Miles For Myles!! Welcome Home Elder Fattaleh!

Welcome Home Elder Fattaleh!

My nephew Myles Fattaleh returned home July 24th from the New York New York North mission! We were all so excited to see him!! I can tell you it was a GRAND reunion! Tom, Rhett, Joe, Erin. and their kids and I went to the airport!! It was great to see him but the best part of the night was seeing Myles reunited with his brothers, Forrest, Jack and Grayson!! They just kept kissing and hugging each other! It was so tender! Myles said that Jack and Grayson had grown a foot since he had seen them!! I never would of thought there would of been an Elder Fattaleh in the world! (my maiden name) Myles has been the pioneer in the Fattaleh Family! We are so proud of Myles! He left behind many friends and family that did not understand why he would leave behind ALL his worldly possessions, and serve the Lord for two years. He left behind a scholarship from ASU and so many other things! He served a very honorable great mission! I know those he taught and served will miss him dearly, not to mention all the other missionaries who loved serving with him! I know the Lord is well pleased with his service! I know we are so happy for him to have this chance to learn and grow in ways he would of never of grown if he had not served a mission!

I have always heard a funny little saying as missionaries leave to serve a mission and it is... The more MILES you walked the prettier your final Eternal Companion (wife) will be! I know this is not true but... just in case it is.... You might want to look at Myles's shoes! I am telling you when I say Myles shoes at the airport I told him that his wife is going to be HOT!!! His shoes had holes in the side and on the soles! Myles walked Miles in those shoes! I am sure Myles walked hundreds of Miles as he served the people of New York for two years! I can't wait to see what his wife will look like! Myles I hope you are prepared!!!

All kidding aside I want Myles to know how much we love him and how proud we are of him! We are also thankful to him for serving the Lord for two years so honorably! He is a great example to his brothers and Rhett and for that we thank you! WE LOVE YOU MYLES!!! or should I say Elder Fattaleh!

Just Need A Wife!

So Walker bought a new home in Queen Creek and he loves it! He also has a new job, seems to like it! So you would think that all he needs now is a wife! The logical thought! But NO he buys a DOG! Yes... a dog! I will say she is so cute! He is trying to think of a cute name! She is a blue Queensland Heeler! Tom has always had a Heeler for the last25 years at least! Walker has always loved our heelers! So I guess why would he not have one! Vance said Walker should name her Boodie! I think that is so cute! Walker said he would like to name her a strong biblical name like Ruth.... What Walker did you say Ruth!! WOW!!!! "Here Ruth"!, it just does not sound right! So if anyone can think of a cute name please let Walker know!!! Also now that Walker has a house a good job still working on school and he has a DOG.... If anyone could find a wife for him PLEASE let Walker or I know! Did he say Ruth

Be Still...

This past week has been such a hard trying week for me! There have been so many ups and downs that I do not know if all the tears I have shed this week are happy or sad! Not to mentions it has been so hot outside that I feel like every time I go outside I am in HELL!!

At the beginning of the week a dear friend of mine husband passed away unexpectedly. It was a shock to all! So I have spent most of the week with her. She lives in a nursing home and being there can be depressing.

Then my sister in California called me to tell me what was going on in her family and it was so sad! I don't know how much more Stacy can take!

On Thursday night I had to give a 30 minute presentation about my calling to all 12 Bishops in my stake! I was so worried I would not be able to help these Bishops understand addictions and out-of-wedlock pregnancies! But I left that meeting feeling like I did well and the Bishops seem to understand the importance of 12 steps gospel based meetings! I also feel like these Bishops will look at out-of-wedlock pregnancies in a different light!

I have also thought about my nephew Sam that passed away at this time two years ago. We miss him and think of him often! Sam we love you!

I also received a call from my friend in New York to tell me her mother passed away.

This week needs to be OVER!!

As this week comes to a end I will say there is not a a muscle or joint that does not feel like there are on fire and the pain is draining!

BUT... Through this week I have felt the Lord's arm around me the whole time! He has given me the strength to endure long stressful days. I have witnessed His hands in all things! I Know without Him my presentation would not of gone as well as it did! I know I would of not been able to have all these LONG days without His help! I have also watched as my girlfriends rely on the Lord to get them through the passing of their loved ones.

I have thought all week about "What would I do if I did not have a loving Heavenly Father and Savior"? Who would I rely on? Even though I do not feel good a lot of the time He continues to bless me every day!

There is a saying that reads "Stand still and let the Lord fight for you.... and hold on to your peace"! This is what I have hung on to all week! I am thankful for the knowledge to know that My Father in Heaven knows me and loves me! I know the Savior feels every physical and emotional pain I have and the pain that everyone else has!! I am extra thankful for these times in my life where things are hard but yet.... Some way I still can "Stand Still and have Peace"

Kim, Stacy, Genell and Ginger I want you to know I love you and pray you can be STILL and have Peace!

