7/11/21 Family Letter

 I had a thought

before I started writing this, the recipient's line was what the cursor was on, so I considered putting your name down, but in a silly or different way. The first name that came to mind was Dawn (I'm on drowsy meds more on that later). And when I thought about it, that is synonymous with Eve.Well, mostly. So just a thought for ya. Well, where to start? 

At the beginning, why does anyone say that?

I've been working a lot lately, but I've been earning my paycheck, so that's what really counts.We've been continuing to film agent average, but progress has been slowed with how much me and Logan have been working. And we peer pressured Easton into applying and he starts next week! I can't remember the last time I wrote to you, whether it was the fourth or the Sunday before that, so I'm going to tell you about the race I helped with.  As a drama department, we were asked to hand out water the 5/10k and i just come off of a long closing shift at Chick-Fa-La, so waking up at 5 Am wasn't fun, but to follow that up, I was working in overdrive to fill all the water in time. I got a creamy though, so it was all right. Oh yeah the drowsy meds. Me and Mari both had a pretty bad cold and I didn't want to be sneezing my guts out during church, so I took some meds, but it turns out they were soporific, I i've been drowsy all day and just a little loopy. We're all good though! 

Good luck Eve

Hyrum

HII SISTER!

I have been missing you alot lately. My week has been really good and fun!!!

 I went to the lagoon 2 days in a row. That was fun! I also had a killer cold the days before.

it lasted forever! But now we're better!

The two times I went to the lagoon I went with Cece! It was a party! 

I have been unlocking my creative side! Today I made home made bottle cap buttons. I made a plant one, the Up House, and a smiley face one.

I also am painting my crocks to look like cows! I got procreate on my ipad so we have been experimenting with that.

YA that has been my week! 

Can't wait to talk to you!!!!

 Mari Barlow

 Sweet Eve,

Did you enjoy your time on Mount Rushmore?  How is it to be back 'home'?  Have you met the new Mission President and Companion?  If so, what do you think?  

Dad bought me my new violin!  Her name is 'Adelaide Clementine' and she is the sweetest little German!  She has a beautiful soul, especially when combined with the old German bow. She is sweet and unassuming.  She doesn't look like anything fancy, but she is pure.  Hyrum said he can hear her history in the music.  She was made between 1920-1933 by Hernamm Geipel.  Geipel was forced to stop making his violins in 1933 when the Nazis took over his shop.  Geipel's violins were sold all around the world, wherever there were wealthy people who could afford them.  We now have one as part of OUR history.  I can't wait to play a duet with you!

Today in Sacrament meeting we stood and sang "The Star Spangled Banner" for our rest hymn.  It was powerful.  A few (like Russ Young and Chuck Querry) stood and put their hand on their heart as they sang.  I love America and its Constitution.  It was founded by men who were inspired by God.  No matter how corrupt our country leaders may be, our country, at its core, is of God.

Today Vanessa was called to be an Advisor in YW.  She is very excited!  Mari is also excited to have her in there!  She got called just in time to go to Girl's Camp.  They are going to "Reed Ranch", staying in furnished cabins, swimming, horseback riding, boating, ropes course etc.   This first Girl's Camp experience for Mari will be very glamorous.  

A few highlights of this past week:

Hale Center Theater "Guys and Dolls"

Harrison Sligthing's Reception

I hiked to the Timpanogos cave with Kathy Wilfert, Jamie Moncur, Amy Bennion, Natalie Gneiting, and Skylar Wilfert early one morning (for exercise)

Later that day I joined a bunch of those ladies plus more from the Ward and we went to lunch at Aubergine.  (I missed sharing a meal there with you!)

Dad and I went to a "Stake Council" BBQ at President O'Hara's house.  It was fun to visit with everyone.  Dad smoked some pork. 

I picked apricots with the Shipleys!

The Checkett's found their dog!

Nick Medina's homecoming was today.  He looks about the same, but has much more confidence.

We are feeding the Sister Missionaries on Thursday.

I'm really proud of you! You are having a very unique mission. You are doing a great work. So many people here inquire about you.  They are all so proud of you!

I love you!

 Mom

Millie,

It was fun to talk with you while you were serving on the Mount.  I hope you were able to soak in all of that place that you could.  As we talked with people about your experience, almost everybody knew someone who was going to Mount Rushmore last week.  It looked crowded.

Your Mom bought her violin.  She already has a deep connection to the instrument.  She now gets to take back the other violins and tell the store owners the bad news.  I'm sure most of them will take it personally.  These instruments are not cheap.  I don't know how many of them they would normally sell.  I'm glad she got that checked off the list so now we can focus on the new fireplace.  Tiffany is struggling to find a style she likes.  I admittedly am of little help to her.  I just want a good sized TV.  All the designs she likes require a smaller TV than the one we have.  We need to make a decision soon.

Nick Medina spoke today.  He got home a few days ago.  He has changed a lot as missions tend to do to people.  I feel confident about his future.  We have heard from a few parents who say their future missionaries are planning to wait until things get back to normal before they submit their mission papers.  They provide a lot of reasons why they think this is a good idea.  They share this with your Mom which is a good thing.  I have some strong opinions about this topic and that no unhallowed hand can stop the work.  I think it is likely their future missionaries do not want to go and they are delaying the decision for as long as they can.  Jared Medina reported to the High Council today.  He was not planning to go until he got his Patriarchal Blessing and felt like he should go.  He submitted his papers and they got rejected due to his hair style.  She has been very shaggy and scruffy.  He got his hair cut and tried again.  He gave a great report and was glowing as he testified.  I'm excited for him.

Mom picked apricots at the church.  A neighbor let their apricot tree grow over the fence.  Your Mom felt they were now the Lord's apricots and decided we would take them home.  She will be making fruit leather and jam once they ripen.  We no longer have the apricots from the Shipleys.  They trimmed their tree so it no longer hangs over the fence.  Mom is bummed about it but found the Lord's apricots so it all worked out.

Keep up the good work.  I'm excited to hear how your referrals have progressed.  I'm also looking forward to hearing your thoughts on your new Mission President.  We plan on going to the Howell's homecoming.  I speak for a High Council assignment but we think we can fit it in.  We are grateful for you example kid.  Keep doing your best with your several assignments and good things will happen.

Love,

Dad

D&C 76: 22-24, 50-52