March 1, 2009
Dear Elder Sean,
I just barely got back home from California late tonight. I've been there for the past 4 days and I had a lot of fun and got a lot of things done in a short time. I went out to lunch with Toni and Mom in downtown Old Orange and we walked around a bit in the old shops. Then I went with my dad to his accountant's office for a 2 hour mtg updating and going over his trust, the Trumbo family partnership and the Winn and Doreen. The last paper work they had was very outdated and several things had changed so it was very good that we got in there. It was a time for me to ask questions too and it helped me understand how it all works and what my job as trustee is, etc.
That night grandpa had to go back to work because they had this big project for Toyota that they'd promised to get done by Monday but they were going to have to pull late nights in order to get it done. So I took my mom out to dinner at Marie Callendar's which she loved and we hung out at night til grandpa got home. We also went to the Starrs to visit. On Friday I went next door to visit with Allen and Lisa and their family. They had just driven in the night before. Mom, Toni and I headed up to Jan's next where we went house hunting looking for a one story house for the Lutz's to buy (Jan has a really hard time with stairs now with her rheumatoid arthritis). Then us girls went out to lunch in Brea. Toni took mom home for a rest and Jan and I went shopping til around 7pm when we bought some dinner and took it to the Winn for the workers there. Grandpa had gone home early, but the rest were staying til around midnight again.
Saturday morning I helped my mom get ready to go to the temple and grandpa came home from work. I drove them to the LA temple (with grandpa giving me back seat driving directions the whole way!) We got there with only 1 minute to spare. You can't believe how many different freeways I took to get there trying to take shortcuts whenever there was a traffic jam. The temple sealing of David and Caryn's 2 littlest (Andrew and Lily) was so wonderful. It brought back so many memories of our day seeing all of you in white and how cute the little girls looked when they came in and how angelic they behaved. And you know David's kids, they were very worried about how they'd behave there, but all of them could sense the importance and the reverence of the ordinance and it was just beautiful!! When we got back outside, the kids were running wild all over the place and I went over to Caryn, put my arm around her and said, "Inside you got to see just a little glimpse of eternity, and now we're back down to earth, back to reality and hard work, but at least we got to see that little view of heaven."
After the temple, my dad suggested we stop at Junior's (this Jewish deli down the street where we almost always go after our temple trips). So Allen/Lisa and their family, myself and grandma and grandpa stopped for some good food. Grandpa had to have his favorite, creamed herring. I had my favorite, a Monte Cristo. It brought back good memories.
The drive home was much calmer, but we had to immediately change clothes and get over to David and Caryn's friend's home for a dinner/get-together. It was a beautiful home with a huge backyard. There were probably 70-80 of us there. It was lots of fun. Afterwards I went to Jan's (since she wasn't feeling well enough to go to the dinner). We hung out, went to In-n-Out to get t-shirts for the boys back home. Grandpa was still up waiting for me when I got home-just like the old days.
Sunday morning we all went to David and Caryn's ward where David blessed Andrew and Lily. Since it was fast Sunday, Caryn, David, Lyndee and Ryan all bore their testimonies. Ryan is like a man in a boy's body. His testimony was so sweet and funny at time. He said "the spirit in the temple was so strong and good. And that's a fact!"
I got to see Elder Beagley there in their ward. It was so fun seeing him. He says he's really enjoying his mission and he especially loves going over to the Trumbo's house (David Trumbo's house). He said it's always wild and crazy there and that it makes him laugh. I brought 2 pies from his mom for him since it was his birthday and he sent home a present for his brother Taylor. After church a few of us went over to Toni's house to see the work that Scott and Janet were doing there. I can't remember if I told you but Scott and Janet lost their house to foreclosure and Scott will be filing bankruptcy for his business. So they needed a place to live and will be sharing the Flint house with Toni and her family. Scott and Janet will basically take the downstairs and Toni and the her kids will have the upstairs. I flew home in the afternoon. I had a wonderful time, but sure missed having the family with me.
All the cousins asked about you. Cole is graduating from high school this May and then will be putting in his mission papers since he turns 19 in November. Trevor is still with his girlfriend Kathryn, but he's thinking about applying to BYU for winter semester. Brig is still undecided about things too. McKenna and Joe are still in northern California and it looks like Hannah will be going up there this fall.
How have you been this week? Your mission conference sounded wonderful. Thanks for sharing what you learned from it. How is Marcela coming along with her lessons? So many miracles happen for people who are ready to have the gospel in their lives. The Lord's hand is very evident and new converts can usually look back and see where the Lord was directing their lives and realize what a miracle it was. A woman in David's ward today bore her testimony about the miracles that happened when she was taking the lessons and got baptized and also about the times when she felt the spirit bear witness to her the strongest in her life and she said today while David was blessing his children, she received one of those strong spiritual witnesses and was so grateful for the Trumbo family and their example.
I will also send some pics from my trip. I have to turn my thoughts now to a talk I've been asked to give to the RS senior sisters in the stake this Wednesday for the RS birthday celebration luncheon. They've asked me to be their guest speaker. I've been thinking about it for some time and have written lots of my thoughts down, but now I need to fine tune it and get it prepared for Wednesday. I'm a little nervous and hope I can convey what I've been feeling and thinking into good expression.
My prayers and many others from all the family are always with you. You are part of a wonderful family, a very large wonderful family (with 2 new sealed members) who all care about and love each other very much. Have a great week knowing how much you are loved!
I love you,
momxoxoxooxxooxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoox
Sunday, March 15, 2009
March 8, 2009
March 8, 2009
Dear Elder Sean,
So how are you doing this week? I'm back into the swing of things here at home again. It takes me a while to acclimate when I go on a trip. I can't imagine how it will be to come back after being away 2 years. But you're pretty flexible, so I think you'll do fine. I hope we don't seem like heathens here. ;)
Everyone here is doing fine. Alex actually rolled his ankle yesterday playing basketball at the church. He was an unhappy puppy last night, but still managed to have some friends over and play wii. Dad brought a brace home for him to wear and that seems to be helping. He just got home from mission prep. They worked on the 3rd lesson tonight. Yesterday Alex signed up for Heritage with Austin Westerberg as his roommate. They're hoping to get Spencer Carter also in their room.
Also Tiffany Shaw is now engaged. And Steve called this week and said Axel is very close to being engaged, yes, Axel. He pretty much fell for the first girl and hasn't looked back. We'll be meeting her during spring break cuz we're going down to Utah. Grandma and Grandpa need their garage door painted and some other minor fix-its around the house. Anyway, I'll keep you posted there.
Scott and Janet were supposed to be moving into Toni's house, the Flint house, this weekend. I hope they can get back on their feet soon. Their 2 little boys have really grown. Maria and James are desperately trying to get pregnant since they got married and it's been very difficult. Remember them in your prayers.
Nikki and Leah got to play their first game of Mexican ChooChoo with us tonight. They were pretty excited. Leah's doing well in school, not really caught up with her 3rd graders, but at least she's progressing. She takes medication during the week that really helps her to concentrate better. Even she notices a difference. She says she has a crush on Luke Yorgason. She's also doing well with her piano lessons. I've been pretty surprised at well she's doing. She's a star at jumping rope. She takes a class once a week and at school, her PE teacher always asks Leah to demonstrate how to do things. Nikki is doing well in 2nd grade. She's still what I would term a very spiritual young girl. She has a good understanding of the gospel and not just the verbiage, she really knows why we're here and what the plan of happiness is all about. I'll be starting her with piano lessons shortly. We still watch the cooking channel together. She says that's her favorite thing.
Kristina said not to say anything about her cuz she wants to write you. I'll just say she's such a beautiful young girl, both inside and out.
Dad is still in limbo as far as jobs go. Next Monday we're driving out to Weiser to interview with the ER director there.
This last Wednesday I was the guest speaker at the Stake senior RS birthday luncheon. I'll mail you a copy of my talk. Most of the stories I told I hadn't written down, but people asked me for copies after I spoke so I had to try and put them into words. It was a really nice luncheon and I sincerely enjoyed being there.
I was very sad to here about Marcela. Is she still out of the picture? How did the lesson go with Claudio and Claudia? How about Yesica? Remember that even though you may only be teaching or helping convert one person and not an entire family, you are actually affecting an entire generation, so one person is a family (something I touched on in my talk).
In church now the bishopric have been assigning talk topics that coincide with what we're studying in Sunday School and RS/priesthood. So today it was on missionary work. I was asked in RS to read a quote and it made me think of you. "Love is one of the chief characteristics of Deity, and ought to be manifested by those who aspire to be the sons of God. A man filled with the love of God, is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race. This has been your feeling, and caused you to forego the pleasures of home, that you might be a blessing to others, who are candidates for immortality, but strangers to truth; and for so doing, I pray that heaven's choicest blessings may rest upon you." Joseph Smith
Not much else going on around here. It's still a very trying and humbling time for most of us and we're all trying to ride out this economic down turn which they now say will go on for at least another 5 years. A lady at my RS luncheon came up afterward and was talking to me and said she was born in 1930 and can still remember so much of the effects of the Depression and she said she never thought she'd live long enough to see another one. But now, in her mind, we are right back there. There's another family in our ward losing their home this month. We will really miss them.
The gospel brings so much peace to people and being able to serve others and care for them keeps us so focused on what's really important in life and it helps us forget ourselves and love others. Does your mission do community service of any kind and if so, what do you guys generally do? I'd love to hear.
I just got the Eagle newsletter for March, so I'll try and get that off to you tonight. It's so fun to read what your friends are doing.
Kristina wants to use the computer to write you, so I'll get off. I love you very much and I hope you can feel our prayers for you. Let us know when you get our latest package. The Purnell boys in Chile say all their candy gets stolen from their packages.
Have a wonderful week and share your testimony often. We love you more than you know.
Love,
momxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxooxox
Dear Elder Sean,
So how are you doing this week? I'm back into the swing of things here at home again. It takes me a while to acclimate when I go on a trip. I can't imagine how it will be to come back after being away 2 years. But you're pretty flexible, so I think you'll do fine. I hope we don't seem like heathens here. ;)
Everyone here is doing fine. Alex actually rolled his ankle yesterday playing basketball at the church. He was an unhappy puppy last night, but still managed to have some friends over and play wii. Dad brought a brace home for him to wear and that seems to be helping. He just got home from mission prep. They worked on the 3rd lesson tonight. Yesterday Alex signed up for Heritage with Austin Westerberg as his roommate. They're hoping to get Spencer Carter also in their room.
Also Tiffany Shaw is now engaged. And Steve called this week and said Axel is very close to being engaged, yes, Axel. He pretty much fell for the first girl and hasn't looked back. We'll be meeting her during spring break cuz we're going down to Utah. Grandma and Grandpa need their garage door painted and some other minor fix-its around the house. Anyway, I'll keep you posted there.
Scott and Janet were supposed to be moving into Toni's house, the Flint house, this weekend. I hope they can get back on their feet soon. Their 2 little boys have really grown. Maria and James are desperately trying to get pregnant since they got married and it's been very difficult. Remember them in your prayers.
Nikki and Leah got to play their first game of Mexican ChooChoo with us tonight. They were pretty excited. Leah's doing well in school, not really caught up with her 3rd graders, but at least she's progressing. She takes medication during the week that really helps her to concentrate better. Even she notices a difference. She says she has a crush on Luke Yorgason. She's also doing well with her piano lessons. I've been pretty surprised at well she's doing. She's a star at jumping rope. She takes a class once a week and at school, her PE teacher always asks Leah to demonstrate how to do things. Nikki is doing well in 2nd grade. She's still what I would term a very spiritual young girl. She has a good understanding of the gospel and not just the verbiage, she really knows why we're here and what the plan of happiness is all about. I'll be starting her with piano lessons shortly. We still watch the cooking channel together. She says that's her favorite thing.
Kristina said not to say anything about her cuz she wants to write you. I'll just say she's such a beautiful young girl, both inside and out.
Dad is still in limbo as far as jobs go. Next Monday we're driving out to Weiser to interview with the ER director there.
This last Wednesday I was the guest speaker at the Stake senior RS birthday luncheon. I'll mail you a copy of my talk. Most of the stories I told I hadn't written down, but people asked me for copies after I spoke so I had to try and put them into words. It was a really nice luncheon and I sincerely enjoyed being there.
I was very sad to here about Marcela. Is she still out of the picture? How did the lesson go with Claudio and Claudia? How about Yesica? Remember that even though you may only be teaching or helping convert one person and not an entire family, you are actually affecting an entire generation, so one person is a family (something I touched on in my talk).
In church now the bishopric have been assigning talk topics that coincide with what we're studying in Sunday School and RS/priesthood. So today it was on missionary work. I was asked in RS to read a quote and it made me think of you. "Love is one of the chief characteristics of Deity, and ought to be manifested by those who aspire to be the sons of God. A man filled with the love of God, is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race. This has been your feeling, and caused you to forego the pleasures of home, that you might be a blessing to others, who are candidates for immortality, but strangers to truth; and for so doing, I pray that heaven's choicest blessings may rest upon you." Joseph Smith
Not much else going on around here. It's still a very trying and humbling time for most of us and we're all trying to ride out this economic down turn which they now say will go on for at least another 5 years. A lady at my RS luncheon came up afterward and was talking to me and said she was born in 1930 and can still remember so much of the effects of the Depression and she said she never thought she'd live long enough to see another one. But now, in her mind, we are right back there. There's another family in our ward losing their home this month. We will really miss them.
The gospel brings so much peace to people and being able to serve others and care for them keeps us so focused on what's really important in life and it helps us forget ourselves and love others. Does your mission do community service of any kind and if so, what do you guys generally do? I'd love to hear.
I just got the Eagle newsletter for March, so I'll try and get that off to you tonight. It's so fun to read what your friends are doing.
Kristina wants to use the computer to write you, so I'll get off. I love you very much and I hope you can feel our prayers for you. Let us know when you get our latest package. The Purnell boys in Chile say all their candy gets stolen from their packages.
Have a wonderful week and share your testimony often. We love you more than you know.
Love,
momxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxooxox
Ides of March
March 15, 2009
Dear Elder Sean,
Yes, it's the Ides of March according to Shakespeare and the day Caesar was assassinated. For some strange reason, I always remember that from my high school days. I hope things went a little smoother for you this week.
We had a wonderful Sabbath. The speakers were good and in Sunday School we discussed D&C 25 and had an interesting discussion on pride and humility. The interesting paradox of trying to be humble is that the more we think about it and think about ourselves being humble, then most likely we are actually letting pride slip in. It's a slippery little virtue and in my mind, the only antidote is sincere repentance. There are always a lot of good comments in our class moderated by excellent teachers.
Over the weekend, I went to my first official bluegrass jam at the Pinder's. I felt very out of place in the beginning, but everyone made me feel so normal and welcome there and I really enjoyed it. I have a lot to learn, but they helped me every step of the way. We're getting together again in May, so I'll be practicing a bunch on the mandolin so I can keep up better. The mandolin plays the off beat and it takes some getting used to. We had a bass, 2 guitars, a fiddle, a banjo and me on mandolin. Bro. Pinder was very nice and picked out a bunch of songs with easy chords and even made a CD with the songs on it so I can play along at home.
Kirk went snowboarding for his first time last week with a girl he knew in high school. They went to Bogus and said they had the place to themselves, but Kirk said it was pretty hard at first. He said the hardest thing was getting back up again. At the end of the day, he went and rented some skis so he could make a couple runs without falling. He said he'd actually like to go again and try snowboarding again. He bought himself a long board skateboard the other week too, so I guess we can say he's a boarder...
Alex has a busy week of choir things coming up. Districts are this week. They have a pre-district concert this Tuesday night. He's also taking voice lessons again from Bethany's sister.
Kristina had her first lacrosse practice this week and loved it. She got a lot of her gear from Aunt Toni and was pretty excited about it. We've been playing catch with her in the backyard. We have plenty of lacrosse gear to go around. Her coach seems really nice and is excited about the team this year. I really hope she continues to enjoy the game. She has a lot of her friends on the team too.
Leah is still the queen at jumping rope and loves her art club. I think she may be the only artistically talented Thompson. Dad and I have a meeting at her school this week to talk with the teachers, principal, school specialists, etc to talk about how Leah is doing in school this year. I'm anxious to hear what they have to say. I think she's been progressing and doing well, but I can't tell how far she is behind everyone else in her grade.
Nikki has been going to choir with me the last couple weeks and loves it. Her attention span is a little short and she continues to sing through all the rests, but hey, she loves to sing. I can't remember if I told you, but the adoption scandal case involving our adoption agency is finally over. The owners only got probation for 6 months and I'm pretty happy about that. I never met them personally, but enjoyed talking with Scott, the owner, on the phone several times through the years and I never felt he was intentionally lying or trying to scam people and he has 7 of his own children to take care of. The good thing that has come out of this is that now we have contact with the girls' birth parents and it was so good getting a letter from them. They said they knew what they were doing when they gave up the girls and just wanted a better future for them and have been so happy to see the pictures we have sent. They also would like us to come visit some day if we want. So who knows, another trip to Samoa may be in our future. I feel very blessed to have this contact, because there have been very few other parents with such a positive outcome.
Dad and I are going to Weiser first thing in the morning so he can interview with the director out there. It will be fun to check out this place. He heard from St. Al's this week and they said they have no spot for him, so now he really needs to get this job with St. Luke's in their outer hospitals. I feel calm and at peace about this.
So is this a transfer week? I was trying to figure it out. Can't wait to hear what's going on there. My prayers are with you and with Pres. Olsen as he makes changes.
Derek Hansen will be giving his farewell this next Sunday, then he is off to the MTC. Jared's mom, Terri, has moved to Phoenix with a new job she couldn't pass up. His dad is staying here until Jared gets home this summer. Terri will come back every couple of weeks until then. She said it's horrible timing, but such a wonderful job. If she likes it after a couple months, then his dad will put in for a transfer with the postal service in Phoenix. Jonny Stevens parents are moving this week. I haven't heard where they're going, but it's been tough times for them since they are both real estate agents and business has totally dried up. We will miss them in our ward. As far as I know, Jonny will still be speaking in our ward on May 10th with you. I'm sure there's more news, but I just can't think of anything note worthy right now, plus it's kind of late at night.
I studied the first part of Revelation and also Jude this past week. I also listened to what 4 BYU religion professors had to say about the chapters (thanks to KBYU), and I gained such insight. To know that John was foreordained to be one of a handful of people to see the vision of the last days and to be the only one who was to write it down. I'm very appreciative of Joseph Smith who asked to know the meanings of John's written symbols. I wish he would have asked about a lot more of them. I'm one who really likes to see the big picture of things. It helps me keep focused, keeps my eyes looking forward, it gives me hope and it really helps me keep a hold of the iron rod even through the mists of darkness, which mist is not selective but covers us all. So I am really enjoying reading John's words.
I hope you are well, healthy and rejuvenated for a new week and that you are having many opportunities to share your testimony. Have a great week. Press forward. Remember I love you very much.
momxoxooxoxxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoox
Dear Elder Sean,
Yes, it's the Ides of March according to Shakespeare and the day Caesar was assassinated. For some strange reason, I always remember that from my high school days. I hope things went a little smoother for you this week.
We had a wonderful Sabbath. The speakers were good and in Sunday School we discussed D&C 25 and had an interesting discussion on pride and humility. The interesting paradox of trying to be humble is that the more we think about it and think about ourselves being humble, then most likely we are actually letting pride slip in. It's a slippery little virtue and in my mind, the only antidote is sincere repentance. There are always a lot of good comments in our class moderated by excellent teachers.
Over the weekend, I went to my first official bluegrass jam at the Pinder's. I felt very out of place in the beginning, but everyone made me feel so normal and welcome there and I really enjoyed it. I have a lot to learn, but they helped me every step of the way. We're getting together again in May, so I'll be practicing a bunch on the mandolin so I can keep up better. The mandolin plays the off beat and it takes some getting used to. We had a bass, 2 guitars, a fiddle, a banjo and me on mandolin. Bro. Pinder was very nice and picked out a bunch of songs with easy chords and even made a CD with the songs on it so I can play along at home.
Kirk went snowboarding for his first time last week with a girl he knew in high school. They went to Bogus and said they had the place to themselves, but Kirk said it was pretty hard at first. He said the hardest thing was getting back up again. At the end of the day, he went and rented some skis so he could make a couple runs without falling. He said he'd actually like to go again and try snowboarding again. He bought himself a long board skateboard the other week too, so I guess we can say he's a boarder...
Alex has a busy week of choir things coming up. Districts are this week. They have a pre-district concert this Tuesday night. He's also taking voice lessons again from Bethany's sister.
Kristina had her first lacrosse practice this week and loved it. She got a lot of her gear from Aunt Toni and was pretty excited about it. We've been playing catch with her in the backyard. We have plenty of lacrosse gear to go around. Her coach seems really nice and is excited about the team this year. I really hope she continues to enjoy the game. She has a lot of her friends on the team too.
Leah is still the queen at jumping rope and loves her art club. I think she may be the only artistically talented Thompson. Dad and I have a meeting at her school this week to talk with the teachers, principal, school specialists, etc to talk about how Leah is doing in school this year. I'm anxious to hear what they have to say. I think she's been progressing and doing well, but I can't tell how far she is behind everyone else in her grade.
Nikki has been going to choir with me the last couple weeks and loves it. Her attention span is a little short and she continues to sing through all the rests, but hey, she loves to sing. I can't remember if I told you, but the adoption scandal case involving our adoption agency is finally over. The owners only got probation for 6 months and I'm pretty happy about that. I never met them personally, but enjoyed talking with Scott, the owner, on the phone several times through the years and I never felt he was intentionally lying or trying to scam people and he has 7 of his own children to take care of. The good thing that has come out of this is that now we have contact with the girls' birth parents and it was so good getting a letter from them. They said they knew what they were doing when they gave up the girls and just wanted a better future for them and have been so happy to see the pictures we have sent. They also would like us to come visit some day if we want. So who knows, another trip to Samoa may be in our future. I feel very blessed to have this contact, because there have been very few other parents with such a positive outcome.
Dad and I are going to Weiser first thing in the morning so he can interview with the director out there. It will be fun to check out this place. He heard from St. Al's this week and they said they have no spot for him, so now he really needs to get this job with St. Luke's in their outer hospitals. I feel calm and at peace about this.
So is this a transfer week? I was trying to figure it out. Can't wait to hear what's going on there. My prayers are with you and with Pres. Olsen as he makes changes.
Derek Hansen will be giving his farewell this next Sunday, then he is off to the MTC. Jared's mom, Terri, has moved to Phoenix with a new job she couldn't pass up. His dad is staying here until Jared gets home this summer. Terri will come back every couple of weeks until then. She said it's horrible timing, but such a wonderful job. If she likes it after a couple months, then his dad will put in for a transfer with the postal service in Phoenix. Jonny Stevens parents are moving this week. I haven't heard where they're going, but it's been tough times for them since they are both real estate agents and business has totally dried up. We will miss them in our ward. As far as I know, Jonny will still be speaking in our ward on May 10th with you. I'm sure there's more news, but I just can't think of anything note worthy right now, plus it's kind of late at night.
I studied the first part of Revelation and also Jude this past week. I also listened to what 4 BYU religion professors had to say about the chapters (thanks to KBYU), and I gained such insight. To know that John was foreordained to be one of a handful of people to see the vision of the last days and to be the only one who was to write it down. I'm very appreciative of Joseph Smith who asked to know the meanings of John's written symbols. I wish he would have asked about a lot more of them. I'm one who really likes to see the big picture of things. It helps me keep focused, keeps my eyes looking forward, it gives me hope and it really helps me keep a hold of the iron rod even through the mists of darkness, which mist is not selective but covers us all. So I am really enjoying reading John's words.
I hope you are well, healthy and rejuvenated for a new week and that you are having many opportunities to share your testimony. Have a great week. Press forward. Remember I love you very much.
momxoxooxoxxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoox
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Ward Conference
Feb. 22, 2009
Dear Elder Sean,
I just finished reading Jared's letter for the week. I love that they send me his letters. He sounds like he's doing great. I'm also researching all the possibilities for housing for Alex at BYU. It's hard to coordinate with so many. Unlike your group, they all seem to have their own ideas about where to live, etc. If you had to recommend a place for him, would you tell him to live in Heritage or Helaman and why? thanks for your help on that.
Alex and Kirk just got home from mission prep. Kirk said he had to be a 7th Day Adventist investigator tonight. Afterwards, Kirk went home teaching. He sees Tiffany Shaw and also her boyfriend so I'm sure it was a fun visit.
We had ward conference today. It was nice having the stake leaders at each of our meetings. Dad did a good job with his talk. He worked hard on it. Pres. McCauley led the discussion in Sunday School and also in RS. Pres. Stafford went in with the youth. Dad had to go to work tonight so I know he's going to be totally exhausted through the night. Plus I sent him off after a big meal of roast beef, mashed potatoes, carrots, broccoli and cheese sauce.
So how has your week been? Your letter last week had lots of amazing things in it. How are Rodrigo and Claudia doing? I loved seeing their picture. What is their last name so we can pray for them? How great to have the Cortez family with their newly converted enthusiasm helping you teach them.
I loved hearing that Aurora is teaching the 7 year olds. The lessons she'll teach the children will also teach her well.
This past week we've enjoyed really nice weather, well, at least it's not bitter cold any more. Around 50 degrees or so each day. We're basking in the sunshine each day. Also we're having the neighborhood puppies over each day for puppy play dates. It's quite the entertainment to watch puppies play.
Dad had the last of his Boise job interviews this past week. St. Al's didn't sound too interested, but St. Lukes would like him to work for them in Mountain Home and Weiser. Not exactly close to home, but at least they pay well and we wouldn't have to pack up and move. St. Luke's is supposed to send dad their numbers (pay, benefits, etc) this week and then we'll have to decide. Dad's not too thrilled with having to travel so far and put in 24 hour shifts (which is what they both have). But the alternative of having to start looking for jobs in other states sounds a bit daunting at this point. So we'll see what happens. We're praying each night about it and really want to make the best decision for our family. The economy is still extremely slow and down, houses are still not moving, businesses are cutting back and people are continuing to lose their jobs. So moving sounds like a risky decision right now, but we'll see....
I'm flying to Calif this Thursday to meet with grandpa's accountants and lawyers. Steve and Carolina are driving down there too so Steve can be at the meetings. Steve says Axel already has a steady girlfriend and says she might be the one. Didn't he just get home last month?? :) Then on Saturday I'll go with David and Caryn and their kids to the temple. I'll be back home Sunday night. The cubs Blue and Gold Banquet got postponed until this week, so dad's going to have to batch it there without me.
The youth talent show was so much fun to watch. I took the little girls and we were thoroughly entertained. Kristina did a funny routine with the piano where she and the neighbor boy fought over playing the same song on the piano and she also did a fun syncronized swimming skit with the beehives. Alex and the priests did a nice job as Alex played Belle on the guitar with Quinn on drum and Joel riding the unicycle shaking the maracas. The deacons took first place again and they totally deserved it. Randy Pinder choreographed a piece he'd seen on Youtube called the evolution of dance and those deacons did it flawlessly. We were all laughing so hard. I'm hoping they'll do an encore performance for the Blue and Gold. The bishopric performed as a latino group from Mexico singing words having to do with the Strength of Youth to the tune of "I am the Frito Bandito" (Sorry, can't remember the real name of the song) Dad was the only one who looked like an actual Mexican mariachi guy. Their band name was Los Muchachos Guapo de S.O.Y.(Strength of Youth)
Here are some tips for the week:
1. Before entering a yard, shake the gate to check for dogs.
2. When teaching a first discussion, use the new investigator's Bible instead of yours. Though the wording may be slightly different, it allows the person to see that the verses you share are in his/her version.
3. Don't visit church members on Monday evenings unless you have been invited by them to do so.
4. When your investigator leaves the room for a few minutes, swap ties with your companion and see if he/she notices.
5.Trust your mission president. He is entitled to inspiration on your behalf.
6. When training, carefully plan your new companion's first night so it includes a combination of tracting and teaching.
7. Tracting in a threesome isn't a good idea. It looks like the Mafia has arrived on the doorstep.
8. Don't let non-missionaries ride in mission cars.
9. Label your photos immediately with full names.
10. Remember the missionary version of D&C 4:3 "If ye have desires to serve God (in a particular area of your mission) ye are called to the work (in the opposite end of the mission).
I hope you are well. My prayers are always with you and I miss you terribly. We haven't sent our package to you yet, so it will go out this week. Say hi to Elder Davis.
Stay true to your covenants, the Lord never wavers on His side of the covenant.
Love you,
momxoxoxooxoxoxoxooxxo
Dear Elder Sean,
I just finished reading Jared's letter for the week. I love that they send me his letters. He sounds like he's doing great. I'm also researching all the possibilities for housing for Alex at BYU. It's hard to coordinate with so many. Unlike your group, they all seem to have their own ideas about where to live, etc. If you had to recommend a place for him, would you tell him to live in Heritage or Helaman and why? thanks for your help on that.
Alex and Kirk just got home from mission prep. Kirk said he had to be a 7th Day Adventist investigator tonight. Afterwards, Kirk went home teaching. He sees Tiffany Shaw and also her boyfriend so I'm sure it was a fun visit.
We had ward conference today. It was nice having the stake leaders at each of our meetings. Dad did a good job with his talk. He worked hard on it. Pres. McCauley led the discussion in Sunday School and also in RS. Pres. Stafford went in with the youth. Dad had to go to work tonight so I know he's going to be totally exhausted through the night. Plus I sent him off after a big meal of roast beef, mashed potatoes, carrots, broccoli and cheese sauce.
So how has your week been? Your letter last week had lots of amazing things in it. How are Rodrigo and Claudia doing? I loved seeing their picture. What is their last name so we can pray for them? How great to have the Cortez family with their newly converted enthusiasm helping you teach them.
I loved hearing that Aurora is teaching the 7 year olds. The lessons she'll teach the children will also teach her well.
This past week we've enjoyed really nice weather, well, at least it's not bitter cold any more. Around 50 degrees or so each day. We're basking in the sunshine each day. Also we're having the neighborhood puppies over each day for puppy play dates. It's quite the entertainment to watch puppies play.
Dad had the last of his Boise job interviews this past week. St. Al's didn't sound too interested, but St. Lukes would like him to work for them in Mountain Home and Weiser. Not exactly close to home, but at least they pay well and we wouldn't have to pack up and move. St. Luke's is supposed to send dad their numbers (pay, benefits, etc) this week and then we'll have to decide. Dad's not too thrilled with having to travel so far and put in 24 hour shifts (which is what they both have). But the alternative of having to start looking for jobs in other states sounds a bit daunting at this point. So we'll see what happens. We're praying each night about it and really want to make the best decision for our family. The economy is still extremely slow and down, houses are still not moving, businesses are cutting back and people are continuing to lose their jobs. So moving sounds like a risky decision right now, but we'll see....
I'm flying to Calif this Thursday to meet with grandpa's accountants and lawyers. Steve and Carolina are driving down there too so Steve can be at the meetings. Steve says Axel already has a steady girlfriend and says she might be the one. Didn't he just get home last month?? :) Then on Saturday I'll go with David and Caryn and their kids to the temple. I'll be back home Sunday night. The cubs Blue and Gold Banquet got postponed until this week, so dad's going to have to batch it there without me.
The youth talent show was so much fun to watch. I took the little girls and we were thoroughly entertained. Kristina did a funny routine with the piano where she and the neighbor boy fought over playing the same song on the piano and she also did a fun syncronized swimming skit with the beehives. Alex and the priests did a nice job as Alex played Belle on the guitar with Quinn on drum and Joel riding the unicycle shaking the maracas. The deacons took first place again and they totally deserved it. Randy Pinder choreographed a piece he'd seen on Youtube called the evolution of dance and those deacons did it flawlessly. We were all laughing so hard. I'm hoping they'll do an encore performance for the Blue and Gold. The bishopric performed as a latino group from Mexico singing words having to do with the Strength of Youth to the tune of "I am the Frito Bandito" (Sorry, can't remember the real name of the song) Dad was the only one who looked like an actual Mexican mariachi guy. Their band name was Los Muchachos Guapo de S.O.Y.(Strength of Youth)
Here are some tips for the week:
1. Before entering a yard, shake the gate to check for dogs.
2. When teaching a first discussion, use the new investigator's Bible instead of yours. Though the wording may be slightly different, it allows the person to see that the verses you share are in his/her version.
3. Don't visit church members on Monday evenings unless you have been invited by them to do so.
4. When your investigator leaves the room for a few minutes, swap ties with your companion and see if he/she notices.
5.Trust your mission president. He is entitled to inspiration on your behalf.
6. When training, carefully plan your new companion's first night so it includes a combination of tracting and teaching.
7. Tracting in a threesome isn't a good idea. It looks like the Mafia has arrived on the doorstep.
8. Don't let non-missionaries ride in mission cars.
9. Label your photos immediately with full names.
10. Remember the missionary version of D&C 4:3 "If ye have desires to serve God (in a particular area of your mission) ye are called to the work (in the opposite end of the mission).
I hope you are well. My prayers are always with you and I miss you terribly. We haven't sent our package to you yet, so it will go out this week. Say hi to Elder Davis.
Stay true to your covenants, the Lord never wavers on His side of the covenant.
Love you,
momxoxoxooxoxoxoxooxxo
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Charades and more
Feb. 15, 2009
Dear Elder Sean,
Just finished playing a fun game of charades with the family. Too fun watching Nikki and Leah act out words. How are you? I sure thought about you a lot today. Early this morning I went to the Beacon Light ward to hear Aaron Anderson give his report on his mission. His brother Trent was the youth speaker. Seems like I remember his brother speaking with him last time too. They speak very fondly of each other.
Aaron looked and sounded great. He spoke with such enthusiasm and you can tell he learned so much from his mission and enjoyed it even during the tough times. He spoke of the power of fasting and prayer and how doors opened for them because of their faith in asking through fasting and prayer, and not many doors open in New York. He gave me a big hug afterwards and said with a big smile, "Sean's mom!" Alex sang in a quartet at the meeting too. They sounded great. I told them they should sing at your homecoming.
It was fun seeing all the moms and dads of your friends again. After talking with the McKell's and the Frame's, I told them we all needed to get together and go out to dinner. Madison Flake drove up from Utah too as well as some other friends (sorry I didn't know their names). Aaron is planning on going to BYU for spring. Right now he's looking for a job and has been called as a ward missionary. He also plays basketball with Alex and his friends as the honorary "adult" that they need to be there. Tomorrow morning (no school tomorrow) they'll be playing all morning. Kirk said Jordan Potter keeps asking when all of you will be home so he can go and play baseball with all of you.
It was fun hearing a little from Elder Davis. Thanks for having him write us.
Grandma and Grandpa Thompson asked us tonight if you had received their package. I think I remember you mentioning it a few weeks back. They sent pralines, etc. Just let me know again if you got it or send out a thank you to them so they know it got there.
We just had a fill the temple weekend. I heard it was packed to capacity all 3 days which was wonderful. Dad and Kirk and I went on Friday. We took our own names through. We did initiatories first then went through a session. I went through for my birth grandma Hutchinson. It was the first time I have taken a name through where I have actually known the person here in this life. I was thinking about her the whole time and it was such a humbling experience. Kirk took Grandpa Hutch's name and dad took his grandfather Thompson. Next we'll do the sealings for the Hutchinson's.
We had the sister missionaries over for dinner last week. I love the spirit they bring into our home. It's almost palpable. They left us with a little lesson and Leah is very excited to invite her friends to the next activity day this upcoming weekend. I really hope they get to go because Leah is so anxious about it. I'll be talking with their mom.
I was wrong last week when I said dad was interviewing for jobs. He's doing it this week. We are very excited and anxious to hear what St. Al's and St. Luke's has to say. These interviews will be very pivotal in our lives.
This week in my studies, I read Peter in the NT. First I was in such awe of Paul and now I see Peter in such a powerful way. It's so great to see his growth from the impetuous days of his youth, fresh from the fishing boats as a young apostle to Jesus Christ. And now to read his wisdom that can only come from experience and age as he writes 30 years later and is well aware of his impending death. For some reason, I am seeing the NT in a brand new light. That's what I love about the scriptures. You don't just read them once in your life and call it good. There is always something new to be learned or gleaned.
Alex heard from BYU this week and it's a yes! Looks like he'll be there with you in the fall.
All the rest the kids are doing well. The YM/YW are all practicing for the big talent show this week. Even the Bishopric will be getting into the act. Brother Myler is writing some words about the Strength of Youth to the Mexican tune, Aye, Yai, Yai, Yai, I am the Frito Bandito. They will be performing it as a Mariachi band. Should be lots of fun.
This week I also met with the other missionary moms in our ward to swap ideas on how to best support our missionaries. So many fun ideas. One thing Sister Stevens mentioned was that they always sent little oil vials for Elder Stevens to give out to the men who had newly received the priesthood. I thought that was a good idea. If that's something you'd like to be able to give out, let us know. We can always pick those up for you. I hope you've always felt our love and support for you. The whole family reaps the blessings from your work and we are so thankful for the opportunities you've been given. The spiritual experiences in the MTC prepared you for the world you were heading into for 2 years. Your mission with all its spiritual experiences and lessons learned through the spirit is preparing you for your life. I hear many men refer back to the experiences on their missions as they speak, which is great, but what is even greater is to hear people refer to recent spiritual experiences. They are the ones who are continually striving to feel the spirit, learn more, and reach even greater heights. There is always so much more for me to learn in life.
I hope you are feeling well and enjoying the service you are giving. It truly is a marvelous work and a wonder. Here are some missionary tips for the week:
1. Surprise your landlord with a small gift.
2. Occasionally write an individualized letter to one family member instead of to the whole family.
3. Talk with the members, not at them.
4. Wipe toothpaste out of the sink.
5. Get up early once in a while and make breakfast for your companion.
6. Service projects at rest homes are very rewarding.
7. Be able to tell one Book of Mormon story dynamically by memory.
8. Don't confess or discuss past sins with investigators or members.
9. Get a haircut the first P-day of each month.
10. Answer the questions your mother asks in her letters (hey, that one was really in the book, I didn't add it on my own!!) :)
Better sign off and get in to dad before he falls asleep for the night. He's very sleep deprived these days. I can't complain though. I'm so lucky to get so much time with him compared to other working husbands. He has a great work schedule where we get entire days to spend together every week. I love it.
I'll leave you with Pres. Monson's words, "In order to really learn, one must learn to really listen." I'm going to try to be a better listener this week. Have a wonderful week. Can't wait to hear about what you did last week.
Love you always,
momxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxxo
Dear Elder Sean,
Just finished playing a fun game of charades with the family. Too fun watching Nikki and Leah act out words. How are you? I sure thought about you a lot today. Early this morning I went to the Beacon Light ward to hear Aaron Anderson give his report on his mission. His brother Trent was the youth speaker. Seems like I remember his brother speaking with him last time too. They speak very fondly of each other.
Aaron looked and sounded great. He spoke with such enthusiasm and you can tell he learned so much from his mission and enjoyed it even during the tough times. He spoke of the power of fasting and prayer and how doors opened for them because of their faith in asking through fasting and prayer, and not many doors open in New York. He gave me a big hug afterwards and said with a big smile, "Sean's mom!" Alex sang in a quartet at the meeting too. They sounded great. I told them they should sing at your homecoming.
It was fun seeing all the moms and dads of your friends again. After talking with the McKell's and the Frame's, I told them we all needed to get together and go out to dinner. Madison Flake drove up from Utah too as well as some other friends (sorry I didn't know their names). Aaron is planning on going to BYU for spring. Right now he's looking for a job and has been called as a ward missionary. He also plays basketball with Alex and his friends as the honorary "adult" that they need to be there. Tomorrow morning (no school tomorrow) they'll be playing all morning. Kirk said Jordan Potter keeps asking when all of you will be home so he can go and play baseball with all of you.
It was fun hearing a little from Elder Davis. Thanks for having him write us.
Grandma and Grandpa Thompson asked us tonight if you had received their package. I think I remember you mentioning it a few weeks back. They sent pralines, etc. Just let me know again if you got it or send out a thank you to them so they know it got there.
We just had a fill the temple weekend. I heard it was packed to capacity all 3 days which was wonderful. Dad and Kirk and I went on Friday. We took our own names through. We did initiatories first then went through a session. I went through for my birth grandma Hutchinson. It was the first time I have taken a name through where I have actually known the person here in this life. I was thinking about her the whole time and it was such a humbling experience. Kirk took Grandpa Hutch's name and dad took his grandfather Thompson. Next we'll do the sealings for the Hutchinson's.
We had the sister missionaries over for dinner last week. I love the spirit they bring into our home. It's almost palpable. They left us with a little lesson and Leah is very excited to invite her friends to the next activity day this upcoming weekend. I really hope they get to go because Leah is so anxious about it. I'll be talking with their mom.
I was wrong last week when I said dad was interviewing for jobs. He's doing it this week. We are very excited and anxious to hear what St. Al's and St. Luke's has to say. These interviews will be very pivotal in our lives.
This week in my studies, I read Peter in the NT. First I was in such awe of Paul and now I see Peter in such a powerful way. It's so great to see his growth from the impetuous days of his youth, fresh from the fishing boats as a young apostle to Jesus Christ. And now to read his wisdom that can only come from experience and age as he writes 30 years later and is well aware of his impending death. For some reason, I am seeing the NT in a brand new light. That's what I love about the scriptures. You don't just read them once in your life and call it good. There is always something new to be learned or gleaned.
Alex heard from BYU this week and it's a yes! Looks like he'll be there with you in the fall.
All the rest the kids are doing well. The YM/YW are all practicing for the big talent show this week. Even the Bishopric will be getting into the act. Brother Myler is writing some words about the Strength of Youth to the Mexican tune, Aye, Yai, Yai, Yai, I am the Frito Bandito. They will be performing it as a Mariachi band. Should be lots of fun.
This week I also met with the other missionary moms in our ward to swap ideas on how to best support our missionaries. So many fun ideas. One thing Sister Stevens mentioned was that they always sent little oil vials for Elder Stevens to give out to the men who had newly received the priesthood. I thought that was a good idea. If that's something you'd like to be able to give out, let us know. We can always pick those up for you. I hope you've always felt our love and support for you. The whole family reaps the blessings from your work and we are so thankful for the opportunities you've been given. The spiritual experiences in the MTC prepared you for the world you were heading into for 2 years. Your mission with all its spiritual experiences and lessons learned through the spirit is preparing you for your life. I hear many men refer back to the experiences on their missions as they speak, which is great, but what is even greater is to hear people refer to recent spiritual experiences. They are the ones who are continually striving to feel the spirit, learn more, and reach even greater heights. There is always so much more for me to learn in life.
I hope you are feeling well and enjoying the service you are giving. It truly is a marvelous work and a wonder. Here are some missionary tips for the week:
1. Surprise your landlord with a small gift.
2. Occasionally write an individualized letter to one family member instead of to the whole family.
3. Talk with the members, not at them.
4. Wipe toothpaste out of the sink.
5. Get up early once in a while and make breakfast for your companion.
6. Service projects at rest homes are very rewarding.
7. Be able to tell one Book of Mormon story dynamically by memory.
8. Don't confess or discuss past sins with investigators or members.
9. Get a haircut the first P-day of each month.
10. Answer the questions your mother asks in her letters (hey, that one was really in the book, I didn't add it on my own!!) :)
Better sign off and get in to dad before he falls asleep for the night. He's very sleep deprived these days. I can't complain though. I'm so lucky to get so much time with him compared to other working husbands. He has a great work schedule where we get entire days to spend together every week. I love it.
I'll leave you with Pres. Monson's words, "In order to really learn, one must learn to really listen." I'm going to try to be a better listener this week. Have a wonderful week. Can't wait to hear about what you did last week.
Love you always,
momxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxxo
Sunday, February 8, 2009
new member night
Feb. 7, 2009
Dear Elder Sean,
I'm pretty exhausted. Just had a few families over, ones that are fairly new in the ward within the last few months. We also had Mylers and Crosgroves and the sister missionaries. We had quite a house full, lots of noise coming from the basement. I like getting to know the new families in our home since it's so hard at church.
Church was wonderful, I know I sound like a broken record, but it was. The 3 sister missionaries spoke and the last one told us about her conversion story since she is going home on Wednesday. An amazing story which includes her mother deciding to join the church while she's on her mission (Pres. Monson gave the sister missionary special permission to go home for her mother's baptism) and she also just got word this last month that her dad has decided to get baptized and he wants her to speak at his baptism on Feb. 21. And that's just a small part of her story. We then sang God Be With you Til We Meet Again as our closing song and there wasn't a dry eye in the house.
Dad was able to go to a great meeting yesterday where Elder Holland and Elder Costa were the main speakers. He was there from 1pm to 5pm and was very spiritually fed. I'm hoping he'll write you with some of the details.
It was also opening ceremonies for the Special Olympics here in Boise yesterday. Many families in our stake hosted athletes and everywhere we went in town, we saw them. Kirk has seen and met quite a few of them as they've come to the mall and gone to his store. Speaking of Kirk's work, he was told last week that he was the top salesman for the month. Can you believe that? Kirk, a salesman. Travis says they just love him at work and now because he's top salesman, he gets 5% of his sales as a bonus. This week Ian Johnson will be there signing autographs, so we're going to send some things with Kirk to get his autograph.
Also Kirk spoke in the singles ward today. I heard he did a good job. He talked about the power of example. He spoke with Tiffany Shaw who also spoke on the same subject. In fact, Kirk said she spoke first and had all the same quotes and stories as he'd written down, so when Kirk got up there, he had to wing it. I actually got to hear a little of his talk because dad called me at home and he let me hear it through his cell phone from out in the halls. I was very proud of him.
This week dad has a couple interviews, one with St. Al's and one with St. Luke's. So once we hear what offer if any they have, we'll have all the info from this part of Idaho and we'll have to make a decision-stay and work with one of the groups here or look elsewhere.
Also Alex should be hearing from BYU tomorrow whether or not he's made it in. He's going to be scrambling here to get everything in that he needs to graduate.
Looks like everyone in the family has seen Aaron Anderson except me. He got home a couple nights ago. He played basketball on Saturday morning with Alex and Kirk and their friends at the church. His homecoming is this next Sunday so I'll report to you next week about that.
How was your week? That was a wonderful story about Marcelo. We hope to see him here in Boise on a mission. We have a sister missionary from Peru here right now. I'm sorry you didn't have much time to write about Aurora's baptism story, but we're so happy to hear that she finally got baptized. We were praying for her. Remember to be patient with people as they ponder, and search and question the things you teach. Even though they may seem to know that what you are saying is true, it is a huge step and most times very life changing. Some of us recognize truth and act promptly, others of us are shy or reserved and walk gingerly through life making sure each step is secure, others act impulsively and follow the crowd. Sometimes the crowd is headed in the right direction, sometimes not. If Aurora wanted more signs, let Heavenly Father be the judge as to whether or not more signs are actually what Aurora needs. All you can do is present the truth, live the truth and let the spirit teach the rest.
Are you teaching any new families? Sounds like your schedule is always so full. As AP are you also assigned to any wards or is that left to the other missionaries in your area? We are definitely having a retention problem with our recently baptized. I don't really know what happens. I called the young man who was baptized a few months ago to see if he'd come over tonight, but I just had to leave a message. The sister missionaries even went by before coming over here and they said they could hear someone inside, but no one answered. The missionaries think his testimony is still strong but he is struggling to make ends meet being newly divorced and raising a 4 yr old. I guess he's been putting in lots of extra shifts at work to try to make it. I wish he'd just let those around him help. He doesn't have to do this on his own.
We've been having a bit warmer weather here lately and it's been nice. I can actually go outside with Roxy during the night and not get frost bitten. I'm sending a few pictures we took of Roxy and Barkley and the Klondike which took place last week. The men called Kirk the snow gopher because he really went to town digging and made the whole tunnel himself.
I'm holding a piece of cheese in my hand so I've gotten both their attention. Roxy's learning from the best! She's in full swing nipping, hyper puppy stage now. I make the girls take her out back and run with her (good for both of them) to burn off some energy. Can't wait till she loses all her puppy teeth though. I've got lots of scratches on my hands and ankles-not fun.
Dad says he'll write you during the week about his meeting yesterday so he can write clearly and with energy. He's really tired and has to get up early tomorrow. He sends his love and can't wait to tell you all about the talks he heard. He shared them with me when he got home and I loved hearing what all the leaders had to say about these trying times, about church policies and about the family.
Have a week of love (after all it's almost Valentine's), the gospel kind of love where every soul has great worth. Ask Hermana Lucas if there's anything she wants me to bring for her when I come. Everything's very accessible here, so I'd be happy to help her out.
Tell us about your new companion and how things are going in the mission. I love sharing and being a small part of your mission.
I love you very much and am so proud of you and your zeal for the gospel. I'm always here for you.
Love,
momxoxooxooxoxoxoxo
Dear Elder Sean,
I'm pretty exhausted. Just had a few families over, ones that are fairly new in the ward within the last few months. We also had Mylers and Crosgroves and the sister missionaries. We had quite a house full, lots of noise coming from the basement. I like getting to know the new families in our home since it's so hard at church.
Church was wonderful, I know I sound like a broken record, but it was. The 3 sister missionaries spoke and the last one told us about her conversion story since she is going home on Wednesday. An amazing story which includes her mother deciding to join the church while she's on her mission (Pres. Monson gave the sister missionary special permission to go home for her mother's baptism) and she also just got word this last month that her dad has decided to get baptized and he wants her to speak at his baptism on Feb. 21. And that's just a small part of her story. We then sang God Be With you Til We Meet Again as our closing song and there wasn't a dry eye in the house.
Dad was able to go to a great meeting yesterday where Elder Holland and Elder Costa were the main speakers. He was there from 1pm to 5pm and was very spiritually fed. I'm hoping he'll write you with some of the details.
It was also opening ceremonies for the Special Olympics here in Boise yesterday. Many families in our stake hosted athletes and everywhere we went in town, we saw them. Kirk has seen and met quite a few of them as they've come to the mall and gone to his store. Speaking of Kirk's work, he was told last week that he was the top salesman for the month. Can you believe that? Kirk, a salesman. Travis says they just love him at work and now because he's top salesman, he gets 5% of his sales as a bonus. This week Ian Johnson will be there signing autographs, so we're going to send some things with Kirk to get his autograph.
Also Kirk spoke in the singles ward today. I heard he did a good job. He talked about the power of example. He spoke with Tiffany Shaw who also spoke on the same subject. In fact, Kirk said she spoke first and had all the same quotes and stories as he'd written down, so when Kirk got up there, he had to wing it. I actually got to hear a little of his talk because dad called me at home and he let me hear it through his cell phone from out in the halls. I was very proud of him.
This week dad has a couple interviews, one with St. Al's and one with St. Luke's. So once we hear what offer if any they have, we'll have all the info from this part of Idaho and we'll have to make a decision-stay and work with one of the groups here or look elsewhere.
Also Alex should be hearing from BYU tomorrow whether or not he's made it in. He's going to be scrambling here to get everything in that he needs to graduate.
Looks like everyone in the family has seen Aaron Anderson except me. He got home a couple nights ago. He played basketball on Saturday morning with Alex and Kirk and their friends at the church. His homecoming is this next Sunday so I'll report to you next week about that.
How was your week? That was a wonderful story about Marcelo. We hope to see him here in Boise on a mission. We have a sister missionary from Peru here right now. I'm sorry you didn't have much time to write about Aurora's baptism story, but we're so happy to hear that she finally got baptized. We were praying for her. Remember to be patient with people as they ponder, and search and question the things you teach. Even though they may seem to know that what you are saying is true, it is a huge step and most times very life changing. Some of us recognize truth and act promptly, others of us are shy or reserved and walk gingerly through life making sure each step is secure, others act impulsively and follow the crowd. Sometimes the crowd is headed in the right direction, sometimes not. If Aurora wanted more signs, let Heavenly Father be the judge as to whether or not more signs are actually what Aurora needs. All you can do is present the truth, live the truth and let the spirit teach the rest.
Are you teaching any new families? Sounds like your schedule is always so full. As AP are you also assigned to any wards or is that left to the other missionaries in your area? We are definitely having a retention problem with our recently baptized. I don't really know what happens. I called the young man who was baptized a few months ago to see if he'd come over tonight, but I just had to leave a message. The sister missionaries even went by before coming over here and they said they could hear someone inside, but no one answered. The missionaries think his testimony is still strong but he is struggling to make ends meet being newly divorced and raising a 4 yr old. I guess he's been putting in lots of extra shifts at work to try to make it. I wish he'd just let those around him help. He doesn't have to do this on his own.
We've been having a bit warmer weather here lately and it's been nice. I can actually go outside with Roxy during the night and not get frost bitten. I'm sending a few pictures we took of Roxy and Barkley and the Klondike which took place last week. The men called Kirk the snow gopher because he really went to town digging and made the whole tunnel himself.
I'm holding a piece of cheese in my hand so I've gotten both their attention. Roxy's learning from the best! She's in full swing nipping, hyper puppy stage now. I make the girls take her out back and run with her (good for both of them) to burn off some energy. Can't wait till she loses all her puppy teeth though. I've got lots of scratches on my hands and ankles-not fun.
Dad says he'll write you during the week about his meeting yesterday so he can write clearly and with energy. He's really tired and has to get up early tomorrow. He sends his love and can't wait to tell you all about the talks he heard. He shared them with me when he got home and I loved hearing what all the leaders had to say about these trying times, about church policies and about the family.
Have a week of love (after all it's almost Valentine's), the gospel kind of love where every soul has great worth. Ask Hermana Lucas if there's anything she wants me to bring for her when I come. Everything's very accessible here, so I'd be happy to help her out.
Tell us about your new companion and how things are going in the mission. I love sharing and being a small part of your mission.
I love you very much and am so proud of you and your zeal for the gospel. I'm always here for you.
Love,
momxoxooxooxoxoxoxo
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Sobering week
Feb. 1, 2009
Dear Elder Sean,
As I wind up this week, it is very sobering to look back. I know dad filled you in on the tragedy Kimi Anderson was involved in. I was so worried about her, but after seeing and hearing so much love and support for her today at church, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that she'll be lifted and loved to heal her. The Anderson's are praying for a miracle for the young man still in the hospital, but Bro. Clegg bore his testimony about how his family also prayed for a miracle for a newborn grandbaby who had been struggling for weeks. Elder Maxwell even came and gave it a blessing and in the middle of the blessing leaned down close to the baby in intensive care and called him by name and said, "I know you have an adult spirit inside this tiny body, and because you have an adult spirit you must now make an adult decision whether to stay here on the earth or whether to move on to the other side." Within 90 minutes, the baby quietly slipped away to the other side. So Bro. Clegg reminded the Andersons that this young man also has an adult spirit inside him and he will be making this decision that is best for him. Every testimony was wonderful, but hearing from Bro. Gary Anderson, first one up to the pulpit, was so powerful, humble and spiritual. I worked as RS pres. when Gary was HP group leader and he was an amazing man and leader. He gave everything in his calling and I was always so impressed at how much love he had for everyone. He's also been a true example of a great patriarch in his own home. He leads powerfully, quietly with love.
Also this week, in fact 2 hours after we heard about Kimi, I got a call from Carolina telling me that one of my good friends from High School had been given only 3 weeks to live from cervical cancer that had gone to her brain. She's a woman who always made me smile and who always had a smile on her face. I went out to lunch with her this last summer on one of my trips down to Provo and I'm so glad I did. We were looking forward to getting together more often and knowing that she will not be on the earth any more has really made me sad. Her life has been quite a story.
Then I found out the woman I visit teach fell skiing and broke her wrist. She's so active all the time, this is going to be hard for her. Then yesterday we got a call from Sue Thompson who had fallen and broken her right foot and right wrist. I work with Sue in cubs, we're the Bear leaders and I truly enjoy being with her and learning from her. Even though all this happened, she has such an upbeat attitude. I took dinner in to her family today and hope I can do even more to help her out. There were other things too this week that were pretty severe hardships on some of the families in our ward. So it's been very trying for many.
On top of everything, dad is trying hard to find employment before July 1. Tomorrow we're going to Mountain Home to take a look at one of the hospitals there that are looking for some docs to cover their ER. The pay might actually be better than what he makes now, but we'll see. The drive will definitely not be a fun one to make all the time. We're trying to stay here since the economy is so depressed. That's the plan anyways. Through all of this, I feel very hopeful. Sometimes change can be exciting. I'm learning a lot of lessons through this. I'm hoping to implement the wisdom gained into action in my life.
