10 Nov 2007

Nov. 10, 2007
Dear Elder Sean,
How are you? I hope you've had an enjoyable week. I'm feeling much more relaxed now that stake conference is over. There was a packed house last night, but that didn't really bother me. It just felt a bit surreal being on the stand at a meeting that wasn't sacrament mtg where we usually speak. There were 3 speakers and then the entire Stake Presidency also spoke. I was the third speaker. I thoroughly enjoyed researching my subject and was so uplifted by everything I found and I really wanted to convey that to the audience, so that's what I prayed for. Many comments afterwards let me know that the spirit worked through me and my prayers were answered. But boy, did I feel so much relief after I was done. I've included a copy of my talk in the package we are sending you.

Today for stake conference we had Pres. Monson preside at a meeting held in a video room in the conference center where Elder Glen L. Pace conducted and spoke first, then the first counselor in the General Primary Presidency, then Elder Russell M. Nelson. Pres. Monson was our concluding speaker and he spoke for the last 45 minutes. He told so many great personal stories, a lot about his memories of primary. He was so relaxed in this meeting and so personal. It was fun to get to know him in a different way than we have ever seen him. I hope we get to have meetings like this more often. They broadcast this particular meeting to 39 stakes in the western Idaho area.

I enjoy reading about how you had meetings with the stake presidency and other stake leaders. I especially loved your analogy of your bishop and Amulek. So true!

Friday we celebrated Leah's 8th birthday. She couldn't have been more excited. The whole day she could hardly contain herself. Every present we gave her, she would jump up and down and say how great it was. She kept saying how this was the greatest day ever. It was so cute to see her excitement. That night she thanked me for getting the presents for her especially the baby doll that talks and moves. She loves being a little mother. Leah also had to go to the church today where they were making a video tape of 8 year olds and asking them questions about baptism. She's not real sure about why she's getting baptized or what it's all about yet. She just knows it's the right thing to do. So I told her one of the biggest reasons she's getting baptized is because it's a commandment. She understands that. They asked her some hard questions like what is it they say in the sacrament prayer that helps us remember the covenant we made at our baptism. That was way over her head. I kind of think it would be over any 8 year old's head. She and Alex also practiced baptizing today. I think they need a bit more practice by the looks of things. I'm sure it will go much smoother in the water.


We had fun today putting together a few things (a few homemade things) for your Christmas package. Dad wants to know what's the best address to send your package to. We're going to try to send it off this week so you get it in time.

Jason Green got his mission call this week. He's going to Wellington New Zealand and very excited about it. Brittney Stafford is coming home this Wednesday and the Staffords are so excited to pick her up at the airport. They're going to go back to her mission during Christmas break with the whole family.

Let's see-BSU won Utah State 52-0, very embarrassing for USU. BYU also won TCU 27-21. That's all I know about here. Sorry, can't say I'm really following too many teams. Tonight the youth in our ward had a special fireside where the coach of the Boise Burn came and spoke to them. Sounds like he had a lot of fun stories.

I have your next Eagle's newsletter and I'll probably just put it in your package we're mailing. It's so fun reading the news from your friends. I'm still so sensitive about my missionaries. Whenever someone tells a story about a missionary, I can't help but get a bit teary. I really enjoy talking with all the other parents who have sons and daughters out on full time missions. Some day you will talk with others who have parents out on missions while dad and I are on our mission and you'll know how fun it is to be part of the group.

So how have you been feeling physically this week? Did you get into a doctor or get some days of rest? I forgot to mention to you last week that you should try wearing a different pair of shoes if you haven't tried that already. That really can make a difference even though it sounds like a small thing. Sometimes the arches in one pair are such that they aggravate your joints because of how you just happen to walk. I know someone who was having knee pain and then after the advice of someone, she changed her shoes and started wearing a different pair and she couldn't believe how much it relieved her pain. Anyway, you may want to try that.

Carolina called me a few days ago and said they are very excited to come to Thanksgiving. Isaac and Bethany will be staying with us too which will be a lot of fun. Our ping pong table broke, so I'm telling dad that it's imperative that we buy a new one before the gang gets here. Our big round the world games of ping pong are a tradition now. Right now Steve and Carolina will be the only ones coming. We may have to invite someone from around here. It just doesn't feel right unless we have a crowd here. Feelings I must have from my childhood I'm sure--the desire for crowds and family at holidays.

How have your investigators been doing? I hope your big family (Capellan, is it?) is still moving forward. Also Tonio and Rafael. You mentioned a Tristan, I don't know his story. They're all in my prayers. Keep up the hard work. The blessings always come after the obedience and work. The Lord knows their hearts and desires and He knows yours.

Have a fun day. As always, let us know if there's anything we can do for you or get for you. You're the best, Sean and I enjoy sharing in your mission with you. I love you much.

xoxoxoxmom