Mother's Day 2011

May 8, 2011

Dear Elder Alex,

Hi again! We had a fun time talking/skyping with you today, even though in the end the sun went down and you faded away. I sent you some pictures of our day, our phone call, our dinner. It was great fun sitting around the computer and laughing.

Did you also have dinner at the Lowe's or were you just there to skype? Again, I'm so grateful for families like them who are living faithfully and fully in the gospel and are enjoying helping watch over the missionaries. That means so much to me. You have been so blessed in your life to always have such amazing examples and role models around you. Everywhere we've lived there have been strong members of the church who have given of their time and talents just to help someone else whether it's being a teacher, a scoutmaster, a stake president, a chorister. There's nothing better than to witness the gospel in all its strength and I feel privileged to witness it constantly in my life. I hope I can be that same kind of person to all I come in contact with. I believe very strongly in the scripture that every soul is of great worth in the sight of the Lord.

My Mother's Day was full and fun. Nikki's cards and misspellings made me laugh so hard. I think I'll actually be disappointed when the day comes that she doesn't misspell anything. Leah gave me a hand made card this year that was amazing. She had a drawing in the middle and all around the outside were cute stickers. Around each sticker was something she loved about me. For instance, there was a globe and she said "Thank you for adopting me from across the world." There were 2 snow boots and by the first one it said, "Thank you for guiding me down the path." By the second boot it said, "and the right path." There was a padlock and next to it were the words, "Our friendship will never be unlocked." Next to a stack of books it said, "Thank you for teaching me how to read." There were several others and I was just so impressed with it. Leah and I have had our struggles, so this meant a lot and I told her so.

Also today starting at 4 in the morning, I was awakened by a phone call from Asega in Samoa. She sounds good and is learning more and more English. She said she sent me a letter with some pictures, so I look forward to seeing them. I can't wait to meet her one day. Maria wrote me today too and couldn't express enough how awesome and miraculous it was to be a mom and how much she loved Hudson. It's just a little glimpse into how much Heavenly Father loves all of us.

So you can see, my phone calls, my cards and presents and good food all made for one of my best mother's days. All of you make my life rich.

Well, tomorrow it's back to business-piano lessons, lacrosse practice, last minute details for quilt market and Leah's lacrosse game.

I hope your evening appointments went well. I love your attitude. I can see how your testimony absolutely shines through you. You probably don't even realize it, but it's powerful. Keep doing things though that will replenish your spirit, things that will put oil back in your lamp. Your personal study and prayers each day will help replenish. I know that the Lord must be so happy about the work that is going on in the Tennessee Nashville mission.

Have a great week.

I love you,

Mom XXOO