10/24/21 Family Letter

 Greetings!

So, my attempt at a date that didn't end up being a date was successful, ignoring the fact that it wasn't a date.

So many people were out of town, so my friends couldn't find dates. or so they say. It was still fun, though.

That was pretty much it! I just hung out with my friends, played video games, and then relaxed in Cali.

Well, till tomorrow!

Hyrum

I DECORATED MY ROOM FOR HALLOWEEN AND IT LOOKS SOOO CUTE!!!!

I Love it! My audition is on Tuesday and I'm really nervous because I still need to work on my monologue.

I am am the banana queen you shall fear me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 lots of love!!!!!! The BANANA QUEEN

Sweet Eve,

As I write this letter, Joey sits on my lap, whimpering because he wants the Halloween cupcakes that are on a tray behind the laptop.  Silly dog.  Maybe I'll send him to you for awhile  He did fine while we were gone to California.  Calli Chandler took really good care of him.  He missed us and has not left our side since we returned.  I can only imagine how excited he will be to see you again!

We've been praying for you to be led to those who are seeking the truth.  We put your name in the temple in Newport Beach.  I hope you can feel the prayers.  

Not much going on here.  I met with Lizzie Candland to discuss her new calling regarding Family History.  Kathy Wilfert wanted to join us so I stopped by Swig on my way home from school and got 3 huge drinks (44 oz.)  in preparation for our meeting.  All was well and on schedule UNTIL I turned the corner to go into our subdivision and WHOOSH, all the drinks tipped over and spilled completely out on the floor of the van!  The cupholder they gave me was way too small for such big drinks.  Angry face!!!  I didn't even get to taste my drink!  (It was a diet coke, coconut cream, and lime).  Now I had no drinks and a huge mess.  Mari helped me clean up what I could.  I showed the empty cups at my meeting and told them I would bring them new ones anther time.  Of course they understood.  Our meeting went well anyway.  After our meeting I took the empty drink containers back to Swig to explain what happened.  They said it happens often.  They replaced the drinks (so kind of them) and Mari held them while I delivered them.   Lesson learned- get smaller drinks or bring someone to hold them.

Funny thing at Carden this week:  One of my kindergarten students refused to leave music.  When his teacher came to collect her class, he ran to a chair and folded his arms, announcing "I'm not leaving!"  His teacher made him go.  He later came back and apologized. This week we will be learning about African Zulu music.  This is one of the Carnegie Hall "Musical Explorers" units.  They will be learning a few African songs and how to make the different clicking sounds found in the Zulu language.  I'm glad Grandma and Grandpa Barlow brought back so many great things and instruments from Africa.  It will help the lesson so much!

I love looking at your pictures that save to the google drive.  It looks like you've been on some really pretty hikes.  When I see the video clip about the Elders throwing pumpkins off of the edge it makes me really nervous.  Those Elders are way too close to the edge.  They could easily fall.  Please don't go near the edge! We pray for your safety every day (not just hiking, but driving etc).  Also, just a friendly reminder to pray to be in the right place at the right time.  Be safe!

My favorite scripture this week:  D&C 123: 17   "Therefore, dearly beloved [sister] let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed."

I hope you have a wonderful week.  We miss you and love you so much!

 Mom

Millie,

We have been noticing your pictures coming into the Google Drive.  I'm guessing that someone got a hold of your phone and took some random pictures.  That or you are bored or easily amused?  It looks like you are having fun.

I got a new assignment at work.  My boss wants to create a quarterly activity the team can do on Zoom and she came up with "Baking with Ben".  I mentioned I like to cook and she decided she wants me to to host a team meeting where we bring in a chef and learn how to cook.  We get a list of foods we will use and have them ready for the team meeting.  This will go live in November.  I have no idea what I have to do with the meeting but my name is in the title.

I have been fully training in my assignment over Missionary Work.  I have not been fully trained yet, just enough to be dangerous. I still get to meet with a member of the Stake Presidency.  I get to meet with a member of the Mission Presidency soon.  I'm starting to get some ideas on how to make some changes to the Mission Prep.  We have some Ward Mission Leaders who are not doing what they should.  I'm still trying to determine the best way to inspire them to do better.

Mom and Dad brought me a gift.  Grandpa Sanders had some wood carving of a cowboy and horses.  They were displayed on top of an entertainment system where they had their TV.  After Grandma passed my Uncle Steven took them.  He did not ask the family.  He lived with Grandma Sanders until they moved her to a Assisted Living Facility and cleaned out what he wanted before the family came over.  Grandma Barlow was in Africa and was not happy to hear that they were gone.  I had inquired about them for a couple of years but when I found out Uncle Steven had them I let it go.  Tiffany found a wood carving of a horse that I have kept on a desk for the last few years.  This past Wednesday Mom and Dad brought by a box full of these wood carving.  Uncle Steven moved and felt he did not need/want them any more.  I recognized some but not all of them.  There are 2 horses I recognize and a carving of a tall slender cowboy that looks very much like Grandpa Sanders.  There are a few carving I do not recognize and some that I have no idea how they became part of the collection.  I have not finished my office yet and feel I need to make these a focal point.

Love you Sister Barlow!  Good luck this week.  Keep trying to put yourself where the people are and good things will happen.

Love,

Dad

D&C 121:45-46

D&C 123: 17