Well, that's it. No more letters to or from Matt. He is home now. Hooray! Four days after he arrived, he gave a talk in our ward, and the next day we traveled to visit Emerson, Cassandra, Lily and Baby Christian for two weeks. We spent the time holding Christian, playing with Lily, doing home improvement projects, eating ice cream, and going out to eat, which Emerson always insisted on paying for. It was a wonderful visit, and we really miss them all. Katrina doesn't miss them, though, because she is still there! Cassandra asked her to stay and help take care of her kids for the summer, so she did. I talked to them both today, and Katrina really seems to be loving it.
We got home from the trip late Saturday night, and then on Monday morning at 5:30 am I left for girls camp. It was a wonderful experience, and I am so glad I went. Unfortunately, at one point, I stepped backward, tripped over a rock, and fell down an incline, tearing my acl. Two priesthood holders gave me a blessing which I was very grateful for because I had eight presentations to give that night, each one about a different day in the last week of Jesus Christ's life. Heavenly Father blessed me to be able to do them before Brian took me home.
Brian was very sweet to come get me as soon as he was off work. Unfortunately, he drove to the girl's camp that is an hour and a half south of our house, and I was at the girl's camp an hour north of our house, but when he found out his mistake, he just headed north and got into camp. All the other women were impressed that he made the trip without me asking and didn't even get mad when he went to the wrong camp. He got in to camp that night in time to help me set up my presentations and watch them. Then he lifted me into his shiny black steed, and carried me home where we lived happily ever after...except I am going crazy sitting around trying to heal, which is why this blog is finally caught up!
Showing posts with label Lily. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lily. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Cassandra Madlibs
Hey, Matt. Just thought you'd want to read Cassandra's madlibs.
As of today, Cassandra is in the Eleventieth year of her life, and she is more slimy than ever! Not only is she bouncing the alien task of Sherman-tank-training a toddler, but she is also going to give birth to a Nazi. Two St. Crispin’s days ago, we had the amazing opportunity of going to Never land and seeing Cassandra in action in her own saloon. Her house is so smirking, and we felt so sad with her and Shabooboo and the Shamwow salesman, that it is was one our slothfullest memories ever. Then, this last Michaelmas, Cassandra and her bowling team came to our graveyard to visit, and we had a dreadful time. Now, we look forward to having more boredom when we go to her pasta place again when heck freezes over. Can life get any more pointless? Yes, it can! Because in an aeon or so, Cassandra will have a chunky elephant, and then there will be two little Cassandra-and-Emerson-apple-pies in the world! We are so repulsed that we can hardly pummel it. Cassandra is so lovely and so dedicated to hugging what is ridiculous that she is a glaring example to both the liberals and the pagans, not to mention her fellow tree huggers.
As of today, Cassandra is in the 26th year of her life, and she is more amazing than ever! Not only is she braving the thankless task of potty training a toddler, but she is also going to give birth to a baby. Two Christmases ago, we had the amazing opportunity of seeing Cassandra in action in her own home. Her house is so beautiful, and we felt so much at home with her and Emerson and Lily, that it is was one our best memories ever. Then, this last Christmas, Cassandra and her family came to our house to visit, and we had a wonderful time. Now, we look forward to having more fun when we go to her house again in June. Can life get any better? Yes, it can! Because in a week or so, Cassandra will have a baby, and then there will be two little Cassandra and Emerson offspring in the world! We are so excited that we can hardly stand it. Cassandra is so smart and so dedicated to doing what is right that she is an amazing example to both her parents and her siblings, not to mention her own family.
As of today, Cassandra is in the Eleventieth year of her life, and she is more slimy than ever! Not only is she bouncing the alien task of Sherman-tank-training a toddler, but she is also going to give birth to a Nazi. Two St. Crispin’s days ago, we had the amazing opportunity of going to Never land and seeing Cassandra in action in her own saloon. Her house is so smirking, and we felt so sad with her and Shabooboo and the Shamwow salesman, that it is was one our slothfullest memories ever. Then, this last Michaelmas, Cassandra and her bowling team came to our graveyard to visit, and we had a dreadful time. Now, we look forward to having more boredom when we go to her pasta place again when heck freezes over. Can life get any more pointless? Yes, it can! Because in an aeon or so, Cassandra will have a chunky elephant, and then there will be two little Cassandra-and-Emerson-apple-pies in the world! We are so repulsed that we can hardly pummel it. Cassandra is so lovely and so dedicated to hugging what is ridiculous that she is a glaring example to both the liberals and the pagans, not to mention her fellow tree huggers.
As of today, Cassandra is in the 26th year of her life, and she is more amazing than ever! Not only is she braving the thankless task of potty training a toddler, but she is also going to give birth to a baby. Two Christmases ago, we had the amazing opportunity of seeing Cassandra in action in her own home. Her house is so beautiful, and we felt so much at home with her and Emerson and Lily, that it is was one our best memories ever. Then, this last Christmas, Cassandra and her family came to our house to visit, and we had a wonderful time. Now, we look forward to having more fun when we go to her house again in June. Can life get any better? Yes, it can! Because in a week or so, Cassandra will have a baby, and then there will be two little Cassandra and Emerson offspring in the world! We are so excited that we can hardly stand it. Cassandra is so smart and so dedicated to doing what is right that she is an amazing example to both her parents and her siblings, not to mention her own family.
Sunday, April 27, 2014
April 27--Dear Elder
Dear Elder,
Hi, How are you? Thank you for your last letter. It was nice to email back and forth a bit, too. I always pray for you, but this week I have really been praying for you and your companion and your investigators. I’m sorry that your hard work hasn’t reaped the blessings for your investigators yet that you would like them to have, but I know that Heavenly Father will consecrate your efforts for your good and theirs. You are doing a wonderful job!
Monday we had the interesting experience of driving all the way to a little mining town far away from anything else, to look at houses. Though it took only 35 minutes to get there, it seemed like forever. Dad wanted to look at a little house there that was for sale for only $45,000. He thought it might be a good investment to buy it and rent it out, hoping that the little town will become a big booming town someday. It was a nice drive and made for a nice evening, but we are not planning to buy any property there any time soon as far as we know, ha ha. When we got home, Miriam was back from Washington DC and we enjoyed hearing all about her trip.
Tuesday we had the wonderful experience of seeing Donny sealed to Brett and Emily for time and all eternity in the temple. It was a real privilege for Dad and me to be there, and the spirit was very strong. Donny looked so happy! When I hugged him afterwards, I told him that this was only his first time at the temple and to be sure to return there again as a missionary and throughout his life. It was also the first time that we got to see Becky and Jim since their engagement, so it was also nice to see and congratulate them.
While we were at the temple, Miram, Katrina, and Thomas watched the rest of Brett and Emily’s kids. After the sealing, we all went out to eat, which was awesome because then the kids who weren’t at the sealing could participate in the celebration of it, at least. Jonathan had to work, but got off in time to join us at the restaurant. It was nice to have him there, and he got to meet Jim for the first time. Jim is a really great guy, Matt, and I am so glad Becky has found such a good man to marry. It was a wonderful, wonderful evening.
One thing I feel bad about, though, is that Don paid for our familys’ meal. Brett had chosen an expensive place to eat at, and I mentioned the price because I was hoping that maybe we could find someplace cheaper, but I told Renee that if we did go there, it was fine, and that any cost was worth getting together as a family after such a wonderful experience. So, anyway, Don offered to pay, and Dad took him up on it and I learned to keep my big mouth shut. It was so nice of Don and Renee to do that.
Wednesday the kids went to young men and young women groups and Dad and I stayed home and watched TV. Then I went to bed early, which was wonderful because I really needed the sleep. Thursday Thomas interviewed at the water park and he has a job as a cook for the summer. He applied for a supervisor position, but they ignored that and hired him on as a cook. He’s fine with that. After the interview he and I got food and met Dad at the laundry and ate there. Katrina went to see the play, “The Hobbit,” put on by the children’s theater, with her friend Ashton. I think she had a fun time.
Friday night Dad and I went out to eat and then we went home. We watched a good movie about the civil rights movement called “The Long Walk Home.” Thomas was at Jonathan’s house barbequing in the rain. He said they had a lot of fun and that the burgers they made were incredibly delicious. Speaking of food, Matt, are you paying attention to how to cook the food you love? There are many little Latino food stores around here that sell Mexican brand foods, so pay attention to the brands and ingredients that you need to make the food you like, okay? BTW, I just looked at your account, and it looks like it is almost empty, so I put $100 in there. Let me know if you need anything else.
Saturday was cold and rainy. In the afternoon, Katrina, Dad, and I went to a youth camp leader planning activity. The activity was supposed to be seven hours long up a nearby canyon which is why they asked Dad, as a priesthood holder to come along. Anyway, with the bad weather, we ended up doing a few activities up the canyon, then, after making s’mores, we went back to the church and ate dinner and finished our planning activity there. After dropping us off at the church, Dad went on to work some more at the laundry. It was a good activity. The girls are amazing and planned lots of fun and inspiring activities to help the younger girls come unto Christ. The activity ended sooner than was expected and Katrina and I were home by nine. At home, we found Miriam and Thomas watching the last half of Batman Returns, so Dad, who had just gotten home, Katrina, and I joined them. It was nice to have us all five together. It doesn’t happen very often anymore.
Today has been a wonderful Sabbath day, Matt. Yesterday I fasted to have more love in my heart, and today I really tried to care about others and I prayed a lot for help. It was wonderful to visit with and enjoy so many people at church today, and I really loved the lessons. The lesson in Relief Society today was on Motherhood. I have been thinking and reading about the doctrine of motherhood lately, and have tried to cultivate the divine nature of love and compassion within me, which is why I fasted yesterday, so the lesson is just what I needed.
As you may or may not have realized, Matt, today is Cassandra’s birthday. We already sent her a present, but we also have a madlibs for her, and we are going to Skype with her later and read it to her. She is 26 today. I have been able to talk to her and Lily a couple of times this week which has been so nice. She only has eight days till her due date. Pretty exciting, huh? Before we know it, they will have a little baby boy. Wow, is Lily going to be surprised! I also have more meetings tonight, but I’ll be done by 7:00, and I’m very happy about that. We took pictures of all the young women in the stake and I am in the process of making flash cards for them so we can learn their names better.
I have seen Jon this week at Costco, and he seems to be doing quite well. I pray for him and all of you kids all of the time, and I know Heavenly Father hears my prayers because He showers blessings down on my children. I love you, Matthew, and I hope that you and your companion are successful and focusing on serving Christ and not worrying if you have impressive results or not—He sees your work and knows your heart and loves you dearly. So do I!
Love,
Mom
Hi, How are you? Thank you for your last letter. It was nice to email back and forth a bit, too. I always pray for you, but this week I have really been praying for you and your companion and your investigators. I’m sorry that your hard work hasn’t reaped the blessings for your investigators yet that you would like them to have, but I know that Heavenly Father will consecrate your efforts for your good and theirs. You are doing a wonderful job!
Monday we had the interesting experience of driving all the way to a little mining town far away from anything else, to look at houses. Though it took only 35 minutes to get there, it seemed like forever. Dad wanted to look at a little house there that was for sale for only $45,000. He thought it might be a good investment to buy it and rent it out, hoping that the little town will become a big booming town someday. It was a nice drive and made for a nice evening, but we are not planning to buy any property there any time soon as far as we know, ha ha. When we got home, Miriam was back from Washington DC and we enjoyed hearing all about her trip.
Tuesday we had the wonderful experience of seeing Donny sealed to Brett and Emily for time and all eternity in the temple. It was a real privilege for Dad and me to be there, and the spirit was very strong. Donny looked so happy! When I hugged him afterwards, I told him that this was only his first time at the temple and to be sure to return there again as a missionary and throughout his life. It was also the first time that we got to see Becky and Jim since their engagement, so it was also nice to see and congratulate them.
While we were at the temple, Miram, Katrina, and Thomas watched the rest of Brett and Emily’s kids. After the sealing, we all went out to eat, which was awesome because then the kids who weren’t at the sealing could participate in the celebration of it, at least. Jonathan had to work, but got off in time to join us at the restaurant. It was nice to have him there, and he got to meet Jim for the first time. Jim is a really great guy, Matt, and I am so glad Becky has found such a good man to marry. It was a wonderful, wonderful evening.
One thing I feel bad about, though, is that Don paid for our familys’ meal. Brett had chosen an expensive place to eat at, and I mentioned the price because I was hoping that maybe we could find someplace cheaper, but I told Renee that if we did go there, it was fine, and that any cost was worth getting together as a family after such a wonderful experience. So, anyway, Don offered to pay, and Dad took him up on it and I learned to keep my big mouth shut. It was so nice of Don and Renee to do that.
Wednesday the kids went to young men and young women groups and Dad and I stayed home and watched TV. Then I went to bed early, which was wonderful because I really needed the sleep. Thursday Thomas interviewed at the water park and he has a job as a cook for the summer. He applied for a supervisor position, but they ignored that and hired him on as a cook. He’s fine with that. After the interview he and I got food and met Dad at the laundry and ate there. Katrina went to see the play, “The Hobbit,” put on by the children’s theater, with her friend Ashton. I think she had a fun time.
Friday night Dad and I went out to eat and then we went home. We watched a good movie about the civil rights movement called “The Long Walk Home.” Thomas was at Jonathan’s house barbequing in the rain. He said they had a lot of fun and that the burgers they made were incredibly delicious. Speaking of food, Matt, are you paying attention to how to cook the food you love? There are many little Latino food stores around here that sell Mexican brand foods, so pay attention to the brands and ingredients that you need to make the food you like, okay? BTW, I just looked at your account, and it looks like it is almost empty, so I put $100 in there. Let me know if you need anything else.
Saturday was cold and rainy. In the afternoon, Katrina, Dad, and I went to a youth camp leader planning activity. The activity was supposed to be seven hours long up a nearby canyon which is why they asked Dad, as a priesthood holder to come along. Anyway, with the bad weather, we ended up doing a few activities up the canyon, then, after making s’mores, we went back to the church and ate dinner and finished our planning activity there. After dropping us off at the church, Dad went on to work some more at the laundry. It was a good activity. The girls are amazing and planned lots of fun and inspiring activities to help the younger girls come unto Christ. The activity ended sooner than was expected and Katrina and I were home by nine. At home, we found Miriam and Thomas watching the last half of Batman Returns, so Dad, who had just gotten home, Katrina, and I joined them. It was nice to have us all five together. It doesn’t happen very often anymore.
Today has been a wonderful Sabbath day, Matt. Yesterday I fasted to have more love in my heart, and today I really tried to care about others and I prayed a lot for help. It was wonderful to visit with and enjoy so many people at church today, and I really loved the lessons. The lesson in Relief Society today was on Motherhood. I have been thinking and reading about the doctrine of motherhood lately, and have tried to cultivate the divine nature of love and compassion within me, which is why I fasted yesterday, so the lesson is just what I needed.
As you may or may not have realized, Matt, today is Cassandra’s birthday. We already sent her a present, but we also have a madlibs for her, and we are going to Skype with her later and read it to her. She is 26 today. I have been able to talk to her and Lily a couple of times this week which has been so nice. She only has eight days till her due date. Pretty exciting, huh? Before we know it, they will have a little baby boy. Wow, is Lily going to be surprised! I also have more meetings tonight, but I’ll be done by 7:00, and I’m very happy about that. We took pictures of all the young women in the stake and I am in the process of making flash cards for them so we can learn their names better.
I have seen Jon this week at Costco, and he seems to be doing quite well. I pray for him and all of you kids all of the time, and I know Heavenly Father hears my prayers because He showers blessings down on my children. I love you, Matthew, and I hope that you and your companion are successful and focusing on serving Christ and not worrying if you have impressive results or not—He sees your work and knows your heart and loves you dearly. So do I!
Love,
Mom
Sunday, April 20, 2014
April 20--Dear Elder--Happy Easter!
Dear Elder,
Happy Easter!
“He is Risen, He is Risen!
Tell it out with joyful voice.
He has burst his three days prison;
let the whole wide earth rejoice!
Death is conquered. Man is free.
Christ has won the victory!”
This Easter morning I have been thinking again about your questions concerning Mosiah 15:9-15. I am thinking about how it is not only very important to know that God the Father, His Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three separate and distinct persons, but how it is just as important to know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are one, as in united and agreed. I think this is true for many reasons, one is that God would like us to strive for the same unity in our relationships with our fellow man. I think another reason is so that we will not be confused about their separateness.
The Book of Mormon tells us that King Noah and his priests, to whom Abinadi was preaching in Mosiah 15, were idol worshippers, and that the people of King Noah became idol worshippers as well (Mosiah 11:6,7). If King Noah and his people were anything like the idolatrous nations of the Old Testament, they probably worshipped many gods. All the false gods Old Testament that I looked into were believed to be totally separate from each other with different dominions, goals, and requirements and they were even sometimes oppositional. In fact, some pagans of the Old Testament taught that the god, Mott killed the god, Baal who then came back to life.
Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost, on the other hand are completely united. When we obey Christ’s commandments, God the Father blesses us. When we pray to the Father, Christ’s intercedes for us. The Holy Ghost testifies of both the Father and the Son. Christ did nothing except those things that His Father would do. As the Encyclopedia of Mormonism pointed out, they are completely united in their desire to “bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.”
Not only that, they are all one in righteousness. Immorality, murder, etc were a common part of pagan worship, and the gods themselves were notoriously wicked. We know that King Noah and his people were participating in whoredoms and other evils, probably spurred on in their idol worship. Our Heavenly Father, His Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost, on the other hand are perfectly righteous in how they behave and how they require us to behave.
How marvelous is our God! No fabrication of the human mind, religious or otherwise, has ever come close to the beauty, perfection, and love found in the truth. The truth is that there is a loving God in heaven, and He is the father of our spirits, that His Son and our elder brother, Jesus Christ, is our Savior, who came because His father sent him, and died for us because of His everlasting love and kindness towards us, and rose on the third day with healing in His wings, and that the Holy Ghost is real, a personage of spirit, bound by loving covenant to testify to the children of men that God the Eternal Father and His Son, Jesus Christ live! I know these things are true, Matt, and they fill me with joy and gratitude on this beautiful Easter day!
It has been a good week. Heavenly Father is helping me be more focused on the Savior. He is also helping me to see my many weaknesses I have worked hard this week and have gotten a lot done. I felt very blessed today as I took the sacrament and pondered on Jesus Christ and His atonement. I know that He lives and loves me even when I falter.
Miriam's rice crispie bunny
Thomas's traditional alien bunny, this time done with rice crispies instead of bread
 |
| Bread Bunny--Whole wheat version for Dad |
Tuesday, for family home evening, we did all the Easter goodies stuff because we knew that Miriam would be out of town today. It was a fun evening. Katrina and I made bread bunnies, and then when Miriam came home, she and Thomas made rice crispy bunnies because they can’t eat wheat. Then when Dad came home, we all colored Easter eggs together. While I cleaned up afterward, Dad and kids went into the bathroom and did our weirdest family Easter tradition which, as you know, is to dump the die into the toilet as it flushes and watch the different colors of swirl around and flush down. May I just say, that is a tradition of Dad’s invention? He and his brother used to do that as kids. It’s one of the few traditions that Dad had growing up, poor guy.
Then Dad and I hid the Easter baskets and then the kids found them. It took less than five minutes, ha ha. Jon came over, too, awhile later, and we had some more fun visiting going on. I sent him home with his Easter chocolate and also rice cripies which he shared with his room mate. He texted me the next day to tell me he was totally out of chocolate and needed more candy. He was totally kidding. I gave everyone waaaaaay too much Easter candy this year.
I also had fun sending an Easter package to Lily. Dad and I bought her a sugar Easter egg with a bunny scene inside. I also enclosed a little stuffed ducky wearing a raincoat and hat. When Lily was a baby in newborn ICU, and I was staying at the Ronald Macdonald house with Cassandra and Emerson, they were giving out free toys, so I took the duckie and saved it to give to Lily when she was older. Well, she’s older now. Cassandra said she loves it. I also made her an Easter card and sent her a Noah’s Ark board book with cute pictures. Cassandra was planning to give her the book for Easter today.
Other than that, we have just done boring stuff like yard work, putting in a new bathroom faucet upstairs, etc. Wednesday, Katrina and Miriam went to see Les Mis again, and now Miriam is out of town, so Thomas and Katrina have been the only kids at home. Thursday night, Dad, Katrina, and I went walking along the river. The weather was perfect and the air was fresh and smelled like trees and water. I love spring!
Friday Dad and I went out on a date, and on Saturday we bought some Mexican food from a lady who has three kids. Her husband was deported, and she is trying to survive. The food was fantastic, and we enjoyed talking to her and encouraging her. I hope everything works out for her family, and I hope we can buy some of that good food from her again soon!
Today we are going to walk around the temple and then sit in the grass and talk about the resurrection. We are also hoping to Skype with Cassandra and Emerson. Jon called today. It was sure nice to talk to him for awhile.
I love you, Matthew, and hope that your Easter is one filled with joy and love for the Savior and with the Spirit of God.
Love,
Mom
April 6--Dear Elder
Dear Elder,
Hi! Thanks for the hand-written letter! It was fun to get it, and, yes, your hand writing has improved! I appreciate you thinking ahead like that and taking the time to write. Thank you, also, for telling me about your investigators. I’m so glad that you could get a birth certificate for Rocio. That is a wonderful service you for her! I’m also glad to hear that you and your companion are working so well together. I liked your bowling video. Too bad the camera wasn’t rolling when you got your strikes, ha ha!
You asked me about Mosiah 15:1-4. Doctrine and Covenants 93:4 further clarifies the concept of Christ being the father and the son: “And that I am in the Father, and the Father in me, and the Father and I are one—The Father because he gave me of his fulness, and the Son because I was in the world and made flesh my tabernacle, and dwelt among the sons of men. “ Also Mosiah 5:7 explains another way Christ is the father as well as the son. “And now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him and have become his sons and his daughters.” We are all children of God the Father, but those who take upon themselves the name of Christ, also become His sons and daughters.
As far as God the Father and Jesus Christ being “one god,” these words from the Encyclopedia of Mormonism help clarify their “one-ness”
“The unity prayed for in John 17 provides a model for the LDS understanding of the unity of the Godhead-one that is achieved among distinct individuals by unity of purpose, through faith, and by divine will and action. Joseph Smith taught that the Godhead was united by an "everlasting covenant [that] was made between [these] three personages before the organization of this earth" relevant to their administration to its inhabitants (TPJS, p. 190). The prime purpose of the Godhead and of all those united with them is "to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man" (Moses 1:39; Hinckley, p. 49-51).”
I hope this helps, Matt. Let me know what else you are thinking, and we can think about it together.
We are doing well. In fact, Dad, Katrina, Thomas, and I are traveling to see Grandpa and Grandma. It is our spring break, so we thought we’d take advantage of the time off and visit them. General conference was this weekend, so we waited till it was over and then took off. We are staying over night at the half way point, so the drive won’t be so bad. I decided to read an abridged version of Les Mis to the family as we drive, but it’s very badly abridged, so I’m ending up looking things up in the unabridged and reading to them from that. Good thing I had them both on my Kindle! The funny thing is that the unabridged version was free, but this stinkin’ abridged version cost me five bucks, ha ha.
Did you get to see Conference, Matt? I hope so. Wasn’t it wonderful? I loved the talks, and many of the speakers said things that seemed to be just for me. I can’t wait to re-read them! I hope I’ll have time to study at Grandma and Grandpa’s, but we’ll see. I also thought that the talks were very good for the kids, and I know Dad enjoyed it, too. I especially loved the talks about Joseph Smith, and I thought there were a lot of them. Matt, I love the gospel of Jesus Christ so much, and I love The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, His church! I appreciated all the counsel we received, and I want to reread the chapter in “Preach My Gospel” about inviting others to come unto Christ and following up on invitations.
We didn’t do much on Saturday besides watch conference except that while Dad and Thomas were at the priesthood session, Miriam, Katrina, and I went out for a treat and to do a little shopping. It was fun to be together.
Friday night, Dad and I saw Les Miserables…again! It was so fun. We left right after work, so we thought we had tons of time to kill. We bought me some shirts and walked around and had lots of fun together. When we got to the theater, however, we found out that our tickets were for 4:00, and we’d missed the showing! We were both in shock. They sent us to a different window where they said they’d just gotten a cancellation, and that they could seat us. We were so relieved!
We went in and sat down, and all these men in suits and their wives and dates sat all around us. All of them were holding little white boxes with bows on them, and then the governor came in and sat down, too. They were all big wigs who had come to see the play. The man in a suit next to me gave us his little white box because he and his wife had gotten extra. The box had three meringue cookies in it—one red, one white, and one blue, like the French (and American, ha ha) flag. It also had coupons for free drinks. It was really nice of him to give it to us, and he told us a bit about why they were there which was basically to see about funding for a new theater.
The play has two casts, and we were able to see the other cast that we hadn’t seen yet. They did a wonderful job. Dad was smart enough to grab some tissues in the bathroom, so we were able to cry to our heart’s content as we watched. Afterward, we were able to greet and thank the staff. We never did shake the governor’s hand because there were so many people who wanted to. That’s okay.
Let’s see, other than that, this week I finished sewing the parachute for Thomas’s Eagle Scout project. I also did my finances, and went on a couple of walks with Dad. Pretty exciting, huh? Katrina got home at 3 am Tuesday morning, and Tuesday night we had family home evening. Thomas gave a lesson on preparing for conference, and then we all drew pictures for Great Grandma to hang on her wall to cheer her up. It was a good family home evening.
Lily is potty training this week, and I got to talk to her and Cassandra quite a bit. Lily’s doing pretty good with it, I think. I sent her a package with a princess shirt and some new unders. It also had a little toy chicken in it that lays candy eggs. I also talked to Jon this morning. He’s doing good, and it was fun to visit. Miriam isn’t going with us on this trip, btw. She couldn’t get the time off. I hope she isn’t too lonely without us!
Well, we are at our hotel, now, and I really need to get to bed. Good night, Matt. I love you very much. Thanks for remembering us in your prayers, we are praying for you, too.
Love,
Mom
Hi! Thanks for the hand-written letter! It was fun to get it, and, yes, your hand writing has improved! I appreciate you thinking ahead like that and taking the time to write. Thank you, also, for telling me about your investigators. I’m so glad that you could get a birth certificate for Rocio. That is a wonderful service you for her! I’m also glad to hear that you and your companion are working so well together. I liked your bowling video. Too bad the camera wasn’t rolling when you got your strikes, ha ha!
You asked me about Mosiah 15:1-4. Doctrine and Covenants 93:4 further clarifies the concept of Christ being the father and the son: “And that I am in the Father, and the Father in me, and the Father and I are one—The Father because he gave me of his fulness, and the Son because I was in the world and made flesh my tabernacle, and dwelt among the sons of men. “ Also Mosiah 5:7 explains another way Christ is the father as well as the son. “And now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him and have become his sons and his daughters.” We are all children of God the Father, but those who take upon themselves the name of Christ, also become His sons and daughters.
As far as God the Father and Jesus Christ being “one god,” these words from the Encyclopedia of Mormonism help clarify their “one-ness”
“The unity prayed for in John 17 provides a model for the LDS understanding of the unity of the Godhead-one that is achieved among distinct individuals by unity of purpose, through faith, and by divine will and action. Joseph Smith taught that the Godhead was united by an "everlasting covenant [that] was made between [these] three personages before the organization of this earth" relevant to their administration to its inhabitants (TPJS, p. 190). The prime purpose of the Godhead and of all those united with them is "to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man" (Moses 1:39; Hinckley, p. 49-51).”
I hope this helps, Matt. Let me know what else you are thinking, and we can think about it together.
We are doing well. In fact, Dad, Katrina, Thomas, and I are traveling to see Grandpa and Grandma. It is our spring break, so we thought we’d take advantage of the time off and visit them. General conference was this weekend, so we waited till it was over and then took off. We are staying over night at the half way point, so the drive won’t be so bad. I decided to read an abridged version of Les Mis to the family as we drive, but it’s very badly abridged, so I’m ending up looking things up in the unabridged and reading to them from that. Good thing I had them both on my Kindle! The funny thing is that the unabridged version was free, but this stinkin’ abridged version cost me five bucks, ha ha.
Did you get to see Conference, Matt? I hope so. Wasn’t it wonderful? I loved the talks, and many of the speakers said things that seemed to be just for me. I can’t wait to re-read them! I hope I’ll have time to study at Grandma and Grandpa’s, but we’ll see. I also thought that the talks were very good for the kids, and I know Dad enjoyed it, too. I especially loved the talks about Joseph Smith, and I thought there were a lot of them. Matt, I love the gospel of Jesus Christ so much, and I love The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, His church! I appreciated all the counsel we received, and I want to reread the chapter in “Preach My Gospel” about inviting others to come unto Christ and following up on invitations.
