Thanksgiving Download

Well, by far and away the very best part of Thanksgiving was your phone call. It was such a highlight. And to listen to you and Will and McKay go back and forth brought a tear to my eye. You couldn't have said better words than you said about the Book of Mormon. It was the PERFECT message for all of us...especially Hunter and Henry. Thank you for your inspired words and message. We had a great time with Tara and her kids. She's such a trooper to come from so far away. I loved having the Horsleys gathered together in our home. We felt inspired to place Gma and Gpa at the head of the table to honor them and all they've done to bring the gathering to pass. I made a speech before the dinner started and said that without them, we wouldn't have a place to gather everyone. That I knew that this wasn't exactly the circumstances that Gma and Gpa had pictured for the gathering but that it was the people not the place that was important. We divided and conquered the meals. Wednesday night we gathered at Gma's for pizza and games. Thursday was primarily at our house. Friday was a break apart day - Tara spent time with her family, Cecily spent time with her family and we all gathered back at a restaurant for dinner and to our. house after for more hangout. Saturday, Chad and Cec planned a fun activity at their church of 9 square, pickleball and basketball. We went to in and out after and Tara left for the airport. The food was delicious but the people made it a wonderful day. We missed you terribly! We had 6 people missing: Calder, Will, Ethan, Greg, Liam and Jaina. You would have been proud of Gpa. He was having a particularly clearer day. He wasn't super smooth but he said a great prayer and expressed what he was grateful for this year. It was very sweet. I was sustained today to be the Young Women's president of the 8th ward. It was a very strange day. I felt lonely and weird. I can't really explain why. I think it started when I walked into the YWs room and Lori was having a meeting with two of the advisors. It was just so strange. She's having a hard time letting go and it's making things just a hair tricky. She's kind of planned a farewell tour. I totally understand that she needs closure and I'll be happy once Wednesday is over. We have one final activity that she's planned and the bishop is uncomfortable with. Anyway, change is difficult for everyone. But change makes us uncomfortable and feeling green. And green things grow. I'm just ready to get this show on the road! One of the pictures I'm including below is very meaningful to me right now. It really encompasses how I feel right now. When I was at the temple last week, I felt such a power of ancestors surrounding me and supporting me. I am so grateful for the time I get to spend in the temple every week. I am so happy you can see the temple from your apartment. I've also included a picture of what the new Provo temple by Grandma & Grandpa Calder's house will look like. I love it in the center of those majestic Provo mountains. I hate to tell you this, but Dad's turkey was likely one of the best ever! And the cream corn was totally on it's game this thanksgiving. It will be fun to gather next year with you and spoil you with all the great traditions we have. The food just seems to get better and better each year! We are definitely doubling down on our prayers for you right now....given the fact that Russia is flexing its muscles again. Crazy Putin! Good luck with everything this week! We are thinking about you a ton and love you so much. Thank you for your dedicated service. You're doing great things. I hope you and Elder Wallbruch are getting closer to being on the same page. Good luck with all of your conferences this week. I am sad we are not talking right now but it was totally worth it to talk on Thanksgiving. Have a wonderful week! I hope that package gets there soon. Love you tons! Mom

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