Class 884... Moving Forward!

Arizona Office Of Corrections! Class 884

July 9,2010 Tucson, Arizona
Officer T.Walker Scheurn

Pinning Walker's Badge On For The First Time!

Pops Could Not Be More Proud!!!!

Today was an exciting day for Thomas Walker Scheurn! Today Walker graduated from C.O.T.A. This stands for "Correctional Office Training Academy"!

Walker has spent the last seven weeks in Tucson at C.O.T.A. in intense, long, hot days training to become an Correctional Officer.

When Walker told me about six months or so ago that he was thinking about becoming a Correctional Officer... I said to him"Over my dead body"! Walker just bought a new house in Queen Creek and is in school! He explained to me that he could work a swing shift or grave yard shift and still go to school full time! Also the benefits are very good and he felt like this was a good move for him while going to school and after buying a new home! I could understand what he was saying but yet... I do not think any mom wants a child to be a Correctional Officer at the Florence prison!

Walker has always worked hard at what ever he does! He looks for opportunities to move forward in his life! He seems to always look ahead!

Before Walker bought his home, he told me he was going to move to an apartment or rent a room from a friend! As we talked about this I said to him,"Why would you want to move out when you have the whole basement to your self". I tried to explain to him that he might have a hard time paying for his schooling and an apartment with the job he had! I told him there was no need for him to move and to just stay at our house until he was done with school or gets married! I also said to him, you have many many more years to pay for your own home or apartment! Not to mention the fact how much Pops and I enjoy being with him! After all of this explaining I felt sure he would agree and stay home! Walker calmly looked at me and said... "But mom I am not progressing by living here at home"! He continued to explain that he had been home from his mission for two and a half years and he needed to go to the next page and move forward and continue to try to progress! He said that he did not want to stand still or go backwards! What do you say to that!!! I will tell you in the short time that he has been gone from our home.... Pops, Rhett and I miss him so much! I am having a hard time "cutting the apron strings"! It is all I can do not to tell him he needs to call me AT LEAST ONCE A DAY!!!

Walkers house is so cute and we are so happy for him! I just want to go over there and put things where I think they should be or do a little decorating! But Pops and I have stayed out of his way and have let him figure it out!

So back to C.O.T.A.! I know this was not easy getting through the academy! I did not think I would be so emotional at his graduation! I know Walker has kept many things from me that has gone on at the Academy! I will say I am thankful for that! Not only do they put the Cadets through a difficult physical program but also a difficult mental program! They get certified to carry a concealed weapon. They learn how to do cell extractions. They learn how to be the lead officer in a S.W.A.T. team. They spend a lot of time teaching the Cadets about looking for certain behaviors that will put an officer in a very dangerous situations! The Commander said at graduation that all the training that the Cadets have had for the last eight weeks, is not in case an officer come into a bad situation... But when he or she DOES encounter a dangerous situation! They have had training on things we would never even think about because we are not criminals and we do not think the same way the inmates think! A lot of inmates have been given life sentences and they do not have much to loose and will not think twice in hurting someone! Basically it is an intense boot camp with ten hour days! During these weeks they are exposed to tear gas and pepper spray and tazing. I felt so bad for the Cadets that went through all of this training and still did not graduate! Walker said out of 34 Cadets 9 did not graduate! I said to Walker, "how sad would that be" and Walkers response was "Mom If I call for help I want the BEST to come, someone that is well trained"! I understand now why the training is so intense!

Walker by far was the cutest Cadet and.... Pops and I are so proud of him!

When Tom and I pray in the morning and at night together, as all parents we pray for ALL of our kids and their families. But Walker, I want you to know we will pray a little more for you as you put your self in harms way to help protect this world from those who have already harmed someone or themselves! We will carry a constant prayer in out heart for your safety, as you move forward in your life with this job. I will also pray this will be a job that will get you through school and then you will be done with it!!!!!!

Walker we LOVE you SO MUCH and we are SO PROUD of you!!!! BE SAFE!!!!!

Where There is Faith There is Hope!

Yesterday after I left my monthly training meeting with Family Service for my calling as a Agency Representative, I had so many thoughts! First of all I would like to explain Family Service! It is a service that is provided by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The Mormon church, The mission of this service is to help individuals and families lead a life that is consistent with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Family Service help individuals keep covenants that he or she has made with God, and our Savior Jesus Christ.

The ten most challenges facing our families today are...

