Just another regular week at the Garner home!

This is my letter to Samantha this week.  No time to go in and just make it a blog entry:).

Dear Samantha,

So I wrote most of this letter yesterday, but didn't send it yet.  I was so sad (I can't even tell you how sad) I was that I missed your phone call.  I just had no idea when you would be leaving or I probably would have sat by the phone all day.  I am glad that you got to talk to the kids though.  So how many of you flew to Piura?  How was your flight?  One blog I found of an elder in Piura said that they were having a very bad drought there, you will have to fill us in on the details.  

I wrote this question yesterday, but am still wondering:  Some of the moms that have missionaries at the Peru MTC were saying that their (all of them were elders) were leaving today (monday) to go to the mission field.  Do you leave from the MTC in shifts?  Just wondering. Can't wait to hear from you when you get Pirua and figure out where your first assignment is etc!

I know that we talked (but I can't remember) about whether or not you want me to forward letters onto you from Connor, Ryan, David and Kaleb.  What about: Hayden, Tyler, Grant (think those are the only ones I get).  I know your time is so limited, but let me know what you think.

My cycle class has become pretty popular:).  I have had a full class each time for the last few weeks.  I am not really sure what makes the difference, but I am not complaining!  Today (Monday) I had 2 people that couldn't come to my class because there were no bikes left. CRAZY!

Amber had her play last week.  We went on Wednesday night.  Grandma and Doris came with us.  Amber did a great job as usual.  I will send a few pictures:). (Actually dad sent pictures and a better description:)).

On Saturday morning I was in charge of the orienteering course for girls camp for the 3rd years certification.  It went pretty well.  I thought that I knew what I was doing and didn't go check out the course the day before.  I should have, but oh well!  You learn something everyday!

When I got home Dad wanted to go on a hike.  No one else wanted to go so we made it a date.  We got started pretty late.  We made sandwiches and ate at the trail head. We went to South Mountain and hiked the Guadalupe Ridge line trail.  It said that it was only about a 3 on a scale of 5.  It was up one peak and down the other side and up the next peak.  It was warm and the sun was out.  It was however, beautiful and you could see so much of the valley...all directions.  We took the National trail back and went through Hidden Valley (fat man's pass) and then back to where we had parked (dad will have to fill you in on where the parking lot is, it is not one that we have gone to before).  I have to tell you that even though the hike was 8 miles (same distance we hiked last week), I was much more wiped out!  By about 7 pm I was falling asleep.  Dad was awesome and went and did some last minute grocery shopping for our Sunday dinner (just spaghetti).

My primary class is still pretty rambunctious!  They still crack me up.  I have lowered my expectation on what I can teach each week and try to enjoy the moments when they are actually listening!  

Which reminds me of something that I was going to talk to you about as you head into the "real" mission field.  I know that when I was in the MTC it was like living in a bubble.  We talked a lot about missionary work, and role played a ton, but living in the field is a bit different! You have had a taste of that with your Saturday outings (which is awesome), but I want to share one of the lessons that I learned.  My second companion was a convert to the church and was just a little older (not much) and had a lot of life experience.  One of the things that she taught me (she had a really hard time waking up in the morning and I refused to be her mother and wake her up)  was that when she worked, she worked hard, but at the same time she knew how to enjoy life and get the most out of life all the time.  She would always tell me, "I work hard and I play hard."   P-days were always fun and a time that we could let down (within reason) and enjoy.  They were super busy, and we were always respectful of our callings as missionaries, but we tried to experience what our area had to offer as well.  Also when we worked she made the work as fun as possible.  We constantly sang hymns.  She is the one that taught me that relaxing did not mean slacking.  Remember to enjoy your mission and each experience and know that the Lord will make up the difference!  I know you have a good balance in your life, especially when you focus on the positive!

