From Mom January 11, 2015

Sunday, January 11, 2015

Dear Riley,

We just got home from Grandma Parish’s and the second Sunday birthday celebration.  We’re getting Josie to bed and she picked out The Napping House for her story.  Except the only copy we have is in Chinese.  So Aleah is reading it to her, translating the story back into English.  That’s the best!

I made a new cake for the party tonight from the Lion House recipe book.  It was a lemon cake with unset raspberry Jell-O poured over the hot cake which has been poked with a serving fork.  Then it is frosted with vanilla pudding mixed with whipped cream.  The only change I would make the next time is to use lemon pudding instead of vanilla.  But it was pretty and yummy.  We also had chili, cornbread, salad, and a Jell-O.  Grandma said when I noted that she’d made an unexpected Jell-O that she thought to herself as she tried to decide if she should make it that “Leadelle would have wanted her to do it.”

Trisha and TJ were there tonight and Elijah picked Elise out as a playmate, even getting frustrated when he had to leave her.  I would choose Elise too!  But we were all laughing because we don't know what attracted him to her, but he pursued her.

You’re almost off!  I don’t know your travel plans, but I imagine I’ll hear from you by phone before next week’s email. 

So tell me, were the cinnamon rolls tough?  I’ve been worried because I packed them hot and I was concerned they would sweat and get tough.  They were incredible here.  Because I thought of you the whole time I made them.  Mmmwah!

Brother H said he saw you at the bookstore this last week and that you were happy and looked great and gave him a big hug.  And Brother B helps with the transportation so I suppose you’ll see him next week.  The G’s are home now so you probably saw them today.  It’s been so nice, really, to have you train in our backyard.  But I’m so looking forward to the mission post of your arrival in Thailand.

They announced your new mission President this week:  Kelly Johnson.  He will come in July 1 and he and his wife look like lovely people.  I told you wrong, we have only one mission in Orem which will absorb some of DJ’s mission.  But he’ll be released before the changes happen in July. 

I’m going to send the fluoride to you with the scripture case and your mp3.  I KNOW you don’t want to use it.  BUT remember, a moment of pain is worth a mission without cavities.  Or something like that.  It doesn’t taste bad at first, though honestly the four hours after the application it tastes yucky.  (But you can do it right before bed and those hours will pass while you’re sleeping.)  Would you do it for me, PLEASE?  Parker needs a crown and many fillings.  His treatment plan exceeds $550 so I’m a little paranoid.  And maybe that’s supposed to happen?

It’s getting late here.  I have a busy week ahead of me.  But the good news is that I’ll look sharp!

I love you,

Mom

PS -

Josie was UPSET yesterday because she wasn't getting her way with something.  "Guys, you aren't doing what the little kid's telling you.  You're supposed to listen to what little kids say.  And you're not doing what I say, not if I'm mad or sad or happy or anything."

Dad was snuggling Josie the other morning and while stroking his face Josie said, "Dad I love you.  But sometimes I say I hate you, huh."

Around the same time Josie yelled to Elise with no provocation:  I hate you!  So Elise tried to understand and asked her what she had done.  Josie sweetened up and explained, "Mom told me that if you say 'I hate you,' it means that you still love them."  (Don't try this with your companion.)