Weak Church Muscles...

I'm always on such a high after we talk to you. And I always wish I had written your letter before we talk, but today has been so busy. I literally had a 3 hour YWs meeting after church, followed by the missionary meeting with McKay, Bishop and Dad, right into another meeting with Dad and Bishop....I think he was just checking in with us - but to be honest, he asked us a lot of questions and I am worried that he was feeling us out to be the new Stake Trek Masters or something....I'm trying to put it out of my mind. I got to church at 8:30am and got home at 3:30pm. That's not a big deal for you as a missionary but my church muscles are not that strong...especially after the month of July off (family month). Anyways, that was a long explanation to say why I haven't gotten to writing your letter yet. Well, my pics are pretty lame this week. It's been a busy one. Most of my pics are of Jane because she always asks me to take pictures of her. The week flew by! I have been really busy trying to help Christine. I've lived near her for years and watched as everything comes at once. They are seriously drinking through a firehose of good things. James and Erin will be married on Saturday. We are having a wedding shower at our house for 50 on Wednesday. If everything goes as planned, it will be awesome. Fingers crossed. Wednesday night John has invited us to be at the temple when he takes out his endowment. Friday night is a rehearsal dinner. James and Erin are also having a ring ceremony before the reception on Saturday. I guess Erin's Dad is unable to attend the temple to see them sealed. Clark is actually sealing them in the temple. It will be quite the experience! I am really excited. All my siblings are coming into town. Mark, Shannon and Carston are going up to Rexburg to have a first class tour set up by Clark at BYU Idaho for Carston. That's an amazing blessing. I really hope it goes well for Carst and that he wants to go there. I think it would be better than amazing if he made that decision! Anyway, there are lots of great things to look forward to this week. I met Chrstine on Saturday morning because we had Claire and Grace all day Friday (at lagoon) and then they slept over. I had a second to ask Chrstine a bunch of questions about what our kids should be at and she said something that has really stuck with me. She told me that we cannot lose sight of what is most important this week - the ordinances! She is so right. All the hoopla around the wedding is fun but to be in the temple with both John and James is such an amazing blessing. The boys are a little unclear why I want them at the temple after the sealing since they cannot come in but it is such a great spot for them to be even if they cannot be inside. Keep the Gilbert's in your prayers. They do amazingly well under pressure but there is a lot going on right now. John starts the home MTC on Sept 13th and Clark and Chrstine have a mission tour during that week. Grandma and Grandpa Calder are going up to Gilberts to be there for John while his parents are away. Such a cool experience. You know Grandpa Jim is going to EAT IT UP! That's a lot of info about the Calder family. As for our little family, my fast was - of course - concentrated on each one of you guys. Mainly that you will each reach your potential and goals that you are working towards and that those who will start school will be prepared for the challenges ahead. I constantly pray for you as a missionary to have the gift of tongues and to teach with the spirit. I pray for McKay and that he will be safe on his bike and see all his hard work pay off. I pray that Henry can conquer some of the difficulties that he's facing and that his friends will be good influences on him. I pray that Gwen will find confidence in who she is and find good friends. I pray that Jane will work hard in school and be ready for the challenges that face her in 1st grade. My mind and heart was really centered on you guys today. I am so lucky to be a mother to 5 of the best kids ever. We are so lucky to be a family. I do know that the family is of God. So McKay set me up on a 6 week training program on my bike. I am all set up on the trainers and everything. I took a ramp test and scored 139...not the best, but it's a starting place. McKay is so hardcore. I am sure I will disappoint him but it's fun to change things up a little. We may hate ourselves, but we are hosting the CCHS mountain bike end of summer party at our house on the 12th of August. Swim and BBQ party. Should be crazy. School starts on the 16th. Keep everyone in your prayers...especially Gwen. She's entering into the jaws of death...I mean DPMS. The worst 3 years of teenage life ahead! Jane will be in all day school. Can you believe it?!? My heart is torn. It is a good thing for her and for me. But I am sad to have those mothering years over. I have big ideas with all the supposed time ahead. I am sure it will be sucked up by young womens..hah. Hang in there with everything you are working through as DL. What an awesome opportunity to grow and learn. Green things grow. Keep being uncomfortable. Encourage others to get out of their comfort zone. When you set high expectations, people will rise. You will make everyone who comes in contact with you better, and that's the good news of the gospel. You can change people's lives....not just those you meet on the streets, but those you serve with. In summary from our conversation today, remember these things: 1) Pray to see those who are the most difficult the way that God sees them 2) It's all about LOVE 3) Find those things that they are good at and tell them, everyone loves to hear those things 4) Do the best you can with the situation you are given - and don't stress. We are doubling down our prayers around here for you this week. I have a good feeling that it's going to be great and that many miracles are on your path! You're doing great things. You make me so proud...I can't help it. Hang in there. The Lord KNOWS you so well! Clearly He has the right man for the job as the DL in your area. And so many great people to teach. Let me know if you try the facebook marketplace and copies (thank you Elder Ames) of the Book of Mormon! I'm so curious. Love you tons! MOM :) PS: Kenzie got through her gallbladder surgery - but not without some curveballs. She's doing better and should be back to work in another week or so. Keep her in your prayers.

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