...things are a bit out of hand.
Josie chose this (or really, she chose the cheese balls I'd bought as a prop).
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
From Dad July 26, 2015
Re: Letter 34 of 3
Dear Riley:
Just a few more weeks of Summer. It's hard to believe school will be starting again. We just enjoyed our Pioneer Day celebration and watched the parade from the comfort of our home. It was all pretty low key, but we did have a barbeque and a fireworks adventure. I can't remember ever getting into fireworks as a family, but we bought a large variety pack with some giant aerials for the grand finale. (Quite fun!) The T kids came over and we made an event of it. Saturday, our kids went over to the T home and watched their fireworks. They're enjoying eachother while and seem to spend a lot of time together. Good family!
Scout camp was last week. I went up to Maple Dell on Wednesday and spent the afternoon and evening with them. (A lot of good memories there.) It wasn't long ago that you were a Scout up there and enjoying the experience. I couldn't help but look at the nine scouts from our troop and wonder what was in store for them over the next six to seven years. We had a lot of support from the fathers of the boys this year. I think throughout the course of the week we had eight of the fathers who spent at least one night. Good leader support as well made for a successful event.
Things have been quite busy in the circle of life. Elaine Smythe passed away as well as Virginia Fielding. Both were residing outside of the Ward boundaries but spent many years in our Ward. Elaine was an only child, as was her husband, and they weren't able to have or adopt any children. You might think such a situation would dictate a sparsely attended funeral service, but Elaine filled the Chapel. This was a testament to the type of life she lived and the caliber of person she was. Countless acts of service, and involvement in the lives of close friends for many years built ties and fostered love every bit as deep as immediate family. It was touching to see the fruits of a life well lived. Virginia Fielding's funeral is tomorrow and I've been asked to conduct it. The T had a baby girl, the S had a baby boy, J and Br had a baby boy, and WM got married. Life continues on at a furious pace.
I'm sure your mother mentioned that Grandpa K is within a few days of passing. The family gathered over the past few days and nearly everyone from California came out to see him. Grandma P came out a couple days ago, and Grandpa really perked up. He can't keep food or drink down and he's bedridden, but frequently grinning ear to ear and loving all the posterity around him all the way out to his great great grandchild. We gathered around his bed and sang his favorite hymns until our voices gave out. It was touching to see the fruits of yet another life well lived. There's just no substitute for the Spirit that was present in the home. The veil is thin and he has seen through it from time to time.
Well, the day has been pretty crazy with demands. We're leaving in a few minutes to go to Great Grandpa B's birthday celebration in Layton. We sure do love you and are so grateful for the experiences you're having in Thailand. Stay the course and keep the faith. We can see that Heavenly Father is guiding the work and that you are an instrument in his hands.
Love,
Dad
Monday, July 27, 2015
From Mom July 27, 2015 - If I had the strength of a Pioneer
Sunday, July 26, 2015
Dear Riley,
Today is going differently than planned. I’m home with Josie at 1:45 for the first time since church because we stopped by to check on Grandpa K. Where he had been pretty strong since coming here, he has deteriorated the last three weeks. He is in the process of dying. But he is still alert and giving hugs and loving his family who have all gathered around here in Utah. Grandmother P was well enough to come and be with him and he just giggled and was delighted to be reunited. He has been seeing Grandma and Bamma and says they look beautiful and he says he’s ready to go. His room is filled with family singing hymns, holding his hands and hugging him. Josie has been a special bright spot for him in his time here, an angel, you know.
They got Grandpa giving us the I love you sign. We have a seperate but related story about this. Cambry was showing this to Josie and told her that this means I love you in sign language. Parker made the sign, tucking his thumb to his fingers and said, "This means Spiderman in any language.
I’m sorry that you will miss his passing and funeral. We had our vacation calendared, but not planned and now I think it’s because we will be going to California that week for Grandpa’ funeral.
Later today we are going up to Layton to celebrate Great Grandpa B’s 95th birthday. Did I tell you that KSL interviewed him about his organ passion? They did a little story on him earlier in the year. It was cute.
Josie got this necklace and a Hello Kitty wallet as a prize at the dentist swim party. She said, "I wanted an amulet. And this necklace is an amulet. So, I got what I wanted." Not kidding!
But she also said this week as we were at Seven Peaks on Pioneer Day and a helicopter was passing over, looking ahead at it’s trajectory, “Oh, Mommy, look! They’re going to the moon!” The moon was right in the path. Oh, I had to smile. She said so many quoteable things.
Yesterday I planned about three times as much as could be completed in the day. And it really wasn’t until 10 last night that I realized what wasn’t going to get done. I got up in the morning and moved the living room to the family room so the carpets could get cleaned. I masked off most of the trim while waiting for the cleaners to come so I could touch it up, but that won’t be until Monday. So we’re in a funny state with a bare room in the living room and no room in the family room. Cambry and I walked as soon as the carpet cleaner left. Then Dad and I went to the temple, then we quickly packed a picnic and headed to the park for the Jenny Oaks Baker concert. It was really nice, I’ve sent you some pics. On the walk home, we looked at Grandma’s and all the house was open and lights were on. So we went in. The house was packed with family here to say goodbye to Grandpa. J and S made a doughnut run to Ridleys just before 11. We left close to midnight.
Cambry still enjoys T. They went up to the Ogden rodeo this week Thursday. She was disappointed when he couldn’t make the concert last night because of work and he will be with his family and not hers today at the party, but she feels safe with him. He came here after work Friday night, Pioneer day, while we lit off fireworks and ate candy. And then he was here last night as well. But they were somewhere in the mess of the family room, so I just talked to him a little in the dark without seeing him.
Aleah’s best day this week was Wednesday. She had a primary block party in the afternoon, while I was patching and painting from removing the old drapes. Then I took her, RT, Elise and Josie up to the Lindon pool for the Dentist summer party. It was actually pretty cold that night and so I didn’t get in the water and told the girls their price was taking turns with Josie because if I got cold and wet, we’d go home sooner. We stayed way too late, really. But they had fun.
Elise and Aleah also went to RM’s birthday party Thursday night. Then Pioneer day, then last night’s concert… we’re all a little sleep deprived.
Parker was stung by a yellow jacket last night just walking in the park. His right calf is all red and swollen. Man. Oh, that reminds me of something else Josie said. She looked as a yellow jacked flew by and said, "Ope, a yellow dragon."
WM was married this week. They look so happy and the reception was lovely. J and B H had their baby boy, G last night. He looks cute and perfect.
And in other news T and TJ returned from Oregon and she is expecting a baby boy in four months.
I love you so much! I hope you have a wonderful week. I don’t know how your companionship is turning out, but you seemed tentative the first week. T told Cambry that he had a difficult companionship for 6 months. He said they couldn’t agree on anything, when to eat, where to go, who to contact… nothing. But he said that period was the most productive of his mission: they had three baptisms. He served in Germany, so that’s pretty darn good. Stay curious and discover the loveable things about your companion. Serve him and find common ground. Love him as you were counseled in your setting apart.
I love you,
Mom
Dear Riley,
Today is going differently than planned. I’m home with Josie at 1:45 for the first time since church because we stopped by to check on Grandpa K. Where he had been pretty strong since coming here, he has deteriorated the last three weeks. He is in the process of dying. But he is still alert and giving hugs and loving his family who have all gathered around here in Utah. Grandmother P was well enough to come and be with him and he just giggled and was delighted to be reunited. He has been seeing Grandma and Bamma and says they look beautiful and he says he’s ready to go. His room is filled with family singing hymns, holding his hands and hugging him. Josie has been a special bright spot for him in his time here, an angel, you know.
I’m sorry that you will miss his passing and funeral. We had our vacation calendared, but not planned and now I think it’s because we will be going to California that week for Grandpa’ funeral.
Grandpa and his girls.
Later today we are going up to Layton to celebrate Great Grandpa B’s 95th birthday. Did I tell you that KSL interviewed him about his organ passion? They did a little story on him earlier in the year. It was cute.
This has been a really good week.
We took our family picture down at Pioneer Village in Provo, part of North Park. We toured the village after and I wondered how I can EVER feel overwhemled in my life. I don't have to grow my own food, make my own thread and cloth, soap, EVERYTHING. I am so grateful to my pioneer ancestors who really did sacrifice everything for what they believed. Be true!
Josie had a banner week.
We took our family picture down at Pioneer Village in Provo, part of North Park. We toured the village after and I wondered how I can EVER feel overwhemled in my life. I don't have to grow my own food, make my own thread and cloth, soap, EVERYTHING. I am so grateful to my pioneer ancestors who really did sacrifice everything for what they believed. Be true!
Josie had a banner week.
But she also said this week as we were at Seven Peaks on Pioneer Day and a helicopter was passing over, looking ahead at it’s trajectory, “Oh, Mommy, look! They’re going to the moon!” The moon was right in the path. Oh, I had to smile. She said so many quoteable things.
Yesterday I planned about three times as much as could be completed in the day. And it really wasn’t until 10 last night that I realized what wasn’t going to get done. I got up in the morning and moved the living room to the family room so the carpets could get cleaned. I masked off most of the trim while waiting for the cleaners to come so I could touch it up, but that won’t be until Monday. So we’re in a funny state with a bare room in the living room and no room in the family room. Cambry and I walked as soon as the carpet cleaner left. Then Dad and I went to the temple, then we quickly packed a picnic and headed to the park for the Jenny Oaks Baker concert. It was really nice, I’ve sent you some pics. On the walk home, we looked at Grandma’s and all the house was open and lights were on. So we went in. The house was packed with family here to say goodbye to Grandpa. J and S made a doughnut run to Ridleys just before 11. We left close to midnight.
Dad and I need to work on the selfie thing.
Elder Oaks very kindly declined to take a picture for you as to avoid offending any with whom he could not stand, but he warmly took my arm and wanted to be sure that I send their love.
Aleah’s best day this week was Wednesday. She had a primary block party in the afternoon, while I was patching and painting from removing the old drapes. Then I took her, RT, Elise and Josie up to the Lindon pool for the Dentist summer party. It was actually pretty cold that night and so I didn’t get in the water and told the girls their price was taking turns with Josie because if I got cold and wet, we’d go home sooner. We stayed way too late, really. But they had fun.
Elise and Aleah also went to RM’s birthday party Thursday night. Then Pioneer day, then last night’s concert… we’re all a little sleep deprived.
Parker was stung by a yellow jacket last night just walking in the park. His right calf is all red and swollen. Man. Oh, that reminds me of something else Josie said. She looked as a yellow jacked flew by and said, "Ope, a yellow dragon."
WM was married this week. They look so happy and the reception was lovely. J and B H had their baby boy, G last night. He looks cute and perfect.
And in other news T and TJ returned from Oregon and she is expecting a baby boy in four months.
I love you so much! I hope you have a wonderful week. I don’t know how your companionship is turning out, but you seemed tentative the first week. T told Cambry that he had a difficult companionship for 6 months. He said they couldn’t agree on anything, when to eat, where to go, who to contact… nothing. But he said that period was the most productive of his mission: they had three baptisms. He served in Germany, so that’s pretty darn good. Stay curious and discover the loveable things about your companion. Serve him and find common ground. Love him as you were counseled in your setting apart.
I love you,
Mom
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Paper Post from Mom July 22, 2015
Yesterday as I was running errands, a BYU devotional came on as it always does on Tuesdays at 11. The one being broadcast was from January 20, 2015 by Todd Parker. It caught my attention so that though I was unable to finish listening at the moment, I came home and listened to it while I did other chores. Then I listened to it again. And again. And I shared it.
I can add my testimony to the power of the word of God. It strengthens me. It really is as is Lehi saw in his dream, the guiding rod which leads to God. And only those who cling to it are able to stay on the path that leads to eternal life.
We live in times of quick-shifting ideals and percetptions. But we have many assessable witnesses to Jesus Christ. He is constant and quick to save.
I printed off the talk and sent it this week to Riley.
Video
Text
I can add my testimony to the power of the word of God. It strengthens me. It really is as is Lehi saw in his dream, the guiding rod which leads to God. And only those who cling to it are able to stay on the path that leads to eternal life.
We live in times of quick-shifting ideals and percetptions. But we have many assessable witnesses to Jesus Christ. He is constant and quick to save.
I printed off the talk and sent it this week to Riley.
Video
Text
Monday, July 20, 2015
Since you've been gone... July 20, 2015
...all is well.
This was Aleah's pick.
You should know that the pots in the background actually came across the plains with our ancestors. One pot came with the Birds on my Mom's side and the other (hanging on the tripod) came with the Hancocks on my Dad's side. Go pioneers!
Sunday, July 19, 2015
From Mom July 19, 2015 -- Heeding
Sunday, July 19, 2015
Dear Riley,
Hi, son! I hope you’ve had a good, healthy, successful week. I hope things are good with your companion. Grandpa is from Rigby, ID, right close to Rexburg, so that’s a good thing.
We’ve had a good week. Josie had me laughing a lot this week. Friday afternoon I took her alone on errands and she was so content. I mentioned that I thought she liked running errands with just her and me because it was more… and while I said, “normal” she simultaneously said, “pleasant!” This was after she had told me coming out of Costco that the man in there knew Princess Aurora’s song. She had been singing it and he joined in… just like in the movie. I could see the question flash through her mind if she had just missed a princess opportunity!
Parker had a good week as he had EFY. He and L were in the same session so we car pooled there and back. But not really because M still dropped L off to our house in the morning. I liked when we picked up because Liesel was so enthusiastic and when I asked what she’d learned, she say, “Let me get out my notes.” I loved that. Parker just gave a few grunts. He was a COW (crush of the week) for like five girls. And then there were two girls in his company who totally monopolized his time Friday night and alllllll day yesterday. Back to earth, everyone!
