9 Sep 2007

Sept 9, 2007
Dear Elder Sean,
How are you? We've had a nice week. Tried to get lots of things done while the kids were in school and it's felt like our home has been more organized. We're into a little schedule now. Kristina probably has one of the busiest this year. She's got piano on Mon, ballet on Tues and Wed, activity day on every other Wed, after she turns 12 she'll then have mutual every Wed, a High School Musical dance/singing class on Thurs afternoon and garage band every Thurs night. She's pretty excited about her schedule. I told her she just needs to keep her grades up.
Alex is busy but it's a bit more sporadic. He's still taking voice lessons with Jeff Baker on Tues and mutual on Wed. But it seems like something comes up just about every day that he has to do and of course he still loves doing his homework with his buddies. Over the weekend, Bro Shaw put on a Laurel/Priest date night for the stake-a nice dinner and an etiquette course and a dance.
Nikki had her first spelling test last week and she aced it including the two bonus words. She says she doesn't get in trouble in class but the teacher has to keep telling her to not put her head on the desk. You know how she is-if she's not moving she tends to fall asleep, so I wouldn't be surprised if she fell asleep at least one time this year.
Leah is doing well so far. She has a good attitude and really likes her teacher so she will listen to every word he says and follow what he says.
Dad had the young women here tonight with their mothers for a standards fireside. He did a great job. Kristina got to go to it this year since she's so close to going into young women's. She can hardly wait to get in there. She sang in Sacrament mtg today with the activity day girls and as I watched her she just looked so beautiful up there, she's really changing right before my eyes into a young woman.
At Sacrament today we had quite the surprise. Pres. McCauley walked in right before it was going to start with a man who went right up to the stand. He was introduced to dad and his counselors, they promptly all made room for him right next to dad and then the meeting started. Turns out it was Elder Natchez (sp?) from the 70. He was here visiting Pres. McCauley and wanted to attend some sacrament meetings. He and Pres. McCauley both spoke at the end of the meeting. He spoke mainly about getting to meet with Pres. Faust right before he passed away and how Pres. Faust talked to them about teaching the next generation and sharing our testimonies with them so that they will be strong and share that same testimony with their posterity. It was good. The Cameron's were our regular speakers, and Sis Cameron said she was so nervous on the stand when they announced who he was, but in my mind it couldn't have been a better family speaking. It was a wonderful meeting.
Last week I took my Bear group to the Houssian's to pass of some swimming requirements. It was a good day for it, great weather. The boys had fun trying to master the different requirements too. They're very full of energy and didn't mind swimming lap after lap.
Fri night dad and I went to the EHS game-they lost rather miserably. The band is over 100 kids now. I didn't care for the music. It was all from the opera Carmen. I usually like the third movement El Toreador, but I didn't really like this rendition. Kelly Dykman is one of the drum majors, I didn't know the other two. They didn't do anything dramatic or noteworthy, lacked the flair of you and Bonnie.
BSU also lost, so it wasn't a good football weekend for the fans. First loss since Travis opened his store.
We are down to the last week before we take off to pick up Kirk. It's so hard to believe yet I look back and so much has gone on in his two years. I hope he can transition well. We're so excited to see him face to face and to meet some of the people he's worked with over the years.
We got your snail mail letter last week too. Thank you so much. It was great. I loved it. I wrote you right back, so hopefully you'll get something soon. I don't really know how long it takes to travel by pouch. Have you gotten our latest package that we sent?
Did you hit your 300 goal? What are escogidos? What did you decide about the families Chazampi and Melo? As a mom, I'm so grateful that you are blessed to have such a wonderful mission president who is so in tune and cares so much. He sounds great.
Charmaine called me last night and said she and Lanny had broken up. She was feeling very devastated. They have been together for 11 years. It must feel like a divorce a little bit. We called her again tonight to check on her, she's having a hard time. I'm hoping this will open some other doors for her, doors that will lead to a fuller, more gospel centered life, to more joy and commitment. I know it's hard now, but I told her this will be a blessing in disguise once some time goes by. I told her to immerse herself in activities, work and a full schedule so she won't have too much time to dwell on sad thoughts. Anyway, it's very sad for her, but I am hopeful also.
That's about it here. I will try and send some pix also.
Here are a couple tips from my little missionary book:
1. Invite companions, converts and others to write short notes in your journal.
2. Always eat a good breakfast.
3. When your companion gets transferred, make sure you claim the apartment's best mattress and blankets.
4. Get the home address of each companion and your mission presidents. They'll expect to receive wedding invitations.
5. The Lord blesses the families of missionaries. (I can attest to that one!)

Well, it's late as usual. Hope you have a fun day. Learn how to let the spirit guide you each day. The Lord knows where His elect are and those He's prepared. My thoughts, my prayers and my heart are always with you.

Love you much,
mom
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxo