Dear Elder Alex,
Just got home from the Stake Christmas choir concert. Wards took turns singing one piece, we had congregational hymns and some selected soloists. You would be proud of the new boy band group from EHS. They harmonize well together and who knew Spencer Madsen had an awesome set of pipes. Spencer is the one that's Kristina's age. Anyway, it was all very nice and our choir, of course, sang the most beautiful song.
This morning in our sacrament meeting Bro. Jensen and Jake were our speakers. They did a great job. Jake spoke about his mission and how powerful prayer was for him. Bro. Jensen spoke a little about missions to the young men. He mentioned how much he loved reading letters from the missionaries that were out now. He said he always gets a good laugh when he reads your letters. Just thought you'd want to know your name got mentioned today from the pulpit. :) A little side note-Kirk told me that Jake has posted on facebook that he is now in a relationship. Saw him come into church with Kayla so I'm assuming that's his relationship...
We also went to the 8th ward mtg this morning to hear Devin Larsen give his report. His brother Dallin was giving his farewell talk too. Dallin is going to Tokyo. Those brothers are excellent speakers. They really have a gift. Devin talked about how hard the first part of his mission was especially after having experienced what he called the "spiritual Disneyland" or the MTC. He said his mission wasn't what he expected and when he got sick and almost had to come back home, he actually thought that might not be a bad idea. But then he remembered some words from his patriarchal blessing that spoke of his mission and it gave him the strength to go on and he had a wonderful experience. Jake was the musical number at the meeting and he sang "Be Still My Soul". It was beautiful. Devin asked about you after the meeting. He's going to BYU in January.
I liked something Dallin said in his talk about our constant need for nourishment through scripture study. He said there's a magnet on his grandparents fridge and it says, "Studying the gospel is like shaving--no matter how well you did it yesterday, you still have to do it again today."
Then this afternoon I had my PPI with Pres. Stafford so that's always enjoyable. He's very wise and spiritual and very down to earth at the same time. We're getting ready for ward conferences coming up and also a stake conference. I never hesitate to receive counsel from him and he always asks about you.
I also heard from a little birdie that you did a great job with your talk today. Sure wish I could be a fly on the wall sometimes, but since I can't, it's just nice to hear from people who work with you occasionally. Your Bishop sure speaks highly of you! I'm grateful for people like him in your life too. Loved the picture he sent!!
On Saturday I went to Trish Cub's baptism...yeah!! I'm so proud of her because I know it was a hard road but she wanted it so badly. It was a wonderful meeting. So many people came that it was standing room only. Kate Rasmussen (Nicole and Trevin's daughter) got baptized too and it was perfect since she was the one who first started answering lots of church questions Trish had when she'd go to her house for horse training lessons. So all of their family including the Yorgasons were there. Trish spoke at the end and said she just wanted to stand up front and bask in all the love she was feeling and then she bore her sweet testimony. Her grown children all came too which I know meant a lot to her. She was just beaming. Pres. McCauley baptized her and then today he confirmed her and her blessing was so beautiful. She's going to be a great member of our ward. There's nothing more invigorating than to feel the strong spirit of a new convert.
So are you going to be able to skype with us at Christmas this year or will it be a phone call? Just curious. We're hoping to get G & G Thompson here and Charmaine for Christmas, so if they are, you'll be able to chat with them too.
I know Kristina told you about our brush with David Archuleta, but it happened because dad and I just happened to stop into Deseret Book to look for something and we saw people in line. They told us David was coming so I decided to stand in line and gave Kristina a call. The line got really long and we were right up front. Wish we could have heard him sing though. His song Pat a Pan is still one of my favorites.
Tomorrow I'm making cookies for the prisoners in Boise, then tomorrow night we're building gingerbread houses at the Braithwaites. I'm also making spiced apple bread for my visiting teaching sisters, so looks like I'll be in the kitchen most the day.
Kirk and Sean are busy with finals, Kristina and Nikki will be getting ready for their big Christmas concerts next weekend, dad only works 2 shifts this week so he'd looking forward to fun times, Leah is in a play this week at EMS-Peter Pan. She tried out and got the part of one of the fairies. She's memorized her lines and says she's ready, so it will be fun to see her in that. I was really surprised that she wanted to try out, but she's enjoying it.
Let us know if you got the package we sent. We were just trying to help make your apartment merry and bright! I hope you're enjoying the ChemPal newsletters too.
Have a festive week. Your letters always cheer me up and my heart is always with you.
Love you much,
mom xxoo
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