Elise and Aleah are doing well. Aleah helped me make dinner last night without being asked. She made grilled cheese sandwiches while I made a dumbed down tomato soup. I appreciated her happy help. The girls baby-sat the M kids this weekend. There is only trouble when it’s bedtime and K started to cry. Aleah observed how when he pulls his face into a cry, his features completely flatten out. Oh the things an artist notices.
Elise had a nice text conversation with F this week. She resisted me to start the conversation, but F responded so kindly and told Elise that she missed her. That made Elise feel good. I am praying for Elise to gain confidence so that she can look out and see those she can bless.
Tuesday was Aunt M’s birthday. For the first time I dreamed about Eric the night before. We were playing together batting little stuffed owls around with a soft bat and just laughing about how much “she” was going to love this gift. It was pure joy laughing with him for a while. Then he was gone: he died again in my dream. I didn’t witness it in my dream, but I mourned again. But I took that as a sign that he was handing me some of the responsibility to celebrate with M. I texted her early in the morning to offer her breakfast since she was coming to drop L off anyway. I made her german pancakes with unsweetened strawberries and blueberries topped with buttermilk syrup. It was delicious. I also invited her to dinner that night, but I didn’t want to pressure her in any way.
So I made a special dinner that I would celebrate her birthday with or without her. I made a chocolate zucchini cake in rounds and frosted it with a rich, not too sweet, chocolate buttercream frosting. And I made vanilla ice cream in the afternoon to go with it. We had lazy lasagna with garlic toast and salad from the garden. She came! I was so happy that we got to have her blow out her candles.
Dad is doing well. He has bees still! The queen is laying eggs and the hive can survive. He is so relieved. He’s been pretty stressed the last couple weeks, but the last two days he seems more buoyant. He has to bring the testing equipment for ICP, the ge dioxide test, in house. He doesn’t really want to, but it’s a good price and we’ll probably be glad some day. There is just so much equipment happening down there.
I’m doing well. I can be busy all day every day. I bought temporary drapes this week. I hope they suffice. I still have a lot to do, but paint did so much! I’m happy. I love walking the canyon with and without Cambry. I had a really neat thing happen this week. I took the girls up the canyon and they walked the 2 ½ miles from Bridal Veil Falls up to Vivian Park with me. Then I left them there while I walked back to pick up the car and drove to pick them up. When I left the house, I felt impressed to take my headset and call a friend on that little stretch where I would be alone. I see at the end that I was heeding the promptings from the Spirit. She said that she had decided that either believing in God or that He doesn’t exist takes faith. But the thing that’s most important is what that belief does for you. I was able to testify to her and the Spirit was so strong. She misses those tender mercies that come to those who believe.
Parker wants to write you. Or he did earlier. I hope he gets a chance.
We love you so much. We think of you all the time. And we are so happy you’re serving in Thailand. Have a good week, son!
Love,
MomPS -- I forgot to tell you that we saw Inside Out last night, the Disney movie that portrays the emotions as individual characters who have their own story within the people in the story. Parker didn't go with us because he was mowing the lawn after playing with EFY girls all day. But the girls and Dad and I went on the spur. It's a definate must see when you get back. The character Joy was written by someone who knew Cambry, I'm certain! It was really a good movie with an excellent message.
I found some pictures Dad took at the balloon festival. Here you go!
New additions! (Which is good because the big pink pig caught fire this year!)
This is while they waited for the candy bomber.
From Dad July 19, 2015
July 19, 2015
Re: Letter 33 of 3
Dear Riley:
Just yesterday I was commenting to your mother that it seemed like we hadn't done anything as a family this summer. She responded that it seems like that because we haven't done anything as a family. So...we're now deciding what we're going to do for a family vacation. Maybe backpacking in the Uintas or a trip up the Washington Oregon coast... Whatever we decide it will likely be the first or second week in August. It's hard to believe summer is two thirds over and we haven't even gone fishing...yet, it's been extremely busy.
It was good to hear from you and we hope things are going well with your new companion. DM gave his report today and did a fine job. I'm always impressed by the level of growth that takes place in the lives of Elders and Sisters who serve missions. There's just a spirit and confidence far beyond what you might expect for 18 or 24 month period. They leave as youth and return as Men and Women. It's clear that anyone on the Lord's errand qualifies for the Lord’s pay. Sister M follows your letters on the blog and was just telling me today how impressed she was by your comments and insights into life and gospel principles. She feels you have already been blessed with wisdom beyond your years.
A while back I mentioned that establishing a stable bee hive was a lot more challenging than I ever imagined. Since the get go, I have been struggling to get a viable queen. Week after week I was checking for eggs and brood but found nothing. Several months, two queens, and no success... I think Bro. P saved the day by giving me two frames with eggs and brood. I checked a month ago and the bees had created five emergency queen cells on the frames. Three weeks ago there was no more capped brood or eggs so I was worried again. However, yesterday I found capped brood generated within the hive for the first time! So, I finally have an egg-laying queen and a chance of hive survival through the winter. I know I mentioned not taking any honey for the first season, but boy can they pack it away!! I think I'll be putting a honey super on for extra storage before long. They sure work hard.
Something sort of interesting about late season planting. I built a frame covered with shade cloth which stands over one of my planting boxes. It's doing well with the heat sensitive seeds of carrots, beets, and lettuce. I planted peas and bush beans in another box but didn't provide shade. I thought they would be ok, but they just composted in the intense heat and moisture. Something to be said about times and seasons or the need for a seed to be rooted well enough to withstand the full heat of the summer sun. At any rate, I'll be replanting in artificial shade this week. I suppose a life lesson could be drawn regarding new members and young testimonies. New members are a wonderful blessing, but they need to be nurtured and cared for. Simply throwing them into the full meat and intensity of the gospel without special attention can stifle or overwhelm them. I'm glad to hear your new President is focused on retention. It's only through retention that we achieve the multi-generational families which form the foundation for Church strength and future growth.
Well, I finally got with it and finished the limb tip repair on the recurve bow I purchased awhile ago. I also purchased a dozen of the proper arrows for the bow's draw weight and draw length. A quiver, shooting glove, and arm guard, complete the setup and Parker and I should be having a good time shooting. The older Scouts are planning on getting into archery and with the help of Brother S and other leaders will be building crossbows for a summer project. We got together a couple weeks ago and let them shoot several different styles of bows. They seemed to have a good time and I think every single Scout was engaged in the activity.
The home remodel project is on hold for a couple months on account of scheduling conflicts. However, we are moving forward on the design and and planning stages. What's cool is that they have technology which allows you to easily render your dream in 3D and move around in virtual space to see the effect before you ever make a cut. We're excited and looking forward to the creative process on the future improvements.
Well, things are going fine with business, family, and Church. We're being extremely blessed and consider God's hand and goodness daily. Keep up the good work. No regrets! We look forward to your letter.
