From Mom December 29, 2014

December 29, 2014

Dear Riley,

I got up early this morning so I would have time to email you before your computer time.  But I decided to exercise and bathe and get ready for the day because I have a lunch appointment with MB (we’re trying a Thai place by Macey’s).  Anyway, you know that by the time I was sitting down to the computer, you had started your time.  And this letter is going take a bit to throw down.

OK, so just now Josie found those wild, crazy colored tight/leggings from Grandma Parish’s house.  She had a wad at the foot of one leg and asked me to free it.  Before helping her, I put lotion on my hands to reduce the velco-grab effect and it stung where I had a split so I made a face.  Josie asked if I did that because it hurt because my hands were dry, like dried apples.  After I freed her legging, she said, “I just knew you could do it.”  Riley, there is no possible way we can keep you entirely updated on her funny sayings.  But I’ll try to keep you fresh with a few of them.

I got your last letter while I was at the dentist.  They were happy to hear that you have extreme dental hygiene.  But they noted that most missionaries have zero dental hygiene, so don’t let it go to your head.  J

We drew names for gifting among the kids.  I told you last week that there had been a terrible battle the morning of the Christmas breakfast.  Well that seems to have been the heart of all the contention:  the entire house was one scene of scream and tear-shed.  When we drew names, one sibling sensed before it happened:  the one they had trouble with was going to be the name they drew.  Fate is too generous to miss that kind of opportunity.  But the impulsive response wasn't pretty:  they would NOT get a present for someone they hated. I didn’t give much response other than, “You make your choices, I make mine.”  But my heart was so sad at this and as we talked about it later, after the Christmas breakfast battle, one child decided the other wasn't sufficiently punished.  At least talking gave room for a release and there was a handmade gift under the tree Christmas morning.

We spent Christmas Eve in Christ.  Novel.  Josie was too young to attend, but the rest of us drove up to the Conference Center to watch the presentation Savior of the World.  L had pushed us to get tickets and I’m glad we did because it did make Christmas more sacred, though I’m sad L couldn’t go as she is laid up from surgery. 

  

We ate at the food court in City Creek and headed home.  Grandma Parish hadn’t remembered me asking her to babysit Josie and was wondering where we were.  But bless her for taking care of Josie anyway.  I was responsible for clam chowder Christmas Eve and it was right up to the minute, but I did get it done and it was soooo yummy.  K and J were there as well as J and A.  K is doing better and I’m so hopeful for her.

Cambry cleaned up the house for Christmas morning and said she missed her cleaning buddy.  Then she and dad wrapped gifts, not one was wrapped, while I put the cranberry orange Christmas casserole together.  I was so tired I was certain I’d make a catastrophic error, but it turned out delicious in spite of me.

In the night of Christmas Eve I was awakened after an hour of sleep.  I was up homemedics massaging my hips when Josie got up.  She had gotten Tinkerbell pajamas to sleep in before bed and had an accident in them.  Horror.  She was trying to dry them off with toilet paper.  When I understood what had happened, I went up and had her take them off and washed her up and started the clean up.  Most times when she’s had an accident, it happens in the bathroom, but this time it was in the bed… Aleah’s bed.  So I went in to change her bed and you know how difficult Aleah is to waken.  But I shook her gently and said, “Aleah.  Josie had an accident in your bed and your arm is actually in pee.”  Sheer terror swept across her face as she moved from sleep into horrified consciousness.  I wish I’d videoed.  It would have earned me a million bucks for sure.  But it wouldn’t have been worth the humiliation of the world seeing the state of their bedroom.  ;)

Christmas morning was magical as always.  I used my cell camera to take the pictures on the stairs and downstairs and the flash was so bright that you can see the pain of anticipation on the faces of your siblings.  They actually hid my cell when I went up to make the sauce for the Christmas casserole.

This was the year of the blankets.  Elise wanted a plush blanket like she’d gotten Faith so then Aleah wanted a leopard print blanket.  I already had gotten Josie a plush Frozen blanket.   I found a really soft blanket for Parker.  Just Cambry didn’t get one, well actually she did, but from doTERRA, not us.  Dad loves the softness of Josie’s blanket and was getting her wrapped up in it one night this week and she said, “No, that is a sweaty blanket.”

P K gave me the sweetest gift.  She brought it over a head of time and I asked if I could open it in front of her.  A grave expression washed her features and she somberly told me, “No, it’s for Christmas.”  But it was a sweet little hand held, hand-crank music box which plays Jesus Said Love Everyone.  So thoughtful.