I guess what I am saying is don't let being "strictly obedient" get in the way of enjoying the experiences that you will have.  Laugh and love and live and trust that the Lord will help you to find the people that need your message!  Focus on the things that are going right and the good things that you are doing each day and let the other stuff go so that it doesn't stop you from being the best you can be.

I love you!  Hopefully you will get a minute today to read your email and respond to ours!  If you get a chance to call me from the mission home, call my cell phone:)!  

 

Our thoughts and prayers are with you!! 

Love,

Mom

Date Hike to South Mountain-Guadalupe Ridge-line

Kristine by "Guadalupe Rock"

Selfie of Kristine & Dave 

One view of Dave (most points on the ridge-line we could see in several directions)

The sun was HOT!

Lots of rocks to climb through and over,
sometimes making the trail a little challenging to follow!

There were several peaks, this is the last one.
We could see in all directions.  Dave enjoying the vista.

Kristine squeezing through "Fat Man's Pass"

Dave posing in front of the tunnel coming out of "Happy Valley"

Amber's Play..."Robin Hood"

Amber shines as Casper!

Amber as Casper in Robin Hood

General Scene:)

Two of Amber's biggest fans!  Grandma Garner & our favorite neighbor, Doris!

Rachel and Sister Beecroft also came to support Amber!

Notes from Dad--March 24, 2014

Here is Dave's letter to Samantha:

Dear Sammy,

Exciting times!  Can't wait to hear about your trip to Piura and your first "real" area assignment/companion, etc.  Actually, I guess we have no choice but to wait :-)  And even though you may not get a chance to read this email tomorrow, I'll drop you a note just in case ...

At work, I'm still enjoying the "high" of being victorious in my special education hearing.  I went out to lunch with the associate who helped with the trial (and then left the firm to go clerk for a judge before the briefing was due).  She was excited to learn about the favorable result, and the client is very pleased.  

One of my partners sent an email to everyone in the firm about the successful ruling, and I received a lot of congratulatory emails, etc.  It's been fun.

Also, Grandma wanted to take your Mom and me out to a celebratory dinner, so we went to the Outback Steakhouse on Friday.  We had a nice dinner and enjoyed some good conversation.

Amber's play (Robin Hood) was this week, and we went on Thursday.  Doris came with us, and Grandma came as well.  Amber played the role of Kasper (one of the Prince's guard, who has the arrow shooting contest with Robin Hood).  As usual, Amber did a fantastic job.  She is very animated and expressive on stage.  Sis. Beecroft came as well and brought Rachel Kingsford along. Afterwards, Grandma treated us to DQ, where we saw Maddie Brown (again :-).

On Saturday, I got up early and took a 31 mi. bike ride up through Las Sendas and some surrounding areas.  The route was a familiar one, generally, but I explored a couple of new areas on my way home to make things a bit more interesting.  The morning weather was beautiful.  The only downside was that Mom was not able to go with me, as she was over at the Riparian, leading the YW in the orienteering course as part of Girls Camp certification.

We made up for the time apart by going on what ended up being a "date hike" on South Mountain (we invited the kids to go, but they weren't interested).  It was probably a good thing they didn't all come, as the hike turned out to be a bit more strenuous than I had anticipated.  It was a new trail for me, called the Guadalupe Ridge.  It starts at the eastern end of South Mountain and follows the ridgeline for four miles until it finally dead-ends into the National Trail (which extends the full length of the mountain range).  The ridge was neat because from that vantage point, you could see all of the surrounding areas both to the north (i.e., downtown Phx, Camelback, Piestewa Peak) as well as to the South (Ahwatukee, etc.) and everything out east (Supersitions, etc.).  So, the views were great, though it was a bit hazy.  

The ridge is not an official trail, and there were quite a few spots where we had to guess/explore and scramble up/down rocks to figure out where to go next.  That, along with the warm temps and exposed nature of hiking along a ridge, made it more tiresome than we had planned.  We did, however, find a cool rock formation with a sheltered, cave-like area that was kind of fun to explore and take rest in the shade.   

Just before we reached the junction with the National Trail, we climbed to the high point in the hike and enjoyed essentially a 360 degree view, which was very cool.  

Instead of returning on the ridgeline, we took the National Trail back, including a shortcut through Hidden Valley.  We went through Fatman's Pass and the rock tunnel on the other end.  By the time we were done, we had hiked nearly 9 miles and were pretty pooped, but in a good, satisfying way :-)

It was dinner time by the time we got home, so we stopped by Little Caesars and got pizza for dinner.  I  did a little shopping that night for some essentials and picked up some mint chocolate chip ice cream and swiss rolls for a treat.  I figured we earned it!

In other news, Amber spoke in church about the family.  It is my month to arrange for speakers for sacrament meeting, and I had had trouble finding a willing YW, so Amber, bless her heart, stepped up to the plate and filled in the gap at the last minute.  She talked about the Proclamation on the Family, FTSOY, quoted 1 Ne. 1:1, and shared about how some of our crazy family traditions help bond us together ("sure do love ya .... big hugs" after prayers, and our scripture alarm clock).  I was grateful for her willingness to step up and help me in a pinch.  I guess that's one of the consequences of being a child of a bishopric member ...

Richard also went hiking on Saturday, taking Amy and her friend up Flatiron.  They came across a huge rattlesnake, which he sent me a picture of.  Pretty crazy.  I still have yet to come across a snake while on a hike ..., which is okay by Mom :-)

Kathy and Julie are planning a trip to Southeast Asia this summer, including a few days in Singapore with John and his family.   So fun.  Also, Kathy's roommate is getting married, so she is now looking again for a new living situation.

The weather continues to be unseasonably warm around here, but unseasonably cold throughout the rest of the country.  Kind of weird.  The mornings and evenings right now are fabulous, though it won't be long before the real heat wave begins.

Your missionary plaque came in.  It looks great (how could it not, right?)!

I'm probably forgetting to tell you about some events of the week, but hopefully Mom will fill in the gaps and straighten out any errors ;-).

I need to sign off so I can take Amber over to the Y for a quick evening workout.  

We are excited to hear from you, as always.  We love you and pray for you multiple times a day.  Proud of all that you are doing.  Keep working hard, and good luck as you enter the "real" mission field!  You'll do great!!!

Love you,

Dad

Dave's Letter to Samantha and his perspective on Spring Break 2014

Dear Sammy,

Mom just finished giving our FHE lesson, based on an article in the New Era that reminds us not to look to the world to define what is of value (e.g., trendy clothes, money, toys, body shape, etc.)  A good reminder that, in contrast to the world, the worth of all souls is great in the sight of God, regardless of physical attributes or material possessions.

Although last week was spring break, I worked all week long, so it wasn't much of a break for me. As Mom mentioned, we did, however, sneak in a good family hike  out to Canyon Lake from the First Water Trailhead.  I had toyed with the idea of making a trip up to the Grand Canyon and doing a hike out to Plateau Point (not all the way down to the river, but still a tough hike), but Lindsay had an end-of-season breakfast with her soccer team on Saturday morning that she was excited about going to, so we looked for something closer and more modest in terms of difficulty.  That was fine, as I had been wanting to do this "shuttle hike" for quite some time.

Because of Lindsay's breakfast, we got a little later start than I wanted (11 am) and I was worried that it would get pretty hot (forecast was for 84 degrees), but the weather turned out to be quite pleasant. We had a nice breeze on the latter half of the hike that helped keep the temp in check as well. We set up the shuttle, by dropping off our "destination" car (the Honda) at the Canyon Lake Marina. In researching this hike, I wasn't sure if there was a charge to park there (there is not). Then, we headed back to the First Water TH in the Suburban.  I thought the TH parking lot would be full, but we lucked out and there was a spot open when we arrived!  As Mom mentioned, this is the same trailhead where we did the "full moon" hike with Bro. Kirby and where we started the Garden Valley/Hackberry Springs Loop hike 3 or 4 years ago.

When Paige asked how hard the Canyon Lake hike would be, I told her, "We've done much harder."  She responded that that was not particularly reassuring, given some of the difficult hikes we have been on :-)  It was 8 miles long, but actually quite manageable.  There was some elevation gain, but it was just enough to get the blood pumping.  Because it was a point-to-point, shuttle hike, we did not cover any ground twice.  I was impressed by the wide variety of plant life, rocks, and diversity of nature we saw on the trail.  There was a spring that fed a running stream and some creek beds we crossed over that probably have some pretty impressive flows after a good rainstorm.

The first four miles were generally flat or downhill.   We came across a train of horse riders and a few small groups of hikers, but for most of the trip, we enjoyed some peaceful solitude. We stopped for lunch at a place called the Indian Paint Mine--a section of particularly red rock/dirt, which the indians apparently used to make paint for their pottery, etc.  There wasn't a "mine" in the traditional sense, but a good size pit and some areas with nice shade for our lunch spot. 

As we headed out after lunch, the kids remarked that the hike had been pretty easy. I told them that the uphill section was yet to come and that's where they would "earn their ice cream." Luckily, the elevation gain came with breathtaking views--first of the classic Superstition icons (Flatiron, Peaks 5024 & 5057, Weaver's Needle, Battleship, Geronimo Head) and then after cresting the divide, views of Canyon Lake and the surrounding areas. The outstanding scenery took almost all of the pain out of the climb (which wasn't actually that bad). 

Just as we were approaching the final descent into Canyon Lake, there was a fork in the trail. The most "direct" route to the trailhead was blocked off by a pile of rocks, but for no reason that I could divine. Yet, we decided to take the longer, more circuitous route, assuming that the trail had been blocked for a reason.  Sure enough, the more circuitous route re-connected with the more direct route about .1 mile from the Canyon Lake TH (and was again blocked off by a row of rocks). When I came home an checked by GPS track on the satellite view, I could see both trails and still  I don't know why they are apparently encouraging the more round-about route.  There's a good gospel analogy there, as sometimes it's not always clear why the Lord asks us to do (or not do) certain things or to do them in a way that we think is harder or more complicated than we think it necessary.  At those points, we learn to be humble and trust His judgment.  

When we got back to the lake, we stopped by the Marina Restaurant, but ice cream was expensive (and they only had vanilla) so we decided our sweet tooth could wait till we got back to Gilbert for a less expensive option at DQ.

After coming home for a quick shower, Mom and I went to a dinner/dance party that Glade and Laurie Smith were hosting at their church building in Queen Creek.  We saw a bunch of our old Ragnar teammates (and women from Mom's Bunko group).  The food was good, but we had to cut it a bit short, because I had to get back home to meet a deadline for submitting an application for the lottery to hike Mt. Whitney in California, as part of Kent's 12 y.o. birthday trip.  The deadline for the lottery was 9 pm, so we hustled back and put our hat in the ring.  Mt. Whitney is the highest peak in the lower 48 states, so it's a popular hike.  We'll find out next Sunday whether we get drawn.

In other news, Mom and I finished reading the book "Ender's Game" together.  I don't know if you heard about that movie coming out, but the book is a sci-fi novel by Orson Scott Card (who is LDS), about a young boy (Ender Wiggin) who is extremely smart and saves the earth by leading a military attack on the "buggers"--a race of intelligent, insect-like beings who had previously attempted to conquer humans and colonize the earth.  The book gives a lot to think about, including the fact that Ender has no desire to be violent or hurt others, but was constantly being thrust into situations where he was forced to do so (as a matter of self defense).  While much about the book was a bit disturbing (to Mom, in particular), it had a satisfying, cathartic ending, where Ender was able to turn from violence/destruction and focus on nurturing and building society (including the bugger nation for whose nearly complete destruction he felt responsible).  Anyway, after finishing the book, Mom and I rented the movie.  As usual, it was only a pale reflection of the book, but still well done, as far as it went.