I talked with my dad tonight. He said he got your letter yesterday and loved it. He said there's no way he even thought about some of the things you think about at your age. He was pretty amazed. I'm going to be flying down to CA the end of this month to go to some lawyer/acct meetings with him. Uncle Steve will be there too. So many things have changed in his estate and since Steve and I are the executors we need to be there to sign papers and ask questions. We're trying to time everything so that it's the same weekend when David and Caryn go to the temple to have their 2 little ones sealed to them. Their adoption is finally final. It's been a long hard road for them, but it looks like you have 2 new cousins.
Today in RS the teacher asked me to take some of the time to talk about family sealings in the temple. It was enjoyable for me to share how I feel about that. I told everyone that it was just a part of me since I'd been doing them since I was one years old and how I wished every family could take each new child through to be sealed to them just so the whole family could have this wonderful experience together.
How are things going for you? Is this the week you're getting a new companion? I loved hearing how strong Edith is sounding. I know Aurora's heart can be softened because I've seen it recently with a very close friend whose husband had an affair. For the longest time, she blamed him for everything, but has been working with her Bishop, reading the Book of Mormon faithfully and doing all that she's asked to do. Then one night her heart changed. She saw so plainly how horribly she'd been acting in the family and with her husband prior to any of his wrong doing, her very words, harsh and vindictive, came back to her so clearly and she knew right then that she was instrumental in bringing the family down. She called me the very next day because her revelation had been so strong and she wanted to share it with me. I had never heard her talk that way before and frankly, never thought I would. She truly is a changed person. Her heart was softened and she and her husband are now working harder than ever to bring back the promised blessings that she knows can be theirs through their temple marriage. They both want it badly. I told her it was a miracle and that changes of the heart are only possible because of Christ. We both have a mutual friend who is in a similar circumstance, but she is without the gospel, and she is still suffering greatly because of her trial. There is distrust and often times animosity towards her husband and even though they are going to counseling, etc, I can't hear in her voice any signs of hope. She is actually a baptized member, her husband is not, but she does not attend church. We have had many conversations over the years about the church and it seems like such a simple answer for both of them to just give it a try, but the hearts are hardened and closed right now.
Aurora has so much going for her right now with her strong family. Can't wait to hear how she's doing.
Next week is the Special Olympics here in Boise. There are quite a few families hosting people from all over the world. It will be fun to hear all their stories. A couple ice skaters from Russia will be talking to Leah's activity day group, Kirk's single ward FHE group is having a group from Italy attend, etc etc.
Roxy Thompson is growing bigger each week. We don't know how big she'll be, but she's just about housetrained now. Yah! We've even trained her to ring a bell when she needs to go outside. If she'd just stop chasing Barkley so much. She just wants someone to play with and he's just a very old man dog. He's been extremely patient with her though, so I give him extra treats!!
Life is good. Family is everything.
Have a great week. I'm sure it will be a busy one for you. Our prayers are always with you.
Love you,
momxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxooxoxoxoxo
Dear Elder Sean,
As I wind up this week, it is very sobering to look back. I know dad filled you in on the tragedy Kimi Anderson was involved in. I was so worried about her, but after seeing and hearing so much love and support for her today at church, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that she'll be lifted and loved to heal her. The Anderson's are praying for a miracle for the young man still in the hospital, but Bro. Clegg bore his testimony about how his family also prayed for a miracle for a newborn grandbaby who had been struggling for weeks. Elder Maxwell even came and gave it a blessing and in the middle of the blessing leaned down close to the baby in intensive care and called him by name and said, "I know you have an adult spirit inside this tiny body, and because you have an adult spirit you must now make an adult decision whether to stay here on the earth or whether to move on to the other side." Within 90 minutes, the baby quietly slipped away to the other side. So Bro. Clegg reminded the Andersons that this young man also has an adult spirit inside him and he will be making this decision that is best for him. Every testimony was wonderful, but hearing from Bro. Gary Anderson, first one up to the pulpit, was so powerful, humble and spiritual. I worked as RS pres. when Gary was HP group leader and he was an amazing man and leader. He gave everything in his calling and I was always so impressed at how much love he had for everyone. He's also been a true example of a great patriarch in his own home. He leads powerfully, quietly with love.
Also this week, in fact 2 hours after we heard about Kimi, I got a call from Carolina telling me that one of my good friends from High School had been given only 3 weeks to live from cervical cancer that had gone to her brain. She's a woman who always made me smile and who always had a smile on her face. I went out to lunch with her this last summer on one of my trips down to Provo and I'm so glad I did. We were looking forward to getting together more often and knowing that she will not be on the earth any more has really made me sad. Her life has been quite a story.
Then I found out the woman I visit teach fell skiing and broke her wrist. She's so active all the time, this is going to be hard for her. Then yesterday we got a call from Sue Thompson who had fallen and broken her right foot and right wrist. I work with Sue in cubs, we're the Bear leaders and I truly enjoy being with her and learning from her. Even though all this happened, she has such an upbeat attitude. I took dinner in to her family today and hope I can do even more to help her out. There were other things too this week that were pretty severe hardships on some of the families in our ward. So it's been very trying for many.
On top of everything, dad is trying hard to find employment before July 1. Tomorrow we're going to Mountain Home to take a look at one of the hospitals there that are looking for some docs to cover their ER. The pay might actually be better than what he makes now, but we'll see. The drive will definitely not be a fun one to make all the time. We're trying to stay here since the economy is so depressed. That's the plan anyways. Through all of this, I feel very hopeful. Sometimes change can be exciting. I'm learning a lot of lessons through this. I'm hoping to implement the wisdom gained into action in my life.
I talked with my dad tonight. He said he got your letter yesterday and loved it. He said there's no way he even thought about some of the things you think about at your age. He was pretty amazed. I'm going to be flying down to CA the end of this month to go to some lawyer/acct meetings with him. Uncle Steve will be there too. So many things have changed in his estate and since Steve and I are the executors we need to be there to sign papers and ask questions. We're trying to time everything so that it's the same weekend when David and Caryn go to the temple to have their 2 little ones sealed to them. Their adoption is finally final. It's been a long hard road for them, but it looks like you have 2 new cousins.
Today in RS the teacher asked me to take some of the time to talk about family sealings in the temple. It was enjoyable for me to share how I feel about that. I told everyone that it was just a part of me since I'd been doing them since I was one years old and how I wished every family could take each new child through to be sealed to them just so the whole family could have this wonderful experience together.
How are things going for you? Is this the week you're getting a new companion? I loved hearing how strong Edith is sounding. I know Aurora's heart can be softened because I've seen it recently with a very close friend whose husband had an affair. For the longest time, she blamed him for everything, but has been working with her Bishop, reading the Book of Mormon faithfully and doing all that she's asked to do. Then one night her heart changed. She saw so plainly how horribly she'd been acting in the family and with her husband prior to any of his wrong doing, her very words, harsh and vindictive, came back to her so clearly and she knew right then that she was instrumental in bringing the family down. She called me the very next day because her revelation had been so strong and she wanted to share it with me. I had never heard her talk that way before and frankly, never thought I would. She truly is a changed person. Her heart was softened and she and her husband are now working harder than ever to bring back the promised blessings that she knows can be theirs through their temple marriage. They both want it badly. I told her it was a miracle and that changes of the heart are only possible because of Christ. We both have a mutual friend who is in a similar circumstance, but she is without the gospel, and she is still suffering greatly because of her trial. There is distrust and often times animosity towards her husband and even though they are going to counseling, etc, I can't hear in her voice any signs of hope. She is actually a baptized member, her husband is not, but she does not attend church. We have had many conversations over the years about the church and it seems like such a simple answer for both of them to just give it a try, but the hearts are hardened and closed right now.
Aurora has so much going for her right now with her strong family. Can't wait to hear how she's doing.
Next week is the Special Olympics here in Boise. There are quite a few families hosting people from all over the world. It will be fun to hear all their stories. A couple ice skaters from Russia will be talking to Leah's activity day group, Kirk's single ward FHE group is having a group from Italy attend, etc etc.
Roxy Thompson is growing bigger each week. We don't know how big she'll be, but she's just about housetrained now. Yah! We've even trained her to ring a bell when she needs to go outside. If she'd just stop chasing Barkley so much. She just wants someone to play with and he's just a very old man dog. He's been extremely patient with her though, so I give him extra treats!!
Life is good. Family is everything.
Have a great week. I'm sure it will be a busy one for you. Our prayers are always with you.
Love you,
momxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxooxoxoxoxo
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