Wonderful Missionary Week

March 7, 2010

Dear Elder Jake,

What a wonderful letter last week. I loved your description of going into the temple. What an awesome understanding of this valuable sanctuary. I am very grateful for Elder Guthrie’s inspiration in noticing your struggles and uplifting your attitude. It must be reassuring to know that others recognize you are willing to work. And I like your quote – “Optimism – Its Fun!” I hope things are getting better for you. We are keeping both you and your companion in our prayers. It sounds like your comp is having struggle. Anything we can do to help?

So cool about the baptisms in your last area and knowing that you had an influence in that.
We have had a wonderful missionary weekend. We attended the baptism of the V family last night. The Spirit was sooo amazing. The chapel was about 2/3s full with members from two wards as well as other stake members. Sis. P spoke about Baptism – so wonderful, geared for children and adults. After the baptism, Sis. D spoke about the Holy Ghost in her wonderful and funny way. She told the story of the V introduction to the missionaries (funny and touching), and talked about impressions of the Spirit. She spoke about the 16 yo son and his watchful observation the LDS youth in the high school.

When Sis V. came out of the water, she gasped/sobbed with joy. It was so touching, it was beautiful. The Spirit was so strong, filled with rejoicing. I felt a glimpse at what was felt at the waters of Mormon.

Today, Dad participated in the confirmations, as well as served as a witness at the baptisms. It was a touching meeting. Bro V. bore his testimony afterwards. You can see a change in the man. He told his wife afterwards he didn’t feel like himself up there. I don’t remember seeing so many smiles and such a joyful countenance on the youngest son's face. Its beautiful. And I hear the 16 yo is already talking, even before the baptism, about where he wants to serve a mission.

Overall, the kids have done a good job of fellowshipping the V family. J took some stuffed French toast to them last week. (They returned with some of the best Oatmeal Raisin cookies ever!) W has done pretty good at being a “missionary.” He could use additional encouragement from his missionary brother. (In fact, the kids have all said they miss having an individual sentence or two to them at the end of the letter. I know your time is limited; maybe you could do that every few letters.)

After the baptism last night, our family went to Sweet Tomatoes as a celebration. You were missed – especially when the kids couldn’t finish something. The would give their food to Dad but he couldn't quite clean up as well as you.

Funny thing happened during the opening hymn in Sacrament meeting. The music was close but didn’t quite seem to fit; when we finished a whole phrase before the organist, we knew something was wrong. The chorister leaned over to the organ. It turned out the organist needed to turn a page to get to the right hymn. Funny!

Other happenings: On Thursday, there was a message from the principal to call her back. When I did, she wasn’t available. The office secretary took my return message when I explained that the principal called about one of my three kids. She said it was probably J because he had been in the office.

I said, “Really? I had my money on W.”

She laughed, and said, “Wait a minute. I think it was W, not J”

It turns out W kicked a 4th grade girl who was picking on third grade girls. The principal was pretty low-key and understanding; she just wanted to inform us.

A had her state fair and did a great job. She had a Monopoly board with an abbreviated version for the game. She also handed out crasins as well as m&ms. That night Dad took the three youngest to a WinterHawks hockey game – It was Boy Scout night.

Saturday morning, Dad and I completed a 10K at Champoeg. It was the first time that I did a 10K run. (It was more of a run/walk.) Dad could do this much faster, but insists on staying with me, which is very kind. We actually signed up for a 10K, so there are 6 more races through October. S wants to join us; I think she should go out for cross-country.

This week, the windows and sliding doors are being replaced. Should be a good thing. The rest of the home improvements on hold because of a glitch we hope can be fixed.

Better scoot. Take care, wonderful Elder Jake. I love you and am so pleased with your hard work as well as your striving to rely on the Spirit. Keep up the hard work and know that we are praying for your success every day – often many times during the day.