Talking with you was the highlight of my Christmas, no doubt.  I was so stressed that I might miss the call because Grandma and Grandpa Bramwell have a cell phone-proof house.  Actually I woke up thinking you might somehow not know my cell phone number by heart.  Parker recited it to me and assured me you knew it.  But at Grandma’s Christmas day, I panicked and was trying frantically to forward our home phone remotely.  But you called before I could accomplish it.

I’m so sad because I’m not even half way through the things I want to tell you.  But I have to leave for lunch.  Good thing I placed things in the order I did.  Many days lately I’m still in my workout clothes, not worked out, looking grungy after lunch.  I love you so much.  Congratulations on being made zone leader.  You’ll be great. 

Love you,

Mom

 

From Dad December 29, 2014

December 29, 2014

RE: Letter 4 of 3

Dear Riley:

It was so good to hear your voice on Christmas, though the time on the phone seemed considerably shorter than 30 minutes.  You sound great and seem happily engaged in the work.  The interchange lifted our spirits and was the highlight of our day.  Your mother was a woman obsessed, with intensity and anxiety over the possibility of missing the call from her missionary.  For her, it was a soothing balm which made everyone breathe a sigh of relief. 

I can't believe how time flies.  Only a few more weeks until you are Thailand bound.  We pray daily that you will be blessed with the gift of tongues, and that you will be well prepared as a powerful instrument in the hands of your Heavenly Father to move this great work forward.  It appears the work in Thailand is just exploding.  What an exciting time to be serving in this capacity.  It wasn't long ago that the conversion rate was 1.4 converts per two missionaries, per two years.  Now, if I understand correctly, the average is two converts, per month, per two missionaries.  You are undoubtedly going to benefit from seeds of faith planted years ago by faithful missionaries who may have felt their efforts were relatively ineffective.  Never underestimate the power of discipleship under the influence of the Spirit, fortified by exact obedience.

You may be wondering about the Christmas Comments from Sacrament meeting that your mother sent last week.  She wanted you to have them and JP had requested them from me.  Christmas day was nice, but not quite the break I had anticipated. I'm beginning to understand why Christ would occasionally leave the masses to go into the wilderness and be alone with His thoughts and His Heavenly Father.  I'm feeling I need some wilderness time, right after I put out this latest fire...maybe. 

Our Company dinner was held up at the Sundance Tree Room which I think is arguably the best food in the area.  It was amazing!  Good company, excellent service, exquisite food, and Robert Redford, though I passed right by him and didn't realize.  H was quite moved by the whole experience and raved over it for several days.  We enjoy the environment working together, and miss our Riley, who was a part of the work culture for a season.  It would have been nice to have you with us for the occasion.

Yesterday was a good day.  You may have heard through other sources that uncle J was called into a new Bishopric as a second counselor.  We were able to attend the sustaining meeting, High Priest ordination, and setting apart.  I find it interesting that now at my business we have three employees comprised of a Bishop, a second counselor, and a High councilor.  J is a righteous and sensitive man who will serve with distinction in this calling.  I look forward to the discussions we will undoubtedly have as we share our experiences from serving in our stewardships.

Well, it's a little past eight and I need to get moving. Just wanted to get this out to you and express my love and tell you how well pleased I am with your desire and worthiness to serve.  You have already brought abundant blessings into our lives and we recognize God's hand and willingness to carry his missionaries and their families.  Keep your chin up!  There is no greater work on earth, and no greater source of happiness.

Love,

Dad

Christmas message 2014

Christmas Sacrament Program Message 2014

Remarks by Bishop David Parish

There’s a beloved children’s book by Dr. Seuss, familiar to most, titled How the Grinch Stole Christmas.  Just last week I was thinking that one might well write a book titled How the World Stole Christmas. I couldn’t help but consider how drastically things have changed in my lifetime.  Gone are the days where you might see a school nativity pageant, conspicuously missing are the traditional Christmas songs I sang as a child in school.  As I sat and listened while my own 9 year old daughter participated in her school Christmas program in the very school I attended as a child, I noted that the songs were all about sleigh bells, snowflakes, snowmen, reindeer, Santa Claus, holly berries, hot chocolate, Hippopotamuses, and even teeth! Everything, it seemed, but what Christmas was really about.  

In many places in the U.S. a public display of even a Christmas tree is now met with protest and scorn.  Any public display of the nativity or even a private display on public property is viciously attacked and has even fostered lawsuits against communities.

Through the pressure of political correctness and the spiteful actions of a handful of vocal minorities, one major retail chain even experimented with using the phrase “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas” in order to avoid offence, and tailored their ads, and employee training accordingly.

Retail stores seem in a mad rush to be the first to start capitalizing on Christmas.  On numerous occasions I’ve witnessed Christmas merchandise on store aisles even before Halloween.  The Thanksgiving turkey hasn’t even time to digest before crowds of people are fighting for a chance at door buster prices on the first “official” Christmas shopping day of the year, and unquestionably the busiest shopping day of the entire year.  Newspapers, television commercials, radio ads, and online media inundate us with a veritable tsunami of enticements urging people to buy things they don’t need, with money they may not have.

A few years ago I even heard a radio ad that asked if you weren’t tired of getting lame presents you didn’t want or need each Christmas…  It then invited you to get something for yourself this Christmas that you truly deserve and will truly appreciate.  Why not a Lexus??  I was stunned as I contemplated on not only the magnitude of the commercialism which had overrun Christmas, but how the focus, at least in this instance, had shifted from selfless giving to self gifting.

In almost all cases, there is a clear and steady departure away from Christ, and a substitution of the things money can buy…     

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

In Dr. Suess’ story of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, a pitiful creature called the Grinch hated Christmas and everything associated with it.  He despised the Whos in Whoville for their celebration of Christmas and devised a scheme to steal the holiday from them.  He sneaked into their houses the night before Christmas and took all the food, presents, lights, Christmas trees, stockings, and decorations.  As he pulled his enormous load to the top of a mountain to dump it, he reveled in the anticipation of what would happen down in Whoville when they awoke and discovered that no Christmas was coming.  He was certain they would start to cry, which was a sound he simply had to hear.

[So he paused. And the Grinch put his hand to his ear.

And he did hear a sound rising over the snow.

It started in low. Then it started to grow.

But the sound wasn't sad! Why, this sound sounded merry!

It couldn't be so! But it WAS merry! VERY!

He stared down at Whoville! The Grinch popped his eyes!

Then he shook! What he saw was a shocking surprise!

Every Who down in Whoville, the tall and the small,

Was singing! Without any presents at all!

He HADN'T stopped Christmas from coming! IT CAME!

Somehow or other, it came just the same!

And the Grinch, with his grinch-feet ice-cold in the snow,

Stood puzzling and puzzling: "How could it be so?"

"It came without ribbons! It came without tags!"

"It came without packages, boxes or bags!"

And he puzzled three hours, till his puzzler was sore.

Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before!

"Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store."

"Maybe Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!"]

Perhaps if the Grinch had been familiar with the scriptures, he would have realized earlier that Christmas was never built on those things which cannot satisfy. 

Scripture 1

Wherefore, do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy. Hearken diligently unto me, and remember the words which I have spoken; and come unto the Holy One of Israel, and feast upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted, and let your soul delight in fatness.  2 Nephi 9:51

Christmas is Especially for the Burdened

I recently sat with a member of our ward who had suffered significant loss.  As I inquired about Christmas, I received the following reply: “I just wish Christmas wouldn’t come this year…”

I’ve heard these sentiments before, and they are nearly always born of sorrow.  It’s true that for many, Christmas is a difficult time.  It can be a reminder of significant trials in life, financial burdens, overwhelming loss, shattered dreams, loneliness, grief, sorrow… but are these not the individuals for whom Christmas should hold the greatest comfort?

I also recently sat across the room from a good faithful member in significant financial difficulty who told me “We’re just going to focus on Christ this year...”  How I love this member!  Did not Christ understand grief and sorrow?  Does he not know how to lift our burdens and succor all who come unto him?

Scripture 2

He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.  Isaiah 53:3-5

Scripture 3

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matt 11:28-30

Scripture 4

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27

The Foundation of Christmas is Love

There is a story told of a 3 year old who was sharply reprimanded by her father for using an inordinate amount of expensive gold wrapping paper to wrap a present which she placed under the Christmas tree.  Money was tight, and the sloppily adorned package in its wasteful extravagance was an irritation which the father felt compelled to address.  On Christmas day, he was ashamed to discover that the present was for him and his heart softened.  Upon opening the gift, he found a box with nothing inside.  He chided the small girl for giving a gift with nothing in it.  Imagine his feelings as she responded; “It’s not empty Daddy, I blew kisses into it, and they’re all for you.”  The box, in reality, was not empty as it appeared.  It had been filled with love.

Strip away the presents, lights, evergreen trees, Santa Claus, Elves, Reindeer, stockings, food, sweets, decorations… all the adornments we associate with Christmas, and Christmas may appear empty.  However, if we look closer, we’ll discover that what remains is the love.

Scripture 5

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  John 3:16

Love which enables us to repent and overcome all our weaknesses; Love which enables us to be raised from mortality to immortality with a perfect body of flesh and bone; Love which enables each one of us to one day return to our Heavenly Father and live with him in a state of never ending happiness; Love which compelled Christ to submit to the will of the Father and endure extreme pain and suffering as he took upon Himself the sins of all mankind.  Pain so extreme, we are told, that no mortal man could endure except it be unto death; Love which compelled Christ to lay down his life and die in a most cruel manner that we might not be bound by the chains of death; Love which placed such an enormous demand upon the laws of justice, that it could only be satisfied by an extreme act of mercy of equal magnitude towards all mankind…

It’s difficult to imagine more humble circumstances under which the Savior of the world could have come into the world.  A God, a king, surrounded by livestock and laying in a feed trough, it’s not likely that the air was filled only with the sweet smell of hay.  Historically we know that the Wise men bearing gifts of Gold, Frankincense, and myrrh were not present the night Christ was born.  Foreordained by God before the world was, foretold by prophets, heralded by angels, welcomed by lowly shepherds, he came…

"[He] came without ribbons! [He] came without tags!"

"[He] came without packages, boxes or bags!"

[Because] Christmas," [in fact], "[didn't] come from a store."

"Christmas...[indeed]...[is something much] more!"

This Christmas…

May the Light of Christ Direct.

May the Life of Christ Inspire.

May the Love Christ Permeate.

Is my sincere prayer in the sacred name of Jesus Christ.

Amen

From Mom December 21, 2014 This is LONG. (sorry.) But there are pictures at the bottom.

December 21, 2014

Dear Riley,

Dad and I are hardly home anymore, just enough to recognize and complain at the chaos before leaving again.  That’s how it feels.  So Wednesday night dad had interviews and it was a heavy night.  He delivered Christmas money which came through ward members to needy ward members starting that night as well.  People have been very generous.  

Thursday was the Christmas sing at Cascade.  I went with Josie in the morning and Dad went at 1:00.  I looked down part way through the concert and the man next to us was aiming his really nice camera at Josie’s face as she sat on my lap.  I was a little taken back, but he showed me photo he’s snapped and I figured there was no harm.  Then I realized I was sitting between him and his wife who I know.  It was kind of funny.  Aleah was the smileyest fourth grader up there.  No, she was!

I came home from the sing and I had such a long list of things to take care of, but I sat down and started our Christmas letter.  It was so difficult to put this year into words, especially words that would uplift rather than grieve.  I’ll send you a copy of our Christmas card in your Christmas package.  I somehow lost my addresses for my Christmas cards.  Ugghhh.  I have absolutely no idea where they could be.  I lost the file when my laptop was stolen, but had printed it off on plain paper accidentally at one point, so I had the paper copy which I had been updating by hand.  And now it’s nowhere to be found.  The cards from last year are packaged up and were where the list should be.  Sigh.

Thursday evening we went to our annual Christmas party at the A’s.  We couldn’t stay super long because Parker had to be picked up from special needs mutual.  But we were able to see old friends and it is always good to see good people who’ve had a variety of life experiences in the 20 or so years since we lived in the same ward, still faithful and strong and vibrant in their testimony.

Friday I had to go to work to take care of payroll.  They have the TV set up now and Josie watched Mulan while I worked.  It was funny because the “Matchmaker” song was on and I called out to Gus that it sounded like it was in a different language.  Then I went into the lounge and recognized Spanish.  We don’t know how that happened because it showed that it was playing in English.  But anyway, we got it changed.  The interesting thing is that Josie wasn’t deterred at all, she was just as entertained.  Maybe we should let her learn a new language by watching all her shows in Spanish?  But she doesn’t spend enough time watching anything to make any appreciable progress.

Friday night was our work party.  We have had a good year and were able to take them to the Tree Room up at Sundance.  It was luxurious and wonderful.  The food was amazing!  That's telling you something if I am impressed.  They would bring all the dishes out for the table and stand at the place it was to be set and then on cue, set the dishes in front of us at the same time, like a choreographed dance.  Everyone had such a nice time!  On the way out of the restaurant, we saw fellow diner Robert Redford who owns Sundance Resort.  Now none of the other kids know who that is, so I’ll explain best I can for you.  He’s the actor who played the mastermind villain in Captain America: Winter Soldier, the older strawberry blond guy.  He’s also in and Sneakers and The Sting and many other movies you’re too young to know.

L had back surgery Friday.  Major.  Like she won’t be able to even begin rehabilitation for three months.  For the first three weeks she is allowed one trip down the stairs and one trip up each day, separated by hours.  So she is coming home to Grandma’s where she will stay for two weeks at least.  But the surgeon said she really did need the surgery and he thinks she’ll feel great relief in three months time.  So Christmas day up there this year will be really low key.  I’m taking lazy lasagna which is not a traditional meal.  So I cooked a turkey tonight with gravy and mashed potatoes, green beans, and candied yams.

Saturday morning was the Relief Society breakfast.  Truthfully I was so tired of running around and I just wanted to stay home.  The kids were at each other’s throats AFTER I had gotten up and made them German pancakes, so food and tender-lovin’ care weren’t the problem.  But Dad had to be there so I trudged along with him.  We had to take collateral from all three of the older kids to help them remember it just wasn’t worth it to fight.

The breakfast was delicious and the program was very sweet about angels among us.  I thought throughout the program about all the angels who blessed us this year as I was down with Ramsay Hunt.  And all the angels who ministered to me while I was in the hospital.  And the angels I sensed around Eric.  Then I thought about him being our angel.  I cried a lot.  Right after the breakfast Dad and the bishopric delivered Christmas cards.  Just as they did last year, they got a 5x7 art piece.  This was the Simon Dewey painting of the little baby Jesus on the hay, looking down on him from above. Dad was home again for an hour before he had to go to a special baptism. 

Between the breakfast and our evening obligations, we had a war over the kettle corn for neighbors.  Of course the problem began when I had Dad call the kids home from playing with A at Grandma's.  You see, none of the kids felt it was fair that their play should be interrupted and they were all sure they were doing more than their share.  Grrr.  But they did do it, fighting along as they went.

After Dad got home from the baptism, we left for J T’s wedding reception.  It was in a lovely nursery up close to Timpanogos temple.  We really enjoyed it and J and his wife make a perfect pair.  The now mother-in-law said that the bride had gone through the temple before the sealing, so they spent the day in the temple, just where they should.  It’s a lot to take in at once, but K said H was great.  It made me consider because, just like Christmas, we can become so distracted with the trappings which accompany.  But the priority should be the supernal connection as men reach toward God and He extends back.  

After we’d passed through the line and as we headed to the dessert table, I noticed a gentleman watch us as we passed by.  Dad quickly selected a chocolate crusted berry cheesecake and then saw the lime cheesecake.  Just as he directing me to take that, the gentleman I'd noticed before came and asked for Dad’s name.  Immediately I recognized and called out, “U J!”  He was married to the bride's maternal grandma.  Crazy small world in the Church.

Today was busy as well.  Surprise!  But Dad gave a lovely talk after the Christmas program which was just superb.  The choir sounded really good and Sister Fielding had selected such nice pieces.  The text was scripture shared in cohesive blocks.  I love it when they do that.  I asked Dad to send you his remarks; they were poetic. 

This week will fly and I am so excited to spend a few minutes speaking with you.  As I wrote DJ’s card, I realized that these next two Christmases in your life you will be as the angels at Christ’s birth with the singular assignment of proclaiming Him.  What a privilege!  What company you should expect to keep.  Always be worthy.

I love you, son.  I miss you, but not the way I thought I would.  I’m not crying all the time and moping around.  I think of you, but then I smile because I’m so happy that you are absent to be a missionary.  (But I sure do wish someone else would come and corral and drive the kids to finish a task independent of me sometimes.)

Expect a package before Christmas!

Love you like crazy!

Mom

This is how Josie came down, having previously been dressed for the day, to help set up the tree.  At least she's got her hat on!

They've been driving me nuts with their bickering, and then I run into this. Instantly I forget it's ever different.

December 2014

Dear family and friends,

Anything that brings us closer to God can rightly be named a blessing.  It has been difficult to begin this letter because we’ve gained some very special blessings this year which are still tender.  But they also deepen the gratitude we feel at this season for the precious gift of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  We feel drawn to Him this year more than perhaps any other.

David finds himself quite busy as a bishop over 200 households.  David is loved and learning things that could not be learned any other way.  He still makes wonderful company and carves out time for his family and business.  He tends the crops of his lot and we still have lingering remnants of what we have termed The Bishop’s Harvest.

Early this year Leadelle was awakened with pain deep in her right ear.  A week later it was diagnosed as shingles and a couple of days from that, identified as a rare complication called Ramsay Hunt Syndrome.  Because it was caught early and treated effectively, the damage was not permanent, but the healing is slow.   One of the blessings which came from David serving as bishop this year was that an army of helpers descended upon us for several weeks while Leadelle was completely incapacitated.  This remains a humbling, tender experience; one we are happy to see behind us. 

Leadelle also lost her dear younger brother Eric this fall.  He had serious health difficulties most of his adult life.  Yet his spirit was so vital and strong that we believed he could really live forever, carrying the disease by will and mercy.  We found ourselves quite unprepared for his departure.  We all miss him so very much, especially in this season. 

Oh yeah, and Leadelle is the PTA president at the elementary school this year.

Cambry is half way through her junior year at BYU.  She loves the English program and is most delighted to participate in the London study abroad program spring 2015.  She will move home this week after she completes her finals to help save money for this wonderful opportunity (pray a scholarship comes through!).  She was ward choir director for the second time this past fall and takes voice lessons.