Love,
Dad
Paper Post from Mom July 18, 2015 -- Steadfast and Immoveable
We’ve had some trouble with our new refrigerator of late. I’ve been pretty frustrated as I’ve pulled out delicate garden lettuce frozen solid, thrown out once perfect eggs now cracked and frozen, and been unable to use solid sour cream. Ugh! My new fridge?
I started pulling things in from the edges of shelves in an attempt to improve circulation. I tried to figure how to change the air filter which doesn’t seem intuitive to me. Dad kept asking if we couldn’t just raise the temperature. I would if I could see easily how to do so. I tried to find safe corners and drawers. But mostly, I just started keeping fragile things in the old garage fridge. Irony?
Well yesterday, I looked at the control panel on the door to see if there were any discernable fixes to my problem. The number 33 caught my attention above the number 0. People had been leaving the panel unlocked because they like to get frequent drinks of cold, filtered water from the fridge dispenser and with that opening, a little button-pusher had inadvertently set the fridge to cool to one degree above freezing. And my nice, new refrigerator is vindicated: it was only doing what it was told to do!
I’ve thought about this in terms of persistence. I can honestly say that I wish my fridge had been smart enough to realize that I have plenty of freezer space and I really wanted it to be a refridgerator. But on the other hand, I also have to admire the persistent compliance to a difficult task.
TC, in his talk Sunday about making weak things become strong, mentioned his part in that process. He mentioned faith, humility, obedience, and work. We’ve also been discussing obedience as it pertains to strengthening faith in primary this month. Sis S was so enthusiastic after one sharing time with us leaders. She said, “Don’t you just love the power of this principle? I always used to wonder if I was stifling my children with the principle of obedience. But I was giving them the power to have faith!” We are singing Faith in primary and the last phrase says, “Faith is strengthened, I feel it grow whenever I obey.”
Obedience is faith in action. But steadfast obedience brings a select few to mind. I think of the people of Anti-Nephi Lehi who when they were converted were zealous (Alma 27:30) in their adherence to the principles missionaries taught them. So unyielding were they in the practice of their beliefs that they would suffer death without resistance, trusting that their death was no tragedy and being unwilling to risk offending God in the least bit.
That steadfastness one generation later produced a miraculous battalion of soldiers. Helaman, in speaking of these youth who had not entered into a covenant to never shed blood again, but had been taught faith, courage, and valiance from their infancy from the most converted of people, described them as men of truth and soberness, faithful in all things (Alma 53).
This young group, raised in a non-violent society, came to the aid of the Nephites in defending their freedoms from the Lamanites who were warring to destroy liberty (especially freedom of religion). The war-plan was to keep these young “Sons of Helaman” safe, utilize them as decoys, but not really to employ them in battle. But God had other designs for this valiant group. They were able to testify and encourage Helaman - one of their teachers! - that they were not afraid to fight as their mothers had taught them that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them. (Alma 56:47).
Over the battles this company fought, and they were in fierce fighting, every one of them received injury, 10% of them in one battle to the point of fainting for the loss of blood. Yet in the end they all came home. Helaman reconciles this remarkable fact with the loss of many who fought beside them to their exactness in their obedience to every word of command and their exceeding faith (Alma 57:20-1, 26). Also in Alma 58: 40, Helaman says they stand fast in their liberty and they are strict to remember.
Faithful Latter-day Saints are commanded in many things. We have standards for eating, dress, media, dating… think for the Strength of Youth. And yet we know that we are not fruitful if we must be commanded in all things. There are more ways than the ways we are commanded to be obedient and steadfast.
It seems that the key to being steadfast is in the heart: the steadfast have a desire to obey, to witness with their works in every regard their faith and acceptance of Jesus Christ. The desire for sin is removed from their hearts, they are changed beings. They are the stuff miracles come through. I trail a legacy of faithfulness. I want to be cool like that. I want my kids to be clear and right like the Sons of Helaman. I can’t wait to see what my grandchildren will do in this world.
Be strong, be immovable in righteousness, depend on God for deliverance, and be obedient in every command, especially those from the Spirit. We pray continually for you in this.
I love you,
Mom
Monday, July 13, 2015
From Dad July 12, 2015
July 12, 2015
Re: Letter 32 of 3
Re: Letter 32 of 3
Dear Riley:
Well, yet another week in the can. It’s really hard to believe that summer is half over already. It was kind of cool knowing that while we were watching 4th of July fireworks on our side of the world that you were having a baptism on your side. Glad to see that everything worked out as planned and it’s wonderful to see the success you’re having in your area. We’re eager to hear about your new companion and we pray he’s equally invested in the missionary work. Just keep in mind that even difficult companions are assigned through inspiration by the mission President. Some of the spiritual highlights of my life came through the trials I endured with an extremely difficult companion. So… it’s all good, but just really nice to have an awesome companion with whom you can truly focus on the missionary work at hand. Keep up the good work!
The weather has been a little strange lately. We went from a week of oppressive dry heat in the 105 degrees F range to lots of cloud cover, rain, electrical storms, high winds, and temperatures in the mid to upper 80’s. Very nice in the evenings, though finding a good window in which to spray the apple trees has been a serious challenge. Last week just happened to be the week our Ward was at girl’s camp. Your mother and I took dinner up to the girls on Friday. Elise and most of the others were in good spirits, but had been pretty abused by the weather all week. It was evident by the standing puddles of water, the deep erosion channels cut into the roads and pathways, and mud splattered several feet up every standing structure that mother nature had not been kind. Stories of torrential downpours, violent and terrifying lightning storms, copious amounts of hail, and all the challenges these issues posed were plentiful. In spite of this, all involved seemed to have a good time and there was a good spirit in camp. Right before we opened up the evening program for testimonies, hail and rain yet again pummeled down and sent us on a hasty retreat to the covered eating area. We didn’t get home until around 10:40 PM, didn’t get to bed till midnight, and still went to bed smelling like campfire. I was grateful we had a Saturday without any external demands and was able to sleep in till 8:00. (Saturday I baked the first sourdough bread we’ve had in weeks and always think of my Riley when I eat it.)
The garden has been nice and already provided wonderful peas, lettuce, and squash. The tomatoes are coming along and have produced a few delectables, though not enough to outpace Josie’s capacity to consume so nothing significant by way of tomatoes has made it to the table yet. We’ve eaten the first cucumber and bell peppers are close. I already love the planter boxes. Four are now filled with my own custom blend of soil, peat moss, vermiculite, compost, and rock powder (Yes, powdered rock. It’s awesome!!). The plants have responded amazingly well and we’re looking forward to a bountiful harvest. I also decided to try my hand at a late season planting of cool weather crops. With the help of some shade cloth to maintain moisture in the soil for sensitive seeds, we already have carrots, and beets sprouting which we’ll be eating by late September. More lettuce, beans, peas, chard, and maybe even corn to come. I just love gardening and the law of the harvest. It’s so good for the body and soul and I find it difficult to comprehend how anyone close to the soil could ever deny the existence of God or his goodness.
DM came home from Madrid Spain last Tuesday and looks great. We hear his report next Sunday and I’m looking forward to it. We had a wonderful Sacrament meeting today. I hear Mom already filled you in on two of the speakers so I won’t rehash TC or Sister JS, but Wow were they powerful! Brother JS also shared a moving conversion story. Even though he had been raised in the Church and progressed up through the priesthood, he never had a real testimony and went through a period of inactivity once he turned 18. He originally started reading the Book of Mormon to help with falling asleep when he was hopped on Red Bull and it worked for a few nights. However in the course of reading night after night, something happened which he never anticipated. Somehow the contents of the Book of Mormon pulled him in and he found that the Book itself was keeping him from sleeping. His heart was drawn to the stories, teachings, doctrine, and people contained in it… Before he knew it he had read the entire Book of Mormon and was putting the promise in Moroni to the test for the first time in his life. The resulting answer formed the basis for his own testimony and opened the door for God and the Spirit to work on getting him on a mission. While in the MTC he met his future wife who was going to a different mission in Russia. They maintained contact through letters while they served their missions, eventually got married, and will be having their first, a baby boy, any day now
It just solidifies the reality that riding on the testimony of others has no staying power and can only carry us so far, and that each of us needs to gain a personal testimony at some point of gospel truths. Both BSt and his wife’s stories of conversion are witnesses to the power of the Word to convert all who are sufficiently humble to hear its voice, of God’s fulfillment of His promises to all who earnestly seek, and of the consistency of the principles of conversion when honestly applied. Note to self: Bring a handkerchief to Sacrament meeting. All too often lately I’m left wishing I at least had a tissue on hand.
Well, time to sign off. We have a fairly early morning tomorrow, as we are needing to do the family picture before Parker goes to EFY and Cambry goes to work. Life is good and we are being extremely blessed by your service and uplifted by your pictures and weekly letters. Stay the course! I have a firm testimony of the work and the blessings of the gospel in the lives of the faithful. There is no more noble work in which to be engaged. Till next week...
Love,
Dad
Well, yet another week in the can. It’s really hard to believe that summer is half over already. It was kind of cool knowing that while we were watching 4th of July fireworks on our side of the world that you were having a baptism on your side. Glad to see that everything worked out as planned and it’s wonderful to see the success you’re having in your area. We’re eager to hear about your new companion and we pray he’s equally invested in the missionary work. Just keep in mind that even difficult companions are assigned through inspiration by the mission President. Some of the spiritual highlights of my life came through the trials I endured with an extremely difficult companion. So… it’s all good, but just really nice to have an awesome companion with whom you can truly focus on the missionary work at hand. Keep up the good work!
The weather has been a little strange lately. We went from a week of oppressive dry heat in the 105 degrees F range to lots of cloud cover, rain, electrical storms, high winds, and temperatures in the mid to upper 80’s. Very nice in the evenings, though finding a good window in which to spray the apple trees has been a serious challenge. Last week just happened to be the week our Ward was at girl’s camp. Your mother and I took dinner up to the girls on Friday. Elise and most of the others were in good spirits, but had been pretty abused by the weather all week. It was evident by the standing puddles of water, the deep erosion channels cut into the roads and pathways, and mud splattered several feet up every standing structure that mother nature had not been kind. Stories of torrential downpours, violent and terrifying lightning storms, copious amounts of hail, and all the challenges these issues posed were plentiful. In spite of this, all involved seemed to have a good time and there was a good spirit in camp. Right before we opened up the evening program for testimonies, hail and rain yet again pummeled down and sent us on a hasty retreat to the covered eating area. We didn’t get home until around 10:40 PM, didn’t get to bed till midnight, and still went to bed smelling like campfire. I was grateful we had a Saturday without any external demands and was able to sleep in till 8:00. (Saturday I baked the first sourdough bread we’ve had in weeks and always think of my Riley when I eat it.)
The garden has been nice and already provided wonderful peas, lettuce, and squash. The tomatoes are coming along and have produced a few delectables, though not enough to outpace Josie’s capacity to consume so nothing significant by way of tomatoes has made it to the table yet. We’ve eaten the first cucumber and bell peppers are close. I already love the planter boxes. Four are now filled with my own custom blend of soil, peat moss, vermiculite, compost, and rock powder (Yes, powdered rock. It’s awesome!!). The plants have responded amazingly well and we’re looking forward to a bountiful harvest. I also decided to try my hand at a late season planting of cool weather crops. With the help of some shade cloth to maintain moisture in the soil for sensitive seeds, we already have carrots, and beets sprouting which we’ll be eating by late September. More lettuce, beans, peas, chard, and maybe even corn to come. I just love gardening and the law of the harvest. It’s so good for the body and soul and I find it difficult to comprehend how anyone close to the soil could ever deny the existence of God or his goodness.
DM came home from Madrid Spain last Tuesday and looks great. We hear his report next Sunday and I’m looking forward to it. We had a wonderful Sacrament meeting today. I hear Mom already filled you in on two of the speakers so I won’t rehash TC or Sister JS, but Wow were they powerful! Brother JS also shared a moving conversion story. Even though he had been raised in the Church and progressed up through the priesthood, he never had a real testimony and went through a period of inactivity once he turned 18. He originally started reading the Book of Mormon to help with falling asleep when he was hopped on Red Bull and it worked for a few nights. However in the course of reading night after night, something happened which he never anticipated. Somehow the contents of the Book of Mormon pulled him in and he found that the Book itself was keeping him from sleeping. His heart was drawn to the stories, teachings, doctrine, and people contained in it… Before he knew it he had read the entire Book of Mormon and was putting the promise in Moroni to the test for the first time in his life. The resulting answer formed the basis for his own testimony and opened the door for God and the Spirit to work on getting him on a mission. While in the MTC he met his future wife who was going to a different mission in Russia. They maintained contact through letters while they served their missions, eventually got married, and will be having their first, a baby boy, any day now
It just solidifies the reality that riding on the testimony of others has no staying power and can only carry us so far, and that each of us needs to gain a personal testimony at some point of gospel truths. Both BSt and his wife’s stories of conversion are witnesses to the power of the Word to convert all who are sufficiently humble to hear its voice, of God’s fulfillment of His promises to all who earnestly seek, and of the consistency of the principles of conversion when honestly applied. Note to self: Bring a handkerchief to Sacrament meeting. All too often lately I’m left wishing I at least had a tissue on hand.
Well, time to sign off. We have a fairly early morning tomorrow, as we are needing to do the family picture before Parker goes to EFY and Cambry goes to work. Life is good and we are being extremely blessed by your service and uplifted by your pictures and weekly letters. Stay the course! I have a firm testimony of the work and the blessings of the gospel in the lives of the faithful. There is no more noble work in which to be engaged. Till next week...
