7 January 2018

 Dear ones,

   Well, first off: Happy birthday to Luke and Kevin on the 5th and 6th! We got to talk with them both by phone on their b-days. :)

   Yesterday afternoon, Dad and I went to see the newest Star Wars movie at a matinee. I love going to matinee's; when you get out it's not super late and you can do other things if you like. We enjoyed the movie and then went to Albertson's and WalMart. I had only one coughing fit and had to leave Dad at the checkout line in Walmart and wait in the pick-up for him. Today I made it through Stake Council with four cough drops...should have taken more...almost didn't make it. But then during Church, I just mouthed the words to the hymns and didn't cough much at all. Singing always gets me going when I've had a cough.  I hope that any who got sick during or after our get together, will soon be feeling better! 

   In Stake Council this morning, a young woman (Kelly Webster) reported her mission to Washington DC. She told that in the last few weeks of her mission, they were allowed to use Smart Phones and social media. At first she was concerned about it, knowing what they could potentially be exposed to, but then as they began to use them, they were very useful and she realized that this new rule change was a sign of the Lord's trust in His missionaries, to use the technology He has blessed us with for the right purposes. 

   When we were all at Dixie's and Zach's, Dad and I were so impressed with the mattress we slept on and amazed at how much better we both slept. So on the way home we stopped in Idaho Falls and bought a new mattress. We've been complaining about ours forever...but finally decided to do something about it! Anyhow, it was delivered on Friday and we love it! Thanks to the Hessings for the motivation to upgrade; we feel better already. 

   Speaking of our visit in Boise/Meridian...oh my goodness! How do I express to each of you how much this meant to me (us) to have you all there together? There were some difficult times, but even those were made more precious because we went through them together, as a family. We had the chance to go through crazy loud kids playing and running through the house together, meltdowns together, skiing trips and ER runs together, Temple trips, volleyball games, shopping at the mall and DI, movies, attending Sacrament meeting, games, meal prep and cleanup, talking until way too late. You older kids were so patient and helpful with the little ones; thank you for that. These are times I will cherish forever. Thank you all!  

   I hope that some of you will respond and add to our family history. I've attached just 3 of my favorite snapshots from our time together. 

   Love to you all,

   Mom/Johanna/Nana