1. Parenting Issues

2. Marital Issues

3. Divorce

4. Grieving

5. Out-of-Wedlock Pregnancy

6. Emotional and Mental Problems

7. Substance Abuse and Addiction

8. Eating Disorders

9. Stress

10. Pornography

Every time I leave a training meeting, my brain is going like a freight train thinking about how some of these issue have effected my own family and extended family. It also has effected close friends, as well as many I have met through this calling in the almost eight years as I have served as the, Family Service Agency Representative, for the Gilbert Higley Stake.

As I have served in this calling, I have often wondered why I have had this calling for so long! As I ponder this question, I have thought , I am NOT a counselor, I do receive training from Family Service but... the training I receive is to only help those find the resources they need to be happy. Again I am NOT a counselor. All I am able to do is to support those who are going through difficult times and aid them in returning back to the Fold! To help them realize that they are not alone in what ever they may be struggling with!

I know there have been times in my life where I felt so bad physically due to many health issues and there for I would become SO depressed that I could not get out of my bed let alone my room!

As many know, prior to Tom becoming a member of the Mormon faith, Tom struggled with a chemical and alcohol addiction for many years! These were hard years for both of us! There have been many times in my life where I have felt forsaken by the Lord! Many times where I felt SO alone! And many times I felt like no one could understand so, I would distant my self from those who loved me unconditional! I would not answer my phone or door! I have had times in my life that I felt so dark and sad I was sure I would never recover! I just wanted to be done, and out, of physical and emotional pain! There are still time I struggle, and I am sure there will be many many more days that my heart will be heavy and I will feel stress and sadness! After all we all are mortal! But... Through the Atonement and with the help from my calling, and going to 12 step support group meetings, I have learned to surrender! To give ALL my stress, emotional and physical pain to the Lord! Does this mean I will not complain on a bad day.... No! But do I know that the Lord will take care of all of it in the end... YES!!!!

So back to the question why have I had this calling for so many years??? I feel sure it is because I honestly understand and LOVE those who need support in what ever they may be going through! I can honestly say I do not judge them. I want them to find peace in some way. I think sometimes people just need someone to listen to what they are going through. Sometimes people want to talk with some one that has been through some difficult life experiences. Sometimes people found peace in just knowing that they are not the only one that has gone through a life changing trial or test.

This life is one BIG trial and test ! I know this sounds like a standard answer we hear all the time but... unfortunately this life is hard. There is a saying that says.... "Sometimes the Lord calms the storm, and sometimes the Lord lets the storm rage and calms the child" This world can be a "Storm" I know! An other saying that I hold on to is... "It is not about waiting for the storm to pass, It is about learning to dance in the rain"!

I am not quite sure why this post came to me today! I know my training meeting is always heavy on my mind for a few days after I have them, Also I went to lunch with two dear friends and sisters today! LuAnn Ray and Jeni Tanner! Our conversation over lunch had a lot to do with my thought in this post!

I was also so excited to share with them and everyone that there will be another support group meeting at the new Williams Field Stake Center for Sweet Earthly Moms who are facing out-of-wedlock pregnancies. It will be every Thursdays from 6:oo pm to 8:00pm This meeting has been so very successful in Mesa on Wednesday evenings from 5:00 to 7:00 pm! It is a wonderful meeting! The spirit that abides at this meeting is indescribable! There are moms that are teenagers up to 35 years old. Some birth moms plan is to single parent, some are considering adoption, Some moms have come to realize how much they love their baby! These moms know they can't give their baby all the baby needs and deserves and has chose to place their baby with a worthy couple whom she has pick to raise there baby. It is the ULTIMATE SACRIFICE! It is amazing how open adoption has became! There are lots of moms that bring the adoptive couple whom she has chose, to support group! There are birth dads there as well getting support in his decision on weather or not to marry, single parent or help make an adoption plan for their baby! As well as individual counseling. There are moms there that have placed babies 30 years ago that might have a flare up and what to go to group and get support from others that are in her same position. I love this meeting! Like I said before this is a powerful meeting for those who will be making a life long decision.

You do not have to be the same faith as I am to attend any support group that Family Service provides. I can say I have never in the last eight years been to a support group meeting with someone where they have not walked out of the meeting feeling the healing powers and peace they are looking for! That is not to say it is a one time fix! It is a journey to recover and to find peace! You will still have ups and downs! But.... if you continue to have faith, you will have hope! And... if you continue to have hope, you will have faith!

4th of July! Noble Warriors!

With it being Sunday the 4th of July today... When we got to church, there were very few people there! Tom was asked to sit on the stand due to the fact that our Bishop and first counselor were gone for the weekend, and Brother Tanner needed to have one other High priest sit with him to conduct.

It was fast Sunday, so with the few people that were there, people were a little slow to get up and share there testimonies. But there were several beautiful testimonies and a few that were a little... How do I say... a.... little hard to follow along! I sure some will understand what I am trying to say!