Love,
Dad
From Mom July 12, 2015: Making Camp
Sunday, July 12, 2015
Dear Riley,
The weather made a big jump from the two weeks of 100+ days we’d been having to cool and low 80’s with thunderstorms and rain. And did you remember me saying this week was girls’ camp for Elise? Poor things! They had rain/hail/thunderstorms/rain/cold/rain and more thunderstorms the entire time. Dad and I took dinner up Friday night and as we pulled into camp, HG greeted us with, “Ve have been cleansed! Six hours of sunshine the entire week.” Their theme was We are Unsinkable. Man, talk about driving the point home. There were riverlets running through camp when rain came, which it did while we were there.
I took shredded chicken nachos for the dinner which was pretty easy and quite delicious. And the Ss sent up strawberry shortcake for dessert. Just after the dessert T did the object lesson sometimes used in seminary with the donuts and the push ups, but she made it sit ups. SE was the one “purchasing” donuts for each of us and couldn’t be helped or relieved and had to do it even if the girls didn’t want a donut. I cried as the lesson proceeded and girls didn’t want to take a donut; they become blood donuts. Elise never did eat her donut even in the morning. After that lesson S started our testimony meeting and ¾ through, hail descended upon us. T had set up a large tent that’s like a car port. We moved into that and held our meeting in there. That’s just how the week went for them.
I have book club at my house this month. We were going to remodel the front room because it’s been on the list for some time, but BS got a big, urgent job and so he can’t do our millwork and Dad wants his work. So I’ve just got to make what we have looks nice. I oiled the kitchen cabinets Tuesday. Wednesday I disassembled and cleaned the kitchen ceiling fan and put new LED lightbulbs in. Thursday I touched up all the paint scuffs in the living room/kitchen and cleaned the door to the garage. It feels like a new house! Why didn’t I do that before? Really, it looks GOOD! Friday I took shoe polish to the front room sofa to dye the scuffs and wear. They look so much better. I still have to touch up all the trim, figure what to do with my destroyed drapes, and clean the windows and the carpet. But I like what I’m getting.
Parker is healing up pretty well, eating normal foods again. He had A over for a movie night Friday with Cambry as chaperone because Dad and I were gone. Then Cambry had T after.
Cambry and T are getting along great in the little time he has away from work. He is kind and she feels safe with him. They went up to Ogden this week for Core Encore, a professional marching band competition he goes to with his dad each year. They got caught in one of those thunderstorms Elise suffered through on the way home and had to pull off the freeway the rain was so intense. He is taking her up to Ogden again today to a youth fireside and then a special dinner at which they will meet Elder Christofferson.
Aleah was bored about to death this week without Elise and RT was out of town as well. She even cleaned to stave off the boredom. Josie said so many funny things this week. But I was busy and didn’t write them down and Elise wasn’t here to capture them for me. Sorry.
I learned some about your new mission president this week through FB. I read their blog entry from their first week and comments on FB posts. This is what I gleaned: he served in your mission 30+ years ago and was an exemplary missionary. Maybe she served there too? But they met back in institute. He played professional basketball in the era of Michael Jordan and Karl Malone. They live in Kaysville or Fruit Heights? They are super nice and good people. He is focused on retention and has loved reuniting with converts he helped on his mission. They have a crazy schedule. They are proud grandparents.
I saw glimpses of you at transfer meeting, just glances. You look great.
So tell me about your new companion: what’s his name, where’s he from, how long has he been out, does he have a blog, what other areas has he served in?
I thought a lot about you today as the S’s spoke in sacrament meeting. She is a convert to the church since 2006. She was raised by a Catholic mother and an atheist father. She chose atheism for a religion and loved to bait and batter religious people. But when she went to Mexico for some time, her great grandmother died at 106. She began contemplating on the purpose of life and began investigating religions, Christianity was at the bottom of the list. She was in her freshman year of college and things were really rough for her. Her aunt is a member and began teaching her a little. She asked for a Book of Mormon, but really she just wanted it to batter her aunt’s faith with it. Her aunt sent missionaries to her work and she started to learn. She wouldn’t keep commitments to read and she refused to pray. Yet she continued to meet the missionaries. One day she randomly opened the Book of Mormon to Ether 12:27 about those who come unto Christ having their weaknesses turned to strength. For the first time she considered that God had been reaching to her in the trials she had suffered and that thought broke her heart enough to begin to pray. She continued to learn and one day as she was working out, she felt strongly that she needed to be baptized. She immediately called the missionaries and told them she wanted this. Her aunt then called to make certain she was serious, not mocking. She wanted to be sure that she grasped that this was serious! Turns out her aunt had commanded the missionaries to refrain from teaching baptism. When Sister S realized that she could have been baptized earlier she felt a little cheated! She served a mission and is married and expecting her first child really soon.
The Spirit was so strong in the meeting. But what’s even more touching is that TC spoke before her. He talked about his speech difficulty and used that same Ether scripture to talk about his faith that this weakness will indeed become his strength. The Spirit is so cool! T hadn’t been given an assigned topic nor that scripture to use.
I love you so much. I hope you’re doing great! When does monsoon start there?
Love,
Mom
Dear Riley,
The weather made a big jump from the two weeks of 100+ days we’d been having to cool and low 80’s with thunderstorms and rain. And did you remember me saying this week was girls’ camp for Elise? Poor things! They had rain/hail/thunderstorms/rain/cold/rain and more thunderstorms the entire time. Dad and I took dinner up Friday night and as we pulled into camp, HG greeted us with, “Ve have been cleansed! Six hours of sunshine the entire week.” Their theme was We are Unsinkable. Man, talk about driving the point home. There were riverlets running through camp when rain came, which it did while we were there.
I took shredded chicken nachos for the dinner which was pretty easy and quite delicious. And the Ss sent up strawberry shortcake for dessert. Just after the dessert T did the object lesson sometimes used in seminary with the donuts and the push ups, but she made it sit ups. SE was the one “purchasing” donuts for each of us and couldn’t be helped or relieved and had to do it even if the girls didn’t want a donut. I cried as the lesson proceeded and girls didn’t want to take a donut; they become blood donuts. Elise never did eat her donut even in the morning. After that lesson S started our testimony meeting and ¾ through, hail descended upon us. T had set up a large tent that’s like a car port. We moved into that and held our meeting in there. That’s just how the week went for them.
I have book club at my house this month. We were going to remodel the front room because it’s been on the list for some time, but BS got a big, urgent job and so he can’t do our millwork and Dad wants his work. So I’ve just got to make what we have looks nice. I oiled the kitchen cabinets Tuesday. Wednesday I disassembled and cleaned the kitchen ceiling fan and put new LED lightbulbs in. Thursday I touched up all the paint scuffs in the living room/kitchen and cleaned the door to the garage. It feels like a new house! Why didn’t I do that before? Really, it looks GOOD! Friday I took shoe polish to the front room sofa to dye the scuffs and wear. They look so much better. I still have to touch up all the trim, figure what to do with my destroyed drapes, and clean the windows and the carpet. But I like what I’m getting.
Parker is healing up pretty well, eating normal foods again. He had A over for a movie night Friday with Cambry as chaperone because Dad and I were gone. Then Cambry had T after.
Cambry and T are getting along great in the little time he has away from work. He is kind and she feels safe with him. They went up to Ogden this week for Core Encore, a professional marching band competition he goes to with his dad each year. They got caught in one of those thunderstorms Elise suffered through on the way home and had to pull off the freeway the rain was so intense. He is taking her up to Ogden again today to a youth fireside and then a special dinner at which they will meet Elder Christofferson.
Aleah was bored about to death this week without Elise and RT was out of town as well. She even cleaned to stave off the boredom. Josie said so many funny things this week. But I was busy and didn’t write them down and Elise wasn’t here to capture them for me. Sorry.
I learned some about your new mission president this week through FB. I read their blog entry from their first week and comments on FB posts. This is what I gleaned: he served in your mission 30+ years ago and was an exemplary missionary. Maybe she served there too? But they met back in institute. He played professional basketball in the era of Michael Jordan and Karl Malone. They live in Kaysville or Fruit Heights? They are super nice and good people. He is focused on retention and has loved reuniting with converts he helped on his mission. They have a crazy schedule. They are proud grandparents.
I saw glimpses of you at transfer meeting, just glances. You look great.
So tell me about your new companion: what’s his name, where’s he from, how long has he been out, does he have a blog, what other areas has he served in?
I thought a lot about you today as the S’s spoke in sacrament meeting. She is a convert to the church since 2006. She was raised by a Catholic mother and an atheist father. She chose atheism for a religion and loved to bait and batter religious people. But when she went to Mexico for some time, her great grandmother died at 106. She began contemplating on the purpose of life and began investigating religions, Christianity was at the bottom of the list. She was in her freshman year of college and things were really rough for her. Her aunt is a member and began teaching her a little. She asked for a Book of Mormon, but really she just wanted it to batter her aunt’s faith with it. Her aunt sent missionaries to her work and she started to learn. She wouldn’t keep commitments to read and she refused to pray. Yet she continued to meet the missionaries. One day she randomly opened the Book of Mormon to Ether 12:27 about those who come unto Christ having their weaknesses turned to strength. For the first time she considered that God had been reaching to her in the trials she had suffered and that thought broke her heart enough to begin to pray. She continued to learn and one day as she was working out, she felt strongly that she needed to be baptized. She immediately called the missionaries and told them she wanted this. Her aunt then called to make certain she was serious, not mocking. She wanted to be sure that she grasped that this was serious! Turns out her aunt had commanded the missionaries to refrain from teaching baptism. When Sister S realized that she could have been baptized earlier she felt a little cheated! She served a mission and is married and expecting her first child really soon.
The Spirit was so strong in the meeting. But what’s even more touching is that TC spoke before her. He talked about his speech difficulty and used that same Ether scripture to talk about his faith that this weakness will indeed become his strength. The Spirit is so cool! T hadn’t been given an assigned topic nor that scripture to use.
I love you so much. I hope you’re doing great! When does monsoon start there?
Love,
Mom
Thursday, July 9, 2015
Paper Post from Mom July 9, 2015 -- Fully In
Dear Riley,
We’ve spent some time in the water this summer. Only a little. But it reminds me of a talk DK gave once in sacrament meeting. He said he’s spent a good of time swimming especially as he got older as his preferred form of exercise. He said that he had an epiphany once that helped his form dramatically.
Before he understood this simple principle, he spent a good deal of effort fighting the water, struggling against it to get across from side to side. And then one day, he found himself really in the water, surrendered to it and at the same time supported by it. He learned that letting himself work in the water was much more comfortable and enjoyable.
One of the images Bishop W used in working with members who weren’t fully in was that of a swimming pool. He suggested people not wade into the water or sit on the edge with feet dangling in, but jump out into the deep end so far they’d have to swim to get back out.
You see, the hope is that by swimming, they feel that simultaneous surrender and support.
The restored gospel of Jesus Christ requires a lot: three hours of Sunday worship, volunteer work in the week and on Sundays not in a position of election but appointment, significant financial donations, personal worship in the form of prayer, study, temple attendance, family worship in the form of scripture and prayer and FHE, family history research and recording, visiting teaching and home teaching each month, a monthly fast, Priesthood assignments like fast offerings and sacrament preparation and administration, and let’s not forget rule-bound missions. Even sitting mostly in water but hanging onto the edge of the world, a member has much to learn and do, much exposure to good fruits. But it seems to me that the jump out into the deep end, the immersion factor of membership, is the point when the struggle leaves and the support of the gospel lifts us on the water as we move through life.
I think you see many members struggling to fully jump in. They have tasted enough to know the goodness and desirability of the promised fruit of the gospel. But the firm terra cotta they have become accustomed to entices with familiarity and the promise of ease. Yet we are God-designed for the struggle.
I have found this principle applies in almost any setting, not just the gospel. Jumping fully in, not milling around the edges and fringes of life and activity, brings the most satisfaction. I hope you’re stroking long, full strokes in your mission work. It seems you are.
Love your companion, serve your people. Find your swing. And give yourself over to the work you are called to perform.
I love you,
Mom
Monday, July 6, 2015
Since you've been gone... July 6, 2015
...we're keeping on the sunny side of life.
This was Parker's week.
Sunday, July 5, 2015
From Dad July 5, 2015
July 5, 2015
Re: Letter 31 of 3
Dear Riley:
Well, July 4th is over. For the most part it was fairly low key. We went to see the hot air balloon launch on Friday morning and the Candy Bomber drop later in the afternoon. Lots of people in both places. The candy bomber drop was something. Initially I was thinking we might be over ground zero. Then I found myself hoping that nothing would fall on our location because being trampled in the resulting tsunami of bodies which would follow was a serious possibility. Saturday, we got off to a late start. I think we ate breakfast after 10:00 AM. The remainder of the day was spent doing some yard work and planting late seson crops (ie. peas, bush beans, beets, and carrots). The evening was passed finishing up a movie and watching the neighborhood fireworks. With the bigger fireworks now legal for home use, it was quite a spectacular show in surround. The show was good enough that we didn't feel compelled to fight the traffic for the Stadium of Fire. We went to bed around 11:30 with the city still sounding like a war zone.
On Friday Parker had his wisdom teeth removed. All told it went without incident, and he's recovering well. The kids had a good time engaging him while he was coming out of it and under the influence of some heavy narcotics. Pretty FUNNY! He's been trying to get through this with minimal pain medication. He was in so much pain at church, that I needed to take him home following priesthood opening exercises. He was in tears when I dropped him off, but doing considerably better when I came back home a few hours later. For the time being, it's soft and liquified foods. Last night we had hamburgers. Parker liquified his in the food processor. (Not recommended!) a single sip and he was done. Your Mother's reasoning of "That's what your teeth do anywhay." notwithstanding...
With Parker at work, he has gotten some hands on experience with large equipment. There is something beautiful about well engineered equipment working as intended, breaking things down and putting them back together repaired or better suited for a given function, or applying engineering concepts to achieve a desired outcome. Apparently this has inspired him and he wants to go into this field of study. Either mechanical, electrical, or process engineer. He's quite smart enough to do this, but will need to get a good handle on math. Anyway, good for him...
Sacrament meeting was good today. We had some tender testimonies borne and I felt great appreciation for this blessed country and its origins. I'm particularly thankful for the gospel and in spite of recent decisions by the Supreme Court which give me great cause for alarm, I felt that a handfull of just men and women willing to act in the face of fearful odds have the capacity to change the world. If the world, why not the country and the direction it's headed? This is the time to be counted among the ranks of the noble and great ones and I'm satisfied that while we may see disturbing things played out in society, we are also going to see some remarkable things. I believe amazing growth in the Church is just aroung the corner. I also believe we're headed for persecution unlike any we've seen in our lifetimes. Thus continues the giant sifting process which will ultimately compel every soul to choose either God or the adversary. I thought of my missionary and how the preaching of the word has greater effect upon the souls of men than the sword or anything else. When you couple this with the elements which build testimony, invite the spirit of prophecy and revelation, and allow a servant of God to teach with power and authority. How can we ultimately fail?
Well, I'm gettting calls to dinner. I sure do love you and look forward to your letters and pictures with great anticipation. Keep up the good work! The time will fly by. (DM will be reporting home this week.)
Love,
Dad
From Mom July 5, 2015
Dear Riley,
Happy Independence Day! I thought of you last night during fireworks. I think it would be so fitting to have fireworks after a baptism: we are then free from the bonds of sin and have place with our Godly heritage. The battle is half won in that moment!
I hope you’re doing well and still seeing success. Sometimes when we work hard, we do see success. Sometimes when we work hard, we can only see that we worked hard and that we did all that was in our power to make a difference. Neither is more noble, but one is certainly more rewarding. ;)
I had a few really touching moments as I thought of our great country this week. Friday the Candy Bomber -- Gail Halverson did a candy drop in SCERA park. It was like 104° Friday. Dad had taken the younger girls to the park to await the drop, but I was home with Parker when I heard the rumble of engines above. I darted outside hoping I could capture some of the magic of the moment remotely. There were two smoker escorts flying next to the candy bomber and all three planes circled above for about 10 minutes waiting for the go. As they lined up and dropped our direction I couldn’t help but tear up. This man, a member of our faith, has become an embodiment of what we as American’s see ourselves as: empathetic and charitable. But he didn’t know that would be the end of his first little act of charity to the German youth he first reached out to. He was just being true to the whispers of the Spirit which teach us to love and serve our fellow man. (By the way, the candy missed it’s target and the girls didn’t get a candy bar. :()
The second was today in sacrament meeting as we sang the Star Spangled Banner. Brother G shared a touching story from our revolutionary war that he had heard David McCullough share at a BYU devotional. The American troops had suffered a mauling at the British hands and escaped only with the darkness of night across the East River and to the island of Manhattan. The troops were formed of farmers and other men who had other work to do. Their term was now up. George Washington lined up the troops to acknowledge their just release, but also to beg them to stay with him. He asked if they would step forward as acknowledgement of their willingness to stay past their enlistment. Not one man stepped forward. Feeling a defeat greater than one an enemy could deliver, General Washington turned the horse he was riding away from the troops and began a dejected retreat. But before he had gone far, he came back and told the men that he could not spare one, he needed them, their country needed them. One man stepped forward, then five, then 100, then thousands. I contemplated the Divine Hand which has formed and protected our land while I sang those last two verses with tears streaming down my cheeks. We Latter-day Saints see this Providence uniquely as we believe the freedom of religion was essential to the sowing of the restoration through Joseph Smith some 50 short years later. I love America. I love Americans. And I love the Faith that teaches me reverence here.
I finally got the virus that’s been going through the family. I had the lightest case, but it’s no vacation none the less. I keep thinking I’m recovered only to find myself too content to laydown.
We were able to have the missionaries to dinner Tuesday evening. It takes me all day to serve a dinner to company. That was also the day they were repaving the street in front of our house, so that was inconvenient. I had cause to meet a PTA volunteer down the street since she couldn’t get to our house. As I turned to walk down the deserted street, it felt like a Twilight Zone moment as there is never a time without cars and living on our street.
But we really enjoyed the missionaries. I served Chinese Wonton Chicken Salad since it’s been so hot. I don’t know if they loved it but it tasted good to the rest of us. One elder is from Denmark and one from Dallas, TX. Elder P, from Denmark, has been in our home a few times; this is his first area, but fourth month here. He leaned over to me as we were starting dinner and asked what the latest family picture was like. His companion was then treated to the album which is getting quite thick!
Thursday was a total waste. I had to deal with my broken computer because I had to make payroll happen this week. I was trying to finagle a solution and thought to clone my old laptop onto a portable hard drive. But when that was going to take over nine hours, I decided it would be faster to transfer and load all the programs onto my new computer. Ugh. Only problem is that I couldn’t see my portable hard drive any more. And all this took AaallLLLL day. When all I really wanted was to take the girls swimming. alskdfja;kjf;eiwra;wenrkejanfajfn. Thursday was rough as well. I loaded the monitor from downstairs, my broken laptop, my new laptop, my invisible portable hard drive, and all the associated cords into a laundry basket and hauled it all down to work before 8 hoping to take care of everything before the morning was through. But at 1:00 I had to just go home for lunch. I headed back and completed just the basic work stuff I would usually do. I couldn’t remember how to get my laptop onto the domain and so that progress was nil. But I did get support to help me see the portable hard drive, so at least I have one less problem. I spent an eight hour workday,feeling crummy and overwhelmed, grumbling in my heart that there are sometimes heavy burdens as a small business owner. I’m over it; who else gets to decide to take a bonus when the money’s there? But I will find an IT group to come help this next week.
I’ve sent you all the funny on Parker. He has been trying to go without pain medicine for most of the time. He’s a lot more swollen than you were, but less than Cambry was.
Today Cambry is overwhelmed. She is being hit full force with her calling for the first time without much preparation. She came home in tears today. Callings do stretch us, don’t they? Cambry and I have taken to walking 4 ½ - 6 miles in the canyon daily. It feels so good.
Elise has girls’ camp this coming week. She had Dad and I to herself during fireworks last night. She said she likes it. Aleah’s fine, still quick to fight. Josie’s the same. She said PK was dis-re-pect-ful in taking her chair today in primary. Elise and Aleah got a haircut this week. They looked beautiful, but I didn’t even take my camera out for anything this week. Other than the family picture -- it was 100° while we took that at 7 Monday night. Did I mention that I felt crummy much of this week?
Have a good week, son. We love hearing from you. Our accountant mentioned that he hears good reports on the missionary work from Elder H’s dad. It’s good to have friends in the work.
I love you,
Mom