Ovt. 17, 2010

Oct. 17, 2010
Dear Elder Alex,
Well, you don't know how badly I felt last week when I finally figured out that you hadn't received my email. I was kind of sick inside and I was even running a little late for a presidency meeting, but I hurried and forwarded my letter to you and then took off for my meeting. In the middle of my meeting dad texted me and told me that you had received my letter. Thank you so much for checking again. I was even having a hard time concentrating in my meeting, then when I heard you got it, I felt a huge weight lift from me.

If that ever happens again where you don't see a letter, let me know as soon as you can, because I always!!! write you, it just may be sent to some other Alex Thompson. So never think we've forgotten you in any way. Nothing could be further from the truth.

ps could you put some paragraphs in your letters for me...a little request. It just makes it easier to read. Actually, grandpa Trumbo was asking too. :) We're old school.

I'm home again early because today I went to 3 different wards. First I attended the Eagle 2nd ward. In their ward they have the missionary who has received a call come up and announce his call. So Jamie announced his call. Also it was the farewell for Bro. and Sis. Hansen (the ones who used to be in our ward). They are going to the Kirtland Ohio mission next week. After the meeting the Goodwins spotted me and we talked for a while. You don't know how much that means to them that you are there. I talked with Jamie too. He's anxious to get there and doesn't want to have to wait until January. You remember that feeling. So he won't get to Nashville until the first part of February. They want to read your letters too, so I will put them on the forwarding list.

Speaking of the forwarding list-Sis. Smack wrote me today and said Jay was asking about you in his last letter, so she wants to receive your letters too so she can update him. I get Jay's letters and forward them to Sean so I can tell you Jay sounds great. His letters are a little short, but he is starting to understand the language much better now and he's working hard.

Cameron is finally in Mexico although they haven't heard from him or the mission home yet. I sent off the first newsletter to you so you should be receiving that this coming week.

Jared got engaged and is getting married in December sometime, probably Dec. 23rd. The temple in Boise is going to close for almost a year for renovations, so Jared may have to move his date up. We'll let you know. His marriage will make his parents instant grandparents!

I also went to the Beacon Light ward for their RS mtg and then to the Park Lane RS mtg. Mario Wade's mom was there. I don't think she's a member, she came in jeans, but she spoke of her son on his mission and how proud she was of him. The Park Lane ward is actually getting a bit bigger now even though it's fall, so that's really good for them. They're going to the big corn maze tomorrow night for FHE, but you probably already know that since you probably planned it. :) Chase Wagstaff came home last week and Cameron Ray got his call to the Philippines. Also Chrissy Irwin got engaged. I get all kinds of news when I go to the singles ward.

So now I'm home making chicken alfredo, wild rice, rolls and fruit salad. I thought I'd change things up a bit tonight and make something different. Hopefully everyone likes it.

Tomorrow is Kristina's 15th birthday. She's doing a great job driving now. I can tell she's really starting to get the hang of it. She's not having a party this year, because she wants to have a big Sweet 16 party next year, so she's decided she wants to go to The Great Wall of China for dinner (no, we're not flying there, it's the restaurant on Eagle Rd that has taken 9 years to open). It's always packed, so we're hoping that means it's pretty good food. I'm sure it won't compare to Panda!

Dad took the 11 yr olds camping Friday night. He had quite a few drop out at the last minute, but in the end he had 3 scouts and one father. He also had Aaron Dittman stay through dinner. They camped on Bill Frost's land which is on the river just down from the McCauley's place. Sounds like they had a good time. I'm sure dad will write you more details about it. Are you getting his letters?

For dad's birthday, we gave him tickets to Cirque du Soleil which is coming here in November and we went to the temple and then the family went to a roadside bbq and got some ribs.

Football news:EHS and BSU won. BYU lost (they need to get a new quarterback dad says).

Yesterday I went to the temple again to be with the Dildine's as they had their little girls sealed to them. Boy did that bring back memories and it was so sweet. Their oldest little girl is very serious and right after the sealing she went over to her sisters and just broke down crying. She was just so overcome with all the feelings and couldn't stop hugging her family. Jeff and Audra Davis go to Ethiopia to pick up their new son, Sam, in November. Sam doesn't speak any English, so Audra says she's going to need my help with this. I'll know exactly what she's going through and I'll be happy to help her in any way.

How is the work going for you? How was the splits with the ZL's? Do you go to a different city when you do that?

So how was the fireside in Nashville? Did they hold it at a stake center or where? Can't wait to hear. Who ended up going with you? Did Sister Knight bear her testimony?

Kirk and Sean both just called. They are doing well. Sean is taking mid-terms and going to music concerts. Nate got married over the weekend. Kirk said his date was fun but she wasn't very outgoing, so he has a couple other girls he's going to ask out.

Fall is definitely in the air now. The leaves are beautiful. It's my favorite time of year. I'm re-listening to conference every day as my scripture study since I Tivo'ed all of it. I get feelings and impressions all the time when I study and listen. You'll learn that your scriptures will do the same thing for you. Today in Sacrament mtg I opened my scriptures and they opened right to 3 Nephi 18 where Christ institutes the sacrament among the Nephites. One part stuck out to me today so I'll share it with you. Look up 3 Nephi 18:7 when you get a chance where it says about the bread, "And it shall be a testimony unto the Father that ye do always remember me" So when we come and take the bread each week, we are actually testifying to the Father that we will always remember Him and of course the promise from Him if we do that is that we will have His spirit to be with us. I want His spirit with me every day at all times and in all places. Then in verse 10 Jesus says about drinking the wine, "Blessed are ye for this thing which ye have done, for this is fulfilling my commandments and this doth witness unto the Father that ye are willing to do that which I have commanded you."

I was happy to feel that today I was testifying to Heavenly Father that I would always remember Him and that He knows I am willing to keep the commandments that Jesus Christ has given us.

I hope you are feeling the strength of the spirit with you each day. It's hard to be in the world and not of it, but if you prepare well each morning and evening, you will have that gift. Be strong, obedient and trust the promptings you receive. So often I think of you as one of Helaman's army out there fighting the battle with Christ on your side, so remember who you are and who's side you are on and remember all those who have gone before you and prepared the way. There are even those now who read your letters home who may be able to feel the spirit through your words.

I love you and am grateful for the knowledge I have, for the experiences that strengthen my testimony. I have had many in my life. You are an example to me and it means a lot.

Have a fantastic week.
love you,
mom
xoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxooxoxoxXooXXOO