First Email to Alex 8-21-10

August 22, 2010
Dear Elder Alex,
Well, I thought I better get an email to you just in case you get a chance to write in the next couple days. I wasn't sure what your schedule would be. I know by now you've packed and will be on your way to Tennessee tomorrow. I can't wait to hear from you, both on the phone if you get a chance and also by email from the field.

We went to Austin's farewell today. He did such a great job. He made a lot of points about listening to the spirit and responding to the spirit. He gave a lot of personal experiences, one where he didn't listen while at Alma Academy when he was afraid to speak up in his cabin. He and the other guys started talking about ghost stories and things turned to quite an evil feeling. Austin kept feeling like they should start singing hymns to thwart off the feeling, but he was embarrassed to say anything. A few minutes later one of the other guys suggested singing and everyone wholeheartedly agreed since they were all feeling the same thing. After singing Ye Elders of Israel, they all felt so much better and were able to sleep well. The other time he felt a strong prompting was while he was at BYU cruising late at night (not sure if you were with him or not) and the car broke down. He kept getting the prompting that he should pray and this time he listened and suggested it. But then he talked about how the answer you get isn't always the answer you pray for. The car didn't ever start but they were able to hitch a ride back safely. Terri cried through most of it. She said it was harder than when Jared spoke. She said she's really going to miss Austin. There was a good turn out from our stake there. The Warrs were there too.

We went over to their house tonight for an open house and in fact, Kirk and Sean are still there playing games. Terri and I had a good talk. She has separated from her husband. She told me about the problems they are having and I think it's a good idea that she get away from him. So now she's living in an apartment, but says she and Tim get along great. Jared has a girlfriend and they look cute together. She's been married before and has a 3 yr old, but Jared looks very happy, so we'll see where this goes.

We celebrated Kirk's 24th birthday yesterday. He picked a place to go out to lunch-Qdoba's and then he opened presents. His main present was a portable weight set he could take back to college. Then late last night we all went black light mini golfing. He and Laura are still texting non-stop and are looking forward to dating again back at school.

Last night we also went to 3 wedding receptions-Garrett and Kayla Frame, Megan Stewart and her new husband Jerry Garcia(love that name) and also Katie Williams from the 8th ward. The girls liked the food at the Frame wedding the best-crepes and Italian ices. All of Sean's buddies were there too including Nate who is now engaged and getting married in October.

Today I went to the Eagle 5th ward as an official visit and I saw Dana there, so we talked. She wanted to know how you were doing, etc. and she wanted me to tell you hello and hope you are doing well. I told her to write you.

The Western Idaho Fair is going now and we double dated with the Hugentoblers to the fair on Friday night. Mel had never been to it before so we had to show him around. We had a nice visit with Travis and Uncle Bill there. Kirk will be working the Fair this week and believe it or not, Sean is going to be working at Pro Image this week. I'll believe it when I see it.

Dad went to 11 yr old day camp on Saturday, but only had one boy from the ward. It was at the Tanner's backyard since they have a pond and everything. He said it was the perfect place for it. But they had to hire a group from Nampa to come do the archery this year.

Only one week til school starts for the girls. I went in and talked with the principal of Eagle Elementary and told him my concerns from what happened at the end of the school year with some of Leah's friends, etc. After a long talk, I said I would keep the girls in their school if they could guarantee that Leah and Lauren (her bad influence friend) were not in the same class, if the wonderful IEP resource teachers were coming back this year(they know Leah so well and are great with her) and if they would guarantee that Nikki would not have Mrs. Mapp(Leah's teacher from last year-that class was out of control). He said yes to everything and had even heard about all the troubles in Leah's class last year and had gone in and talked with the kids very sternly. He ended up suspending 3 of the students from her class for 3 days, so I knew he was serious about this. So I'm pretty happy that they can stay at the same school. Leah is in Mrs. Bunn's class which will be great, and Nikki has Mrs. Roban who is considered a very strict teacher which will be helpful to Nikki.

Well, that's about it for around here. I hope you enjoyed the treats and boxes and letters we sent to the MTC. We are always thinking about you and love doing things for you. You are in every prayer. I'm so excited for you to be out in the field and can't wait to hear your stories. You have been prepared since you were young for this time and you are now very capable of being an instrument in the hand's of the Lord.

Love you,

Mom
xoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxooxooxoxooxxoxo