5 aug 2007

Aug 5, 2007

Dear Elder Sean,

Well, here we are in sunny southern CA with the cousins. We went to grandma and grandpa's ward this morning and grandpa bore his testimony so all his grandkids could know how he felt. It was great being there. Everyone here has asked about you and how you're doing. Spent a lot of time talking with Scott about Argentina. His memories are fond and close to his thoughts since you are there now. It's fun to see the new group of big kids now who are Alex, Brig, Trevor, David,Tyler, Cole, Dakota, Hannah with Sam, Kassie and Jessie and even Kristina trying to be part of the group too. It's fun watching them all grow up and have fun together. We're staying here at Jan and Jeff's and it's been great. Steve and CArolina stayed with Susan and Allen stayed at Toni's. We've been making the trip to Orange quite a bit, but it's not far. The first day here we went down to go swimming for the afternoon and Nikki promptly left her mark in the pool, if you know what I mean. Something about the water sure relaxes her. The pool cleared out real fast and chemicals were applied and the swimming was done for the day as fast as it had started. We've since been able to swim with no incidents. Although last night while we adults were all at the movies, the little kids all went swimming with Patrice watching and Leah dove into the shallow end and hit her head hard on the bottom. She got quite a goose egg and now has a lovely black eye. Patrice felt horrible, but she kept ice on it most the night and kept the swelling to a minimum. That was scary, but I'm sure Leah won't be diving into the shallow end again.

We had our annual beach party also. It was hard to get Leah out of the waves. She's a little beach baby. Hot dogs, smores and sand and water-a perfect combination.

Maria's wedding on Friday night went beautifully. She looked gorgeous and James was beaming. You could tell he was sooo happy. The wedding was in Camarillo, a beautiful town up the coast from Los Angeles at a country club. We had dinner after the ceremony and then dancing. Tomorrow we're going to Disneyland and California Adventure, then on Tuesday we head home. Kind of a quick trip, but you know us, we've packed lots of activities into the few days we've been here, even went to Fashion Island and went to the Apple store and played with the new iPhones.

Since I'm not at home, I won't be sending you any pictures this week, but I"ll get them to you next week. We've tried to take quite a few to share with you and Kirk.

Have you gotten our pkg yet?

How has your week been? Are you finding people through street contacts, or referrals or tracting? Have you been able to teach a lot of lessons this week? I always pray that you'll have many opportunities to bear your testimony and that you will share it often.

I heard from Terri Westerberg this weekend. We had a nice talk today. She said the MTC experience was very difficult. Jared was crying, his brother was crying, she was crying and I'm sure Tim was crying. They haven't heard anything from him yet and it's Sunday and she really wanted to know when they will hear anything. I really think they will hear something tomorrow, either a letter in the mailbox or an email. She said it's been hard not hearing from him to find out if his first few days have been okay. I know the feeling. I know they will feel so much better when they finally hear something from him. She said she couldnt' even sit through fast and testimony meeting today because she felt so emotional. I'll call her when I get home. One fun thing that happened for them before the MTC was the day before he went into the MTC they went through the temple with him and Dallin Oaks was in the session with them and they got to talk with him. Elder Oaks was going through with a grandson who was entering the MTC the same day as Jared.

I think that's it for our updates. Allen and Lisa seem very happy together. She is so good for him. I am so glad we finally got to meet her. Jessie looks a lot older now. Sam also has grown quite a bit and getting very tall. Katie has a boyfriend who's crazy about her, so who knows what will happen there. David is opting to leave high school early and test out and start college around home. Heidi and Cameron led the game night we had tonight and they will be going to DC for an internship in the fall.

How's the Spanish coming along? Do you feel it clicking in occasionally, becoming a natural part of your thoughts yet? I know you're probably working hard at that and that will pay off for you. Remember the study habits you've learned and continue to press forward each day. The Lord knows your willingness to serve and He will edify you.

Exercise faith and the miracles will happen.

I love you and pray for you constantly. Keep up the great work.

Much love,

mom

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxoxo