Turkey Trot

Hey big Mike—

We are in the car driving home from St George and listening to old home videos. We just listened to uncle Andrew open his mission call to Barcelona Spain. Grandpa was so excited and said that Barcelona is one of the coolest cities in the world. I’ve been so excited for you to be able to experience living in an amazing city like Boston. I imagine it is a very different cultural experience than living in Boston—especially if you are mostly interactive with Chinese speakers. 

In the video we are watching, you are about 3 years old—same age as Tate is now. Some of the the things you did and said remind me so much of Tate. He is super demanding right now! We were watching church from our hotel room this morning and Dad got so fed up that he put Tate in the crib and then turned it over to trap Tate in against the wall. Tate was NOT happy, and he was not quiet about it either!

It sounds like you are working hard teach and learn the gospel. I’m glad you’ve had so many teaching opportunities, and I hope you are able to make some meaningful relationships with your companions and those you teach. Definitely learn from their experience and also make sure you are respectful to other religions!

This week's happenings:

1.  Ethan had DARE graduation and played a lot of basketball. We went down to St George for the Turkey Trot. Ethan’s team went 2-2. Wondering if it might be time for Ethan to start narrowing down a sport to really focus on. 

2. I organized another health challenge to start this week, but there just weren’t enough people signing up to make it worth doing. So now I’ve got to figure out how to motivate myself to stay healthy all on my own. 

3. The little kids all helped me make dinner on fast Sunday because they were starving. Tate “helped” by peeling the cucumbers. He put the shavings on his face and said, “I’m a missionary!” I think he might be a little confused about what missionaries do! The boys enjoyed a little cup stacking that night as well. 

4. My citrus plant is about to bloom. I think I need to fertilize it because the leaves have yellow spots on them. I had to laugh that you bought yourself a plant! Can’t live without them!

5. Tate and Blake got much needed haircuts. Blake says he wants to try and grow his hair out. But he refuses to show me a picture of what he wants it to look like, and he refuses to use gel or other products in it. For Tate I asked he to keep it somewhat long in the back, but trim the front enough to keep the hair out of his eyes. The lady basically did the opposite. His hair is sticking up in the back because it’s too short, and it’s hanging in his eyes. Sigh. 

6.I got to go visit Great Grandpa at his rehab facility. He seemed to be recovering well, but he can’t wait to get outta that place. Discussions are underway about what he will do when he is released. Not sure he should be living alone anymore. 

7. Ty and Brook went to fall ball together as Roxeanne and Megamind.

8. My thumb is feeling much better, but both of my elbows are bruised. Don’t ask. 

9.  News roundup: it’s finally infrastructure week! The house passed a major infrastructure bill into law. The bill had bipartisan support, but the president’s approval ratings are low as people worry about inflation. Senators Manchin and Sinema are still holding up the larger Build Back Better bill, and I worry it may never pass. Locally, the Republicans in power rejected maps drawn by an independent redistricting commission—despite voters passing an initiative requiring the commission. They split Salt Lake into four separate districts ensuring no democrat can win an election for the next 10 years. It’s political corruption and they have the gall to complain about the bad press they are getting over it. Also this week: several major legal cases. Trump doesn’t have to hand over his documents—yet, and Biden’s vaccine “mandate” is on hold. #freedbritney #AhmadArbery #KyleRittenhouse

10. We went to visit the St George Temple and the Brigham Young winter house. I told Dad that we should consider having a winter house in St George. He didn’t like the idea. 

Today in church we had a returned missionary speak on gratitude.  She told about how her mission got put in lockdown because of covid, and then they listened to a talk from President Nelson about gratitude. The talk gave her the perspective she needed to continue with her service and be grateful for the experiences she was having despite the hard times. It was a good reminder to me to always look for the good despite our trials.  And also, trials don’t usually last forever. 

Love you tons!

Mom