Well yes I am still alive. I am sitting here, it is New Years Eve, and I am definitely passing my way through years and years of memories. I can think of so many places that I have been on this day, and you know what, every time I was with my family.  So, I am, like last year, feeling a family short. But, there is  a bright side to this; I will be there in a year to spend the next one with you. What a blessing. 

I loved the opportunity to talk to each of you this passed Christmas day. I could feel your love and hear your thoughts. It was a special day. Thank you for spending a short time on the phone with me and making my Christmas a memorable one. One to be put in the book that is. I am in the Amazon. How many people can say they have passed a Christmas here? I can count the names on one hand and I am struggling to get passed the first. It was different but memorable. Once again, thank you. 

This week has been packed full. We had transfers this last Monday, and I am not going anywhere to fast. I stayed here with Elder Warner. The next transfer is in four and a half weeks. The second of February. Not to far away. It is funny how time just seems to be passing hastily. Many still to teach, help, baptize, and bless. What a noble call, I cannot get over it. I am so under qualified. Also, Tuesday, yesterday that is, we had our holiday party for our Laranjeiras Ward. It was really nice. There were many different kinds of food, and some fun dancing that we did not take part in. It was a great break to get to know the members and converse with each of them. I feel like I am a member of the family. The church is so awesome. There is nothing too extravagant planned for tonight, it being New Years Eve. We will drink some sweet grape juice that I bought. I told dad about it. It is pure that is for sure. I am excited to see the fireworks tonight too. The people here get a little crazy, so who knows maybe I will get burned or even killed. You heard them threw the phone when you called didn’t you mom and dad? It is one experience. I don’t want to put the St. Regis ones at any penalty, but they really are in a different league. The people here just make and buy their own bombs and go psycho. Ha! I will take some pictures and send them to you next week. 

This year many things have come to pass. We have grown, learned, suffered, loved, hated, and found out a little more about our futures. Needless to say, we are each a year older and are in need of a couple less "new clean shirts". But, just look at the positive things that have happened, the love we have felt, the unforgettable experiences we have had. I love it. I love life. I love knowing that the lord has been by our side threw all of it. I love taking breaths, I love seeing new things each day, I love laughing, I love the cold side of the pillow at night. Life has its sweetness, we just have to find it in the little things. Choose to be happy, look for the blessings. They are many.  Talk to you and ….see you... next year! Love you all, and have fun opening the Martinelles without me!
Tchau tchau,Elder Gatten

Mikensy is a SHIRTS!

I was so blessed to be a part of a very special day in the lives of my dear friends, Carlee and Jonathan Shirts as they were able to take little Mikensy to the Spokane Temple to have her sealed for eternity. What a beautiful time for them all.

Both families were there as I took their picture.

Robert and Janet Shirts, Jonathan, Mikensy and Carlee Shirts, Lori Park, Mike Park

The very proud and grateful grandparents.

Shirts Family

Park Family

Leaving the temple which was closed because of the weather.  They called President Monson to get special permission to open the temple for the sealing.

Then on Sunday she was blessed by her dad in Dalton Ward.  Words cannot really express the joy that comes from and eternal family.

Cutest 8 1/2 Mo. pregnant lady around!!

Brynne is getting pretty excited to meet little baby brother. I wish I had looked that good when I was expecting her!

Dusty's Birthday, skiing Schweitzer...

Tom Dance, Kate, Lizzy and Dusty

(Guess who is taking the picture)

Nice Air Dusty

Angie and Dusty

Dusty has been here a week and Angie drove over with Sadie( who was stuck in Seattle because of snow) on Friday. Saturday they went skiing with Tim,Lizzy, and the kids.

We celebrated Dusty's birthday with a party at Wolflodge and back to the house for cake. It was really a fun night with Dusty and Angie, Steve and Jean, Tim and Lizzy, Tom and Kim Dance, Dan and Sarah Ross, Tyler and Mikin, Brett and Angie,  and Brynne and Jon.  