Riley has had a big year.   He graduated with academic honors from Orem High this spring, earned the rank of Eagle Scout, and passed three AP exams.  He was accepted to BYU and received just enough scholarship incentive to make the choice easy.  He is currently at the missionary training center in Provo preparing for his two-year service in the Thailand, Bangkok Mission beginning Jan 19.  Since he had four and a half months from receiving his call to his departure, he entered the training center last month with 100 hours of study in Thai which has helped him immensely.  He’s such a good kid and we miss his company.  We get a phone call Christmas day!!!

Parker has sprouted up all of the sudden.  He loves his courses as a junior at Orem High.  He’s the president of the chess club.  He serves in a calling for special needs mutual, a volunteer program providing enriching experiences to special needs individuals of all ages each week.  It has been good for him.  He is vibrant and funny.  He’s stepping up as the young man of the house now and he LOVES possessing the cell phone Riley vacated.

Elise moved to junior high this year.  Her adjustment has been quite smooth and she continues to be such a sweet, pleasant, and helpful family member.  She is conditioning for track and loves distance!  Elise continues with piano and we are delighted with the progress she has made.  She loves to get up really early once a week and attend the Provo Temple to perform baptisms for the dead before school.  When Riley was home, they made this trip many times together.

Aleah is best described by her Grandma Parish as “a bubble ready to burst.”  She continues her Chinese immersion where she does very well.  She loves her teachers and has good friends.  Aleah also studies piano and she’s making quick progress.  She composed an original piece for the school’s Reflections competition and won there and at the Council level.  She now wants to win District, State, and Nation as well. 

Josie still delights us all, and others as well: I noticed someone I didn’t know taking a photo of her today at the elementary school Christmas sing.  She has so many fun quotes as a three year old.  This week she was concentrating as she wrote, “I’m studying Thai, Mom.”  She defended leaving her scooter out in the rain by explaining it was thirsty.  She described the sensation of her feet being asleep as having rocks in her socks.  She moves into Primary from Nursery next month and loves singing time with Mom!

We took one fabulous trip this summer to New York.  We spent half of our time with Dave’s sister Debbie and her family plus their brother Joey and Saerome who lived across the street.  It was such a fun time seeing the sites in the city and playing on the Jersey shore.  Dave and Debbie very graciously loaned us their minivan as we traveled up to New Hampshire to spend a night with Leadelle’s brother Ben and his family who had moved houses one week before.  They very sportingly followed us to upstate New York to visit church history sites there.  We were able to see the Hill Cumorah Pageant the night before we flew home.  Best family vacation ever! 

Then recently, the weekend before Riley departed on his mission, we took a rather spontaneous quick trip to Arches National Park.  These wonderful times of having everyone under the same roof are now very precious memories. 

Though we have been poor bloggers, we have reason to regularly write the goings-on at home for Riley’s letters now, so we post letters to him with pictures.  The address of this blog is:  daveandleadelle.blogspot.com.   Riley’s mission letters and pictures are going up on rileysthaimission.blogspot.com.

We appreciate the love and support we receive from you.  We love reading your letters and gazing at smiling faces.  We hope that this Christmas season is a delight for you all.  We are so grateful for Christ this year.  We rely upon the hope of the resurrection made possible through Him so that we may reunite with loved ones lost for a season.

Love,

Dave, Leadelle, Cambry. Riley, Parker, Elise, Aleah, and Josie

From Mom December 16, 2014

Hi Riley,

I was downstairs and noticed that the last page and reference notes of Elder Holland's talk were still on the printer. :] Dad thinks he remembers another talk more like what you were looking for; we'll keep looing.

And quickly, we all laughed and are quite certain the Javascript change is a direct result of your tricks.  So, what should I know about the wifi shutdown?  You're not as inconspicuous as you think if your teacher can sniff you out so easily.

Merry Christmas: Joey and Aston arrive today!

This morning Josie was working with pencil and paper on the coffee table in the family room. She offered, "Mom, I'm studying Thai. See?" 

Here is the rest of that talk. I listened to it twice yesterday.  I felt the Spirit so strongly.  I've never doubted the authenticity of the Book of Mormon.  The fruits of it are good and good must be of God.  By the same measure, Joseph Smith must have truthfully chronicled its origin.  Though he was a man with weakness, he indeed translated through the power of God this record written by men with weakness.  God's plan employs men with weakness on every level; and makes us perfect through His Grace.

Love you,

Mom

FHE Activity -- Gingerbread house

From Mom December 15, 2014

Monday, December 15, 2014

Dear Riley,

I think it likely that I won’t be online the same time as you today as I have appointments and errands.  I will miss the moment of connection, but I will still feel exhilaration upon reading your letter, whenever it comes.

