7 Oct 2007

Oct. 7, 2007
Dear Elder Sean,

Wasn't conference good? I was actually able to watch all 4 sessions this time. A couple of the talks that really hit home for me was Pres. Packer's talk in the first session about holding callings, Sis. Beck's talk about motherhood was very motivating and so was Elder Oaks talk in the last session. I've never heard of the new apostle so it will be fun to get to know him. I loved how they referred to Preach My Gospel many times too. I loved Elder Ballard's talk about how to answer the simple question we hear so often, tell me a little about your church. Then to watch Elder Wirthin barely being able to stand at the podium, trembling with old age and talking of charity and love and then seeing Elder Nelson stand behind him lovingly and steady him while he finished, I couldn't help but cry. I'm also going to take Elder Eyring's talk to heart and look each day for the evidences of God's hand in my life.

Were you able to watch any sessions? If so, did you watch in English or Spanish? We loved the accent of the 70's Elder from Argentina.

Tonight the Hugentobler's came over after conference. Jodie made some fresh bread and honey butter and brought it over, it was a great treat. Then we went on a walk as a family. The weather was beautiful today and it felt good to be outside.

Last week the last of our houseguests left on Monday, so things got back to normal around here. Kirk just hung around with me most the time and went on errands with us during the day. He's waiting to hear if he gets a job with Bro. Jensen's work tomorrow. He's also going to be working at Rocky Mountain so he can get gym privileges. He went swimming last week and said it was very tiring. He's in good walking shape, but swimming was a whole different ballgame. He's also been hanging out with Alex Erickson a bit. They've caught up on a couple movies and worked out at Rocky Mtn. They're trying to decide if they want to go to the single's ward or stay in our ward.

We're watching the BSU game tonight against NM. They winning 38-0 in the third quarter.

We just got news that we can only send one page through the pouch now. that's going to make if hard for me to get your Eagle's newsletter to you, but I'll try to figure something out. I just sent one the other day, but it was before I got the letter about the new rule.

Here's the sports news: Braves finished out of the wild card race by about 3 games. The Mets collapsed and the Phillies won the NLE. BYU is 3/2, can't tell if they're going to have a good year or just a mediocre year. Patriots are undefeated and looking dominant. It will probably between Indianapolis and Patriots for the best team. This is all news according to dad. Hope it helps.

We haven't sent our pkg with the DR stuff yet. We plan on sending it this week, so any last minute requests will be carefully thought about.

Terri Westerberg called me on Monday. Jared had just called her from LAX and was on his way to Chile. I can't believe how fast time goes by when it's someone else's kid. I'll gather some tidbits from his letters to get to you also.

That's so funny about you actually running into a Shiba Inu. What are the chances? Barkley went on our walk with us tonight and still loves the smells of the outside world. I also can't believe you have a Walmart there. It would be great if we could get our pix developed there by sending them through the internet. we'll look into it and let you know.

The kids wrote you letters today, but we'll send them in the pkg. I don't know how long you get on the computer, but we don't want to take up all your time with tons of emails.

So how's Antonio progressing? Was he able to see any of conference? The spirit was very strong there and I think it would touch anyone who was sincerely looking for the truth. How did you find Antonio or was he a member referral.

We had the elders here Thurs night for dinner, chicken ole. They are both from the South, one from Alabama and one from Texas. Sometimes you get missionaries who come to our home and you can just tell they are very close to the spirit and are also able to articulate well the thoughts and impressions that come to them. They shared a lesson with us from the New Testament, Peter and John when they were missionaries and their hardships, yet their strong faith and conviction to keep doing the Lord's will and moving forward with great faith.

We are all well here and I hope you are having much success too and enjoying the work. I too miss just being able to pick up the phone and share stories, but for now your letters mean so much and my thoughts and prayers will have to get to you through the spirit. If you can think of anything we can do to help you on your mission, just let us know.

Share your testimony whenever and wherever you can. Those who are ready to hear will hear. Have a wonderful week and remember you have a lot of people at home always keeping you in our prayers.
Love you,
mom
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Here's dad: Hey Sean, I just finished a letter for you and Kirk and I'm sending you a copy of it in the package so I'll keep it brief tonight. I worked SAturday so today we my only conference day but it was a great day to watch conference. We have been quoting Elder Oaks to Alex all day about being "amused to death, spiritually". Poor boy it is only going to get worse. I'm going to get a letter off to you this week with your package. I got a note from the church about changes in the pouch mail being restricted to only one page so we had better send snail mail epistles to you before November 1st. I gave a copy of your letter to the priest to Bro Shaw, he was in the ward last week. I'll read it to the quorum this Sunday and invite Kirk to share some of his mission with our quorum. Have a great week Sean, teach testify, obey and have fun. I love you and will write more. Love, Dad