Work is going okay.  I've been expecting a decision in my big case (the special education case that went to a 12-day trial last year).  The special education laws require the judge to issue a ruling within a particular time frame, unless the court approves an extension request by the parties.  Well, it's turned out that the judge has been requesting multiple extensions of the decision deadline, each time promising that this extension will be the last.  The last extension expired on Friday, but still no decision.  We didn't get one today, either.  I anticipate that we will get the ruling tomorrow sometime.  It's a little stressful, but I feel comfortable that, regardless of the outcome, I represented my client's interest well and put them in the best position possible.  That said, I would sure like to win :-)

We finally got your missionary plaque ordered, along with Kellee Huffaker's, and Megan Nelson's.  Hopefully, we'll have those hanging up in the hallway soon.  This month, the ward newsletter contained a blurb from each of the missionaries serving from our ward.  It was great to see all of you sisters out representing well!  That said, it will also be nice to send out a few elders.  We should have a batch going out after graduation (hopefully)--Riley Hales, Kenny Morris, and perhaps a couple more.

Since the marathon, I've just been taking some easy runs.  It's been nice just to enjoy the runs without any firm time goal or pace.  The weather has been perfect for running in the mornings.  Have you had a chance to go running at the CCM?  Do they have a gym or other exercise equipment? 

It's exciting to think that you will be heading to Piura in another week.  Do you have travel plans?  As Mom mentioned, we've been "blog-stalking" other missionaries in the CCM and in Piura.  You are in for a great experience and adventure.  We sure love you and pray for your continued success with the language and in sharing the gospel message in your field of labor.  You are and will be a great missionary.  Very proud of you!

Till next week, love, Dad

Spring Break March 2014

So Dave did a little digging on the internet and found the blogs of a couple of Sisters in Samantha's district.  It was fun to read what their thoughts were and see some of their pictures as well!  I decided that Samantha should send more pictures, in and out of the MTC!   

Sister B.said that her companion and many others got sick and they thought that it was the food there (meat). Dave and I talked about it and came to the conclusion that Samantha didn't get sick because she probably didn't eat the meat!  I can't wait to hear if our theory is right or wrong.  

Only a little more than a week and Samantha will be out working with the people!  

The kids all had spring break this week.  We stayed home, can't even really call it a staycation because we really didn't do anything really.  Kent and Lindsay played with various friends and even Amber was able to hang out with friend a couple of days.  Paige was hanging out with friends when she wasn't working (which actually was only 2 days...so lots of friend time).  Both Haley O. (Cody W.) and Chelsea (Chandler, I think) got asked to Prom.  I asked her if she was sad that she didn't get asked and she chucked and said no, her guy friends all asked other girls and so she was pretty sure that she wouldn't be asked.  She has a great attitude about it and unless she is hiding something, it is really not a big deal.

The most major thing that we did this week was go on a hike on Saturday.  We started out the same place that we did on the night hike that we did with Brother Kirby (and in the same area that you and dad and the kids did a few years ago).  This time though we dropped dad's car off at Canyon Lake and then went back to the start of the trail and hiked to the car.  It was about 8 miles long and BEAUTIFUL!  Everyone had a great attitude about it and even though it was long it wasn't a hard hike.  We had to start a little later than Dad would have liked because Lindsay's soccer team had a breakfast get together to hand out trophy's, etc.  We thought it might be a little too hot starting out so late, but there was a nice breeze and so the temperature wasn't bad at all!  

Start of the Trail

Crossroad, good thing Dad had a map and knew where to lead us!

 

Beautiful views all around.  A look at Weavers Needle in the distance.

Stopped for a little lunch at the Indian Paint Mine

A little different perspective.

Looking back where we had come from.

This was the hardest part of the hike.

First sighting of Canyon Lake

Amber wasn't able to go with us because she had to help build the sets for her play that shows this week.  The performances are on W, TH , and F.  We will take some pictures of that and send them to you.

We did our regular thing and stopped for a treat at DQ on our way home and Maddie Brown was working.  It was fun to run into her and thank her for her friendship with you while you were home.  She is such a great gal!  She asked how you were doing:).  

Kent spent the week on his science project (for the science club at school).  He is testing 3 brands of batteries to see which one lasts the longest.  I don't think he really knew what he was getting into when he figure out what his project would be.  I am flashlight sitting right now.  They are starting to die, but so far it has been over 50 hours!  We had to convince him to do other things besides just watching them (he said it was boring....go figure:)).  He is determined to get it done!

Well that is our week in a quick nutshell!

Notes from Dad--March 10, 2014

I'm going to start posting Dave's letters to Samantha too because he adds things that I didn't remember about the week!  Go Garner family history through our letter writing to our missionary!


Dear Sammy,

Sure love you!  Hope you have had a wonderful week.  Can't wait to hear about it.

We just got home from an FHE at Usery Park with the usual Bridlegate suspects (Dilles, Smiths, etc., etc.), as we have done in years past.  Roasted hot dogs, s'mores, and sat around chatting till it was late.  I smell like smoke, but it was a very pleasant evening.  As we were arriving, the setting sun lit up Pass Mountain beautifully and then we watched the sun set and hung out around the campfire and/or ramada.  

The big event this past week for me (and Kent) was going to Science Camp.  I carpooled up with three other dads from our ward (Bros. Robison, Taysom, and Bloom).  We went to the same camp you went to in Prescott.  Kent had a great time.  We shared a cabin with Jared I. and Jacob B.. Most of the other kids in our "room" were various levels of autistic, so they required a little extra supervision, but the boys all got along great.

After lunch on Tuesday, our group went on the hike up Thumb Butte.  After we finished the hike, Bro. Bloom congratulated the boys on conquering Thumb "Butt" (he told them the "e" was silent).  That became the joke of the evening . . . .  After the hike, we did the rock wall and zip line.  That was the consensus favorite activity of the camp.  Kent didn't seem scared at all.  He climbed right up and jumped right off on the zip line. Then lined right up and did it a second time!

That evening, we did a group scavenger hunt.  Our team came in second place (and earned a big Hershey bar)!  After the scavenger hunt, we went to the lodge, where the kids put on their skits.  Kent is so funny.  He was so prepared--he had written out a script for his group and, in addition, put everyone's individual lines on a 3x5 card with various items highlighted.  It was cracking me up (as the skits are pretty simple).  Anyway, they had planned to do a skit involving one of the kids acting like a lawnmower that proved very difficult to get started.  After the boys all failed to get it going, they were going to ask Bro. Sawyer to try; then, when the mower starts right up, they would say:  "I guess all it needed was a 'big jerk'!"  (haha.)  Well, it was a great plan, but before they could have their turn on the skit, the "MC," who was interjecting jokes and stuff between skits, ended up stealing their skit . . .  Luckily, the boys had another one that they ended up being able to do, though it wasn't quite as funny.  Anyway, Kent didn't seem to bothered by it, so it was all good.

I actually slept fairly well that night, though I always forget to bring ear plugs along with me to combat the inevitable snorers . . . .

On Wednesday, we did all the other activities (solar art, backpack attack, owl pellets, dance instruction, teamwork challenge, etc.).  Kent's owl pellet turned out to be a good one--we were able to construct nearly a full skeleton of the rat the owl had eaten.  Bro. Sawyer taught the owl pellet lesson and started by telling the boys what owl pellets are [i.e., puked up stuff that the owl eats but can't digest]  and then explained that, in a survival situation, you could eat owl pellets if necessary.  He then told the boys that the pellets didn't really taste too bad and proceeded to unwrap one and pop it in his mouth.  The boys all gagged, before Mr. Sawyer confessed that he had just wrapped up a piece of brownie to look like the owl pellets.  :-)

During dinner, a whole group of javelina decided to come traipsing through camp.  The kids got a real kick out of watching them.

That night, we sang campfire songs and roasted s'mores before . . . the DANCE!  The dance was hilarious!  I had no idea how much the kids--including the boys--would get into it.  But, get into it they did, including Kent.  Mrs. Wilson had taught them about 12 line dances and other dances during their rotations, and they all really had a fun time.  Kent was cracking me up.  He really let down his guard and went a little wild (which, as you know, is not his normal m.o.).  I kept discretely taking video clips of him on my phone to show to Mom.  His "macarena" was the best--particularly the "hip action" part.  (it was all knee action...Kristine's comment)

That night the boys all slept like logs and the following morning we packed up and headed for home.  I'm glad I was able to go with Kent.

On Friday, we had the adult ward party.  Mom gave you the details on that and sent you a couple of photos of our "potato car."   As is the Garner tradition, our car was more about design and looks, rather than speed (it didn't even make down the entire track), but we had a fun time. 

Saturday, Mom and I did the 35 mile Usery loop on our bikes.  She told you about her two flat tires.  Turns out that my front tire was punctured as well, though luckily, the leak was a slow one and the tire held up for the whole ride (which is good b/c I didn't have a spare tube with me).  I didn't realize it was punctured till later that night when went to ride it to the park and found it completely flat.  Anyway, the weather was absolutely beautiful for a ride.  I love getting out and being active in the comfortably cool mornings this time of year!

Mom gave you the scoop on Jessica's wedding and Amber's tryout for the Saturday's Warrior play and Kent's and Lindsay's final soccer games.

The play Mom and I went to see was Oklahoma.  The singing, acting, and choreography were actually pretty good, but as Mom mentioned, the storyline of the play is kind of dark and filled with a lot of sexist, gender stereotypes.  But, the actual date activity was not as important as the fact of the date itself!  

Between the ward party, the bike ride, the wedding, reception, the play, and a no-extra-meeting fast Sunday, I pretty much spent the entire weekend with my sweetheart.  I sure love your Mother!  It was great to have a chance to spend that much time together.

At fast and testimony meeting, there were a number of testimonies referencing the Cultural Celebration and temple dedication.  All very positive and uplifting.  Amber shared her testimony.  She mentioned that one of the moments she felt the Spirit most was when the youth were all out on the field getting drenched while waiting for the prophet to arrive.  Instead of focusing on their wet condition, a bunch of youth in her area broke out into singing primary songs, which made it both spiritual and fun.  Love it!

I cooked our break-the-fast dinner (grilled chicken and rice), as Mom had a bad headache and, in any event, deserved a rest.  Kent made the salad, and Lindsay made a no-bake cheesecake (with minimal help from me).  The Bishop joined us for dinner (he is a "bachelor" for spring break, while his family is in Utah).  After dinner, we went on a family walk down through the horse properties to the south of us.  Again, the weather was gorgeous.  Very pleasant to be out.  I posted  a picture of the family on our walk to FB.  Doris commented on the post: "What a beautiful picture of a wonderful family.  God bless you all and I thank him every day you guys are a part of our lives."  She's so sweet.  She also commented on a photo of me, Mom, Amber, and Paige at the Cultural Celebration, saying "You are missing one!" (i.e., you).  

Work is going well.  We are settling into our new office space, which is not far from our old office (directly across from U.S. Airways arena--where the Suns play).  I get to look out my window at South Mountain all day, so it's all good. [I think I may have told you about that last week--oh well, I'm getting old . . . ].

Well, when I start repeating myself, that means it's probably time for me to wrap things up.  

We pray for you daily and think about you constantly.  I'm proud of your decision to dedicate this portion of your life to the Lord's service.  The blessings you reap for your service will be much greater than the sacrifice you are making.  Keep working hard, and enjoy!

Love,

Dad