12 August 2018

 Hi everybody,

   Yes, like Sam said, summer is coming to an end. But the weather is still very warm here . . . okay, it's been hot! Fall weather has always been my favorite, although it never lasts long enough. 

   On Wednesday, Aimee, Anne, Ellen, Naomi, Noah, Spencer, Stuart's son, Phillip, Bradley, and I went to Rexburg Rapids water park and had a nice time. We were met there by Jake, Jack, and Charley, also by Jennifer, Kali and Lexi, and by Mary, Molly, Penny, and Josie. We had taken water and snacks to share and I think everyone had a nice time. I think it's a very nice water park for a small town. 

   Saturday, Dad took Bradley, Noah, and Spencer to the shooting range and then to lunch, while Aimee and I took the rest of the kids (plus Hannah) to run some errands, then to DI, and to lunch too! 

   At Sacrament meeting today, Dad was sustained as a new Gospel Doctrine teacher!  We also learned that Branson (Bubba) Moon will be opening his mission call this evening, when all his friends and family who can make it will be there.  Arden and Alita Stoddard were the speakers today. They just received their mission call on Friday, to go to Vladivostok (I think), Russia, to work with Seminaries and Institutes there. They'll leave January 7th, will serve for 18 months, and will be referred to as "volunteers." I think they are both still in shock; I'm sure it's not where they expected to go. I was picturing them going somewhere like Nauvoo. Do any of you kids remember Arden's performance as the dragon in the Ward Road Show, years ago, nearly knocking people off the stage with that tail?! It was pre-Denver. 

   It has been so nice having Bradley here for a week. Grandpa, Anne, and Bradley, drove to Jackson this morning to take Brad to meet his Grandpa Ron and drive back to Northglenn today. Sounds like they had a nice visit with Ron while they were there. He showed them the house and his garage and car. 

   Aimee and the kids will be leaving for home in the morning. It's been great having them here too. Then the house will be quiet again. This can be good and not so good. Thank you all for your patience when you've visited us. It's close quarters, but we love it when you come. Gran has been so patient when there are a bunch of us. Eleven people and one bathroom is a challenge. Also all the kids want to spend time with her, playing games, reading books, and working puzzles. She seems to love it all and never complains. I'm very grateful that at 85 she is as open to all this as she is. 

   In Relief Society this morning, Harriet Willford gave a lesson on Elder Soares' talk, Prophets Speak by the Power of the Holy Spirit." She had us list revelations the Latter-day Prophet's have had which bless our lives. As we listed various ones, I thought of how many things we have that would bless the lives of other people, if only they had the gospel of Jesus Christ; smaller, more available Temples, the Word of Wisdom, the revelation on the Priesthood for all worthy males, the Proclamation on the Family, Tithing, Self Reliance education and avoiding debt. These are just a few, but as I thought about all the people who don't have these teachings in their lives, I felt sad for them and eager for them to have the chance to receive them. 

   One more thing from Sacrament meeting. We were challenged to be more specific in our prayers, and not use vague generalities. I believe that Heavenly Father already knows what we want and need, but we should identify these things ourselves, take the time to say what we mean. These are things I've struggled with recently; I need to take more time in my prayers and say things that are in my heart. I need to be specific in my needs at work, so that I can handle anything that comes my way . . . especially on Fridays!

   So, with that, know that each of you will be in my prayers. I think the world of each of you. 

Love, 

   Mom/Johanna/Nana