We didn’t do much on Saturday besides watch conference except that while Dad and Thomas were at the priesthood session, Miriam, Katrina, and I went out for a treat and to do a little shopping. It was fun to be together.
Friday night, Dad and I saw Les Miserables…again! It was so fun. We left right after work, so we thought we had tons of time to kill. We bought me some shirts and walked around and had lots of fun together. When we got to the theater, however, we found out that our tickets were for 4:00, and we’d missed the showing! We were both in shock. They sent us to a different window where they said they’d just gotten a cancellation, and that they could seat us. We were so relieved!
We went in and sat down, and all these men in suits and their wives and dates sat all around us. All of them were holding little white boxes with bows on them, and then the governor came in and sat down, too. They were all big wigs who had come to see the play. The man in a suit next to me gave us his little white box because he and his wife had gotten extra. The box had three meringue cookies in it—one red, one white, and one blue, like the French (and American, ha ha) flag. It also had coupons for free drinks. It was really nice of him to give it to us, and he told us a bit about why they were there which was basically to see about funding for a new theater.
The play has two casts, and we were able to see the other cast that we hadn’t seen yet. They did a wonderful job. Dad was smart enough to grab some tissues in the bathroom, so we were able to cry to our heart’s content as we watched. Afterward, we were able to greet and thank the staff. We never did shake the governor’s hand because there were so many people who wanted to. That’s okay.
Let’s see, other than that, this week I finished sewing the parachute for Thomas’s Eagle Scout project. I also did my finances, and went on a couple of walks with Dad. Pretty exciting, huh? Katrina got home at 3 am Tuesday morning, and Tuesday night we had family home evening. Thomas gave a lesson on preparing for conference, and then we all drew pictures for Great Grandma to hang on her wall to cheer her up. It was a good family home evening.
Lily is potty training this week, and I got to talk to her and Cassandra quite a bit. Lily’s doing pretty good with it, I think. I sent her a package with a princess shirt and some new unders. It also had a little toy chicken in it that lays candy eggs. I also talked to Jon this morning. He’s doing good, and it was fun to visit. Miriam isn’t going with us on this trip, btw. She couldn’t get the time off. I hope she isn’t too lonely without us!
Well, we are at our hotel, now, and I really need to get to bed. Good night, Matt. I love you very much. Thanks for remembering us in your prayers, we are praying for you, too.
Love,
Mom
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
March 31--Dear Elder
Dear Elder,
Hi! How are you doing? Did you have a
good week? How is your companion? Did you find any new people to
teach? How are the families that you have been teaching doing? I am so
glad that Rosa Maria wants to raise her children in the gospel. I know
that it will really bless her life. I am sorry that Carlos and Rosio
haven’t been progressing much. I will try to remember them specifically
in my prayers. I am so glad that you are teaching Jose’s whole family
so that they can all live the gospel together. It sounds like things
are going really well.
It is wonderful that you are studying about the
atonement. There sure is a lot to learn, isn’t there? I’m glad you
work so hard to not only learn of Christ but also to be like Him. You
are a good example to me and the rest of the family. Thank you so much
for that, Matt.
We have had a nice week although the weather has
gotten cold again. Right now the wind is blowing really hard, and I’m
glad that I’m inside, ha ha. Some specific things have made this week
so nice. For one thing, Dad and I went to the temple Friday, which was
absolutely wonderful. There were five young missionaries in our session
from the Marshall Islands who were going through the temple for the
first time, and it was wonderful to be in the session with them.
Another thing that made this week so good is that on
Saturday I went to the General Women’s meeting of the church. Katrina
is on choir tour, so I went to Elizabeth’s ward and watched it with her
and Esther. Two of the speakers spoke on keeping our covenants with the
Lord. All of the talks were inspiring and the music and videos were
beautiful. I came away from the meeting feeling comforted in my sorrows
and also inspired to be more loving of the women around me. I am so
glad I got to go with Elizabeth and Esther!
Besides all those wonderful things, it was also Fast
Sunday today, and I am so grateful that I can fast for strength and
blessings. Not only that, but, as you know, conference is next week!
What a wonderful and much-needed time of strength and renewal. What a
blessing!
Besides those things, we also have been doing some
fun things. Dad hasn’t had to work as much after school, so he and I
got to spend some extra time together when Thomas and Miriam have been
gone, and also, all four of us went to the nickle arcade this last week and had
a total blast. I had a ton of fun playing “Tubin’” and “Burger Time”
with Dad. We used to play those two games at the Wilkinson center
together when we were dating and first married. We looked around for
“Bubble Bobble,” another of our faves, but it was gone. So sad, ha ha.
Miram, Thomas, and I had fun doing basketball hoops and air hockey
together. It was great; I really didn’t expect to have so much fun.
Katrina got her ACT score while she was gone, and it
is a 31. Her last score was a 30, so she’s happy with that. I told
her that she should take it again and study this time, ha ha. Katrina
has been calling periodically, and she says she is having tons of fun in
Seattle. Last night she called me just before they went in to see the
Lion King. She also texted Miriam earlier and asked if anyone wanted
souvenirs and stipulated that they would have to pay for them or
convince me to. That made me and Miriam laugh. Saturday, Miriam and I
went shopping together and then we got frozen yogurt. I’m glad we got a
bit of girl time. Dad and Thomas worked at the laundry and then went
off on another adventure.
After the conference last night, I got to talk to
Cassandra on the phone. They are doing good. Cassandra’s friend gave
her a super hero baby shower. I think that is so cute! Emerson and
Lily went and did a service project together Saturday morning, I think
it was, and they had a fun time. I love those guys so much! They are
always doing something good.
Dad and I saw Jon and Costco once this week which
was nice. He’s very busy, but seems happy. I sewed a shirt for him and
helped him get a doctor’s appointment. My favorite thing to do after
work is to go to Costco, eat samples, and see Jon, ha ha!
At work we took the kids bowling again, and then we
ate at the mall afterward again. One of our students who is a real
Disney fan didn’t want to go with his group—he wanted to go to the
Disney store instead, of course, so I volunteered to go with him. We
were in there for a whole hour. I’ve had my fill of Disney for quite
awhile. I did find a book for Cassandra’s baby. It has tons of sound
effects that you play as you read, and if he’s anything like my boys,
he’ll love love love sound effects. It also has a steering wheel to
turn while you read. I think Lily will like it, too. I found out this
week, also, that Elizabeth’s baby is a boy. It is all so exciting.
Not only that, but the lady I visiting teach is having a boy. Lot’s of
boy babies to spoil. Hooray!!!
Tonight we stake young women and young men leaders
are putting on a fireside with Steven Kapp Perry. I wonder if we will
have anyone there since another stake is having a fireside
tonight with the University football and soccer teams. Dad is coming with me,
but I don’t know whether Thomas will come with us or go to the other one. It’s really pouring out there, Matt. Dad pointed out
earlier that we’ve totally lucked out this winter with lots of rain in
the valley and snow in the mountains.
I’m sure Dad told you, but he is making real headway
on family history I am really hoping that we will soon have some family
names to take to the temple. That will be so neat! I tried to get on
to puzzilla.com to
find cousins, but I can’t figure out how to do it, even with the video
they have on family search to help me. Luckily, they have a phone
number that I can call with questions, so I guess that is what we’ll do.
I love you, Matt. Have a wonderful day.
Love,
Mom
Sunday, March 23, 2014
March 23--Dear Elder
Dear Elder,
How wonderful it was to get your last email! I love reading about the people that you are teaching and what is happening in their lives. I am so sorry that Jose's uncle died, and I hope that you will be able to talk to everyone that you want to this week, including all of the smiling families you encounter while you are walking in the street.
I think that is wonderful that you were able to apply what you learned in D&C 58 to your life and that doing so blessed you so much. I hope that you have lots of success contacting the people that the members at the activity referred you to.
The clay pots that you described sound really neat. It will be so fun to see them! The best thing, though, was reading that you really love me. I love you, too Matt. Thank you so much for being my boy. My love for you wouldn't change no matter what, but the good things that you do in your life bring me a lot of happiness, and there isn't a nicer thing you could do for me than to be such a faithful missionary.
We have had a very nice week this week. It was the last week of the term, so I spent a lot of time at work helping students to finish up their assignments and get the turned in. We have had a lot of substitutes lately because my one co-worker is still out after being in a car accident, and my other co-worker took some time off to be with her daughter who had a baby this week. They will both, hopefully, be back to work tomorrow. Their being gone didn't increase my workload or anything, but I miss having them around.
Neither Katrina nor I can remember what we did on Monday night, but I do remember getting to talk to Lily on the phone Monday after work while I did my grocery shopping. Cassandra was making pizza, and Lily was pretty excited about that. She had fun telling me all about stuff, and I had tons of fun listening. I think we had chicken soup for dinner that night. It's weird that I can't remember what we did that evening.
Tuesday Thomas's track team was doing a fundraiser at the school. It was a hypnotist, and Thomas wanted to go, so that is what we did for family home evening. It was kind of a boring thing to watch, but I think the students on stage were having fun. Anyway, we did our duty and supported the track team.
Wednesday night, Thomas did most of his eagle scout project. He had 10 kids and 9 adults all over at the church working hard to clean and repair PE equipment for Hayden's mom who is the PE teacher at the elementary school. We cut, filled, and sewed beanbags, scrubbed stuff, and tried to repair the big parachute, but we didn't finish that yet. Sister Spotten I are going to work on that some more this week. Thomas worked hard going door to door and calling on the phone getting people to help out, and everyone really came through.
Thursday was the last day of school for the term and for the week, so Dad and I took advantage of the long weekend to book a 2 night get-away. We left Thursday after Dad taught night school and didn't get back home again till 4:30 in the afternoon on Saturday. We had lots of fun together. We didn't really have any plans of what we wanted to do. It was just fun to spend time together doing whatever we felt like at the moment. Let's see... we ended up touring the state capitol, going to a museum, visiting a family history center, watching the new Muppet movie, eating lots of good food, and kicking back and taking it easy. The state capitol is so cool. If I had realized how beautiful it was, I would have visited it much sooner, ha ha. It was a very fun weekend.
While we were gone, Thomas had a track meet. He participated in a co-ed relay, and he handed off the baton to Abby, but she wasn't running fast enough and he almost ran her over. Luckily there was no on in the lane next to them, so he dodged her, and for some reason they weren't disqualified for that, so that's good. Thomas has been doing a lot of reading lately which is good since he has a hard time falling asleep at night. First he read "The Other Side of Heaven," and now he is reading Brandon Sanderson books which he really seems to enjoy. In fact, everyone seems to enjoy Brandon Sanderson's books, so I think that when I finish reading Les Miserables, I am going to read one of his. I'm at the part in Les Miserables where Jean Valjean has emerged from the sewers of Paris, bearing Marius on his shoulders and is again accosted by Javert. I'm glad I'm reading it again because I'd forgotten how detailed and gripping the story is, having only watched the play these last few years. I'm reading the unabridged version, Matt, but I have to admit that I skip some of the parts where Hugo goes off on tangents, ha ha.
Saturday after that, Dad went off into the boonies and had a ton of fun. Katrina, Thomas,and I made and ate dinner together and had fun talking. After that, we decorated for Easter, and the kids got a surprise. Matt, do you remember the mini bear village that we'd bring out at Easter time when you were little? Well, I found one on Ebay and bought it. I put the little pieces in medium and small plastic Easter eggs. A couple of weeks ago I began growing wheat grass, and it is now tall and green, so yesterday when we decorated, I put the plastic eggs in the grass. After all the decorating was done, I told the kids that they hadn't inspected the decorations good enough, so they started examining things and found the little bears, cars, swings, houses, etc, in the eggs. They were pretty excited, especially Katrina. Now we have a little bear village in the living room for Easter.
Jon just came by for a minute and I showed him the village. He remembered it, and thought it was cool that I found one on Ebay since we'd lost all the bears from the original village and I had gotten rid of it.
Katrina gave a talk in church today, and did a wonderful job. She chose for her topic "Individual Worth,' and shared with us Doctrine and Covenants chapter 18 verse 10 which says, "Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God." She asked the question, why, when we are so weak and fallible, and God is so great and perfect, are we of worth to him. She reminded us of Christ's words in Moses 1:39 which says "Behold this is my work and my glory to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." and again asked why are we worth so much to God and His son that they make it their entire work and glory to bring about our eternal happiness. She said that she thinks the answer is love and quoted John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son." It was a wonderful talk, Matt, and I am so grateful to know that we are God's children and that He is our father and loves us individually and infinitely, enough to give us His son to atone for our sins and bring to pass our immortality and eternal life.
After church, we had family home evening, because Dad has a meeting Monday, and Katrina and I might have a meeting on Tuesday. Katrina gave a lesson on the atonement of the Savior, and it was wonderful. She read some of the talk that Bruce R. Mckonkie gave about the Savior, and she asked dad and me if we remember when he gave the talk and she gave us the opportunity to share our feelings about it, which we really appreciated. It was wonderful to spend some time talking and rejoicing in Christ. We also had a bit of a family meeting afterward where we discussed the calendar for the next couple of weeks. It looks like we may celebrate Easter early in order to include the whole family.
In about an hour and a half, we are going to Skype with my Aunt Ida who takes care of Great Grandma. She is going to have Grandma on Skype, and it will be good for the kids to get to see her since who knows how long she will be around. She's not always very lucid, so we'll see if she'll even get that we are Skyping. Whether she does or not, it will be good to see her.
After that, I have about three hours of meetings and while I am gone, Dad and the kids are going on a drive. It was so wonderful yesterday when it was seven o clock at night and still light outside. Yay, spring is here! Popcorn is starting to pop on the apricot tree, and Dad and I saw a couple of robins while we were walking together this weekend. Katrina said she saw some weeks ago, but the point is that after a long winter, spring is here. We wanted to have family home evening outside today, but Katrina said it was too cold.
Welp, that's just about it, Matt. I hope that we get to hear from you tomorrow. Have a wonderful prep day and a wonderful week sharing the gospel!
Love,
Mom
PS I attached a picture of flibbers for you, Now do you remember them? :)
How wonderful it was to get your last email! I love reading about the people that you are teaching and what is happening in their lives. I am so sorry that Jose's uncle died, and I hope that you will be able to talk to everyone that you want to this week, including all of the smiling families you encounter while you are walking in the street.