Dusty Turns 30!

Taking a bite of ones birthday cake is a Gatten tradition

We did set the all time record in CDA for snow fall in a 24 hour period.  Crazy day!  I love it though, as I have been raised loving 4 seasons, winter being one of my favorites! We  had 30 inches fall at our house!

Let it snow, break the 24 hr. records!!!

Last night as I came home from taking Nikell and Sophia to piano I could hardly get in the driveway.  The snow was up 12 inches, so I plowed my way in.  Steve was busy with the snow plow and hadn't finished the lane back to the shop. I started digging out the front porch and sidewalk  and then he finished with the 4 wheeler.  This morning, we had ANOTHER 17 inches on top!!!!  He had to cancel his day at the office and he began plowing again I stayed tuned to the TV broadcast.  We have broken all records for the snowfall in a 24 hour period, we are at about 30 inches now.  AND NOW it is still snowing at noon. Steve and Dusty continue to shovel and are using had warmers to keep wrm in the 0 degree wind chill factor.  

Hey, Al Gore is this what you mean by global warming? And yes I am glad I didn't trade my necessary 4x4 for a small car.

This is this morning 17 inches in the driveway after we had plowed 12 inches the previous nite...it continues to snow!!!!!!!

Another Dec. week-end

Friday night we had a 5 course dinner and program with our ward. Lori Park, my walking partner and friend was in charge and it was so very nice. She had been worried about it all for weeks and it showed. What a wonderful night.

Saturday we went to dinner at Azteca and then to the movie with all the kids who live here and a few others friends. Good food and then to see " The day the Earth Stood Still."It is a re-make of the 1954 version that Steve loved. He made us all watch it last week to prep us for the new one. They were both similar but the new special effects were great. The story line was more politically correct as Keneau Reeves was there to desroy the people on the earth(after saving all the animals) and in the first one Gort was there to destroy the whole earth. Interesting But we did all love being together.

Saturday was Show night!

Today, Sunday, we were able to attend church at Brett's ward as Steve was the high councilor speaking there.  Then, off to the airport to pick up Dusty who is here visiting while Angie is still in Seattle working.  She will come Friday.  We enjoyed a nice roast dinner  with all the kids except Brynne and Jon who had other appointments.  Missed them.   It is very cold as a front came down from Canada and it is like a deep freeze.  Last week we had 40's and today it is 7 degrees with minus 10 expeted tonight.  BURRRRR.... Up goes heating cost just as gas prices are down to $1.44.  Can't win!

And more...

More from Spike

A Christmas Letter from Spike

Hey hey hey!!! What are you knuckle heads up to? I hope that your all doing ridiculously awesome! I received lots of e mails this week, so I have a good idea how you’re all doing. Everyone is just pumped for Christmas it sounds like. There is the obvious Christmas spirit in your words, and everyone is antsy. The parents are all doing the last minute runs to the store buying toys, and spending the left over yearly salary. There is nothing better to be doing now is there? The snow should be falling there soon if it has not yet, and it should be a white Christmas. Manaus is another story. If there was a white Christmas there would not be anyone alive to experience it. I heard that people have died here after it hit 18C. Can you believe that? Christmas here in the Amazon is filled with palm trees, nasty dogs, and rain! The spirit seems to be somewhat the same though. People remember their savior and the sacrifice that he made for each and every one of them. This time of year is sure sweet isn’t it?
So I have to comment on this….dusty went sea duck hunting! That is an awesome thing huh? He is a pioneer of duck hunting in the family. I have never even done that. It looks like he shot some nice weird looking birds. What I am wondering is if he ate any of them? I would think that they would be fish eating. Great job though man. Also, Tyler and Mikin went to Las Vegas for a weekend. Man to me it seems like everyone is falling in love with sin city. Everyone has been there this year haven’t they? What did they end up doing done there? Hope that you guys had fun!
Mikin and Brynne kept up with the Gatten tradition of making the Christmas cookies and giving them out to all of the families and friends. Did anyone end up doing the twelve days of Christmas this year? I have so many memories with that. Putting on all black and sneaking up to the doors of many needy houses and giving them a gift, for sure one of the few they received that year. It seems like you always remember the things that you did for others and not the things that you received or others did for you.
I loved President Monson´s talk this month in the Ensign about the Christmas. He relates a story about two farming families and how each was very needy. They passed by the skin of their teeth each year, passing down clothes and making use of every last thing. Although they passed many needs and difficulties, they pressed on having faith in their savior and became seekers to help those in need. One family´s little ones ended up inviting another to Christmas dinner. As that family showed up on Christmas afternoon with their sleigh and horse team, the other family helped them tie up the horses and ushered them in. with no questions asked and a heart full of charity, they shared the traditional turkey, and homemade mashed potatoes. The food soon was gone, and the conversations ended, and the goodbyes were said. No one knew who had invited them, but they sure enjoyed their company. Many years had passed and the secret was kept, until one of the little ones parents became ill and bed ridden. They asked them if they had remembered that Christmas so many years ago, and that special family who bared the cold and showed up at their door step with a sleigh and their team of horses. Of course they had remembered, they had replied to their children. The secret diminished as they told them they had invited them, because they knew they had little. The parents smiled and their joy full as they knew they had taught an importance of charity and love to their children and it had carried through the years. It’s not about you as much it is about the one with little who is standing by your side.
We need to seek the happiness of others. We need to become more Christ like in our actions, words, thoughts, and wishes. Christmas is not about the me, but about the thee. It’s about service, love, charity, and remembrance. Remembering our savior Jesus Christ and the ultimate sacrifice that he made for each of us. It’s about celebrating his life, ministry, and grace. From the Garden of Gethsemane to the hill we call Calvary; he suffered that we may find everlasting joy. He paid the ultimate sacrifice, yet again showing us that we should do the same. He does not ask us to give our lives, but a portion of that which he has blessed us with. Our talents, time, testimony, and will. Both materialistic and spiritualistic belongings. We are to become perfected as he is, have charity as he did, that we can prepare ourselves and our families to receive the celestial blessings he has promised for us. There is not a better time to open up our hearts and extend our hands to those that are in need, than now. Seek the happiness of those who are down and dreary, lift up the souls, who are weighted down by sin and transgression, share the gospel of Jesus Christ. He is watching, he is waiting; make this Christmas a special one, not for you but for him.

My thoughts are turned out to each of you this Christmas time. Memories are intertwined with my work, and my heart so soft. I love my savior, and my father in heaven. I love the gospel, I love the scriptures, and I love you all. Do a good deed, make him proud.
With much love,
Elder Gatten

