Birthday Package???

I am hoping and praying that you got your package on Friday!! I can't wait to hear all about it. It was so great talking to you on your birthday. I've been thinking so much about you and praying for you. Both Dad and I loved the opportunity to talk deeply on your birthday. We appreciate you opening up to us and letting us know some of the difficulties you've been experiencing. While I wish you didn't have to go through difficult times, I know that these are the things that help you become the disciple of Christ that He wants you to be. I came across this quote by Henry Eyring and thought I'd share it with you... "When you do your part the Lord adds His power to your efforts." I think you just keep doing your part and the Lord will continue to add His power to your efforts. I know that to be true because that's been the case for me in my life. As you already know, my experience serving in the D8th Young Women's Presidency has been particularly difficult. The things that I feel like I am really good at and the things that I think someone would want from me as a counselor, is not what is needed or wanted from me. I am learning so many things that I never thought I would. I think it's just the concept that the Lord wants us to always be learning and you can only learn when you are out of your comfort zone. Just keep doing what you are doing and the Lord will add His power to your efforts. This week flew by with parent teacher conferences via zoom! It's the best. You got some very sweet shout outs from Mrs Bray and of course Brother Manscill. They both asked all about you and send their great love. We took family pics this week and it put everyone in a bad mood. We took the pictures at Saltair in Utah, out by Utah Lake. I think that was my first time ever going there and it was pretty cool. It felt really weird to go without you for pics, but we still took one with you! You'll have to see. I'm excited to see how it turns out. IMG_0377.jpg After our pictures, we went to Gilbert's to say goodbye to John. He was so ready to go! One of the funny points was when Henry showed everyone how strong he is to pick up a general authority. It was pretty funny. Not sure Clark loved asking for someone to take a pic so he could post it to insta. On Wednesday I was reminded how important it is to take opportunities to serve. Never totally convenient but always good to do. I was able to help Lori prepare for her big weekend with Ana giving her farewell talk today. Lori lives a very chaotic life and I was glad I could do something to help lighten her load. I only did her Costco shopping but it literally took me FOREVER. I don't think I've ever spent so much time in Costco. The highlight of the week was talking to you on your bday. It was so weird not to be together. He celebrated your birthday by having honeynut cheerios for breakfast. We didn't have any school on Friday because of the PT conference. It was a busy weekend of birthday parties for Jane and Gwen. While they were away at bday parties, Dad and I snuck away for dinner with the Lawsons and peaked in at the CCHS football game. I'm including pics of your brothers in their black wife beaters...it was a blackout game. CCHS won, of course. It was a lot of fun. McKay literally spent 15 hours at the school saving a spot so he could have a front row seat. Saturday we went to see The Secret Garden with the Calder girls and Grandma and Grandpa Calder. It was a great play. The Secret Garden was actually my very favorite book when I was a young girl. It was fun to finally see the play. Today (Sunday) was fast and furious...as I'm sure it was for you too. Dad was released as the Priest Quorum Advisor in the D8th. It has been a sad thing to be released from. However, I think his next assignment will be great. He's on the high council and over missionary work. He will do great! It felt like the perfect calling when it was issued. And President Lee and so many others have expressed so many nice things to Dad. Dad is really an amazing guy and I am so lucky to be married forever to him! Well, we just hung up with you. You sound and look great. Thank you for the fun conversation. I will always remember the times we sat together on the couch with McKay and Henry laughing for an hour and catching up with you. I'm so glad you got your package! Enjoy every minute of it! And have a wonderful week. I love you so much and I miss your cute, fun personality. I think you hit the nail on the head...you're the same as your dad. He's SOOOO much funnier when he's not stressed!! Hah! I'm so glad your stress level has lessened. Dad's turning all sorts of grey right now from all his pent up stress over the years. So...I wish you a stressless week, where everything falls together. I'll be missing you this weekend during conference. Be sure you're sitting in your seat as it starts and the camera pans over the beautiful wasatch mountains. If you're anything like me, you'll get choked up seeing the mountains you love. I'll be thinking of you. Have a wonderful week. Love you tons! Mom :) Pics: 1-3: Saying goodbye to John 4: Jeggin' bike practice - those skinny jeans got a new life :) 5: Honeynut cheerios in honor of our favorite bday missionary 6: 20 year old bday boy 7-8: CCHS Black out 9-10: Secret garden 11: Henry lifting Grandpa 12: Henry lifting Clark