--> – Jan ’17 to Jul ’18 – I'm posting our letter to Miranda while she's on her mission to Cochabamba, Bolivia. Our letter titles are taken from a list of family sayings & catchphrases we recorded onto a pillowcase she has with her. You can read her adventures on her mission blog: www.hermanamadsen.blogspot.com!}
The stretching appropriateness of the subject title is that Carlie started the Voltron club during Club Rush this week. I mean, the Legendary Defenders of the Universe Club. Oh my gosh. She has found her tribe; sifted them from the halls of LPHS. The truly elect.
We forgot to tell you that the first week of school, Kierste was on the treadmill, tripped, and held on tight... and had to miss a couple days of school because she scraped the front of her legs off. =( This is after a week and a half of healing:
On a little more sober note, got pictures of Ethan's school. Kira's didn't flood, but here's Ethan's:
The Stake is supporting Eyes4Zimbabwe for a few months, collecting clothing, shoes, school-, newborn-, birth-, hygiene- kits to be flown over and handed out to members and non over there. For the kids' Primary party in the park with water games and Hokulia,
they each brought an outfit to donate. It was such a great push for the project.
This is that week. You know the week where soccer is going to start and we're starting to hear from all the coaches; piano starts again; I go school shopping and bring the whole store home, and then take back about half; I gather sign-up sheets and count every child and size their t-shirts and order 858 Westfield t-shirts; I fall so far behind on laundry that everyone runs out of undies; and Court of Honor.
I didn't go because I didn't know the boys were getting any awards (and Kohls was threatening to end their 30% off that night)... so Dad stepped in to receive Derek's parent pin from him. Dang it. Wish I had known. But look how handsome.
And !!!!!
Then Carlie had her bday party. A little food,
Pj's, Incredibles on the big screen,
Music on the speakers, couldn't hear yourself think,
Success. And the loot. See the bingo flush? And the Imagine D posters, lotions, bubbles & food. Her friends know her well. =)
On a little more sober note, got pictures of Ethan's school. Kira's didn't flood, but here's Ethan's:
And it came to me! You know how for Cmas Dad gave me a trip anywhere in the world? We've been looking into Dr. things, where we could go help leper colonies, Jerusalem trip, back to Kauai (this was definitely the fallback), Tahiti, Costa Rica. And now I know. I want to go help in TX, then run to HP World before we come home. It feels the most right and perfect. They're not filling spots yet for Helping Hands, so we'll wait until they start the signup lists, but our window is end of Nov-beginning of Dec. I'm so excited. =)
Dad taught the YW today on grace, and you wish you were there. It was so amazing. I know the Spirit is what teaches; I firmly know that. But he was so HANDSOME I couldn't take my eyes off him, and his lesson was flawless, and I kept thinking: He is the father of MY kids. We are so lucky.
In Primary, Brother Roundy is the chorister, and they were playing Singing Football. I got this picture from Connor's teacher, sis Tanaka:
And we took this just now for you:
And we love you SOOOO MUCH! I'm learning so much from you, and so happy for you that things are flowing so easily with getting along with your companion. I think about you all the time; I really think Google Hangout makes it seem like you're not very far away. I integrate you more into my thoughts; relate a lot of experiences to you, and want to share everything with you because you seem so close - yet kind of far away. =)
And the memes:
Love, US!!!!
