4/14/19

Can't wait to hear what you loved from Conference now that you've finally gotten to listen! I've been so amazed with how revelation works this week.  I went into Conference with specific prayers & questions, and at the end of Sunday night, I didn't feel any closer to any real solutions or directions.  I DID hear messages that went straight to my heart, and felt strengthened by the Spirit, but in my specific concerns, I was still a bit lost.  I started listening to the talks one at a time Monday morning.  Then Tuesday morning, we had a great presidency meeting where we shared thoughts from Conference and Diana (this is why she's my angel friend!) stayed a visited a bit after, and the conversations we had started to really clarify the directions I needed to go, and the attitudes I needed to have.  Same thing when I talked to Mom on the phone Wed.  From discussing and sharing in love, the pieces from Conference started to fall together, and it's like the answers I thought I didn't get started to clarify.  Revelation is SUCH a mystery of the kingdom to me!, but such a miracle every time it happens! I always think of that hymn where it says "As the dews from Heav'n distilling."  Distilling (often drop by drop) is SUCH a good description!

Otherwise, it's been a good/busy week! Anne visited 2 different physical therapists about her scoliosis.  The 2nd one (down in Lehi, but specializing in scoliosis) served a mission in Taiwan!! (the 3rd one that's not there anymore in the south), so we took a picture of Anne in front of some kanji.  Spencer was so excited to get his permit, and then realized he has to pass the test to get it, so he's taking some time to go over that ;).  In the meantime, it's tennis every spare second!! Emily's SOOO BUSY!!!! Between her AP classes, track, & teaching piano, she also took the ACT again yesterday, and then spent most of the day making her video for student council (and playing tennis w/ Spencer).  

We've spent a lot of time in the car this week, but enjoyed hosting part of a RS progressive dinner here Wed before YW, where the sister missionaries held a little Q&A for our priest/laurel activity.  It was great to feel their spirit, and we had all the youth w/ siblings on missions share their testimonies--very sweet--Emily may've cried a little w/ how grateful she is to feel close to you even while you're far.  The Spirit's amazing like that.  I went to ward temple night Friday (Dad's headaches are enough that he called a physical therapist this week, so progress soon!), and Saturday the youth helped serve at a senior citizen luncheon, and then I took the 3 younger girls down to Syracuse for Mandy Thorne's shower.  Really fun to see familiar faces we love! Daylen and Lexi were just married yesterday in California!! So exciting! And Tremonton is as GREEN and beautiful as ever w/ record rainfall lately.  It's SUCH a gorgeous time of year.  Love you lots! Hope things are transitioning well as your comp is getting ready to go.  Love, Mom

4/7/2019

Spencer's 15!!! I got a nasty cold yesterday, so I'm a worse than usual celebrationer, but we did get german pancakes for breakfast & his tunnel of fudge cake made.  

LOVE Conference Weekend, and we had Spring Break leading up to it, so it's been great just breaking away from everything for a bit.  We tried having a bit of a "Staycation" & tried out that Seaquest Aquarium--you guys did for Homecoming-right?, ran errands while we were in civilization, had the baby's ultrasound Thursday morning & then big shopping day in Logan, and just took it easy cleaning up a bit/playing with friends and taking a bike ride on Friday.  Finally getting weather to allow for a few park days--Huzzah!

Maddie & Brian came up Friday night & had their engagement pictures taken between sessions yesterday--way cute. Maddie's met w/ her bishop, but he was encouraging her to wait until the wedding is closer to go through, so.... we'll see. 

Yeah, Savannah's call just says French, but I'm pretty sure that's what Chase's said too, and he got the chance to add Tahitian once he got to the MTC?--AAAAAAND!!!!--

LINDY JUST GOT HIS CALL TO THE SAME MISSION!!!! He's leaving in August--SO awesome!! And both have regular times, haha--nothing about missionary service changing YET in Conference.  One session left though! We've heard those rumors--that being the most prominent, but I was so doubtful since it was similar to a mission rumor from last conference haha.  That was saying you'd get your call at conference, this has just been the length of time you'd serve would be addressed at conference?  We'll see--lots of funny rumors--the other one Dad loved was that we'd be able to drink coffee-haha!

Such a bummer you have to wait a week for Conference, so we won't spoil too much for you ;), but I've felt such a recurring message that we are NOT ALONE in anything we are going through--I noticed that in repeated talks, and as Sis. Eubank reminded--one of the Savior's name is Emmanuel, which MEANS "God WITH US."  Also LOTS on missionary work, but not just for duty, out of LOVE, and our OPPORTUNITY to be a part of this Gathering of Israel! It FEELS like things are so close to the 2nd coming the way the apostles talk--hard not to want to be excited (at least when I'm not exhausted haha).  Another repeated message in focusing on Christ is that He is the LIGHT of the World, and seeks to bring light to our lives and bring us closer to Him while Satan is always trying to put darkness into our lives.  Anxious to hear what stands out to you.  OH!--and probably my sweetest moment was when Elder Holland--speaking on the importance of the Sacrament, and the reverence/respect we should have for Sacrament Mtg, including being on time, said "Moms, of course, have a late pass...but the rest of us should make it the exception, not the rule."  I may have cried a little at his patient understanding! 

Hope you're feeling better by now, and ready for new companionships, etc. w/ all the change ahead.  Love you so much!