Love, Mom

This Mom Loves Her Missionary

Written on Sunday Feb. 28]

Dear Elder Jake,

FIRST - Sis B would like to know if you can get the info from a RS leader. She said that she hasn't had any luck with gathering info yet and hoped you would be able to help. If not, she understands; I just need to let her know.

Thanks for updating us on the medical and other information. Glad you are feeling better and hope it continues. I am sure proud of you rising to the challenge of setting an example plus getting up early and obeying the president. I know getting up wasn't something that easily happens but you have shown over and over again how to rise to the challenge. (Like with your BYU weight training where you needed to get up early.) So awesome! Quoting Ross, "He's a stud!" Sis. Brown said she is also so proud of you. (Are you getting enough pats on the back?)

I remember Ross' last companion related Ross' attitude on his mission. He said, "I have done everything I could. Even if I could have done better I tried. I worked hard and now I'm ready to go home." Live with no regrets. As you have said earlier, you have worked hard to get there and looked forward to your all your life, why would you waste your time distracted?

You are setting examples for many. Others read your letters via the blog. Pretty amazing. I heard that Sis H uses your letters, and probably other former students's letters, for her classes. I used parts of your letter last week for my marriage class about resolving conflicts. Your guidance to look for the positive and lead by example while injecting comments when inspired is a great option in conflict resolution.

Glad you did well with the English class. Did you teach again this week? Why didn't the other American like teaching? Teaching can be difficult for some people - not so much for you! Thanks for the photos. It was great to see them. Your photo in the flooded waters is my new homescreen for my Blackberry.

We enjoyed have the Vs come to our house for two missionary lessons. I showed them the paragraph that you included about them and both were touched. Its been a bit confusing what ward and all but I guess they will be going to second initially, then transitioning to ours.

It worked out great that in Sunday School today, missionary work was brought up. I stood up and made the announcement about the upcoming baptism inviting all those to come and fellowship them into the ward. The Gospel Doctrine teacher, was very excited. She talked about often feeling guilty about needing to do missionary work. She said, "Just think - you come to the baptism and get rid of the guilt." Awesome! Hopefully, they will feel the love from many members from all over.

Funny thing - during the lesson when the missionaries were talking about the commandments. They were explaining what coveting means. W looked at me and said, "That's what you were doing with the neighbors." I was perplexed and pretty sure he was "crazy." He said, "About their front door." I laughed - I had been trying to explain to the kids how we could replace the front door and "Mexican window" with a door like the neighbors. Bro. D said, "That's not coveting but if you wake up one morning and their door is gone and you have a new one . . .That is coveting."

Other news - Dad and J went to the Goodwill. Jeremy got more shoes and was ssoooo excited. I think he has more shoes than anyone else in the family! A is busy working on her state fair.

Yesterday, W asked Dad if he could walk around the neighborhood with a open blade knife. Dad said no. S said W could get in trouble. W's response: "I'll just tell him my brother Jake did it and it's okay!" Crazy kid! W is working on his missionary skills - by having B go to Cub Scouts with him and being a friend.

Oh, I showed Sis E your picture in the flood waters. She said to tell you hi. I also showed the pix to the F family. Sis. F said that her husband had a similar pix from his mission in Louisana. Bro F said that the water he was in was waist-high. I laughed and said, "Well, Jake is 6'4"!" Bro F laughed too and said that the water was probably the same depth!

Well, I am sure there is other things to say but my mind is a blank. Its been a challenging week but one where I am reminded to rely more on prayer and listen more carefully to the Holy Ghost.

I love you - have a great week!

Mom

Son - please fill in the details!

Managing two blogs, I swear I click the missionary blog, and end up posting Elder Jake's items on the family one. Oh well! Here is the letter I wrote Feb. 21, 2010

Dear Elder Jake,

Wow! What a letter - with LOTS of unanswered information for your family . . . your mother. You may not realize it but you hadn't told us some important information. First - please tell me what you "finished taking medication" for. And why you got to know the mission doctor during your first transfer. Why you couldn't work out? How bad is the dog bite and do you know if the dog has had its' rabies shots?

Honestly, I don't worry too much about your safety - I figure Heavenly Father does a much better job of watching over his missionaries than my worries would. HOWEVER, information is a good thing.

Okay - YUCK with eating wormy sandwiches. I read your letter to some people, including Team 63. (Its cool to have emails available on my Blackberry.) People were a bit grossed out . . . until I read that you finished the sandwich. Then most would groan and hold their stomachs. If they knew you, they would also laugh!

On a more serious note, it sounds like the mission president expects great things from you. Sis Brown emailed me after I had forwarded last week's letter. She wrote:

Sheesh

What a letter! Jake has been given quite a heavy assignment! I am SO PROUD of his attitude and humility. I already knew he was strong, but his mission president is ready for him to strengthen all those around him. Please know he is in our family prayers every day.

Your mission president is expecting a lot of you and its up to you to rise to the challenge. You are a hard worker and know how to obtain out of reach goals. You also have been blessed with social skills to know how to best motivate others. (It doesn't mean they will always appreciate your leadership.) Sometimes missionaries become complacent as the newness of the mission or the area wears off. Avoid it if possible. Set an example of enthusiasm and obedience and help others become the most amazing servants of the Lord. And wake up on time!!! ;-) Make your knowledge become "do-ledge!" (I know - very dumb joke but it reminds me of Pres. Kimball's message of the difference between knowing and doing!)

How are things going with your companion? Any changes with your interactions? What are his strenghts? How are you able to serve him and help him succeed? How are the ZLs? Have you named your two ginormous cockroaches? Created races with them yet?

Sounds like the area is a good one with a missionary-focused stake president. You said something about opening an area - is this a new area? Or just new to you? Tell us more about the members.

Any more information you neglected to share with us? I heard that the church is switching the missionary emails to another server, at least with other missions. Have you heard anything? And when do we get to see some pictures - and so I can post them on your blog? It needs some more pictures.

Since you received your box, I am getting another ready. Anything you need to be sent from Oregon (besides peanut butter)?

I saw Sis. B last week and shared your good wishes and comments. I also saw Sis. P at the temple on Friday. She asked about you and I shared your blog information.

We had a wonderful dinner at the Vs last Sunday. Both D families were there as well as two missionaries, including - Elder de S. (One of our favorite Brazilian missionaries!)

During the missionary discussion, both the parents talked about stake conference. L said, "It felt like I belonged there." Both talked about feeling accepted as they were by others. L said that they had visited other churches and the acceptance and love they felt at the LDS church was so different. During the missionary lesson, they asked if anyone wanted to bear their testimony about the Holy Ghost's influence in testifying to the truth. Dad rose his hand and bore a wonderful testimony. I also shared a few words about the power it gives in providing direction, answers, and comfort in my life, especially as a parent. Then 15 yo Steven bore his testimony - such a sweet one. He is the catalyst as to why this family is meeting with the missionaries. He wanted them to know what he believed and why it made a difference in his life.

Meanwhile, their son attended Cub Scouts with W on Tuesday and seemed to enjoy it. They will be attended the Blue and Gold banquet on Thursday. Also, they are coming to dinner tonight with the missionaries along with a missionary lesson. The family seemed pretty ready for baptism last week but weren't challenge. Not sure why - expect there were a lot of people there. We will see what happens tonight.

Other family happenings - I have a new client, this one I connected with at Katie's wedding. Her family was in my ward growing up, and she was one of our babysitters. (And she isn't holding it against me!) Anyway, the job will give me extra reasons to go to California. Also, it looks like Derek's family along with Grandma J will be coming here at the end of June. We have tickets for the stage production of the Lion King. Pretty excited!

A and Dad went to the Daddy-Daughter dance on Friday night. Afterwards, she went to Dad's basketball game, then smoothies at Jack-in-the-Box. They both had a great time.

W went to the library yesterday and asked the librarian to help him find kids books on electricity. He brought home four - one or two with home projects. He is pretty intent on the projects. I don't mind as long as electrical outlets are not involved. A likes to act as an assistant or instructor, depending on situation.

J is using my Blackberry to write you a letter. I am not sure how readable it will be but it should be fun. He and Wes worked hard yesterday redeeming all the cans, etc. He earned $140 between a few days of that. (He had sent a flier around the neighborhood asking for help and the neighbors were wonderful!)

W asked about our remodeling and wondered if we were replacing the "Mexican windows" in the living room. He had to explain it was the yellow windows. He said that he calls them that because he saw windows like that in the "Three Amigos."

S seems to be babysitting almost every weekend. She is loved by the kids, and she seems to like it as well. We are trying to come up with a party plan for her 16th birthday. She might combine with her friend, who has her 17th the next day, and do a pampering party with a bunch of girls from the ward.

Dad and the kids went to a triple Eagle court for one family. (I had a Team 63 gathering.)

I think that is enough. I worry that I write too much and not give you enough time to write back. Please take care and continue to work hard and pray hard. We love you lots.

Love, Mom

February Photos

Me teaching in the river.

Me, Elder Alves and the coolest family ever. He baptized the nonmember ones last Sunday!

Elder Rocha - big ol' teddy bear!

Elder dos reis, Fransico, Helena, and Me

A Wedding and a Funeral

The Whole Family - minus one missionary in Brazil.



The brothers "welcoming" Cody into the family!

The "in-laws" warn Cody of crazy family secrets. (It's too late - they are already married!)

January 24, 2010

Dear Elder Jake,

I am sorry you didn’t receive my letter last week. I was really banking on you having a P-day on Tuesday and hurried home from the Jones’ on Monday night to hook up to the internet and email the letter. Hope you didn’t feel neglected; you are always in our thoughts, and in multiple conversations over the past 10 days.

To give you an idea how crazy these past days have been, Dad slept in until 7:30 am on Saturday. Amazing. And this morning, he got up to let Diego out at 6:30, then crawled back in bed to read his scriptures and sleep some more before getting everyone up at 8 am for prayer. We were running from morning to night almost every day. For most of the family, we spent 1 night on the road, 2 nights in CA, 1 night in NV, 2 nights in UT, 1 night in ID. (For Serena and Autumn, they actually slept in a different place every night!) Then the first night home – I spent the night throwing up!

It is wonderful to be home, but I am so grateful for the time I had with family. It reconfirmed to me how much I LOVE my family – husband, children, parents (all four), sibs (in-laws count), nieces/nephews, aunts/uncles, cousins and so on! They are a crazy bunch – which makes them all the more lovable to me! One cousin told me how much she loves and admires my family – the California bunch. She loves how we are close to one another and how we love to laugh. (I assured her that we are not without struggles, but we do love one another.)

How are you doing? I am grateful that you find gratitude amidst the frustrations. Keep praying especially when you feel you are facing immovable obstacles. It is amazing how the Lord will move things, or merely move your perspective. I had an interesting lesson upon returning home.
I have been trying to get these Marriage classes started for the stake. However, because it is based on bishop referrals, it’s been difficult to get enough participants. (The class is open to any married couple. I don’t want just those in crisis.) It looked like there were about 8 couples scheduled to attend. In order to make it back for the classes, I had to drive to Boise after the funeral luncheon, then finish the drive home on Thursday. We got home by 4 pm and I was pretty tired and feeling a bit off. But I had felt the classes needed to start that night, so on I went.

It turned out only 2 couples showed! While good contributions, I was somewhat irritated that I had hustled home to teach, especially when I wasn’t feeling well. It wasn’t until the next afternoon that I recognized that maybe the reason for hurrying back to teach the class was not to get the class started, but for me so I could be sick at home and not on the road.

This letter is already long, but I wanted to fill you in on the busy happenings of the past 10 days. I hope you can print this out.

Thursday, Jan 14 - We left in the afternoon arriving in California about 3:30 am.

Friday - After crashing for a while, the girls went out for breakfast. Then some of us went to have manicures in Visalia. It wasn’t as good as the ones Darcie did in our home last October. Do you wish you could have joined us? We stopped by the reception center to see what work needed to be done.

Shortly after we returned home, the rest of the group arrived including Derek’s and Aaron’s families, along with Guy and Scarlett. My uncles Mark and Barry, along with their wives arrived as well as Uncle Grant and Aunt Judy. After a while we headed back to the churchhouse to help decorate. By the time we arrived, the others were waiting for the lady in charge to tell us what to do. She was still trying to decide how to arrange the room.

Also, Uncle Tom came along with my cousin Lara. (Tom and Patty had planned on coming to the wedding.) Their son Josh along with his wife Lisa and four children also came to the wedding. So awesome to have them there.

At 6 pm . . . closer to 6:40, we had a delicious wedding dinner in the RS room. At the end of the evening, in walked Margo and Jack. Margo had planned on crashing the wedding the next day but came a day early. She and Jack didn’t know where the wedding dinner was so they went to every restaurant in town. Thank goodness, it’s a small town. Finally, they “broke” into house and saw the board where all the cell phones are listed. Using the house phone, they started calling. So fun – so typical Margo and Jack! Love them!

Saturday – Some of our family stayed at the motel, some at the house. Friday night the girls stayed at the house so they could get their hair done early. Dad came back to the motel early in the morning so we could run. Katie and Ross arrived during the night and stayed at the house as well.

The wedding was at 10 am with pictures of all different groupings. I hope I remember to send a couple photos to you. The afternoon was mostly spent at Grandma and Grandpa’s – lots of food and lots of visiting.

The reception was beautiful with lots of good food. There was dancing in the last half and Katie got her father/daughter dance – with Dad holding onto Grandpa’s belt. My brothers were nearby with the scooter in case Grandpa needed to sit down in a hurry. But Grandpa was determined to dance the entire song. It brought tears to many people’s eyes, including Katie’s.
I told my sibs that if Dad gets to “dance” with Grandpa, I should get at least one dance! And I did!

There was lots to clean up afterwards and it took a while. But we did it and arrived back exhuasted!

Sunday -- After Sacrament meeting and lunch at Grandpa and Grandma’s, four vehicles headed to Las Vegas. R and K left earlier on Sunday morning with J because K had to work on Monday am. I was sad not to have Dad with us, but so grateful he was willing to hang out with Grandpa. We stayed at the Stratosphere – checking in about 7:30 pm, then heading to a LV buffet – it was very good. Then we had free passes to go up on the observation deck. Then we drove the strip. I think I got to bed after midnight!

Monday – Though we had shuffled cousins in the vehicles the day before, I, along with Grandma, left by 8ish to head to Provo. We dropped the kids at Ross’, who then took them up to G’parents L to spend the evening and night. Grandma L said she had a great time with them. The little boys made a big igloo in the front spending lots of time there.

Grandma and I then headed up to SLC to meet my cousin and others at the mortuary. We helped dress Aunt Patty. Again, it was a wonderful experience. There – assisting were my cousin, her sisiters-in-law (such wonderful people) and a couple close friends. After dressing Patty, they realized she needed earrings. Grandma talked about how when their mother died, Patty and she went to Penney’s and bought small pearl earrings for their mother. Grandma was wearing pearl earrings when she told the story. She then took them off and her pearl earrings were placed on her sister.

After we were done, we waited for the Jones’ men and all the grandchildren. By then, Patty was placed in her coffin. We had a room to ourselves and it was a good opportunity for the family to privately view Patty. And for Tom to talk about death and the Spirit world.

While wonderful, it was an emotional time. So, afterwards, Grandma wanted to get some chili at Wendy’s and just take a moment to breathe. Then we went to my Aunt Claudia’s to unpack before heading to the Jones’. There is where I wrote your last week’s letter. It was a nice gathering with the Jones as well as some of my family. I thought about all the celebrations I have attended there, many of them were for my family, including Dad and my graduation celebration.

Later in the evening, my cousin Jesse wanted the transcript from the interview I did with Patty last June. He hadn’t heard the audio clip I sent via email and he wanted to hear it. I was hesitant to start playing it in the midst of the family in the front room so I let people know what I was doing before I started. I played the short 3 ½ minute clip. I watched the family members listen to Patty’s voice. It was calming and peaceful. It felt as if she was still there, just in the other room laughing and telling stories. Some of the cousins gathered in the room to hear more. Uncle Tom also came in and loved hearing it. I mentioned some of the other things I had in the short interview (such as Tom dating after they were engaged), then Uncle Tom started telling a few short stories. I had tagged some of the stories and was able to pull them up on my computer. I checked in to make sure the family didn’t mind, but they wanted to continue.

Listening to Patty’s voice was very healing. It was a peaceful reminder to me, and probably to others, that she still lives. Looking back, that trip to Salt Lake was heaven-guided. We were heading to Idaho for Whitney’s baptism, but decided to leave a day early so I could drive with Grandma so she could visit with her sister. It’s the last time I saw Patty alive, and being able to capture her voice, especially her laugh, was such a gift for many.

Tuesday – It was the first day to sleep in and we didn’t get up until almost nine. Grandma and I headed down to Provo for a visit and to pick up the kids. G’parents L fed us a wonderful lunch. R came over as did D. (She had come over to their house the night before to hang out with the kids.) It was great to see D – she is doing great. She brought me a gift from Italy – a beautiful nativity ornament. She apologized for “only” bringing the kids Kindereggs. I told her to never apologize for bringing Kindereggs – it’s a family favorite!

That evening was the viewing. So many people, many I knew because the Jones home was a second home to me growing up.

Wednesday – Prior to the funeral, there was a viewing and a family prayer. Just before they closed the coffin, some of the family members went up closer to say a final goodbye. I always cry harder watching others’ grief. The family prayer was definitely done with the Jones’ touch. Uncle Tom asked Lara to do the family prayer. Lara said she hadn’t prayed for a long time; she asked all her brothers to gather around her. She had one brother start a chain prayer with each saying something. It was a beautiful prayer hearing the heartfelt feelings, spoken mostly to God, from each of my cousins.

During the funeral each of the children spoke. Again, it was touching and insightful, and especially with my last cousin Zach, hilarious. (Patty was supposed to have a hysterectomy and went to have pre-operative tests and was surprised to find out she was pregnant. Zach then said, “I was so surprised to be born that I didn’t speak for 1 ½ years!” It went on from there.)

Just before Zach spoke, Lara leaned over to Grandma and told her she and Uncle Grant were next on the program.

After the funeral, there was a great luncheon. It was great to have R there though we missed having K, who was working. We were ready to head home, but I really did enjoy hanging out with family for that week. Lots of fun and laughter.

We arrived at Derek’s by 10:30 pm, had a good night sleep and headed home on Thursday morning.

This whole weekend has been getting things back to normal. S got sick on Friday but it seems to have stopped there. It was so good to be home; I loved coming home, especially to the wonderful retreat of our bedroom. Thanks again for all your hard work. I love it!

We went to our new ward today. It’s a bit odd and a bit of an adjustment, but we move forward. There is a crock potluck afterwards. The rest of the family will attend; I am still feeling queasy. I went to Sacrament then came home. I told the kids they had to figure out what to take because food sounded gross to me. A did a great job putting together a taco salad with the meat in the crock pot.

There is much to share and I probably have bored you enough.

I hope you have a great week. I am interested in hearing about the transfers. Keep relying on the Lord and you will be okay.

I love you,
Mom

Looking back at 2009, Gearing up for 2010

Letter to Elder Jake - Dec. 27, 2009

Dear Elder Jake,

It was wonderful to talk with you on Christmas Day. It was good to hear your voice and learn more details how you are doing. You sound good and you amaze us with how well you are doing so quickly. It doesn’t mean that it is easy right now, but the blessings are and will coming.

If you get a chance, take a picture of your apartment, inside and out.(Maybe that was some of the pics you already sent but didn’t identify – beyond the disgusting sink!

The story of you sternly talking to the drunk man was pretty funny. And who knew any Japanese to teach to the group of kids? Or did you just make up words? ;-)

Since we just talked a few days ago, you have been somewhat caught up on the family events. But let me fill you on details you might have missed.

Monday night, we spent Family Home Evening at the Ries home. Ross was excited to see us, meeting us at the door. We watched “A Christmas Story” and for dessert, wedding cake which they pulled from their freezer. (There is more cake where that came from - and might still be available when you return!) A was hanging all over her big brother R and he was very patient. He did thank me when I told A to give R a break.

Its nice to have R “back.” Last Christmas he was acclimating back to the real world. Then by the time he came home for Spring Break, he was “twitterpated,” and when he wasn’t with K, he was thinking about her. While he has always been good at participating with the family, he is much more interactive now. Today, he and the youngest three played Risk for hours. Doing either of those things, playing Risk or playing games with the youngest three, takes a lot of patience. Its fun to listen to the game-playing – how he handles endless explanations, disagreements, whining, and distractions.

On Tuesday, I went shopping with the two little boys. When I came back, S and two neighbor girls had baked a huge batch of sugar cookies. Pretty impressive. Later, I came back into the living room, the girls were gone and W and our favorite 5-year-old were playing the Wii. When I asked where the girls went, W told me. Then the 5 yo piped in, “BUT I AM HERE!”

While we were out shopping that day, W was singing, “Step on a crack, break your mother’s back. Step on a line, break your father’s spine” over and over again. At one point, he looked down and said, “Oh crap!”

On Christmas Eve, we had the largest group yet for our traditional dinner – 27 people! The living room and dining room was filled but we all fit! It was great to have R and K to help the kids with their chores and getting the house ready for company. For lunch, R took the kids to Taco Bell as well as shopping for their cereal. At one point, S told A to buckle her seat belt. A was arguing about why she needed to do that. S explained she could get hurt or die. A retorted, “Well, I never died before!”

Dave B decided it is now tradition to make crepes for dessert so after dinner, we took down the table and chairs, sang songs, had Lori read one of her books, while Dave made crepes with the help of Sadie and Jack!

Christmas Day, the kids woke up at 6 am. A was delighted Santa answered her pleas for a baby doll that poops and pees.” The doll came with a couple packages of “apple juice” and A couldn’t wait to feed her baby and change the diaper.

Since Friday, the days have been fairly low-key. Hanging out at home, playing games, watching movies, doing puzzles. In the early hours of Sunday morning, A, J and K were all sick and throwing up. Not sure what it was because K had been at her parents’ since Friday, but they seem to be doing better now. And I hope that is the end of the sickness line.

The low-key days have been nice but I need to gear up and get more done this week. Get things ready to start off a brand new year. What are the missionary plans for Dec.31/Jan 1? Are there big celebrations in Sao Paulo?

What an exciting year ahead for you! To serve your Savior, to learn more about His work and His purposes. To feel His love for you as well as those you serve. I am so thrilled for the experiences and blessings that await you! It will be amazing.

Keep your eyes on the goal – know that each step, even if they seem to be going backwards, will take you closer to where you want to be. I love you, Elder Jake! I am so thrilled you are exactly where you have worked so hard to be.

Love, Mom