Soiree

Dec. 19, 2010

Dear Elder Alex,

Well, we just got back from the big soiree at Dustin Simpson's home. It was a lot of fun and tons of people were there. There were 13-14 musical numbers. Sally Larsen and I played the SleighRide duet and had fun with it. In the middle of the song Kristina, Kirk and Sean did the big clap or horse whip sound and then later on in the song everyone joined in. Most the numbers were on the serious side, but we managed to lighten things up. Sally has been over at our house almost every day this week so we could practice. Here's the girls and dogs listening to us.

Sally and I have also played our piece-the Dvorak. She loves that one and said, If Alex can play this, I can! I'm not going to give up!

How was your week? I've been thinking about you and wondering if the baptisms still took place. I hope so. I'm also very curious to know if the set of scriptures got to you. We sent them to your apartment directly and we were nervous about having something like that delivered and left on your door step. Are you in a safe area for things like that? On that same note, we sent your Christmas pkg to the mission home for that same reason, just not sure if things should be left on your door step all day. Then we sent one more thing and sent it directly to your place. So please let us know if any or all of them have shown up yet.

I'm very excited for our Christmas call this week. Let us know the particulars. We will make ourselves available and home whenever you say. Dad is working Christmas Eve and won't be home until around 9:30am or 10am Christmas morning. So just don't call early in the morning.

Jan and Jeff and Mary are coming in this week too, in fact on Christmas Eve day. They'll be going to our annual party at the Cameron's that night. I think they'll be getting their call from David on Christmas Eve afternoon. They are staying for a week.

I can't believe that you sang O Holy Night at the last minute. That's not exactly a last minute song. Dustin sang it today in church and I thought of you doing it the whole time. I'm so glad singing is a part of your mission. Music can bring the spirit into a room faster than most anything else and I'm happy you're using your talent. If you ever need me to send you sheet music, let me know.

We've been getting our fair share of snow here. It's kind of weird to have so much snow, but it's been nice. I'm thinking it probably won't seem so festive once we're into January.

Kirk and Sean are both here now and both will be working at the mall the next few weeks. The big BSU bowl game against Utah is this Wednesday, so the Blue and Orange shop should be hopping.

I was happy to hear that you took Jessica with you to help teach a lesson. You're right. I would have loved being there. I hope Samantha is doing well and progressing and hopefully she got baptized last week.

Friday night was Nikki's big Cantus choir concert. It was a formal event and Nikki had to wear a long black gown with a faux diamond necklace and earrings. It was held at the Cathedral of the Rockies. Can't remember if you've sung there before, but it's a gorgeous place. When I walked in I thought of the wedding scene from the Sound of Music. The accoustics were amazing too. Nikki was so excited for this event and said it was even better than she thought. She is singing all over the house now and especially in the shower. She's got quite the operatic voice.... :)

Sean went to the new single's ward today. Can't remember if I told you what happened there. They created a new YSA stake in our area and realigned all the wards. Our Park Lane ward combined with a ward that meets on Hill Rd in Boise. Each ward should have at least 150 active members. That was the plan anyway. Sean said there weren't that many there today but it's the week before Christmas. He said the speaker today was Frank Arnold who was the coach at BYU when Steve played. I had lost track of him, but apparently he lives here now and is the high councilor over that ward. It's called the Boise YSA 7th ward. Kirk will attend that ward while he's home. Maybe his wife is there! That would make Nikki's Christmas list come true. We still get a good laugh over her list.

I hope you're finding some opportunities for service especially at this time of the year. Pray always to have the spirit with you so each home you enter will feel there's something different when you and your companion enter.

Can't wait to hear from you. Have a festive and wonderful week. I hope you are keeping warm and know how much we love you. Be true.

love you,

Mom

XXOO