30 Mar 2008

March 30, 2008
Dear Elder Sean,

It's a little late here because we went over to Rozsa's tonight for a fireside (me, Alex and Dad). They don't have mission prep in their stake, so Danny Rozsa tries to put little firesides together for the young men in his ward and he invited us to come tonight. It was on the atonement, the point being that the atonement is the cornerstone of our church and the very reason we go out to the four corners of the earth to preach of this great act and help people realize how mercy can now soften the strict laws of justice and give us hope of exaltation. Jeff Rosza was there. He's living back at home and going to BSU. He's trying to get his life in order-at least his parents are trying to help him do that. It was good to see everyone again.

At church today, dad taught the RS/priesthood lesson for the adults. He did a good job. He taught about raising a righteous posterity and used the Worldwide Broadcast talk from February for his source.

We had a lot of fun in California. Dad said he gave you a report of our comings and goings. It's so great to know that in just an hour and a half, we can be with family. We flew the Jet Express that goes directly from Boise to Ontario. Jeff met us at the airport and let us take their big van the whole week. Of course, it felt very familiar to drive around and it was fun having all that room again. Sometimes I wish we still had our big van. It was also great having Kirk with us for a few days. He hadn't seen a lot of the cousins down there since before his mission. The weather (of course) was beautiful the whole time. We were really spoiled, because when we got back home it felt so cold here. Kirk says it's still snowing in Rexburg, so it was probably a bigger shock going back home for him.

How are you doing? I loved seeing the pictures from last week. It's great to see the Gonzalez family and actually get to picture what they look like now. How are they doing? How about the Moreno's? I hope they both were able to make it to church today. I can't even imagine changing your life in such a dramatic way as so many adult converts do. What great faith on their part.

Leah said something funny tonight when the home teacher came to visit. He was talking about the commandments and someone said there were ten, then Leah said there were 13. We all looked at her. Bro. Stewart realized she was probably thinking about the Articles of Faith, so he said, yes, there are 13 Articles of Faith. Then Nikki proceeded to recite the 1st AoF with Leah helping her. Then he asked if they knew any other Articles of Faith. Leah said, "Yes, Boys will be punished for sins." I knew exactly what she was saying. When she learned about the 2nd AoF, she only heard the part about "Men", so her understanding was that boys would be punished for their sins-no mention of women or girls in that is there? We all laughed when we realized what she was saying. She must think most the scriptures don't really apply to her since they are always using the pronoun "Man or Men".

Nikki has been very funny lately too. She's getting quite a witty sense of humor and I'm pretty amazed at some of her comebacks. Even Alex can't believe what she comes up with. Kristina is coming into her busy performance season. She has her first ballet performance this week. Her costume is beautiful. We'll take pix of it and send them to you. She also is getting ready for her play, High School Musical.

Alex is on the JV tennis team, so he's been busy with tournaments and practices. He's planning on taking his driving test next week, so hopefully we'll have another driver in the family soon. Also his prom date finally answered him with a yes. He's taking Courtney Bingham to prom.

How were Hermana Olsen's parents? Any good CIA stories? Did you get our packages?

We went to the Kynaston's tonight also to say goodbye to them before they leave on their mission to Fort Lauderdale on Wed. Their mission includes the Florida Keys and Kathie was asked to head up a music program on their mission. They're going to be in charge of missionary housing too.

Jill Erickson called me last night and said Oliver had just called home and said his friend had given him front row tickets for the Jazz game and right across from him was Pres. Monson for the entire game. So Oliver sent us a picture he had taken of him and Jill said Oliver was so excited about it. Oliver's been doing well in Orem.

That's about it for around here. Just trying to get back into the swing of things. Here's a few missionary tips for you:
1. Ask yourself, "Would I be embarrassed if my mom suddenly arrived at my apartment and needed to use my bathroom?" (I love that one!!!)
2. Don't chew gum while tracting.
3. Do five push-ups a day.
4. Be obedient; but if you slip, forgive yourself-then do better next time.
5. Smile often.
6. When a big dog chases you, remember you only have to outrun your companion, not the dog.

You sound so good, happy and busy in your letters. They all go hand in hand. Keep working hard and doing your part, the spirit will do the rest.

I love you,
momxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoox