21 Oct 2007

Oct. 21, 2007
Dear Elder Sean,
We just finished with a youth fireside here tonight, so it's finally feeling a bit calm so I can write you. Kirk and Alex Erickson were the main speakers tonight, with me and Dirk Erickson also having a little time to speak. They both did a great job complete with a little power point show. Alex E. met a girl at his work, Rocky Mtn and she wants to be baptized. She came to our ward today and I had a chance to be with her during the 3rd hour. She already seems Mormon to me. She dated a Mormon guy for a year and a half and went to church with him. So after meeting Alex, she was actually more than ready and willing to get going back to church. She missed it. Kirk double dated with her and Alex over the weekend. They carved pumpkins (Kirk's pumpkin was amazing-I'll have to have him email you a picture of it) and then they went to Rembrandt's for hot chocolate and then watched a movie at the Erickson's.

Our Alex had a big movie night here at our house on Friday and about 15-16 kids came. It seemed like a huge amount. They watched Transformers and the house was definitely rocking with the surround sound stereo.

We had Kristina's birthday this week and she finally turned 12! Today dad called her up and she got to recite an article of faith-she chose the 8th. She looked so grown up standing up there. I think you're going to be surprised by how much she changes while you're gone. She went to Young Women's today for her first time and LOVED it! She even got to come to the fireside and not have to babysit the little girls.

All week long, I've been worried about your knee and have kept you in our prayers asking for blessings of strength in your knee. How is it feeling now? Kirk said most missionaries had sore knees from walking so much and they all put gels into their shoes and it really helped. I picked up a pair here and will send it in your next pkg. Anyway, I really hope you're doing ok and that the swelling has gone down. Dad even called Dr. Smith and talked to him about it. Let us know if there's anything you need.

Speaking of packages, have you gotten our latest? We are still trying to figure out a cheaper way to send things to you but it's hard on our end because they don't really know about the charges that you have to pay. Ask around if you get a chance and let us know what the packages are called that you don't have to pay extra charges for. We love gathering things for you and we'll keep sending things nonetheless, I'll just try to remember to put extra money in your account every time we send something.

I'm jealous from your last letter about getting to hear loud thunderous thunderstorm noises. I would love to hear sounds like that again. Could you bottle them up for me?

Alex got asked to Sadies over the weekend too. He got the old popcorn all over the bed asking. So now he's trying to figure out how to answer. Tessa Butterfield asked him.

Also we went to Alex's choir concert last week. It was awesome. They are getting so huge. I went a half hour early and could barely find a place to sit. I may purchase those reserved seats they sell. Kirk went to it and he and Alex talked with Mr. Mc afterward. He was talking about when you get home, you 3 will be quite the trio. Alex is really starting to blossom (for lack of a better word) with his singing. Mr. McMullen has placed him right in the middle for performances which according to Kiley Kofoed means he's one of the best. Kiley actually told me that she thought Alex was the best tenor in the choir now. I guess his singing lessons are really paying off. All the choirs actually sounded wonderful. Kudos go to Mr. Mc, it's obvious he loves what he does and what he does, he does extremely well. I'm glad you guys all got to work with him.

Today at church was Thomas Gulbrandsen's farewell. He is so excited to get out there and start being a full-time missionary. He's a wonderful speaker too. He goes into the MTC on the 31st. The next one in our ward will be Ashton Beagley and also Lindsay Gill.

Also at church dad asked Kirk to teach a gospel essentials class in Spanish. We have a couple in our ward visiting from Cancun with their daughter for 2 months and they only speak Spanish so I think they really enjoyed having a class where they could speak freely. Bro. Pinder, Bro. Lewis (from the high council) and the Jensen's went into the class too. I think Kirk is going to the single's ward, the Leavitts really want him there, but I sure love having him sit with us again in our ward.

Dad said to send his love, he's beat from the days activities. He started out with a 6am mtg and has been going ever since including getting a flat tire in his truck. So he and the boys had to fix it tonight. Kirk will be taking the Mustang to work tomorrow. He'll be driving back and forth to Bro. Jensen's work each day. I hope the stang can muster up the strength to be a full time car again. Maybe it would feel better if I gave it a new paint job....ha haha .

Let's see....BYU won, BSU won, Eagle lost.

I'm anxious to hear from you especially since I've been a little worried about your knee this week. I hope it hasn't hindered you too much and that you're still enjoying the work, the people and the service. Here are some tips for the week from my missionary booklet:
1.Upon arriving in a new area, find a good bakery.
2. Read to and talk with all children--in homes, on the street and at church.
3. Find an answer for Revelation 22:18-19 (I have one if you need it).
4. Learn what annoys your companion -- and do it on occasion.
5. Learn what pleases your companion -- and do it on occasion.
6. Cook bacon weekly, just for the smell of it.

Have a great week, enjoy your spring weather. I am loving the autumn colors. Bogus actually got a dusting a snow this past week. I wonder if that means we're in for a harsh winter. We'll see...

Take care and remember I love you,
mom
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

I meant to tell you something. I was thinking about what you said about Tonio and him not getting the answer when you thought he might. Always remember that the spirit can be felt in many different ways. Music is powerful and for me it's sometimes the fastest way for me to feel the strength of the spirit. Singing with an investigator or playing some music may bring the spirit. The other way is to invite investigators to perform service with you. Giving of themselves for the sake of others will invite the spirit into their lives whether or not they're looking for it.