3/27/22 Family Letter

 Well, Hi!

You're almost coming back! 

Not much to report, just one of the busiest weeks of my life.

MDT auditions were Monday and Tuesday, but because of SURPRISE madrigals festival I had to do the dance auditions during the singing audition. I made it in, so they must have liked it.

The festival on Tuesday was boring at best. Another reason I'm not doing choir next year. And then Marilee's master class was right after that. That was fun, the dude was crazy.

I had to write three essays on Wednesday.

Thursday was theatre region. I medaled and am going to state, performing my Heath Ledger Joker Inspired monologue.

Friday, I tested out of the Gym class I didn't have time to take

Saturday...oh boy Saturday.

I left the house at 8:00 AM and didn't get back till 4:00 PM. For a choir thing we didn't want to do. I have nothing good to say about the experience, so let's just say it was another reason to quit choir.

I got released from my second assistant calling today!

That sums up my week, and I can't wait for you to get back!!

*insert friendly sibling jab*

Hyrum

HIIIIII EVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I MISS YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!
I'm going to start resembling our room.

My birthday was so fun!!!!! 

I feel so loved!!!

We have lots to catch up on. 

Welcome to heck week!!!

I'm super pumped!
Nothing else comes to mind that has happened this week! 

I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!

xoxoxoxooxxo-Mari the bulldozing fairy

Sweet Eve,

So many ask about when you are coming home.  Everyone is excited to see you!  It sounds like you are doing a great job your last little bit in North Dakota.  Isn't it wonderful that you can continue to do missionary work your entire life? It is obvious that you love being a missionary.  That will serve you well your whole life.  

We had the Sisters over for their little meeting tonight.  We invited them over for Conference next weekend.  Sister Essex was SO happy for the invitation.  They received another invitation but held out hoping that we would invite them.  Sister Essex said that ours is her favorite house to come to.  She says she feels comfortable and happy here.  She said her family didn't watch Conference when she was growing up and is excited to experience some of our traditions.  We hope they can come.  They haven't yet heard what they are allowed to do on Conference weekend.  Right now they don't have a teaching pool.  They haven't had a teaching pool for a few months.  They are discouraged.  Dad is frustrated about that too.  One good thing is that the Sisters have had many appointments with people around the Stake.  Their visits are friendly, uplifting visits...but not usually with people not of our faith.   

Harrison Sligting and his cello-playing wife, Melinda just announced that they are expecting!  Andrea is going to be a grandma! Harrison and Melinda were surprised!  

Someone from your mission sent us a picture of you with a giant dog on your lap.  Sounds like you've met quite a few nice dogs on your mission.

I've been quite busy with landscapes, trying also to have time to work in our own yard.  I'm hoping to get it looking pretty for you.  I did a landscape out in Tooele...way up in the mountain there.  This property is like 6 acres.  It's a good thing they are only having me landscape right around the house because otherwise it would be about a $6000 job.  Sometimes I really don't like doing landscapes....especially when it's sunny outside and I'm stuck inside drawing.  

Carden is going well.  The students are learning their music well.  No one has gotten too hurt...only one tooth through the lip and one human bowling game (actually there were 2)  The smallest kid in the class got rolled into his peers who were lined up as bowling pins.  I have to give them points for creativity...but I can't quite figure out how human bowling has anything to do with music.  Human bowling was my first grade boys' contribution to "Student Showcase".  

This week I will be teaching April Composers (did you know that Rachmaninoff had enormous hands that could span 13 keys on the piano?  That is one of the reasons his music is so difficult to play)  Johann Sebastian Bach (March Composer) had 5 brothers...all named Johann! Also Chopin was shy and only liked to perform in the dark, where no one could see him.  

Is there anything you would like us to have ready for you when you come home?  Melissa was asking what kinds of foods you would be wanting.  I told her VEGETABLES!  

When reading Hebrews 10 and 11 the subject of "Becoming" stood out to me.  As different ordinances are discussed, it seems that we need to understand that the Temple, Sacrament, Baptism, etc. are given to us to help us become something better.  Each week, when we renew our Covenants, we are given the opportunity to grow and improve.  If we continue this progress, we can eventually (through His grace) be able to feel comfortable in His presence.  Since I learned this, I've been trying to see how the things we do. and the choices we make, can help us "Become".  I would love to hear your thoughts about how your mission has helped you to "Become".

I love you Eve!  I hope you have a wonderful week!

 Mom

Millie,

We had a good laugh at the picture of you and the large dog on your lap. It looked like the dog was not aware of how big it was.  We thought you looked a lot like your Aunt Carrie in the picture.  We sent it around and everyone agreed.  

Not much happened this past week.  The kids have been very busy.  Hyrum has a choir festival of sorts that took up his whole Saturday.  Some grad student at the U asked if the Riverton Choir could learn and perform a requiem.  It has helped solidify his decision to not join the choir next year.  Mari has been busy with the school play and the Youtube show she is a part of.  Tiffany has been busy with Carden and some landscapes she is doing.  She was finally able to get out in the yard yesterday.  We have had good weather and she has been trying to get out and finally made it happen.

Mari had her birthday today.  It seemed to go well.  We had visits from several of her guy friends and some families from the neighborhood.  We did what she wanted to do and ended the day well.  She has started measuring the room for the reorganizing that will need to happen when you move back in.  She is concerned where everything will fit.  We will make sure the room is ready for you.  I talked with Bro. Hales today about your Homecoming talk.  You will be speaking with Alicia Mathews.  She received her call and will be leaving soon.  There will be two open houses in the neighborhood and it will be Spring Break.  We will be ready for whoever comes.

We have started our prep for General Conference.  I think we made it sound so good the Sisters might want to join us for some of it.  We are starting to think up new traditions to replace those that we grew out of.  I'm really looking forward to Conference this year.  I'm hoping for some additional direction around Missionary Work and the division of responsibilities between the Bishopric and the EQ/RS Presidencies.  I think that would help with some challenges I'm having with the Stake mission concerns.

Good luck this week kid.  Finish strong.  Keep doing your part and good things will happen.

Love, 

Dad

Exodus 4:11-12