Letters to my Children

Hey there! It was fun to be able to have a nice long conversation this week. I always like to be able to see your face and hear your voice so I know that you are doing alright. I can tell that you are working hard, you are enjoying the work, and you are happy. I’m sorry so many of the people you are teaching have such difficult lives and situations they are dealing with.  We had a good week. Busy as always. This is what we’ve been up to: 1. Tuesday game night at the firm. Ty, Ethan, Dad, and I learned to play Dune the board game. Todd loves playing games and he is so good at teaching. Dune was complex and had a lot of different elements so it was kind of hard to learn. But we really enjoyed it and want to play with Todd again. Of course the pizza and treats were an added bonus. Jett was disappointed to not be able to come, but he was just getting over a stomach bug and had to stay home. Unfortunately both Ty and Ethan came down with the stomach but the next day.  2. Bright and early We

Hello my dear! I hope you have a wonderful week! I haven’t heard from you since the last time I wrote, so I’ve got no new info to respond to. We had a pretty good week here. 1. I’m starting out this week with sad news. Leisja’s Dad Chuck died unexpectedly this week. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer a few months ago and chemo had gone well. I haven’t spoken to her to understand the details of what happened yet. My understanding is that his numbers were better than expected after chemo and they were hopeful that the cancer had not spread. He went in for surgery this week that had the potential to add several years to his life expectancy. But during the surgery they cur one of his arteries and be began to bleed uncontrollably. After 50 (!!!) units of blood they were unsuccessful at repairing the artery and they called the family to say their goodbyes. Because Rob and Leisja were up in Idaho they did not make it to the hospital before he died, but did get to call by phone. I’m feeli

Hi Michael! Your letters recently have been fun to read. It sounds like you are having a great time exploring other parts of the mission and doing splits with different missionaries. I’m glad you are having the experience of working with new people and especially the mission president. Growth opportunity! I think I’m going to need to explain more about what you meant when you said you “spewed some Spanish.” Were you joking about it being a gift of tongues moment? And oh my word, I can’t believe you ate a ghost pepper! I guess lesson learned? I’m excited for the progress that Felicia is making and hope everything goes smoothly for her.  This is what we’ve been up to: 1. Jett had a fun week. He was very excited to go on a field trip to see an iMax movie and get soda and popcorn! 2. Jett also had his wax museum at the school. He did his report on Buzz Aldrin, and I borrowed an awesome astronaut costume for him to wear. 3. Jett has also decided that he wants to lose weight. Poor kid. His f

Hello Michael! Are you ready for spring? I am so ready for spring! I've really enjoyed your last few letters. It sounds like you are just busy, busy, busy with all kinds of teaching opportunities. I hope you are loving the new area and your new companion and responsibilities. Bummer that you are back driving a car. Be safe out there with all the crazy drivers! Sounds like fun going to Rhode Island and also to Plymouth Rock and the Masonic Lodge. I loved your story about teaching Felicia, and I'm laughing at the thought of a family of Lenny, Lenny, and Lennix.  Keep working hard. Everyone asks how you are doing, and I always say you are absolutely loving your mission. I'm proud of you!   This is what we've been up to: 1. Dad was busy with work over President's Day weekend, but we did manage to get some family time in playing miniature golf at an indoor place in Ogden. They had glow-in-the-dark holes that were fun. I think Dad got 3 holes-in-one! Even Tate got a hole-