Oct. 19, 2008
Dear Elder Sean,
I'm trying to concentrate on writing but Alex just walked in from a stake youth fireside on testimonies. He's here with Dallas and Tanner munching on anything and everything they can find in the house.
Dad is actually at work today and hasn't gotten home yet. Must have gotten really busy at work. I know he really hates to work on Sundays. I missed seeing him at church today. Brian Redmond gave his farewell talk today. He's going to San Antonio on his mission. In the 8th ward Cameron Dumas reported on his mission and Evan Gines gave his farewell, so Alex went to their ward too.
I taught RS today and enjoyed it. Seems like it's been quite a while since I was up in front of the sisters and it began to feel very familiar once I was up there speaking. My lesson was from the Joseph Smith manual on the 76th section of the D&C. I learned a lot from my studies this week. I really enjoyed reading the account of one of the 12 other men who were in the room at the same time the vision was received. He gave an account of what he saw and heard while Joseph and Sidney were caught up in the spirit of the vision. He said "I saw the glory and felt the power, but did not see the vision and that Joseph would, at intervals, say 'What do I see?' as one might say while looking out the window and beholding what all in the room could not see. Then he would relate what he had seen or what he was looking at. Then Sidney replied, 'I see the same.' Presently Sidney would say 'what do I see?' and would repeat what he had seen or was seeing, and Joseph would reply, 'I see the same." "This manner of conversation was reported at short intervals to the end of the vision, and during the whole time not a word was spoken by any other person. Not a sound nor motion made by anyone but Joseph and Sidney, and it seemed to me that they never moved a joint or limb during the time I was there, which I think was over an hour, and to the end of the vision." "Joseph sat firmly and calmly all the time in the midst of a magnificent glory, but Sidney sat limp and pale, apparently as limber as a rag, observing which, Joseph remarked, smilingly, 'Sydney is not used to it as I am."
I then went into the 76th section and dissected it by noting the points I felt most impressed to talk about. All in all, I felt like I was able to convey what I had learned and felt during the week which is what I prayed for.
I've been watching a couple talks from General Conference each Sunday afternoon, the ones that I tivo'ed and I am really enjoying it. I think I'll always Tivo conference and watch them again and again. In between sessions they showed a biography of Pres. Monson's life which was amazing. I'm going to have the family watch it for family night. He is a man truly in tune with the spirit and on the Lord's errand.
Yesterday was Kristina's birthday. Now we have 2 teenagers again. Last night was our ward chili party. I left after an hour with Kristina and her friends so they could start her party here at the house. Dad stayed and line danced with Nikki and Leah. The Pinder's played bluegrass music for the party. I was only wishing there was a better sound system.
Alex is splitting the cost of a stereo system for the Mustang and we drove it down to RC Willey to let them take a look and tell us how much it would cost to get one installed, etc. He's getting tired of singing to himself while driving. I'm thinking we should put in a new dash while we're at it. It's pretty cracked and old looking. I figure the car is over 40 years old, so what's the rush in getting it completely fixed up. Actually, most of the decisions are cost prohibitive. But it's been running great so I'm happy about that.
Also yesterday, Alex got asked to Sadie's. The doorbell rang and on the doorstep this is what we saw...
so it was pretty funny.
Last Tuesday EHS had their fall choir concert. Alex had a scat solo and he did an awesome job. His confidence is definitely up now and he's even hoping to get a solo for the Christmas concert. EHS won their football game this week as well as BSU, BUT BYU LOST! In fact, they got creamed. Here they were ranked #9 in the BCS polls and they lost to TCU. So now BSU and Utah are still undefeated and sooo happy that BYU has lost their ranking. You would have enjoyed the halftime show at BSU this weekend. They only showed part of it on ESPN, wish I could have been there, but the band played Rhapsody in Blue and they brought out a beautiful, blue grand piano onto the field where someone played Rhapsody in Blue on a blue piano on a blue field. Too cool.
I was anxious to hear your report from your meeting with Elder Nelson, but you didn't write much. What were the highlights? How are Maxi and also Maria Cristina coming along?
Just curious, as a zone leader, what are some of the things you do on a routine basis? Do you meet together as a zone often? Do you speak to them or have round table like discussions? Do the companionships report in to you regularly? I know it all seems normal enough to you, but I don't have any idea what does on, so let me in on things when you get a chance. How is your ward?
Dad just got home from a long day at work. He sends his love. He's reminding me that we'll be sending you another package right after Halloween. Most likely you'll get a plethora of candy in that package, since we'll be weeding out what the girls get. I've also included a couple pix from last week's activities.
We actually got apples this year. Don't they look great. The McCauleys got a bazillion (Sis. McCauley's word) apples this year and so we're going to go pick some to try and make a teeny dent in their bazillion.
I hope you are well and happy. I love reading your letters because I can tell how much you love what you are doing. It makes me so happy. We are well here and always hope you can feel our prayers and support, your name and mission are mentioned numerous times each day in all our prayers.
Have a miraculous week.
Love you,
momxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
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