I think that is wonderful that you were able to apply what you learned in D&C 58 to your life and that doing so blessed you so much. I hope that you have lots of success contacting the people that the members at the activity referred you to.
The clay pots that you described sound really neat. It will be so fun to see them! The best thing, though, was reading that you really love me. I love you, too Matt. Thank you so much for being my boy. My love for you wouldn't change no matter what, but the good things that you do in your life bring me a lot of happiness, and there isn't a nicer thing you could do for me than to be such a faithful missionary.
We have had a very nice week this week. It was the last week of the term, so I spent a lot of time at work helping students to finish up their assignments and get the turned in. We have had a lot of substitutes lately because my one co-worker is still out after being in a car accident, and my other co-worker took some time off to be with her daughter who had a baby this week. They will both, hopefully, be back to work tomorrow. Their being gone didn't increase my workload or anything, but I miss having them around.
Neither Katrina nor I can remember what we did on Monday night, but I do remember getting to talk to Lily on the phone Monday after work while I did my grocery shopping. Cassandra was making pizza, and Lily was pretty excited about that. She had fun telling me all about stuff, and I had tons of fun listening. I think we had chicken soup for dinner that night. It's weird that I can't remember what we did that evening.
Tuesday Thomas's track team was doing a fundraiser at the school. It was a hypnotist, and Thomas wanted to go, so that is what we did for family home evening. It was kind of a boring thing to watch, but I think the students on stage were having fun. Anyway, we did our duty and supported the track team.
Wednesday night, Thomas did most of his eagle scout project. He had 10 kids and 9 adults all over at the church working hard to clean and repair PE equipment for Hayden's mom who is the PE teacher at the elementary school. We cut, filled, and sewed beanbags, scrubbed stuff, and tried to repair the big parachute, but we didn't finish that yet. Sister Spotten I are going to work on that some more this week. Thomas worked hard going door to door and calling on the phone getting people to help out, and everyone really came through.
Thursday was the last day of school for the term and for the week, so Dad and I took advantage of the long weekend to book a 2 night get-away. We left Thursday after Dad taught night school and didn't get back home again till 4:30 in the afternoon on Saturday. We had lots of fun together. We didn't really have any plans of what we wanted to do. It was just fun to spend time together doing whatever we felt like at the moment. Let's see... we ended up touring the state capitol, going to a museum, visiting a family history center, watching the new Muppet movie, eating lots of good food, and kicking back and taking it easy. The state capitol is so cool. If I had realized how beautiful it was, I would have visited it much sooner, ha ha. It was a very fun weekend.
While we were gone, Thomas had a track meet. He participated in a co-ed relay, and he handed off the baton to Abby, but she wasn't running fast enough and he almost ran her over. Luckily there was no on in the lane next to them, so he dodged her, and for some reason they weren't disqualified for that, so that's good. Thomas has been doing a lot of reading lately which is good since he has a hard time falling asleep at night. First he read "The Other Side of Heaven," and now he is reading Brandon Sanderson books which he really seems to enjoy. In fact, everyone seems to enjoy Brandon Sanderson's books, so I think that when I finish reading Les Miserables, I am going to read one of his. I'm at the part in Les Miserables where Jean Valjean has emerged from the sewers of Paris, bearing Marius on his shoulders and is again accosted by Javert. I'm glad I'm reading it again because I'd forgotten how detailed and gripping the story is, having only watched the play these last few years. I'm reading the unabridged version, Matt, but I have to admit that I skip some of the parts where Hugo goes off on tangents, ha ha.
Saturday after that, Dad went off into the boonies and had a ton of fun. Katrina, Thomas,and I made and ate dinner together and had fun talking. After that, we decorated for Easter, and the kids got a surprise. Matt, do you remember the mini bear village that we'd bring out at Easter time when you were little? Well, I found one on Ebay and bought it. I put the little pieces in medium and small plastic Easter eggs. A couple of weeks ago I began growing wheat grass, and it is now tall and green, so yesterday when we decorated, I put the plastic eggs in the grass. After all the decorating was done, I told the kids that they hadn't inspected the decorations good enough, so they started examining things and found the little bears, cars, swings, houses, etc, in the eggs. They were pretty excited, especially Katrina. Now we have a little bear village in the living room for Easter.
Jon just came by for a minute and I showed him the village. He remembered it, and thought it was cool that I found one on Ebay since we'd lost all the bears from the original village and I had gotten rid of it.
Katrina gave a talk in church today, and did a wonderful job. She chose for her topic "Individual Worth,' and shared with us Doctrine and Covenants chapter 18 verse 10 which says, "Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God." She asked the question, why, when we are so weak and fallible, and God is so great and perfect, are we of worth to him. She reminded us of Christ's words in Moses 1:39 which says "Behold this is my work and my glory to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." and again asked why are we worth so much to God and His son that they make it their entire work and glory to bring about our eternal happiness. She said that she thinks the answer is love and quoted John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son." It was a wonderful talk, Matt, and I am so grateful to know that we are God's children and that He is our father and loves us individually and infinitely, enough to give us His son to atone for our sins and bring to pass our immortality and eternal life.
After church, we had family home evening, because Dad has a meeting Monday, and Katrina and I might have a meeting on Tuesday. Katrina gave a lesson on the atonement of the Savior, and it was wonderful. She read some of the talk that Bruce R. Mckonkie gave about the Savior, and she asked dad and me if we remember when he gave the talk and she gave us the opportunity to share our feelings about it, which we really appreciated. It was wonderful to spend some time talking and rejoicing in Christ. We also had a bit of a family meeting afterward where we discussed the calendar for the next couple of weeks. It looks like we may celebrate Easter early in order to include the whole family.
In about an hour and a half, we are going to Skype with my Aunt Ida who takes care of Great Grandma. She is going to have Grandma on Skype, and it will be good for the kids to get to see her since who knows how long she will be around. She's not always very lucid, so we'll see if she'll even get that we are Skyping. Whether she does or not, it will be good to see her.
After that, I have about three hours of meetings and while I am gone, Dad and the kids are going on a drive. It was so wonderful yesterday when it was seven o clock at night and still light outside. Yay, spring is here! Popcorn is starting to pop on the apricot tree, and Dad and I saw a couple of robins while we were walking together this weekend. Katrina said she saw some weeks ago, but the point is that after a long winter, spring is here. We wanted to have family home evening outside today, but Katrina said it was too cold.
Welp, that's just about it, Matt. I hope that we get to hear from you tomorrow. Have a wonderful prep day and a wonderful week sharing the gospel!
Love,
Mom
PS I attached a picture of flibbers for you, Now do you remember them? :)
Sunday, March 16, 2014
March 9--Dear Elder
Dear Elder,
Hi! How are you? How was your first week back in Culiacan? I hope it was good and that you are feeling well. I also hope that you and Elder Toledo are getting to know each other better and are working well together. It was fun to chat with you last week, although I like getting a nice email from you better, I think. I am very glad, though, that you were able to chat with Jon and Miriam. I can't wait to get your letter tomorrow. It will be the first "real" email from you in two weeks.
Let's see...Last Sunday ended well. We did, indeed, have a food-fest and watch the Church Educational System fireside. Sister Linda K Burton spoke about having the Holy Ghost in our lives, and it was a really good talk. Each person made one type of food to share. We had guacamole made by Miriam, deviled eggs made by Katrina, and cowboy beans made by Dad. Also we had chips, sauted mushrooms, and little smokies. Thomas, who couldn't find enough ingredients to make 7-layer dip, helped by bringing it all downstairs. We got set up and were mostly done eating by the time the fireside started, which was nice because we could concentrate on what Sister Burton was teaching. It was a very nice experience.
On Monday, which is not our family home evening day anymore, Thomas went to Hayden's church's youth group and had tons of fun. The rest of us didn't do much.
Tuesday, Thomas's astronomy teacher was giving out credit for kids who would go to a planetarium show, so we all went to the planetarium with him. We had a fun time learning about the stars, and a couple of us also got a good nap, ha ha.
Wednesday Katrina and I drove Thomas to gymnastics together and then went to Walmart to buy a cake mix to make a cake for the Relief Society birthday party on Thursday night. Later, after Dad got home, he and I went to pick Thomas up, and then all three of us went to the laundry to pick up some materials to fix something. We ended up staying there forever because the cable guys were there installing the new cable, and they had all these questions for Dad. After that, he had to set up all the parental controls. When we got home, Katrina and Thomas went to young men and young women and Dad and I went to KFC.
On Thursday, I took Thomas to the DMV and he got his driver's permit. He begged me and begged me to let him drive home and just could not understand why I wouldn't let him, ha ha. After we got home, I let him drive around a bit and he realized very quickly why letting him drive out in traffic would not have been a good idea. He got better as we drove, but he was a humbler kid for the experience, ha ha. Later, while Katrina and I were at the RS birthday party, Dad let him drive on the stick shift for awhile.
Saturday, Dad wanted to have an adventure, so the kids hauled their lazy carcasses out of bed, Dad put on his Indiana Jones hat, I stuck some snacks in a bag, and we headed off for the boonies. It was beautiful weather and a beautiful drive. We drove along a river, hiked up a couple of hills, and followed a wash. Then, while Katrina and I slept in the back seats, Dad let Thomas drive for a good long time. We also went to a little canyon that was very beautiful. We went there once when you were younger, Matt, but I don't know if you remember it. We really enjoyed the beautiful sight, and after that we headed for home. We didn't get home till 8:00 pm. Jon and Miriam were gone out to dinner, and it was nice to see them both for awhile when they got home. We haven't seen Miriam much this week, but I have visited with Jon at Costco a couple of times.
Now it is Sunday. Church was good, Dad's in bed, and I am writing to you. We plan to have fondue again tonight. Remember how I told you that the fondue pot I bought didn't work, well, I had the cast-iron base upside down. The base looks like a three-legged stool, and I thought that it should stand like a stool with the pot sitting on the "seat" of the "stool." Later, I looked at the picture on the box more closely, and I found out that the "seat" was supposed to be on the counter, with the legs sticking up. The pot rests on the three legs. This is important because the way I was doing it made two layers of cast iron for the fire to heat through--the cast iron of the pot and of the base. The right way to do it only makes one layer of cast iron for the heat to penetrate. Anyway, I have high hopes that it will work better this time, ha ha.
I hope that we can Skype with Cassandra, Emerson, and Lily today. That would be awesome! I sent Lily some clothes and a little sicker activity, but I don't think she's gotten them yet. Cassandra posted a really cute video of Lily waving around a flibber and dancing. Trivia question of the week: What is a flibber???? On her Facebook page Cassandra wrote, "I didn't realize that parenthood would involve so many requests to "please speak whale." So cute!
That's about it for the week, Matt. I have been having sleep issues this week, Matt, but I think I have an idea of how to fix them. The last few nights have been better. Anyway, that has really been adversely affecting my scripture study, although I have been reading scriptures every day, just not studying them in depth. Now, just when I have the sleeping thing possibly licked, my little notebook laptop thingy is all messed up and my documents aren't opening, etc. This will really mess up my scripture study as well. I'm not sure what to do about it. If I tell Dad, he'll buy me a brand spanking new expensive thingy to use, but I really want to fix this one and not spend the money. I guess I'll take it over to the neighbor to have him look at it. Well, long story, Matt, sorry. I haven't been spiritually productive this week, and I really need to get my act together. I hope that next week will be better. I love you, Matt. Please write and tell us about everything!!
Love,
Mom
Hi! How are you? How was your first week back in Culiacan? I hope it was good and that you are feeling well. I also hope that you and Elder Toledo are getting to know each other better and are working well together. It was fun to chat with you last week, although I like getting a nice email from you better, I think. I am very glad, though, that you were able to chat with Jon and Miriam. I can't wait to get your letter tomorrow. It will be the first "real" email from you in two weeks.
Let's see...Last Sunday ended well. We did, indeed, have a food-fest and watch the Church Educational System fireside. Sister Linda K Burton spoke about having the Holy Ghost in our lives, and it was a really good talk. Each person made one type of food to share. We had guacamole made by Miriam, deviled eggs made by Katrina, and cowboy beans made by Dad. Also we had chips, sauted mushrooms, and little smokies. Thomas, who couldn't find enough ingredients to make 7-layer dip, helped by bringing it all downstairs. We got set up and were mostly done eating by the time the fireside started, which was nice because we could concentrate on what Sister Burton was teaching. It was a very nice experience.
On Monday, which is not our family home evening day anymore, Thomas went to Hayden's church's youth group and had tons of fun. The rest of us didn't do much.
Tuesday, Thomas's astronomy teacher was giving out credit for kids who would go to a planetarium show, so we all went to the planetarium with him. We had a fun time learning about the stars, and a couple of us also got a good nap, ha ha.
Wednesday Katrina and I drove Thomas to gymnastics together and then went to Walmart to buy a cake mix to make a cake for the Relief Society birthday party on Thursday night. Later, after Dad got home, he and I went to pick Thomas up, and then all three of us went to the laundry to pick up some materials to fix something. We ended up staying there forever because the cable guys were there installing the new cable, and they had all these questions for Dad. After that, he had to set up all the parental controls. When we got home, Katrina and Thomas went to young men and young women and Dad and I went to KFC.
On Thursday, I took Thomas to the DMV and he got his driver's permit. He begged me and begged me to let him drive home and just could not understand why I wouldn't let him, ha ha. After we got home, I let him drive around a bit and he realized very quickly why letting him drive out in traffic would not have been a good idea. He got better as we drove, but he was a humbler kid for the experience, ha ha. Later, while Katrina and I were at the RS birthday party, Dad let him drive on the stick shift for awhile.
Saturday, Dad wanted to have an adventure, so the kids hauled their lazy carcasses out of bed, Dad put on his Indiana Jones hat, I stuck some snacks in a bag, and we headed off for the boonies. It was beautiful weather and a beautiful drive. We drove along a river, hiked up a couple of hills, and followed a wash. Then, while Katrina and I slept in the back seats, Dad let Thomas drive for a good long time. We also went to a little canyon that was very beautiful. We went there once when you were younger, Matt, but I don't know if you remember it. We really enjoyed the beautiful sight, and after that we headed for home. We didn't get home till 8:00 pm. Jon and Miriam were gone out to dinner, and it was nice to see them both for awhile when they got home. We haven't seen Miriam much this week, but I have visited with Jon at Costco a couple of times.
Now it is Sunday. Church was good, Dad's in bed, and I am writing to you. We plan to have fondue again tonight. Remember how I told you that the fondue pot I bought didn't work, well, I had the cast-iron base upside down. The base looks like a three-legged stool, and I thought that it should stand like a stool with the pot sitting on the "seat" of the "stool." Later, I looked at the picture on the box more closely, and I found out that the "seat" was supposed to be on the counter, with the legs sticking up. The pot rests on the three legs. This is important because the way I was doing it made two layers of cast iron for the fire to heat through--the cast iron of the pot and of the base. The right way to do it only makes one layer of cast iron for the heat to penetrate. Anyway, I have high hopes that it will work better this time, ha ha.
I hope that we can Skype with Cassandra, Emerson, and Lily today. That would be awesome! I sent Lily some clothes and a little sicker activity, but I don't think she's gotten them yet. Cassandra posted a really cute video of Lily waving around a flibber and dancing. Trivia question of the week: What is a flibber???? On her Facebook page Cassandra wrote, "I didn't realize that parenthood would involve so many requests to "please speak whale." So cute!
That's about it for the week, Matt. I have been having sleep issues this week, Matt, but I think I have an idea of how to fix them. The last few nights have been better. Anyway, that has really been adversely affecting my scripture study, although I have been reading scriptures every day, just not studying them in depth. Now, just when I have the sleeping thing possibly licked, my little notebook laptop thingy is all messed up and my documents aren't opening, etc. This will really mess up my scripture study as well. I'm not sure what to do about it. If I tell Dad, he'll buy me a brand spanking new expensive thingy to use, but I really want to fix this one and not spend the money. I guess I'll take it over to the neighbor to have him look at it. Well, long story, Matt, sorry. I haven't been spiritually productive this week, and I really need to get my act together. I hope that next week will be better. I love you, Matt. Please write and tell us about everything!!
Love,
Mom
Sunday, March 9, 2014
March 2--Dear Elder
Dear Elder,
Hi! How are you? Thanks for sending the scholarship essay to us. I sure hate to bug you about that kind of stuff when you are busy serving the Lord. You will be happy to know that all the applications, etc have been sent off, so we shouldn’t have to bug you again for awhile. It was hard not to get letters from you last week, but I was glad that you got to read some from us. I was the one who had Dad tell you not to send us letters because I figured you wouldn’t have time to do that and the scholarship essay. I hope, however, that you did have time to read our emails. That is what matters to me most. We heard on the news about the capture of the drug czar, and have been praying for your safety because we figure things might be more violent where you are, now. We have faith that you are in the Lord’s hands and He is watching over you.
This has been such a wonderful week. We have family home evening on Tuesdays instead of Mondays now, so Tuesday we all, including Jonathan, went out to eat for Miriam’s birthday. She didn’t really want any birthday money spent on her, so I asked her if she wanted to go to the movies or out to eat with the family instead of getting a present, and she liked that idea. The plan was to go Thursday, but Jon wasn’t available then, so we went out for family home evening instead. It was so wonderful to be there surrounded by the kids and Dad and laugh and talk. I’m so glad that Jon could come; we see him so very seldom.
Wednesday Thomas went to a young men activity at the church. Katrina missed her young women activity because it was on Tuesday night, and she needed to be with the fam. I went to bed early, and Dad read scriptures and said prayers with the kids. It was very nice of him, and appreciated the extra sleep.
It rained a lot on Thursday, which was kind of a surprise after many days of sun, even though the weatherman had predicted it. I went on a field trip with my class. We went bowling and then to the mall to eat lunch. The field trip went well. Later when I was back home and Dad got home, he wanted to go for a drive, so we took Katrina with us for a drive. Dad wanted to go into a sporting goods store, and Katrina and I wanted to check out the scented candle outlet, so we split up for awhile. Katrina and I bought a candle warmer and scented wax for Miriam’s birthday to make her room smell good.
That night, Miriam gave the family home evening lesson that she had planned for Tuesday. She showed us all how to scan a document and save it as a pdf. I guess Dad didn’t know how to do that and had been asking her to show him. She also showed us some stuff on Excell. It was very informative. After that, we had cake and ice cream for her birthday. It was a fun little celebration. I hope that she liked it.
Friday, Katrina and I got to talk to Lily on the phone. She was in a very loud mood, ha ha. She sang Camptown races for us with lots of “doo da’s,” At that point, Katrina told me I could take the phone off "speaker;" she could hear just fine without it, ha ha. Lily also treated us to an ear-splitting rendition of the chorus to “Angels We Have Heard on High.” You know, “Glooooooooooooooooooria!” sung over and over with an even louder and very long-drawn-out note at the end. It was the cutest thing ever, and we totally loved it. I told Lily that it was nice and lound and that I liked it. I wonder if someone was telling her to sing softer, because I heard Lily say to someone, “Grandma likes it.”
Later, Dad and I went to see the Lego movie. We ate at the theater first, which is always fun, and then went out for frozen yogurt afterward. It was so good, that we went out for frozen yogurt again on Saturday. We found a place that always has one low-carb flavor and one no-carb flavor, so we like to go there sometimes when we’re in the area.
On Saturday, we decided to get some things done around the house, so we went to some stores to get the supplies we needed. When we went to Auto Zone, Dad showed the kids how to change the tail light on the van. The weather was cold and windy, and Dad couldn’t get the tail light off, so we bought a manual to make sure we were doing it right, and we were. When he finally got it off, the casing broke. The van is getting old, Matt, and the plastic broke before the pin snapped out like it was supposed to. Anyway, we replaced the light, and also the windshield wiper blades and then headed to Home Depot to look for some clear epoxy to fix the broken light. Dad ended up repairing it with super glue. We’ll see how long that lasts, ha ha. When we finally got back home, we hung a couple of pictures and then Katrina and Thomas were through. Thomas went to Hayden’s house, Katrina exercised, etc, and I took a nap.
Later that night, Dad wanted to go buy some stuff from a guy so he and I drove up to meet him. We made another date of it and had a delicious dinner at our favorite teryaki place. It was fun to drive and talk. On the way home we stopped at the candy outlet and bought sugar Easter eggs for the kid’s Easter baskets and then went for frozen yogurt like I said.
The kids have been indexing and reading family history, Matt, isn’t that nice? I didn’t sleep well last week, so I wasn’t real productive, but I did do visiting teaching, and I took some prints of the museum paintings to the one sister I’d invited to go with me to the museum. I have been reading Les Miserables, which I love. It is so nice with a smart phone to have a library of books with me always in my pocket.
Today, as you know, is fast Sunday. I am fasting for you, Matt. I don’t have meetings on fast Sunday which is nice. Besides, ward conferences are now over, so I will have less meetings now. That is good since I don’t think my poor aching back could have taken much more of it, ha ha. We just got home from church. Dad is doing some family history, I am writing to you, Thomas is taking a nap, and I’m not sure what Katrina is doing, but she has a family home evening lesson to prepare, family history to do, and a letter to write to you, so she’s probably busy doing one of those things. There is a church educational system devotional at 6:00 which we may watch. I want to ask each person to make a snack to eat while we watch it. That will also be our dinner for the evening.
Well, that’s about it. I have had a harder time staying focused on Jesus Christ and feeling the Holy Ghost than the week before. I am trying to figure out the reason, and I think that one reason is lack of sleep, another one is less focused prayer and scripture study, and also, I think that different experiences bring out different sides of my character, and this week’s experiences did a good job to show me where my weaknesses are. It seems like Heavenly Father intersperses unsuccessful times with successful ones so that I stay humble, but don’t get too discouraged. I know His hand is in my life and in your life, Matt. I hope that you feel His guidance and spirit with you this week as you go about His work. I love you very much and look forward to receiving your email.
Love,
Mom
Hi! How are you? Thanks for sending the scholarship essay to us. I sure hate to bug you about that kind of stuff when you are busy serving the Lord. You will be happy to know that all the applications, etc have been sent off, so we shouldn’t have to bug you again for awhile. It was hard not to get letters from you last week, but I was glad that you got to read some from us. I was the one who had Dad tell you not to send us letters because I figured you wouldn’t have time to do that and the scholarship essay. I hope, however, that you did have time to read our emails. That is what matters to me most. We heard on the news about the capture of the drug czar, and have been praying for your safety because we figure things might be more violent where you are, now. We have faith that you are in the Lord’s hands and He is watching over you.
This has been such a wonderful week. We have family home evening on Tuesdays instead of Mondays now, so Tuesday we all, including Jonathan, went out to eat for Miriam’s birthday. She didn’t really want any birthday money spent on her, so I asked her if she wanted to go to the movies or out to eat with the family instead of getting a present, and she liked that idea. The plan was to go Thursday, but Jon wasn’t available then, so we went out for family home evening instead. It was so wonderful to be there surrounded by the kids and Dad and laugh and talk. I’m so glad that Jon could come; we see him so very seldom.
Wednesday Thomas went to a young men activity at the church. Katrina missed her young women activity because it was on Tuesday night, and she needed to be with the fam. I went to bed early, and Dad read scriptures and said prayers with the kids. It was very nice of him, and appreciated the extra sleep.
It rained a lot on Thursday, which was kind of a surprise after many days of sun, even though the weatherman had predicted it. I went on a field trip with my class. We went bowling and then to the mall to eat lunch. The field trip went well. Later when I was back home and Dad got home, he wanted to go for a drive, so we took Katrina with us for a drive. Dad wanted to go into a sporting goods store, and Katrina and I wanted to check out the scented candle outlet, so we split up for awhile. Katrina and I bought a candle warmer and scented wax for Miriam’s birthday to make her room smell good.
That night, Miriam gave the family home evening lesson that she had planned for Tuesday. She showed us all how to scan a document and save it as a pdf. I guess Dad didn’t know how to do that and had been asking her to show him. She also showed us some stuff on Excell. It was very informative. After that, we had cake and ice cream for her birthday. It was a fun little celebration. I hope that she liked it.
Happy Birthday, Miriam
Friday, Katrina and I got to talk to Lily on the phone. She was in a very loud mood, ha ha. She sang Camptown races for us with lots of “doo da’s,” At that point, Katrina told me I could take the phone off "speaker;" she could hear just fine without it, ha ha. Lily also treated us to an ear-splitting rendition of the chorus to “Angels We Have Heard on High.” You know, “Glooooooooooooooooooria!” sung over and over with an even louder and very long-drawn-out note at the end. It was the cutest thing ever, and we totally loved it. I told Lily that it was nice and lound and that I liked it. I wonder if someone was telling her to sing softer, because I heard Lily say to someone, “Grandma likes it.”
Later, Dad and I went to see the Lego movie. We ate at the theater first, which is always fun, and then went out for frozen yogurt afterward. It was so good, that we went out for frozen yogurt again on Saturday. We found a place that always has one low-carb flavor and one no-carb flavor, so we like to go there sometimes when we’re in the area.
On Saturday, we decided to get some things done around the house, so we went to some stores to get the supplies we needed. When we went to Auto Zone, Dad showed the kids how to change the tail light on the van. The weather was cold and windy, and Dad couldn’t get the tail light off, so we bought a manual to make sure we were doing it right, and we were. When he finally got it off, the casing broke. The van is getting old, Matt, and the plastic broke before the pin snapped out like it was supposed to. Anyway, we replaced the light, and also the windshield wiper blades and then headed to Home Depot to look for some clear epoxy to fix the broken light. Dad ended up repairing it with super glue. We’ll see how long that lasts, ha ha. When we finally got back home, we hung a couple of pictures and then Katrina and Thomas were through. Thomas went to Hayden’s house, Katrina exercised, etc, and I took a nap.
Later that night, Dad wanted to go buy some stuff from a guy so he and I drove up to meet him. We made another date of it and had a delicious dinner at our favorite teryaki place. It was fun to drive and talk. On the way home we stopped at the candy outlet and bought sugar Easter eggs for the kid’s Easter baskets and then went for frozen yogurt like I said.
The kids have been indexing and reading family history, Matt, isn’t that nice? I didn’t sleep well last week, so I wasn’t real productive, but I did do visiting teaching, and I took some prints of the museum paintings to the one sister I’d invited to go with me to the museum. I have been reading Les Miserables, which I love. It is so nice with a smart phone to have a library of books with me always in my pocket.
Today, as you know, is fast Sunday. I am fasting for you, Matt. I don’t have meetings on fast Sunday which is nice. Besides, ward conferences are now over, so I will have less meetings now. That is good since I don’t think my poor aching back could have taken much more of it, ha ha. We just got home from church. Dad is doing some family history, I am writing to you, Thomas is taking a nap, and I’m not sure what Katrina is doing, but she has a family home evening lesson to prepare, family history to do, and a letter to write to you, so she’s probably busy doing one of those things. There is a church educational system devotional at 6:00 which we may watch. I want to ask each person to make a snack to eat while we watch it. That will also be our dinner for the evening.
Well, that’s about it. I have had a harder time staying focused on Jesus Christ and feeling the Holy Ghost than the week before. I am trying to figure out the reason, and I think that one reason is lack of sleep, another one is less focused prayer and scripture study, and also, I think that different experiences bring out different sides of my character, and this week’s experiences did a good job to show me where my weaknesses are. It seems like Heavenly Father intersperses unsuccessful times with successful ones so that I stay humble, but don’t get too discouraged. I know His hand is in my life and in your life, Matt. I hope that you feel His guidance and spirit with you this week as you go about His work. I love you very much and look forward to receiving your email.
Love,
Mom
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Feb 23--Dear Elder
Dear Elder,
Hi! Thanks for the letter you wrote last week. I’m sorry that some sad things happened, and I hope that Guillermo isn’t doing drugs after all, Lizeth is able to get married, and that Elder Sullivan will soon restored to his previously awesome state. I am so glad that Grandpa and Grandma sent you another package. That really warms my heart. I am also glad that you liked your Valentine. Do they celebrate Valentine’s Day in Mexico?
Thank you for the picture of your zone. I couldn’t pull it up on my phone earlier, but now I can see it because I’m on my little notebook, and may I say that you are all a very handsome group, especially the elder on the upper right!
I sure am glad that good things happened this week and not just sad ones. I am so glad that your are testifying of the truthfulness of the atonement to your investigators, although I think that the message of the atonement and the restoration go hand in hand. It’s awesome that you are learning so much!
Well, I don’t know if it is helping the missionaries, but I did invite my visiting teaching sister to go see a museum exhibit of sacred paintings. We didn’t end up going, but I think inviting her was a good thing.
Francisco sounds like a nice guy and I’m glad that you had a good conversation, even if the only ones who were helped were you and your companion. It sounds like meeting him was a blessing.
Thanks for sharing with me your question about Amulek’s conversion. It is a good one and I hope I will remember to study it when I get to Alma 11. I am still in first Nephi, so it will be a long time to remember! I hope that you can teach Benjamin’s wife and the rest of his family and that they will be baptized. Nick said that in Columbia there will be tons of baptisms, but the attendance at church doesn’t increase all that much. Is that how it is where you are? I hope not.
Wow, Matt, I always think that I’m going to remember everything that happens in the week, but when I sit down to write I realize that I’ve forgotten most of it. One thing that I did this week was to try very hard remember Jesus Christ and do what he would have me do. I taught the kids, invited a friend to an art exhibit, indexed records on Family Search, talked to loved ones on the phone, studied, shared memories, etc. The Lord made much more of my week than I ever could have.
As I told you in my last letter, we had Monday off. Here is some of what I wrote about Monday in my study journal:
02 18 2014
"Thomas and Katrina went with us on an outing to the temple visitor’s center where we watched videos about prophets and saw the Christus. As I gazed at that beautiful statue, I marveled at its perfection. The folds and curves of Christ’s garment look as if the marble were draped about Him instead of carved from a massive piece of rock. His form seemed soft and real instead of cold stone. I contemplated Christ’s perfection and felt the comfort and peace in Christ.
We also visited Brian’s aging aunt, and I visited my co-worker and friend in the hospital. Later, I was able to talk to my sweet neighbor and visiting teaching sister to further our plans to attend a museum exhibit. It was a wonderful day, made better through the grace and guidance of God."
I’m glad I wrote that down, Matt, because my memories fade so quickly! On Tuesday I grocery shopped and we had soup with left over spaghetti squash and roasted red peppers in it. I’m not so sure it was the best soup in all the world, but it used up leftovers…kind of. I hate it when I make a dish with leftovers and then there are leftovers of the dish I made! If I’m not careful, it can go on and on forever. The next night I made barbeque chicken salad to go with the leftover soup, and luckily the rest of the soup got eaten so I didn’t have to make something with the leftover soup made from the leftover vegetables, ha ha.
Thomas would not make a normal face, so he deserves this picture.
Katrina got her driver’s license on Wednesday. She’ll probably write to you about it. It’s kind of scary to let her drive the van. Ususally we’ve had a kid car for the kids to drive, but Miriam drives the kid car to work everyday, so if Katrina wants to drive, she takes the van. On Thursday she drove herself to voice lessons which was nice for me although, like I said, I was a bit nervous. I’m sure thankful for prayer.
I also got to talk to Lily on the phone sometime last week; I can't remember which day. She is talking really good these days, and it is so wonderful to be able to have little conversations with her. Emerson also posted a video of her singing "Protocolligorically Correct." It was the cutest!
Wow, Matt, I need to at least take notes as I go along because I really can’t remember much of went on last week. Happily, I had no church meetings, though, but I am making up for it today. I was in meetings from 9-2 and will be having more meetings from 4:30 to 9:00. This should be the last week of so many meetings, because ward conferences are over, now. Hooray!
Nick is home from his mission and talked in church today. He said that God lets us be born free and then gives us commandments to keep us free. He also said that he hopes the we can have faith stronger than the cords of death. He talked a lot about the atonement, and his talk was very good. He didn’t share any experiences from his mission, though, so that was sad.
Work has been good. I have a student who wants to graduate with his graduating class but doesn’t have enough credits, so I am working with him to help him get Earth Science credit. We have a special needs earth science textbook, and I take lessons from that. I brought in a globe and an atlas to help him learn about maps, and I made cards with pictures and simple words for him to match together. This helps him remember what he learned. Friday he took his first “test.” We went to the teacher and he showed her how his cards matched together to explain different earth science fields and different map symbols. He did a great job, and the teacher was impressed, so that is nice.
Dad and I went to the temple Friday, and we took Katrina and Thomas with us. They did baptisms while we did sealings. It was a wonderful experience. Afterward, we took the kids to eat in the temple cafeteria. After we dropped them off at home, Dad and I went out for awhile and then came back to watch a movie and eat….ice cream. Saturday I got to see Jon at Costco, help Thomas do some indexing, and watch a movie with the kids. That night we read a conference talk and 2 Nephi chapter 12. It was a nice day.
Well, Matt, I know it’s short, but I also know you need to take some time to do some scholarship stuff, so I guess it will be good enough.
Hi! Thanks for the letter you wrote last week. I’m sorry that some sad things happened, and I hope that Guillermo isn’t doing drugs after all, Lizeth is able to get married, and that Elder Sullivan will soon restored to his previously awesome state. I am so glad that Grandpa and Grandma sent you another package. That really warms my heart. I am also glad that you liked your Valentine. Do they celebrate Valentine’s Day in Mexico?
Thank you for the picture of your zone. I couldn’t pull it up on my phone earlier, but now I can see it because I’m on my little notebook, and may I say that you are all a very handsome group, especially the elder on the upper right!
I sure am glad that good things happened this week and not just sad ones. I am so glad that your are testifying of the truthfulness of the atonement to your investigators, although I think that the message of the atonement and the restoration go hand in hand. It’s awesome that you are learning so much!
Well, I don’t know if it is helping the missionaries, but I did invite my visiting teaching sister to go see a museum exhibit of sacred paintings. We didn’t end up going, but I think inviting her was a good thing.
Francisco sounds like a nice guy and I’m glad that you had a good conversation, even if the only ones who were helped were you and your companion. It sounds like meeting him was a blessing.
Thanks for sharing with me your question about Amulek’s conversion. It is a good one and I hope I will remember to study it when I get to Alma 11. I am still in first Nephi, so it will be a long time to remember! I hope that you can teach Benjamin’s wife and the rest of his family and that they will be baptized. Nick said that in Columbia there will be tons of baptisms, but the attendance at church doesn’t increase all that much. Is that how it is where you are? I hope not.
Wow, Matt, I always think that I’m going to remember everything that happens in the week, but when I sit down to write I realize that I’ve forgotten most of it. One thing that I did this week was to try very hard remember Jesus Christ and do what he would have me do. I taught the kids, invited a friend to an art exhibit, indexed records on Family Search, talked to loved ones on the phone, studied, shared memories, etc. The Lord made much more of my week than I ever could have.
As I told you in my last letter, we had Monday off. Here is some of what I wrote about Monday in my study journal:
02 18 2014
"Thomas and Katrina went with us on an outing to the temple visitor’s center where we watched videos about prophets and saw the Christus. As I gazed at that beautiful statue, I marveled at its perfection. The folds and curves of Christ’s garment look as if the marble were draped about Him instead of carved from a massive piece of rock. His form seemed soft and real instead of cold stone. I contemplated Christ’s perfection and felt the comfort and peace in Christ.
Queene Katrine
We also visited Brian’s aging aunt, and I visited my co-worker and friend in the hospital. Later, I was able to talk to my sweet neighbor and visiting teaching sister to further our plans to attend a museum exhibit. It was a wonderful day, made better through the grace and guidance of God."
A Valentine for Dad
Thomas would not make a normal face, so he deserves this picture.
Katrina got her driver’s license on Wednesday. She’ll probably write to you about it. It’s kind of scary to let her drive the van. Ususally we’ve had a kid car for the kids to drive, but Miriam drives the kid car to work everyday, so if Katrina wants to drive, she takes the van. On Thursday she drove herself to voice lessons which was nice for me although, like I said, I was a bit nervous. I’m sure thankful for prayer.
King Dad
I also got to talk to Lily on the phone sometime last week; I can't remember which day. She is talking really good these days, and it is so wonderful to be able to have little conversations with her. Emerson also posted a video of her singing "Protocolligorically Correct." It was the cutest!
Wow, Matt, I need to at least take notes as I go along because I really can’t remember much of went on last week. Happily, I had no church meetings, though, but I am making up for it today. I was in meetings from 9-2 and will be having more meetings from 4:30 to 9:00. This should be the last week of so many meetings, because ward conferences are over, now. Hooray!
Nick is home from his mission and talked in church today. He said that God lets us be born free and then gives us commandments to keep us free. He also said that he hopes the we can have faith stronger than the cords of death. He talked a lot about the atonement, and his talk was very good. He didn’t share any experiences from his mission, though, so that was sad.
Work has been good. I have a student who wants to graduate with his graduating class but doesn’t have enough credits, so I am working with him to help him get Earth Science credit. We have a special needs earth science textbook, and I take lessons from that. I brought in a globe and an atlas to help him learn about maps, and I made cards with pictures and simple words for him to match together. This helps him remember what he learned. Friday he took his first “test.” We went to the teacher and he showed her how his cards matched together to explain different earth science fields and different map symbols. He did a great job, and the teacher was impressed, so that is nice.
Dad and I went to the temple Friday, and we took Katrina and Thomas with us. They did baptisms while we did sealings. It was a wonderful experience. Afterward, we took the kids to eat in the temple cafeteria. After we dropped them off at home, Dad and I went out for awhile and then came back to watch a movie and eat….ice cream. Saturday I got to see Jon at Costco, help Thomas do some indexing, and watch a movie with the kids. That night we read a conference talk and 2 Nephi chapter 12. It was a nice day.
Well, Matt, I know it’s short, but I also know you need to take some time to do some scholarship stuff, so I guess it will be good enough.
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Feb 17--Dear Elder
Dear Elder,
Hi! I hope you liked your Valentine from me. How are you doing? Are you still in a trio? How is that going? Thanks for writing a little to us last week even though you couldn’t write much. It was still nice to hear from you and know that you are okay.
This has been a good week. Monday after work, Dad and I drove in the washing machine together as planned. It was nice to be together and visit. After dinner we went to the play at the high school for family home evening because Katrina had to be an usher before the play. The play was “Emma” and the students did a good job—we really enjoyed it.
Tuesday I grocery shopped and we had asparagus soup and muffins for dinner. Besides that I can’t really remember what we did. It must not have been all that spectacular. Wednesday Katrina and I dropped Thomas off at gymnastics and then went to parent teacher conference. It took us an hour to see all their teachers, then we had to go pick up Thomas, and then we went back to talk to their seminary teachers. I had been coming down with a cold, and by the time it was all over, I was very sick. By the time we got home from all of that, Dad was home. He had me go to “bed,” or should I say “couch” and Katrina made tacos for the family for dinner which was real nice of her. I felt awful.
Thursday I was supposed to give blood, but I was still sick, so I didn’t go. They called me to see where I was. They like my blood. Last time I went to give blood, they sent me home because I was anemic, and then the next week they called and begged me to eat spinach, drink o.j. and try again. Too bad it didn’t work out the second time. I spent the evening on the couch again and Dad and the kids brought dinner home from Wendy’s. While I sat on the couch I made paper lace gift bags and cards to give for Valentine’s Day.
Friday was awesome!!! My co workers loved their Valentine’s goodies, and I had so much fun passing out Valentines to my students. By the time school was over, I was laden down with cookies and chocolate from the students, the rest of the stuff, like the donuts, I turned down or gave away. I was supposed to pick up Thomas and Katrina from school and then hurry to meet Miriam and Dad at Miriam’s work, and go to see Les Miserables from there. But when I got to the car, Jon called, and I was very excited because I had Valentine’s stuff for him and thought I was going to have to drop it off at his house without ever seeing him, but he said he was at the house, and so I said I’d come home to see him. I picked up the kids and then went home. It was so nice to see Jon and give him a hug because I haven’t seen him since my birthday. He surprised me with chocolate covered strawberries from Costco which were so delicious and fun to eat, especially because I had been surrounded by sugar all day and had not eaten any of it. It was very fun to give Jon his Valentine’s stuff and visit with him while we scarfed the gifts we’d given to each other. Miriam met us at home instead, and I gave her and the other kids their Valentines, too, and then Dad came home and I gave him his Valentines, and it was so fun, especially visiting with Jon. For Valentine’s I made everyone a special card and gave them chocolate. I also gave the girls roses, Thomas and Jon balloons, and Dad filet mignon.
After Jon left, we loaded up and headed for Les Miserables which was Dad’s Valentine’s gift to us all. Matt, I cannot begin to describe how amazing it was. It was so wonderful. The cast was amazing, the singing was beautiful, and the staging was perfect, the performance was family-friendly. We loved every bit of it. During intermission, we got a call from Cassandra. They called to thank me for the Valentines, and I was so happy they’d gotten them on Friday, because I didn’t end up sending them till Wednesday. I had made a card for Cassandra and Emerson and also a card for Lily with a little girl in a pretty dress on the front, and inside I enclosed four more cut-outs of girls in different pretty dresses. Plus, Dad had a necklace for Lily, so I put it on a heart for her to find inside as well. She loved it all, and it was so fun to talk to her about it and to tell her and her parents “Happy Valentine’s Day.” I’m so glad they liked the cards it was a wonderful, wonderful day.
For all of that, Saturday was even more wonderful, Matt, because that morning during scripture study, I saw my way so clearly and knew that I needed to rely on the Lord all day to direct my actions. The whole day, I tried to ask myself what Jesus would do, I prayed and sought the guidance of the Holy Spirit at every turn, and the day was amazing. I talked to loved ones, visited a lonely friend, and other friends, too. As I was visiting with one friend, I had a feeling of perfect peace come over me, and I knew without a doubt that I was doing at that moment exactly what Heavenly Father wanted me to do. The day was so wonderful, every bit of it.
Today, I once again tried to seek the Lord’s will and guidance throughout the day. After church I got to talk to more family members, Skype with Cassandra, Emerson and Lily, eat with the family, and do family history with Dad and the kids. Now we are going to have family home evening on keeping the Sabbath day holy, a subject I’ve felt inspired to choose.
Well, now my lesson is over, and I think it went well. Most of us are sitting around the table eating milk and cookies. It has been a wonderful day. Oh! Do you know what makes it even more wonderful??? There’s no work or school tomorrow because it’s president’s day. How awesome is that?
I love you, Matt. Have a great day and a great week and remember how much we love you and are praying for you.
Love,
Mom
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Feb 2--Dear Elder
Dear Elder,
Hi! How are you? Thank you so much for the email and the picture. It was so nice to see what Ellery and Janeth and Martha and the others look like. It looks like you really had a wonderful birthday. I loved seeing your smiling face holding your birthday tamale. It really warmed my heart that you had people around you to celebrate your birthday with you. BTW, did you get the SD card yet? I'm wondering if you will ever get it. I'm fasting today, so hopefully my prayers that you will get the card will be extra efficacious and that you will get it.
I'm so glad that you have found a way to incorporate the thirteen steps found in Preach My Gospel into your day. Are you still doing it? I hope so. If not, remember how well it worked, and start doing it again, okay. You asked me if work affects my scripture reading, and it does sometimes because a good night's sleep is more important than ever. So if I wake up at 4 am or something, I usually read scriptures until I fall back asleep, and then I call that my scripture reading and wake up later than my usual 6 am wake up and scripture reading time. The reason this hurts my scripture study is that when am able to wake up at 6, I don't just read, I study, but when I read in the middle of the night, I read without taking notes and studying and it's just not as effective in my life. Anyway, don't worry, Heavenly Father helps me when I am committed, and lately I have really been able to feast upon the word and get direction for my life. Right now I am reading 1 Nephi 3 and I am learning more from the chapter than ever.
Thanks so much for sharing Doctrine and Covenants 128:8 with us. It is so wonderful to think that God loves us enough to have restored the gospel of Jesus Christ to us in the latter days and that Christ has given His church the authority to seal on earth and have it be sealed in heaven. We really live in a wonderful time, Matt. I hope you can remember that when you get home and see the changes that have occurred in our country since you left.
Hmmm... what have we been doing this week? Let's see...Wow, Matt, it's really hard to remember. I wish I had more time in the mornings so that I could write to you a little every day instead of trying to remember at the end of the week. Um...Thomas is trying to find an Eagle Scout project these days, Katrina has been driving us around a lot, Miriam is feeling sick and so is Dad. I did visiting teaching this week. I have also been trying to work a bit on family history. I'm really trying to make that my new hobby.
I have really been keeping up on things at work and thoroughly enjoy working one-on-one with the students. I have one student who is reading on level F right now, but we also read an abridged version of "Call of The Wild" together and he works so hard to read it that his reading is improving through sheer will power. He told me on Tuesday that he wants to read "The Outsiders" when we finish this book. I looked up "The Outsiders" on the internet and found out that it is a level Z. That worried me, but when I pulled it up on Amazon and reviewed a page or two, I realized that it is totally do-able for him. That is a very exciting thing, Matt, because he may be moving away in April, and I can't think of anything that we can do better for him than to increase his love for reading and his ability to do it. I work with other students, too, all wonderful.
My job is kind of tenuous, Matt, because we are on the borderline of having enough students to justify having a fourth aide in the class. If student numbers go down, I will presumably be the one who goes because I am lowest in seniority. The district won't lay me off, they will just relocate me, thank goodness, but no where else I can work will be as wonderful as where I am working now, so I cherish every moment I spend here. It is truly one of the sweet experiences that my patriarchal blessing assures me I will have in this life. What's amazing is that it is nothing compared to the even sweeter experiences I have had with the family and the gospel through the years.
Friday Dad and I went out to dinner and then we walked around the mall to get a little exercise. I really enjoy walking and talking with your dad, Matt. He's an amazing guy. He started feeling a bit sick that night, but on Saturday morning he still went to the gun show and really felt sick on the way home, pretty much being down for the count the rest of the weekend. I sure hope that he feels better after today because he says there is no way he can miss work tomorrow or the rest of the week since his aide is taking the week off.
We had tickets to see the art exhibit on Saturday night, but Dad was too sick to go. Miriam didn't go either, so it was just me, Katrina, and Thomas. It was just as wonderful an experience as it was when I went last week, Matt, to see those beautiful paintings. Katrina and Thomas really liked it, too, and I think they were glad that we went. I really want to get more tickets so that Dad can see it later, and hopefully Miriam, too.
Today I only had to go to my regular church meetings, which was nice, and my poor back thanked me, ha ha. It really hurts to sit through five and six hours of church. I have determined to take Advil next week to help me through. Next week is our own ward's ward conference, and I think we may have only one week after that and then ward conferences will be over for the year.
After church today we had a nice time visiting around the dinner table as some of us broke our fast. We also got to Skype Cassandra, Emerson, and Lily today which was wonderful. Lily was really excited to see us and wanted to be sure that we noticed her pretty pink dress, which we assured her that we did. She loved yelling "hi" to us. We didn't really get to talk long, but it was very heart-warming to see them. I love them so much!
Now I am writing to you, Matt, which I love to do. Have a wonderful week. I know that you cherish every moment of your mission, Matt, and I am glad that you do. Thank you for not only having a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ but for acting on that testimony by bringing it's truth to others. I love you.
Love,
Mom
Hi! How are you? Thank you so much for the email and the picture. It was so nice to see what Ellery and Janeth and Martha and the others look like. It looks like you really had a wonderful birthday. I loved seeing your smiling face holding your birthday tamale. It really warmed my heart that you had people around you to celebrate your birthday with you. BTW, did you get the SD card yet? I'm wondering if you will ever get it. I'm fasting today, so hopefully my prayers that you will get the card will be extra efficacious and that you will get it.
I'm so glad that you have found a way to incorporate the thirteen steps found in Preach My Gospel into your day. Are you still doing it? I hope so. If not, remember how well it worked, and start doing it again, okay. You asked me if work affects my scripture reading, and it does sometimes because a good night's sleep is more important than ever. So if I wake up at 4 am or something, I usually read scriptures until I fall back asleep, and then I call that my scripture reading and wake up later than my usual 6 am wake up and scripture reading time. The reason this hurts my scripture study is that when am able to wake up at 6, I don't just read, I study, but when I read in the middle of the night, I read without taking notes and studying and it's just not as effective in my life. Anyway, don't worry, Heavenly Father helps me when I am committed, and lately I have really been able to feast upon the word and get direction for my life. Right now I am reading 1 Nephi 3 and I am learning more from the chapter than ever.
Thanks so much for sharing Doctrine and Covenants 128:8 with us. It is so wonderful to think that God loves us enough to have restored the gospel of Jesus Christ to us in the latter days and that Christ has given His church the authority to seal on earth and have it be sealed in heaven. We really live in a wonderful time, Matt. I hope you can remember that when you get home and see the changes that have occurred in our country since you left.
Hmmm... what have we been doing this week? Let's see...Wow, Matt, it's really hard to remember. I wish I had more time in the mornings so that I could write to you a little every day instead of trying to remember at the end of the week. Um...Thomas is trying to find an Eagle Scout project these days, Katrina has been driving us around a lot, Miriam is feeling sick and so is Dad. I did visiting teaching this week. I have also been trying to work a bit on family history. I'm really trying to make that my new hobby.
I have really been keeping up on things at work and thoroughly enjoy working one-on-one with the students. I have one student who is reading on level F right now, but we also read an abridged version of "Call of The Wild" together and he works so hard to read it that his reading is improving through sheer will power. He told me on Tuesday that he wants to read "The Outsiders" when we finish this book. I looked up "The Outsiders" on the internet and found out that it is a level Z. That worried me, but when I pulled it up on Amazon and reviewed a page or two, I realized that it is totally do-able for him. That is a very exciting thing, Matt, because he may be moving away in April, and I can't think of anything that we can do better for him than to increase his love for reading and his ability to do it. I work with other students, too, all wonderful.
My job is kind of tenuous, Matt, because we are on the borderline of having enough students to justify having a fourth aide in the class. If student numbers go down, I will presumably be the one who goes because I am lowest in seniority. The district won't lay me off, they will just relocate me, thank goodness, but no where else I can work will be as wonderful as where I am working now, so I cherish every moment I spend here. It is truly one of the sweet experiences that my patriarchal blessing assures me I will have in this life. What's amazing is that it is nothing compared to the even sweeter experiences I have had with the family and the gospel through the years.
Friday Dad and I went out to dinner and then we walked around the mall to get a little exercise. I really enjoy walking and talking with your dad, Matt. He's an amazing guy. He started feeling a bit sick that night, but on Saturday morning he still went to the gun show and really felt sick on the way home, pretty much being down for the count the rest of the weekend. I sure hope that he feels better after today because he says there is no way he can miss work tomorrow or the rest of the week since his aide is taking the week off.
We had tickets to see the art exhibit on Saturday night, but Dad was too sick to go. Miriam didn't go either, so it was just me, Katrina, and Thomas. It was just as wonderful an experience as it was when I went last week, Matt, to see those beautiful paintings. Katrina and Thomas really liked it, too, and I think they were glad that we went. I really want to get more tickets so that Dad can see it later, and hopefully Miriam, too.
Today I only had to go to my regular church meetings, which was nice, and my poor back thanked me, ha ha. It really hurts to sit through five and six hours of church. I have determined to take Advil next week to help me through. Next week is our own ward's ward conference, and I think we may have only one week after that and then ward conferences will be over for the year.
After church today we had a nice time visiting around the dinner table as some of us broke our fast. We also got to Skype Cassandra, Emerson, and Lily today which was wonderful. Lily was really excited to see us and wanted to be sure that we noticed her pretty pink dress, which we assured her that we did. She loved yelling "hi" to us. We didn't really get to talk long, but it was very heart-warming to see them. I love them so much!
Now I am writing to you, Matt, which I love to do. Have a wonderful week. I know that you cherish every moment of your mission, Matt, and I am glad that you do. Thank you for not only having a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ but for acting on that testimony by bringing it's truth to others. I love you.
Love,
Mom
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Jan 27--Dear Elder
Dear Elder,
Hi. How are you doing? Did you have a nice birthday? I hope you were able to teach many people the gospel on your birthday and throughout the week. I am so glad that Ellery went to church and that he is really interested in the gospel. What a wonderful thing! Martina sounds like a neat lady and I wish I could have seen the demonic chicken that chased Martina's grand kids. So funny! What happened this week with your investigators? Have you been to any conferences lately?
We had a nice week. Monday was a day off for all of us which was really nice. What a wonderful feeling on Sunday evening to realize that there is no work the next day! Abby and Paige came over and watched the first few hours of the BBC's version of Pride and Prejudice with Katrina, Thomas hung out with Hayden, etc, and Dad and I went to a movie about a transport ship that was captured by pirates. It is a true story and it was very good. Later that night we went out to eat for grade rewards and had a wonderful time as a family. Then we had a family home evening lesson given by Miriam. It was based on a talk given by President Eyring to the student body at BYU Idaho and was a very good lesson.
Tuesday and Wednesday are a bit of a blur, but I tried hard to be productive and do the right things. I didn't remember Jesus Christ as much as I want to, though, and I recommitted while partaking of the bread and water today to remember more faithfully this week and trust on the strength of the Lord.
Wednesday, Miriam got mixed up and gave me flowers and balloons for my birthday. She was going to take them to school and give them to me there until she found out that my birthday was later, ha ha. I'm so glad she didn't bring them to my work, but that I could enjoy them in the quiet of our own home. They are beautiful.
Thursday at work we went on a field trip to see an art exhibit. Sometimes I get overwhelmed by all there is to see at art exhibits, but this time I determined to concentrate on the faces in the artwork. I examined each face and tried to understand how each person was feeling. The very first painting displayed was of Christ being comforted by the angel as he suffered for the sins of the world. I've seen this painting before, but have been distracted by the angel and the wings that almost dwarf the suffering Christ, but this time I gazed into the face of the Savior and saw the suffering there. It touched me very deeply, Matt, and deepened my love for Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, Thomas hung out with his friends again and the girls and I went shopping for clothes for me. It was very nice of them to go, and I actually found some things, so I am a happy lady. It was very fun to be with them. Dad went to his old teacher, Mr Brady's, viewing that night. He was Dad's favorite teacher, a humble World War II veteran who taught Dad much about the sorrows of war.
Friday Miriam sent me to school with treats to share with my students, which was very sweet of her. The students loved them. After school, I slept and then Dad and I went out to eat and then we came home and watched the new Superman movie which was meh.
Saturday Katrina and I went to a youth camp leader breakfast for this year's girl's camp. Katrina doesn't really like camp, but she said the meeting went well without me even asking her about it, so I know that it was a good one. The girls did a lot of planning for camp. My job was to do a gathering activity for the girls, so I had them make "little sisters" out of sticks, cloth, etc. The girls were to take care of the little sisters they made throughout the breakfast and the ensuing planning sessions. Whenever we found an abandoned "little sister" we confiscated it. The girls who still had their little sisters at the end of the meeting got a little prize. At camp, these girls are assigned to be big sisters to some of the younger girls, so we used this activity to remind them to look over their little sisters at camp. They really liked it.
After that, I took a nap. I think I got three naps that day, ha ha. Later we went out as a family and had fun walking around some shops even though it was very cold. After that, we went home and ate steak made by Dad and then Dad re-hung my throw depicting Christ helping two children climb up rocks. Remember it, Matt? I had Dad take it down when we repainted the house. I taped back the fringe so it doesn't show and bought new rods to hold it up in order to update it's look. Dad was not thrilled about having to re-hang it, but I told him that's what I wanted for my birthday, so he did it and it went quite smoothly. It was very sweet of him, and it looks wonderful.
Today I went to 5 hours of church because I went to another ward's ward conference as well as our own ward. It was a wonderful blessing because I was able to partake of the sacrament twice, which I needed since the first time I took it today, I wasn't as focused as I wanted to be, but the second time I was focused and was able to repent and renew with a sincere heart. I can feel the strength from partaking fervently of the bread and water. I needed that strength because before that I was feeling overwhelmed and discouraged. I needed that second opportunity to humble myself before God and put my life, once again, in the Savior's hands.
When I finally got home, we had a birthday celebration. It was so wonderful having Jon there celebrating with us! The family bought me a mirror to go over my dresser, and Dad got me a new Hello Kitty watch because I asked him to fix my old one for my birthday, but he bought another one on clearance instead along with a special two-year warranty so that I can be guaranteed of it's working for me at least that long. I thought the gifts were very thoughtful, and I love them. We also ate potstickers, which were delicious, and then we had root beer floats. It was so fun doing madlibs for my birthday and also just visiting with the family.
After that, I visited Sylvia next door. Kellie and Christ have moved to Texas and she is alone until Bob and his family move in come May. I know it is lonely for her, and it was good to visit with her. I also invited her to come watch the Joseph Smith movie with the family tonight. She declined, which I figure she would, but I think she knows I care, and I hope she will come over one of these long winter evenings so that we can keep her company.
Then I had two more hours of meetings which went well. Actually, I was a half hour late for the first meeting because of visiting Sylvia, but I wasn't real worried about it and didn't miss much. While I was at the meetings, Dad, Katrina and Thomas watched old home movies, and when I got home we had Family Home Evening. Katrina gave a wonderful lesson on the Holy Ghost and then we watched the Joseph Smith movie which was also wonderful. I have been studying the First Vision lately, Matt, and was able to hear President Geslison speak on it again today at the ward conference I attended. I am know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to the prophet Joseph! What a wonderful manifestation of God's love for His children that he still speaks to us through prophets today. With God with us, what can be against us?
Well, that is our week, Matt. What is yours? I can't wait to read about it! Have a wonderful day and a wonderful week. I know that you are doing the work of the Lord and that He will continue to guide and bless you with His spirit.
Love,
Mom
P.S. I forgot to tell you about the present I got from Lily. Cassandra took a video of her and on it she said, "Happy Birtday, Grandma," and "I love you!" She also sang a song. It was so cute, and the perfect present.
Hi. How are you doing? Did you have a nice birthday? I hope you were able to teach many people the gospel on your birthday and throughout the week. I am so glad that Ellery went to church and that he is really interested in the gospel. What a wonderful thing! Martina sounds like a neat lady and I wish I could have seen the demonic chicken that chased Martina's grand kids. So funny! What happened this week with your investigators? Have you been to any conferences lately?
We had a nice week. Monday was a day off for all of us which was really nice. What a wonderful feeling on Sunday evening to realize that there is no work the next day! Abby and Paige came over and watched the first few hours of the BBC's version of Pride and Prejudice with Katrina, Thomas hung out with Hayden, etc, and Dad and I went to a movie about a transport ship that was captured by pirates. It is a true story and it was very good. Later that night we went out to eat for grade rewards and had a wonderful time as a family. Then we had a family home evening lesson given by Miriam. It was based on a talk given by President Eyring to the student body at BYU Idaho and was a very good lesson.
Tuesday and Wednesday are a bit of a blur, but I tried hard to be productive and do the right things. I didn't remember Jesus Christ as much as I want to, though, and I recommitted while partaking of the bread and water today to remember more faithfully this week and trust on the strength of the Lord.
Wednesday, Miriam got mixed up and gave me flowers and balloons for my birthday. She was going to take them to school and give them to me there until she found out that my birthday was later, ha ha. I'm so glad she didn't bring them to my work, but that I could enjoy them in the quiet of our own home. They are beautiful.
Thursday at work we went on a field trip to see an art exhibit. Sometimes I get overwhelmed by all there is to see at art exhibits, but this time I determined to concentrate on the faces in the artwork. I examined each face and tried to understand how each person was feeling. The very first painting displayed was of Christ being comforted by the angel as he suffered for the sins of the world. I've seen this painting before, but have been distracted by the angel and the wings that almost dwarf the suffering Christ, but this time I gazed into the face of the Savior and saw the suffering there. It touched me very deeply, Matt, and deepened my love for Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, Thomas hung out with his friends again and the girls and I went shopping for clothes for me. It was very nice of them to go, and I actually found some things, so I am a happy lady. It was very fun to be with them. Dad went to his old teacher, Mr Brady's, viewing that night. He was Dad's favorite teacher, a humble World War II veteran who taught Dad much about the sorrows of war.
Friday Miriam sent me to school with treats to share with my students, which was very sweet of her. The students loved them. After school, I slept and then Dad and I went out to eat and then we came home and watched the new Superman movie which was meh.
Saturday Katrina and I went to a youth camp leader breakfast for this year's girl's camp. Katrina doesn't really like camp, but she said the meeting went well without me even asking her about it, so I know that it was a good one. The girls did a lot of planning for camp. My job was to do a gathering activity for the girls, so I had them make "little sisters" out of sticks, cloth, etc. The girls were to take care of the little sisters they made throughout the breakfast and the ensuing planning sessions. Whenever we found an abandoned "little sister" we confiscated it. The girls who still had their little sisters at the end of the meeting got a little prize. At camp, these girls are assigned to be big sisters to some of the younger girls, so we used this activity to remind them to look over their little sisters at camp. They really liked it.
After that, I took a nap. I think I got three naps that day, ha ha. Later we went out as a family and had fun walking around some shops even though it was very cold. After that, we went home and ate steak made by Dad and then Dad re-hung my throw depicting Christ helping two children climb up rocks. Remember it, Matt? I had Dad take it down when we repainted the house. I taped back the fringe so it doesn't show and bought new rods to hold it up in order to update it's look. Dad was not thrilled about having to re-hang it, but I told him that's what I wanted for my birthday, so he did it and it went quite smoothly. It was very sweet of him, and it looks wonderful.
Today I went to 5 hours of church because I went to another ward's ward conference as well as our own ward. It was a wonderful blessing because I was able to partake of the sacrament twice, which I needed since the first time I took it today, I wasn't as focused as I wanted to be, but the second time I was focused and was able to repent and renew with a sincere heart. I can feel the strength from partaking fervently of the bread and water. I needed that strength because before that I was feeling overwhelmed and discouraged. I needed that second opportunity to humble myself before God and put my life, once again, in the Savior's hands.
When I finally got home, we had a birthday celebration. It was so wonderful having Jon there celebrating with us! The family bought me a mirror to go over my dresser, and Dad got me a new Hello Kitty watch because I asked him to fix my old one for my birthday, but he bought another one on clearance instead along with a special two-year warranty so that I can be guaranteed of it's working for me at least that long. I thought the gifts were very thoughtful, and I love them. We also ate potstickers, which were delicious, and then we had root beer floats. It was so fun doing madlibs for my birthday and also just visiting with the family.
After that, I visited Sylvia next door. Kellie and Christ have moved to Texas and she is alone until Bob and his family move in come May. I know it is lonely for her, and it was good to visit with her. I also invited her to come watch the Joseph Smith movie with the family tonight. She declined, which I figure she would, but I think she knows I care, and I hope she will come over one of these long winter evenings so that we can keep her company.
Then I had two more hours of meetings which went well. Actually, I was a half hour late for the first meeting because of visiting Sylvia, but I wasn't real worried about it and didn't miss much. While I was at the meetings, Dad, Katrina and Thomas watched old home movies, and when I got home we had Family Home Evening. Katrina gave a wonderful lesson on the Holy Ghost and then we watched the Joseph Smith movie which was also wonderful. I have been studying the First Vision lately, Matt, and was able to hear President Geslison speak on it again today at the ward conference I attended. I am know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to the prophet Joseph! What a wonderful manifestation of God's love for His children that he still speaks to us through prophets today. With God with us, what can be against us?
Well, that is our week, Matt. What is yours? I can't wait to read about it! Have a wonderful day and a wonderful week. I know that you are doing the work of the Lord and that He will continue to guide and bless you with His spirit.
Love,
Mom
P.S. I forgot to tell you about the present I got from Lily. Cassandra took a video of her and on it she said, "Happy Birtday, Grandma," and "I love you!" She also sang a song. It was so cute, and the perfect present.
Jan 12--Dear Elder
Dear Matt,
Hi, and thank you for the wonderful letter that you sent last week. I really enjoyed hearing about what you are doing. I don't ask as many questions in my letters than maybe I should because I think that you know the questions I have in my mind. How are you doing? Who are you teaching? What are you studying and pondering? How is your companion? I love it when you tell me about all those things and whatever else is important to you. I am glad that you and your companion could go on splits with the other missionaries and help them to get along with each other. I hope that they are doing better.
I really don't have much to say about this week. Sunday evening we tried to make a video to send to you for your birthday, but it didn't work out. Monday night, we were able to make the video and I sent it to you via snail mail on Thursday. I really hope that you get it. I don't even care if you get it for your birthday, just so long as you get it at all, ha ha. It is a long, kind of boring video--74 minutes, so you can watch it bit by bit if you want. We just wanted to send you something more than usual. If you do get it by your birthday, that would pretty much be a miracle. Also, Sunday night we had a family home evening lesson given by me. It was on keeping our covenants. Dad is giving the lesson this coming week.
This week I also did monthly shopping and other vague, uninteresting things. I worked very hard at the high school to help the special needs kids that I track to get good grades. Thursday was the last day of the semester. The great thing about that is that the kids and I got Friday off. The sad thing is that Dad didn't :( Still, Friday was very fun. Elizabeth and her two little girls came to visit me and Katrina. Katrina was so sweet and played with the girls and kept them happy while Elizabeth and I painted plaster nativity figures that I got Elizabeth's family for Christmas. Thomas hung out with Jon till five. They shopped and did errands and then barbequed pork chops. I had a little taste of one, and it was delicious. When Dad came home, he and I went to the temple and it was a wonderful experience. After that we went home and watched North and South which is not a movie about the civil war, but a movie about a young woman who moves from south England to north. We really enjoyed it. Miriam, Katrina, and Thomas went to the movie theater and watched "Saving Mr. Banks" which is a movie that I really like.
Also this week, I have been going over your letters for the year, Matt, and compiling excerpts of them to give to Brother Sales to put in the ward history. The excerpts I am choosing are the ones about your missionary work and your thoughts about missionary work and the gospel. It is slow going, and I am now in September of your letters. It is good to skim through your letters, Matt, and see your growth and the lessons you have learned. Thank you so much for taking the time to write to us. I know that it must be very hard to do.
Tomorrow we are going to Rick and Kelly's ward to hear Ben's pre-mission talk. He goes into the MTC on Wednesday, I believe. We have to leave at 7:00 in the morning to get to their 9:00 church in time. Today I made soup and a nice green salad to bring to the farewell. I have also cleaned, worked on your history, and even read a bit. I am reading North and South because the series was so good, I wanted to try the book. Now I think that I am going to cut Thomas's hair. Oh, we also went to Thomas's basketball game which they won, but he says that's because they were playing ninth graders and that when they play their fellow tenth graders, they probably won't do so well, ha ha.
Other random things. I've been getting more sleep lately, hooray! Oh, Miriam broke up with Preston. It looks like it's for good this time, although you can never be real sure. She works less, now, and just started a new semester.
Okay, now its Sunday evening and we are home from Ben's farewell. I drove up to their house while Dad slept because he didn't get much sleep last night. Ben gave a very good talk about spiritual learning and worldly learning, the importance of each, and reconciling the two. After their meetings we went to their house for lunch and to visit. My cousin, Wallace's oldest daughter, lives fairly close to them now, and she and her family were there, so it was nice to reconnect with them. Jessica and Henry were there. Sadly, Elizabeth and her family couldn't come. Still, it was a very enjoyable time. When we got home, everyone slept for an hour or so, but we are all awake now. I think we will probably have a family home evening lesson given by Dad tonight. That will be nice. Elizabeth is planning a family reunion in July. The cabin we will all be staying at is very nice, so that should be fun.
Well, Matt, please tell us what you've been thinking, teaching, and doing over this last week, and have a wonderful week to come. Remember that Heavenly Father and your family love you very much!
Love,
Mom
Hi, and thank you for the wonderful letter that you sent last week. I really enjoyed hearing about what you are doing. I don't ask as many questions in my letters than maybe I should because I think that you know the questions I have in my mind. How are you doing? Who are you teaching? What are you studying and pondering? How is your companion? I love it when you tell me about all those things and whatever else is important to you. I am glad that you and your companion could go on splits with the other missionaries and help them to get along with each other. I hope that they are doing better.
I really don't have much to say about this week. Sunday evening we tried to make a video to send to you for your birthday, but it didn't work out. Monday night, we were able to make the video and I sent it to you via snail mail on Thursday. I really hope that you get it. I don't even care if you get it for your birthday, just so long as you get it at all, ha ha. It is a long, kind of boring video--74 minutes, so you can watch it bit by bit if you want. We just wanted to send you something more than usual. If you do get it by your birthday, that would pretty much be a miracle. Also, Sunday night we had a family home evening lesson given by me. It was on keeping our covenants. Dad is giving the lesson this coming week.
This week I also did monthly shopping and other vague, uninteresting things. I worked very hard at the high school to help the special needs kids that I track to get good grades. Thursday was the last day of the semester. The great thing about that is that the kids and I got Friday off. The sad thing is that Dad didn't :( Still, Friday was very fun. Elizabeth and her two little girls came to visit me and Katrina. Katrina was so sweet and played with the girls and kept them happy while Elizabeth and I painted plaster nativity figures that I got Elizabeth's family for Christmas. Thomas hung out with Jon till five. They shopped and did errands and then barbequed pork chops. I had a little taste of one, and it was delicious. When Dad came home, he and I went to the temple and it was a wonderful experience. After that we went home and watched North and South which is not a movie about the civil war, but a movie about a young woman who moves from south England to north. We really enjoyed it. Miriam, Katrina, and Thomas went to the movie theater and watched "Saving Mr. Banks" which is a movie that I really like.
Also this week, I have been going over your letters for the year, Matt, and compiling excerpts of them to give to Brother Sales to put in the ward history. The excerpts I am choosing are the ones about your missionary work and your thoughts about missionary work and the gospel. It is slow going, and I am now in September of your letters. It is good to skim through your letters, Matt, and see your growth and the lessons you have learned. Thank you so much for taking the time to write to us. I know that it must be very hard to do.
Tomorrow we are going to Rick and Kelly's ward to hear Ben's pre-mission talk. He goes into the MTC on Wednesday, I believe. We have to leave at 7:00 in the morning to get to their 9:00 church in time. Today I made soup and a nice green salad to bring to the farewell. I have also cleaned, worked on your history, and even read a bit. I am reading North and South because the series was so good, I wanted to try the book. Now I think that I am going to cut Thomas's hair. Oh, we also went to Thomas's basketball game which they won, but he says that's because they were playing ninth graders and that when they play their fellow tenth graders, they probably won't do so well, ha ha.
Ben's Farewell
Other random things. I've been getting more sleep lately, hooray! Oh, Miriam broke up with Preston. It looks like it's for good this time, although you can never be real sure. She works less, now, and just started a new semester.
Okay, now its Sunday evening and we are home from Ben's farewell. I drove up to their house while Dad slept because he didn't get much sleep last night. Ben gave a very good talk about spiritual learning and worldly learning, the importance of each, and reconciling the two. After their meetings we went to their house for lunch and to visit. My cousin, Wallace's oldest daughter, lives fairly close to them now, and she and her family were there, so it was nice to reconnect with them. Jessica and Henry were there. Sadly, Elizabeth and her family couldn't come. Still, it was a very enjoyable time. When we got home, everyone slept for an hour or so, but we are all awake now. I think we will probably have a family home evening lesson given by Dad tonight. That will be nice. Elizabeth is planning a family reunion in July. The cabin we will all be staying at is very nice, so that should be fun.
Well, Matt, please tell us what you've been thinking, teaching, and doing over this last week, and have a wonderful week to come. Remember that Heavenly Father and your family love you very much!
Love,
Mom
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