What is everyone doing up there? Hope that you are all doing stinking awesome, and are enjoying this time of year full of fun! It’s almost Christmas I cannot believe it, can you? The days seem to be so much faster than when I was a kid and the years are flying by. So everyone is doing excellent so that puts a smile on my face! So black Friday for the women sounded like it was crazy. Bumper to bumper traffic, and you guys bought like the last things on the shelves. Fun! I saw that Brynne bought a brand new flat screen TV and she loves it! Sweet! Everyone loved the thanksgiving dinner it sounded like. Hope you ate enough for me too! You guys even got together with the Lees this year and had a dinner. How is there house looking? I heard that it is big and nice. Hope you all had a blast. Oh….I wanted to know if you guys cooked any goose, or is it all going bad?Dad got his buck too! That a boy dad! I knew that you would pull it off. You always seem to get everyone there deer or whatever then you go out and get your own. You went up to the spot with dusty. That is a good spot huh….producing bucks. Why go long distances when you have bucks right there close. Way to put some more meat in the freezer!It sounds like the dust is settled there for a while until Christmas huh? Then, I get to give you guys a call and we will get all riled up again! By the way I don’t know how that is going to run because we have transfers the 23 Maybe we will get transferred and then the number will change that you will have to call and everything and it will be messed up. But, I don’t think that I will be getting transferred. But I will be getting this information to you soon so don’t worry! It seems to me like we talked yesterday, but what do you know it has been like 7 months or so. Nuts huh....but the last couple weeks have been crazy. We have gone to the center of Manaus hanging out, went to conference for the zone yesterday, and installing water filters in the church buildings. The water filters make it so we don’t have to buy water anymore and it comes out clean. I have one in the apartment and it is nice. My apartment is nice. Not to big but it is like not small. The bathroom is nice. A hot water head! Can you believe that? I even use it. I think that I have gotten used to the weather here because when it rains I like totally shiver and when it is hot I am sweating but I feel normal. It’s hard to explain I know. There is tons of carapanâ there too so I wear socks, pajama pants, garments, and a shirt to bed, with 100% deet on my arms and neck. It is pretty thick. That’s totally normal though, at least I am not in the interior where you have to kill them with a 12 gauge. 2 weeks ago we had our stake conference. It was really interesting. We had a broadcast from salt lake from president Eyring, Elder Kristofferson, a Seventy da area, and Sister Beck. It was super good. They talked about three things in particular. Family home evening, tithing, and making sure that men and women of age to serve a mission become worthy and serve. They said that there are sixty thousand able men to serve a mission from brazil that are not out there for some reason. That is more than are in the world right now serving. If they would go on a mission we could double the number of full time missionaries. It was good. Really basic, but that is what the people need here. Nothing complex and hard to wrap your mind around, but something basic and direct. Yesterday we had our zone conference. It was awesome. I had tons of fun, besides learning a lot. We ate tons of pizza, and drank fanta pop! At the end we ate ice-cream, with flavors of acai, and chocolate! It was so yummy! At the end after we ate, there were some of the missionaries starting a arm wrestling tournament. Anyway, I did not want anything to do with it, but what do you know I ended up getting thrown in and going at it. To say the least…being humble, that is I did not loose….hahahahaha! yup. I love the Gatten genes! It was a hoot, and something that I will definitely remember for forever. What I did get is a little upset is that I did not have any letters or anything from you guys when I got there. I had nothing to open but whatever your e mails are enough. I love the mission. I am in love with the area, and my comp is so fun. I am growing too much, and learning a lot about myself. I am really finding out what kind of person I am. Those who have served a mission can definitely relate I think. I love the opportunity that I have to serve the people here. We have been baptizing quite a few here. We have a couple of awesome investigators too. Every person and family that we are teaching right now is references from members. It is awesome cause we barly ever knock doors and we have a big teaching pool. I love them. We should have a big white baptism this month. We are saving all of our baptisms till around Christmas, and then we are going to make our white baptism because there is no snow here. Get it? I love the gospel and the opportunity my companion and I have to share it with the people here in Laranjeiras. I love bearing my testimony, and I know that it is strengthened every time I do so. The gospel is so true. I heard that Elder Worthlin passed away. I heard yesterday in the conference. He was really a patron and loved the people. What an example. I love the gospel and the knowledge that it gives us. Thanks for everything, and the many things that each one of you do for me. For your prayers, and, for the packages you’re going to send me for Christmas. Everyone of you. You’re the best. Live the gospel and you will never go astray. Love you all. Elder gatten

AJ GOES TO UTAH

AJ and Brynne

We had a party for AJ as he has gone off to Utah for a few months.  Mikin hosted a dinner at her home and Tim's family were able to come up also.  

Papa terrorizes Noah

AND  Jackson

Brady laughs with Lizzy

Sally loves being in on the action!

Mikin and Tim

Brady is gettin around.

Tyler looks on as Jackson and Noah are ready to do battle

Asa loves the bubbles

AJ and Mikin