Choirside

Dec. 12, 2010
Dear Elder Alex,
Just returned from our stake's "choirside". That's what I called it anyway. Heather Pinder asked each of the ward choirs to perform one piece and then there were a few solos and we ended by singing a congregational Handel's Hallelujah chorus. It was very nice. Dad and I were both in our choir. Next week we have our ward's Christmas program where we sing quite a few more songs and Kristina is even doing a duet with Sally Larsen as part of our accompaniment for one of our songs.

Today also was the farewell for the Taylor twins. They both did a good job speaking and will be very good missionaries. They'll both be in the South with you (Kentucky and Georgia).

Yesterday was the ward's annual Christmas breakfast. Then last night Pres. Stafford asked the stake council to all go to the temple together with spouses. We met in the chapel in the temple first where Pres. Stafford and also the first counselor in the temple presidency spoke to us. Then we went into a session together. It was a wonderful experience.

We sent one package to you yesterday that contains something for Jaclyn and a few goodies for you to either consume or to give out. So let us know when you get that one. We mailed that one to your address in Marion.
The funniest thing this week is when the girls turned in their Christmas lists. Here's a copy of Nikki's list so you can see it now, but I'm also going to send you a hard copy in one of the packages because it's a classic!

I still laugh about when I read it again. Kirk's got to feel the pressure from that. :)

This week was also the Christmas choir concert at the high school. Because there have been so many people attending now, they had 3 separate concerts. We went to the one on Thurs night and it was excellent. Then on Friday there was a bomb threat at the school, but the dogs and police found nothing, so school wasn't cancelled much to the chagrin of most students. Nikki also had her 4th grade holiday concert. She loves singing!!

How has your week been going? We got one of Spencer Shumway's letters this week. It's his first week in Japan and it sounds like it's going well. Dallas is also doing well but is struggling with a native companion who is very moody and refuses to talk half the time. It's been a challenge for Dallas but he says he's definitely learning and growing from this experience.

How's Samantha coming along? Sounds like you're having a couple baptisms this week. I hope it all goes well. What did you decide about the conflict with the temple trip? Does Jessica live near her sister, like will she be in the same ward? I always worry for new members right after their baptisms because I know how important it is for every member to feel needed in their wards, loved and supported by many friends and how important it is for them to continue to have spiritual experiences that help solidify their testimonies. Those experiences will only come if they are in the right places at the right time and they need to make time each day to ponder, study and listen. So many of my own wonderful spiritual experiences have come while reading the scriptures alone or re-reading conference talks (which are scripture too). The spirit is hard to hear above the clamor of the world. The Holy Ghost is always looking for times when we can be taught and if we have those quiet moments daily, we will be taught by the spirit. Let them know how important those daily moments of devotion are.

Sounds like you're teaching a few girls your own age too, so be careful they are not just enamored with you or Elder Jolley. Since I am the mom I can't help but think my son is handsome to everyone, so just a word of caution there. ;)

So you got texting, huh? That will be nice for all of you. So does that mean you just want to text us for Christmas?? I think you'd be on the losing end of that deal. We are not the fastest texters in the world but it's improving each day.

I loved your pictures that you sent last week. Nice job with the axe. That reminds me, Do you do exercising as part of your daily routine? Just wondering since I know you're in a car a lot or do you actually do a lot of walking?

We had a great SS lesson about Daniel today. Daniel acted out of faith and it was clear that King Neb. (not even going to try spelling it) always seemed to be acting out of fear. He was a powerful King, but without faith in God, he was left only with fear and his actions sure reflected that. I had to ponder about my own life and wonder if my actions bespeak fear or faith. I hope you've seen faith in how I live. I know I have a lot more to learn in life, but my faith has steadily grown through the years. Thank you for the example of great faith you set for me too. I'm humbled by what I learn from you. Continue sharing your testimony and proclaiming the truth to all who will listen. I love hearing the stories of conversion from those you teach--it gives me such a great feeling. So keep sharing the things they say as you teach them, share their words and feelings with us because it strengthens us too. It's the same feeling I get when I see a glimmer of testimony begin to develop in one of my children. I see Leah many times at night laying in bed reading the Friend or reading her scriptures or listening to church music. I know that it just makes her feel good and I want her to know where the source of those good feelings come from. Sharing the gospel is one of the best parts of being a mom.

Well, we are all doing well here. Kirk and Sean are finishing up their last week of the semester and will be home later this week. They are both going to work at the Blue and Orange when they get home. Kirk will be home for 4 months and will go to the new singles ward. They are combining our singles ward with a ward in Boise and will meet in a different building. It will be nice because the ward will be nice and big. They are forming big wards all throughout the Boise, Meridian and Eagle area and they will be part of a single's stake. So I think it will be much better for everyone. We will miss them in our building though.

Kristina has lots of tests this week too so she's been studying pretty hard lately. Nikki and Leah are having fun with the usual elementary school holiday parties, etc. Dad and I are trying to make a simpler more peaceful Christmas season. So far, so good. I'm enjoying the Christmas music always playing throughout the house. I will miss it in January.

Have a spiritual and gratitude-filled week. Remember the source of all your blessings and gifts because you have been given many. Some of those gifts I saw in you when you were very young.

Love you always,

mom
XXOO