As Brother Tanner open the time for people to came and share their testimonies, He said to the congregation if no one comes up that he would invite people up to share their thought! Right as the time was almost gone, Brother Tanner went to the pulpit and said... "I would like to close this fast and testimony meeting by asking Rhett Scheurn to come up and share his testimony! Rhett was sitting on the bench in front of me so I could not see his face but... by the way he was sitting I knew Rhett was SOUND asleep! And... Rhett did not hear Brother Tanner! So everyone was looking at Rhett! I was just going to let Rhett sleep until he finally heard Brother Tanner but... I did not have the heart to do that to Rhett! So I quickly poked Rhett and told him that he was asked to share his thoughts! I have to say Rhett handled it well! He quickly went to the pulpit and said " I would like to thank Brother Tanner for calling me up and giving me an opportunity to share my testimony"! Rhett was trying not to laugh but everyone else was! It was hilarious! Rhett you did a awesome job, I love you always and forever! Your a CHAMP in my book!

It was now time to go to Sunday school and my CUTE, SWEET, FUN visiting teacher companion Maria Elena, who I have grown to LOVE, and has became a dear special friend, we were off to class! As we sat down in our Sunday school class, again we realized there were just a hand full of people in the room! So I said in a joking fun way "since there is just a few of us here, I think we should call it good and go get a slurpee and go home"! Well some JACK _ _ _ behind me says.... "if you want to go than leave"! REALLY did he just say that to me as I looked at Maria Elena!!!! By this time Tom had already left for an other ward to take care of some business. Thank goodness! Tom thinks I am a little to vocal at times! But as Maria Elena and I were sitting there just "stewing" over the JACK _ _ _ behind us we looked at each other and said, "we are out of here" and... we left!!

Out in the hall we were now faced with what are we going to do! We had many thoughts from Mexican food to going and finding a less active sister that we V.T. who we have tried to reach via email and texting several times with no success! So being the "Noble Warriors" we are.... And with Maria Elena serving her mission in Venezuela, and being an R.N. dealing with "Puffed Up Big Headed" surgeons all day long... nothing scares her.... We decided to do the noble thing and to try to go find and visit this sister we have been trying to get in touch with! We headed out on our quest!

We did find this sister's home. We knocked several times and did our very best to contact her, to see if she was okay, and see if she needed anything.... But she still was unavailable!

As we got back in the car it was quite hot and we pondered what would be the next best thing we could do on this fourth of July and fast Sunday! And it came to me LOUD and STRONG.... "SWIRL-IT"!!! Yes go get frozen yogurt! Maria Elena had never been there and I felt a strong prompting to take her!!!!

We were now off on a new quest! To go to SWIRL-IT! We had no problem finding it! Maria Elena was over whelmed! I showed her how to sample all the frozen yogurts! She was amazed at the happy spirit we felt at SWIRL-IT! It was FANTASTIC!!! After we made our yogurts we sat on the sofa and had our Sunday school class right at SWIRL-IT! It was nice and quiet and we had the opportunity to share many different lives experiences with each other!

I am THRILLED and THANKFUL, to have Maria Elena as my new V.T. companion! I look forward to many more SWIRL-IT adventures so we can just sit on the sofa and try new flavors of yogurt, and discuss many more of lives spiritual moments we have had! Maria Elena thanks for putting up with me! I LOVE you!!!!

My Problem!!!!

I have a problem! It is my eyelashes! My eyelashes have ALWAYS been so short that I could not even curl them and quickly put mascara on to make them look a little fuller and longer! I have always wanted to have eyelash extensions but was so scared to have them done! I would think to my self as short and thin as they already were.... I did not want to take a chance and ruin the few I had! But... I get an email from a girl that use to be in my ward and she said she was doing eyelash extensions now for about a month and if anyone was interested to call her! So I took this as a sign and I emailed her back! SO.... today was the big day I have been waiting for!! YES.... I got eyelash extensions today! Now I have a new friend by the name of Kami, who came to my house to put my extensions on! When she got to my house she brought in a big comfortable table for me to lay on, we hooked up the ipod and Kami did her magic! I was a little nervous! I told her I just want natural lashes! She showed me the different lashes! I told Kami to do what she thought would look the most natural and, just put it in her hands! I did tell Kami if I come out of this looking like a stripper I would not be happy about that! Tom came in when Kami was working on me and he was amazed! He said he could not wait for the final out come! I have to say I LOVE them! Tom loved them as well! They are fun! You really would not know I had extensions on if I did not tell you!

If anyone is thinking about eyelash extensions I would say "GO FOR IT"!!!! Email me or call me for Kami's phone number! You will not be disappointed!

Thanks Kami you did a great job and you made it a fun enjoyable afternoon!