16 Dec 2007

Dec. 16, 2007
Dear Elder Sean,
How are you doing this week? I hope you didn't mind that I just forwarded a couple letters to you. I know we're supposed to be the only ones writing you email,etc, but I didn't think they were very long, so I just sent them your way. I realized that a lot of people didn't know you were having any knee troubles at all, because we would only discuss it in our family letter, so when you wrote about your change of venue and maybe getting a cane for your knee, I got a lot of questions from those I sent the letter to. You sounded so good in your last letter. Busy and happy. I can't believe how much there is to do there. I hope it's been another fun and busy week for you. The president will soon learn that you are quite an asset, someone who is so dependable and a quick thinker.

I couldn't really understand where you are living. Where are you now? Who is your companion, where is he from? Just trying to get a better mental picture.

Church was good today despite starting off the day having Nikki spit red juice all over Leah's white baptism dress just before we're ready to take off for church. Luckily, I think I've got it all out of the dress. I substituted for Jill Erickson's class-7 year olds today. I enjoyed it. I'm going to take her class until the end of the year. The Erickson's are having quite a bit of stress in their family (financially speaking) and it's been hard on Jill, so hopefully this will ease a little of the burden she's feeling. She was able to go to Gospel Essentials and RS today with Alex's girlfriend, so it turned out much better for her.

Dad has been busy with tithing settlements, but he really enjoys it. He says it's basically just the full tithe payers who come in, so it's quite enjoyable for him to visit with active, happy families. We went in to see him last week. Nikki was able to pay a big .80 for her money she earned on tooth losses this year. Leah wasn't happy she didn't lose any teeth this year. I think next year it would be wise of me to hire both girls to do odds and ends jobs to earn just a little bit so they can pay some tithing. It means a lot to them.

Your mission president's house sounds wonderful. Do you have any pix? Azaleas in bloom and oak trees--I'm jealous. When is your Christmas conference?

We're starting to get the holiday treat drop offs here. Wonderful treats. It's kind of funny that we all cook and give away and get 10 times the amount back. The girls and I are going to do some baking this week. We're trying to decide which recipes to use. Caramel corn seems to be a big vote getter. We also have a few secret Santa families that we need to make drop offs to.

We went to the live nativity up on Holl Road last night. There was a light snow while we walked through the tour and it was beautiful. Thurs night I went caroling with the cub scouts. Randy Pinder brings his guitar and we sing for a few members of the ward. It's always fun singing with the Pinders, everything always sounds better.

The Hansen's (Lori and Brian) had twin girls this week. They are home and doing well. This is their second set of twins, so they probably know the routine already. Toni called me the other day and said Ben had just called and announced he and Alysa were expecting. Ben's very excited to be a dad. Toni's not as excited about being called grandma.

Kirk had another party here over the weekend. They have a game playing group. He got asked to speak next week in the single's ward also. So he's keeping pretty busy. We've heard there's already quite a bit of snow in Rexburg, so he's not real happy about that. I wouldn't be either.

I've had my new car for a week now and it's been great. The heated seats make my day. It's been so cold here lately. Not a lot of snow, but just very cold.

Alex had his Christmas concert yesterday. The groups sounded amazing. Some of the songs gave me chills. The City of Eagle and some businesses donated enough money to get a shell for performances, so Mullen was very happy. There was also enough money left over from donations that he's going to put it towards getting a grand piano. He's really made the choral department something to be proud of. It's got quite a reputation now.

Alex just got back from his first APC mtg. They're planning for next year's ward conferences. Alex and Lacey Tanner are in charge of the music and he also has to make a portion of the video they will be showing. Their theme for next year will be about screen time (video games, phones, texting, TV, movies,etc) and also about prayer. Their first ward conference is our ward's and it's in January so they have to really get moving on it.

Also as unbelievable as this may sound, Alex won a dance contest at a school assembly and came home with a brand new digital camera. He refuses to show us any of his moves, but he said the cheerleaders were chanting his name which made his day. It just makes me laugh.

Well, better be off to bed. We are well, cold, but well here. Share the Christmas spirit, give it away every chance you get.

I love you very much and can't wait to talk with you,
momxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxo
ps will you still be writing next Mon or is Christmas your pday?