Thanksgiving Week

So much fun to chat with you on Thanksgiving! We spent Friday, Saturday and Sunday up in Park City...Chad and Cec's family joined us on Saturday night and slept over. This morning we had a delicious breakfast with everyone. It was really great to be with them. We missed you and Will and talked about you guys a ton! One thing that I really like about being with the Horsleys is that they are really good at playing games together. Last night we spent some time playing "psychiatrist" and laughed a lot. I think one of the reasons that they are great at games is that Ethan is just a little kid in a man's body! Haha. I feel like the past week was extra wonderful because of the #givethanks challenge. I do feel like we were able to heal our hearts and be happier as we focused on those things that we are grateful for. I'm actually sad to see it come to an end. I missed one of the days and still have a post coming...I think it counts, right? I'm looking forward to the upcoming "Light The World" challenge. If you have any thoughts on how we can make that more meaningful as a family, let me know. Also, be thinking about missionaries that you'd like us to send something to for Christmas. We'd love to. We can talk more about it tomorrow, but just be thinking! I've been thinking a lot about how we have been studying the Book of Mormon this year for Come, Follow Me. I am so grateful for the opportunity we've had to "liken the scriptures" like never before. I feel like the story of the jaredites and the vessels being "tight like a dish" was just for me. The 344 day journey in the vessels and the light from the stones in the barges took on real meaning as we've tried to make our way through this pandemic. I also felt similar feelings as we studied the war chapters in Alma. Those chapters came to life and I saw glimpses into the war against sin that I am fighting today. I never thought I'd love the Book of Mormon this much more after studying it together as a family. I just want you to know of the great power that I feel when I study the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon contains the light that keeps us going when the path is dark and long. I love that you have the opportunity to give this powerful book to those you come in contact with in Texas. I add my testimony to yours that it is true. I know it. And I love the Book of Mormon. I hope your Sunday was productive. I love you Elder Horsley. I'm missing you. I've never had this experience in my life. The other morning I was praying that Heavenly Father would help me not miss my kids THIS much for the rest of my life. I just kind of have a dull ache in my heart and I cannot imagine timesing it by 5!! It's all good and it's all part of the plan. I just didn't know I would miss you so much. But you're doing such great things and I'm so proud of the missionary you are. I wouldn't have it any other way! This is by far the BEST and most important thing you could be doing right now. And more importantly, this is what the Lord wants you to be doing right now. I am praying for another amazing week in the Texas, Dallas West mission for Elder Horsley and Elder Leonardson! Love you tons! MOM I'm lame....no real good pics this week that Dad hasn't already sent except this one of Dad working that turkey bird on Thanksgiving. The smoked turkey was delish! Check out Scout...I was seriously worried she'd knock the turkey to the ground and eat it. Can you even imagine???