I know how much Katie loves Young Women, so in her honor, I decided to help Xoe and Xanthe, her nieces, with their Young Women in Excellence evening. I helped set up tables and chairs, cooked and served the food, and cleaned up afterwards.

4. Because I know how much Katie loves her ancestors, I have dedicated each Wednesday in the Newport Beach Temple in service to the many people who have passed away without knowing the gospel.

5. And because I know Katie has a love and appreciation for all sick people, I catered the stake blood drive twice this year, and fed all those who gave blood, at no cost.

6. And in honor of her husband Ben, who is a priesthood holder, her son Elliot, and unborn son, Jimmy, who will someday hold the priesthood, I catered for free for all those who attended the priesthood session of conference.

7. And I know Katie is such a special person who wants to share the gospel, and believes in missionary work, I have decided to go on an 18 month mission to Nauvoo, Illinois.

8. And to help her family, I have allowed Jimmy, her dad, to kiss me.

9. And I directly helped her family, when Ben was out of town, by taking Ruby to a Daddy Daughter night at the school, and being her “Daddy”.

10. And because Katie is a graduate of the singles ward in Placentia stake, in her honor I decided to donate free food to them each week after their meetings called Linger Longer.

In fact I have dedicated my whole life this year in service for and behalf of Katie Louise Schultz.

To Christy From Katie- 2013

Thinking of what I could do for Christy I thought, well I could entertain out of town guests.  But that thought soon passed when I realized I don't have space to put out of town guests... Nor the energy.  So as I was meeting with some girls to talk about our next round of freezer meals, one mentions her Dilemma about needing to take her 6 year old to New York to get work done on her palette (cleft palette) and how she needed to find someone to watch her 2 year old... Wait for it.... Triplets! So after agreeing with her that she did have a dilemma and how much I wished her luck with finding help, I realized this was my shot! My opportunity to serve in Christy's honor.  My friend Karin has multiples, she has a daughter with medical problems, and like Christy she needed a sitter for her travels.  I volunteered for the only day I could from 9:30-5pm.

So the morning was smooth, I had plans to pack up all the baby's in the car and go pick Ruby up from school.  The two older kids 9 & 7 were going over to a friends house after school... Or so I thought.  When they got home from school, I started to panic thinking how am I going to get Ruby. I have these triplets, Crazy 18 month old Elliot, Lulu, and the two older kids.  Karin said I could borrow her car, or van, actually it's like a small bus.  I considered it for a minute then thought about the tight round-about and me hitting a car by accident in front of Rubys school. So Jill Berrett saved the day and brought Ruby to me.

The day went surprisingly well.  Except nap time was a bit crazy.  The triplets kept jumping out of their cribs and hiding somewhere in their room. The kids were actually so amazing and I had a lot of fun.  And it was so rewarding to see pictures of Karin with her daughter and husband Mark in New York and to hear about the progress of their  cleft palette.





Sorry about pictures- I couldn't really get my phone to post them correctly.