Business:  I need to know the plan for our Christmas telephone call.  How we’re looking forward to hearing your voice and hearing all about your experiences in the MTC.  I want to be sure we plan our day around it!

Saturday was full.  I was working out at 3:30 and cutting hair at 10 in the evening.  But we had a nice dinner of borscht and bread and Dad and I were able to spend some time in the temple, arriving about 1 minute before they close.  But we did make it.

I’m about as worn out as you’d expect right now.  Yesterday we listened to the Tabernacle Christmas concert short for Music and the Spoken Work.  I was just enjoying the holiday spirit.  I hopped in the shower preparing to go to Cambry’s singles ward Christmas program.  As I was starting my hair, Sis K came to pick me up for visiting teaching.  I had spaced it.  At least I was mostly ready.  And it was a nice visit.  I got home from that and immediately left for BYU.  Aleah came with me and Cambry said it was such a delight to look back and see her ready to burst with excitement.

We were just in time for our own meetings, but we had to meet Parker, Elise, and Josie there.  Sacrament meeting was nice, the Warner’s spoke.  We love them so much.  I had to rush home to get my singing time stuff and I got snagged a couple times before Aleah came and found me because there was no toilet paper in the bathroom stall she had landed in.  The singles ward is in charge of cleaning this month!  So I spent 15 minutes of my 30 filling the toilet paper in the bathrooms.   Though I was irritated at the task, it bumped me into K P who came to church yesterday.  It was good to see her.  She has married and lives in Arizona now.  She looks happy and they are preparing to serve a mission in the spring.

After taking care of church housekeeping, I ran home to pull dinner together so it could start cooking, grab my stuff, and make it to nursery for singing time there.  I just skipped Sunbeam singing time and went to set up in the primary room.  But Josie had to go to the bathroom; at least there was toilet paper!  Singing time was fun: handbells!  How they love those.  I was pulling names to come help and one of the kids, who must have had a birthday this week said, “Just call on the birthday kids.”

As you can see, I just felt run from one thing to the next.  But the blessing is that I CAN run.  Dad is very busy and burdened as well.  His training was at the feet of L. Tom Perry, Tad Callister (Are you praying for Heavenly Father to help you find a good wife?), and Lynn Robbins (Which way do you face?).  Though it was a sacrifice, he was very glad he went.  Bishoping is like a gas and will fill all the space it’s allowed, just like mothering.  But Dad was counseled, as I had counseled him the night before, to organize his efforts so that he attends to bishop duties in blocks and when things happen outside of that block, he doesn’t let it infringe on personal prayer and meditation, work, recreation, and family time.

We don’t know how it keeps happening, but Josie keeps getting what seems to be gum stuck in her hair.  Oh my, it is no fun.  Peanut butter only helps a little to get some of the hair out of the knot, but three times in the past week I have had to cut off small locks.

Parker wrote you a letter yesterday finally.  He told me Saturday night during his hair cut that he sure does miss you.  We all do.  But there isn’t anything I would choose differently.

Last night I watched a video clip a mother captured when her four year old son “brushed” his hair with clippers.  She was so calm and entertained as he swiped at the hair which was left on the perimeter of his head; the top, front, and back were already bare.  I thought of how I freaked out when Cambry cut your hair as while I was nursing Parker.  Wish I could have just rolled with it better, like this mother.  Because it’s done, might as well make the memory pleasant.

I love you, son.  I hope you’re doing well.

 

Take care,

Mom

PS – The Christmas decorations are slowly going up largely through the insistence and efforts of Aleah.  She says she’s going to be Sis B when she grows up.  She and Elise set up the village last night and Josie has been pushing the resin train up and down Mantle Main Street all morning.  She loves placing the people, especially the fat little Santa from the felt Advent Calendar my mom made and we used when I was little.  She asked about the chemist, “Why is he missing his head?”  So, Riley, why is he missing his head?

Parker let F R know that you beat your 6:00 mile goal.  I love that about you, that you set your sights and then systematically attack.  You go, Riley!  

From Mom December 12, 2014

Friday, December 12, 2014

Hi Riley,

Sorry I’ve been so slow corresponding this week; it’s December.

The singles dinner was beautiful and we had more help than we’ve ever had which was so nice.  Dinner wasn’t cooked in time and that was disappointing.  But it did taste nice once we ate.  And the brothers and sisters are so happy and generous to us for our efforts.   My assignments were the spiced cider and hot chocolate and they tasted superb.  I really couldn’t have done much more than I did, but I would have like to have had my homemade rolls and made a dessert as well.  But I just couldn’t this year.  Maybe next year.

