3 Aug 2008

Aug. 3, 2008
Dear Elder Sean,
I hope this letter finds you well and happy. We finally received one letter last week from you. Thank you. It was the one dated July 17th, so it took a while to get here. I hope ours are getting to you in a more timely manner. We've also gotten the emails from your office about the exact address, etc. I think everything we send has the longer address on it, so hopefully it gets to you.
We had a nice Fast Sunday here. Lots of wonderful testimonies borne. It was my week to play in Primary, so I was in there for the 2 hours. Alex said he was the only Priest so he got a private lesson from Bro. Rasmussen, Bro. Jensen and dad. I'm sure he loved it. We were few in numbers today. Looks like it's prime vacation time.
Well, today is the last day of our TV fast. Alex and Dallas want to meet up tonight at midnight and watch a movie. Kirk has had a hard time with it, but lately he's been reading tons. He and Rachel are reading the Harry Potter series (they talk about it each night when they call each other. She's read it a couple times before, but this is Kirk's first time getting past the first book). They're on book 2 now. I've never seen him read so much. Look what love does to you!
This week we are getting ready to go on vacation to Oregon. We leave on Friday and come back the next Saturday, Aug. 8-16th. On Friday we are going to Jason Campbell's wedding, then taking off after that. Jason says his wife to be is into numbers and really wanted to be married on 8-8-08.
Kirk is still working for Travis at the mall, Alex is still washing windows (but he complains about it-I think it's been a great job for him), Kristina got her hair cut this week and got bangs so she's been all about that, she's also making tons of money babysitting for people, Leah is starting jump rope club this week and Nikki is becoming more dramatic by the day. She always makes us laugh and has a good comedic sense of timing.
I've been practicing every day on my new mandolin and I love it. It's way easier than the banjo. But I think I need to be in a group to really enjoy it.
Kristina's band had a gig on Saturday at a concert called Chicks with Picks. It was an all day affair with girls groups and singers playing throughout the day. They had a large stage and sound system and her group did great. They were the youngest group to perform. They call themselves The Cupidettes. I'm trying to talk her into doing some of the vocals. She has a good voice, but she's too nervous about that.
How was your week? I'm still trying to get used to not hearing from you on Mondays. It was fun to hear that you got to see Elder Richins again. Are Vanessa and Maxi still meeting with you and taking the lessons? It's also weird to hear you writing about going to WalMart. That just doesn't seem right, a WalMart in Cordoba...
I can't think of too much in the way of news from around here. Tiffany Shaw is seriously dating a guy now. He's almost 30 so I"m dying to talk to Bro. Shaw and see how he feels about things. The Ray girl just got home from her mission and her parents are now picking up their son from Africa. The Purnell brothers have just turned their papers in, so we should have some news there soon.
The work is moving forward here. Our work consists mainly of raising righteous generations of young people. It's tough work, but very rewarding at times. As parents we try to help each other and I don't know what I'd do without so many strong and wonderful people around me. There are many good role models in our stake and it's meant a lot to me and dad to know they love and care about all of you almost as much as we do. When we love Heavenly Father it just becomes natural to love His children and to try to care for every soul.
We are all well and happy and busy. These are tough times here for many. We are all trying to help each other, lift each other and give support. As I read the Book of Mormon (still doing the STOMP program!)I can see the blessings/riches/pride/humility cycle of life repeated and I can see it in our own day. It seems so obvious yet we still seem to fall into the same traps. It's very humbling, but I feel such hope because of what I know: my relationship with my Heavenly Father and my family is what matters most and the atonement is the only thing that will save us. I want you to know that we all feel a special love for the people you are working with also and it's a great feeling. Keep the letters coming.
Tomorrow David and Caryn and their family are stopping by on their way to Donnelly. It will be fun to see them. Dad talked with his parents tonight. They are well and busy canning pickles (not my favorite, but there are plenty of people out there who love them). My mom and dad were just in Utah last week. Grandpa designed and built a stage that would rise from the floor when needed. They installed it in the floor of the new Noah's that is being built in South Jordan. Sounds like it was a successful trip for them. They got to visit lots of family too.
Steve and Carolina may try to come up here for a quick visit before school starts. They are doing well. Gio and Jenn are doing great and their little puppy has become like their child. It's very cute, but Steve says it has had a lot of expenses. Gio works within walking distance of their apartment and Jenn will finish up her last year of college this year. It would be nice to have Steve and Carolina here when it's not freezing cold outside. Steve said he didn't want to come if we were still on our TV fast! People can't believe that we've been able to do this, but by the sounds of it, it's been a very inspired and wonderful experience for every family. They've been videotaping the youth about their experiences with it and it's been very positive. They're going to show the video at the Saturday meeting next weekend at Stake Conference. We'll have to get a copy of it since we won't be here. Alex said he's on it.
We sent a package to you this week. Have you gotten the last one we sent? It was the one that had the apron for Sis. Olsen. Also we sent some letters snail mail and were wondering if they got to you yet.
Have a miraculous week, Sean. Padle looks fun. Reminds me that the Westerbergs went out and bought a ping pong table right after they were at our house. Terri and I took Tim on and we had a lot of fun playing. Alex said they put it right in the middle of their living room, but they love it. He says they're cleaning the garage so they can have a spot in there to put it. A new hang out spot for you and Jared next summer.
Take care of yourself.
I love you.
Momxoxoxooxoxoxoooxoxoxoxox