Tonight was M M’s wedding.  Dad married her and S this evening before the reception.  About five minutes into his counsel to them, R, who was bearing M’s ring, blacked out.  Dad says it rattled him a little.  Luckily she had her hair in small braid buns in the back and they must have cushioned her head on impact, because by the time I got there for the reception, she was bouncing around and fine.  It was a nice event and S was so just so happy and that makes me so happy for M.

Saturday, December 13, 2014

Dad is at a Regional Training for bishops and stake presidents this morning which will carry into the afternoon.  He’s feeling run ragged I think. Tithing settlement and all the Christmas events in recent day have him spinning.  But he is there and he said this morning that he remembers Bishop Warner saying there were meetings that he resented until he’s gone and he was so relieved for the counsel he’d received.

I just got back from dropping Elise to Sis Warner’s for the birthday breakfast.  She’d gotten the reminder call just as she was getting up from German Pancakes, but went anyway.  With Dad gone, I made only the large pan and we had leftovers!  Crazy.

Last night on the way home from the wedding reception, the girls were so excited to see the lights in the Riverwoods.  They asked if we could go there and my first impression was just to get home because I was tired.  But then I decided it was the nicest weather we’d have to do this and I pulled in and we walked around.  They were offering carriage rides and we got to take one of the last ones.  Aleah was bored stiff, of course. ;)  I guess we were about 30 minutes walking around down there and it made me consider.  My contemplations have been focused on being more available to my family even in busyness.  I did resist momentarily, but more importantly, I also did yield.

Speaking of, Grandma Bramwell just called so I’m going cut this short.

·         Sis S wants to know how much you spent on a ring.  She knows that your best intentions die with you, so she wants it done.  Please take some time this PDay.

·         Also, let me know for sure that you don’t want the PJ’s from Costco so I can return them.

·         Remember to send home a wallet size pic for your plaque.

·         The kids enjoyed their letters.  You can send one for Josie and I’ll read it to her.  Or you could draw a picture.  She’d love that too.

I love you.  I feel like I’ve neglected you a bit this week.  But so have I all the children.

We think of you and pray for you constantly.

From Dad December 12, 2014

Friday, December 12, 2014

Re:  Letter 3 of 3

Dear Riley:

It’s been a wild week already and here it’s only Friday.  We sure enjoy hearing from you and about you.  Members of our Ward are quick to report when they run into you.  They always remark on what an extraordinary young man you are, and what a great missionary you’re going to be.  It makes us pleased.  T B really appreciates being on the email list and numerous members are following the mission blog.

It’s 6:00 AM, and to be honest, I should have gotten up an hour and a half ago because I wasn’t sleeping.  Wednesday night was the Bishopric Christmas Dinner for widows and Singles over 50 years old.  This is a big investment of time and energy, but probably the best way to extend our love to these dear people during this already busy Holiday season.  It’s a sad and lonely time for many of them, so this is an opportunity to do something really nice, meaningful, and a cut above average.  There are 58 individuals in this elite club, and 32 indicated they would be attending.  An additional 8 opted to have a meal brought into their home.  The Ts are a new family living in the K’s home and they accepted the assignment to be the “general contractors” so to speak.  They did an amazing job of organizing, delegating, decorating, etc.  Everything looked amazing!  We utilized more help from our youth and youth leaders than we ever have in years past and felt well positioned to pull off a 1^st class event.

Today I performed a civil marriage which is a first for me. Given the hostile political climate and the social pressures at work, one can imagine what the future may hold.  In the future, LDS bishops may not be allowed to perform civil marriages.  I’ve heard of bishops who never conducted a funeral or performed a marriage during their time as bishop.  I spoke to one bishop who only filled one welfare request in six years.  I suppose this is a fairly unique Ward which provides opportunities to exercise all bishop duties.  This wedding was for MM and SL.  R and SM were standing by with the rings on small pillows.  Five minutes after I started speaking, R just passed out and hit the floor pretty hard.  This rattled me a little and it was a somewhat difficult for me to verbalize the counsel I felt to give them.  Oh well, it was ok in the end.

We’ve really been enjoying this weather and I’m trying to take advantage of the window to organize the garage and install shelves.  It’s just that each week is as packed and busy as the last.  This Saturday I have a leadership meeting for half the day.  I can’t complain, I guess, the blessings that flow my way are substantial and undeniable.

Well, got to get this in the mail.  The gospel is true and there’s no happiness like obedience and discipleship.  I just wish more members applied these principles enough to really believe that life doesn’t need to be as difficult as they tend to make it.  We sure do love you and pray for you daily.  Keep your chin up!

Love,

Dad

P.S.  We only have a limited amount of space for your scripture on your missionary plaque.  If we need to shorten the scripture, I plan on going with Alma 26:12.  Let me know if you prefer otherwise.