Dear Tanner,
We have thoroughly enjoyed reading your companion's electronic and snail mail letters home. His mother is so generous to share them with us. We read yours, we read his, and we have a more complete picture. We love this because of our love for you! We also had Aaron share his letter of your airport adventure, as well as the Bachs and Uncle Zach. More news is good news! There are two things we found humerous: That you ate "3 massive bowls of ice cream?" Why not four? Just kidding. You really were craving ice cream. And the travel alarm clock story, where you threw open the window and it went "tumbling down six stories, hitting the cement at terminal velocity." I'm glad it's not totally broken. If you happen to see another one, maybe we could replace his. He also sent pictures home of your half way day in the training center, and the half tie tradition. Those were really fun to see!
I love that you organized the CES fireside gathering. Good for you! I was surprised they weren't showing it to everybody. It took a few days, but I got to watch Elder Holland. You were right. It was an amazing talk, and his delivery was very effective. Considering what is happening in politics, there is a documented surge in Google searches about Mormons. How exciting for you to be a missionary during these unprecedented times. "In the consensus view of modern American liberalism, it is hilarious to mock Mormons and Mormonism but outrageous to mock Muslims and Islam. Why?" -Wall Street Journal Makes me excited for general conference in a couple of weeks...yeah! Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. The weather is changing slowly, and most noticeable is the lower temperatures in the morning.
Dad and I went to Dairy Queen for date night. It was close and fast, but just getting out together does wonders. We brought home ice cream and root beer from the store for the boys to enjoy. Dad ordered a Health shake, and got mostly candy and little ice cream. Needless to say, he's done with that for a while.
We have thoroughly enjoyed reading your companion's electronic and snail mail letters home. His mother is so generous to share them with us. We read yours, we read his, and we have a more complete picture. We love this because of our love for you! We also had Aaron share his letter of your airport adventure, as well as the Bachs and Uncle Zach. More news is good news! There are two things we found humerous: That you ate "3 massive bowls of ice cream?" Why not four? Just kidding. You really were craving ice cream. And the travel alarm clock story, where you threw open the window and it went "tumbling down six stories, hitting the cement at terminal velocity." I'm glad it's not totally broken. If you happen to see another one, maybe we could replace his. He also sent pictures home of your half way day in the training center, and the half tie tradition. Those were really fun to see!
I love that you organized the CES fireside gathering. Good for you! I was surprised they weren't showing it to everybody. It took a few days, but I got to watch Elder Holland. You were right. It was an amazing talk, and his delivery was very effective. Considering what is happening in politics, there is a documented surge in Google searches about Mormons. How exciting for you to be a missionary during these unprecedented times. "In the consensus view of modern American liberalism, it is hilarious to mock Mormons and Mormonism but outrageous to mock Muslims and Islam. Why?" -Wall Street Journal Makes me excited for general conference in a couple of weeks...yeah! Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. The weather is changing slowly, and most noticeable is the lower temperatures in the morning.
Dad and I went to Dairy Queen for date night. It was close and fast, but just getting out together does wonders. We brought home ice cream and root beer from the store for the boys to enjoy. Dad ordered a Health shake, and got mostly candy and little ice cream. Needless to say, he's done with that for a while.
The scout fundraiser, making and putting in jars of apple butter happened last Saturday. There may be other activities that may be more profitable, but I love how the whole ward works together to do this. There were a few individuals who looked out for jars during the year, and got them really cheap. Bro. Pruitt emptied Sis. Cook's house of her canned goods, took the jars home and emptied them, and washed them for the youth. So there was no jar expense this year!
Hunter went to help for Porter, as he had a cross country meet. Cooper went as well, although he never got much of a turn at the big paddle, so he spent his time making a lean-to.
We've had a few medical students move into the ward this fall, and it was funny listening to others describe what exactly is apple butter.
Monday when I was walking Ranger and had Breyer on my back and Miller on his bike. Out of nowhere this bull dog ran up and clamped on Ranger's front leg and wouldn't let go. I tried pulling Ranger away, and even kicked (a lot) at the dog, but she wouldn't stop. So I dropped the leash, and let Ranger go to defend himself. The struggle was over very quickly, but the dog didn't want to back down so Ranger didn't let go. A witness went to get the owner, who didn't want to interfere, but eventually came out behind his truck and got his dog. When I told Ranger to "drop it," like dropping the ball he let go of the dog. And the dog attacked again! That was not on my agenda for the day! I was worn out by the time I got back to the house, and struggled physically for the rest of the day. Although Ranger's in a frail way, and 8 years old, he is very strong when he is defending his family. I'm sure you will have days where you are wearily worn from defending the gospel, but that's your job. And you'll be wonderful. You might even have a few battle wounds along the way ;-)
Seminary takes up a lot of my mental capacities. Sometimes I have to call Grampy and have him help me figure things out when I have run out of disk space. He helps me compact and order my understanding. It's been fun to speak with him in this way, as he's struggling with his health. He was told to take a break with his chemo, have a scan in October, and then go from there depending on how the scan looks. However, the good times in seminary continue. Today I gave them three scriptures, divided them into small groups, and told them they were the leaders of a newly formed country. The reporters are waiting for the announcement of their country's governing laws. Using the scriptures, they were to come up with these five laws with which to rule their country. The three girls were all mercy and service, doing everything to take care of everybody. Porter's group couldn't reach an agreement, and in the end booted one boy down to maker of the doughnuts and cleaner of the pipes. Hunter's group was pretty much on, except for rule five, all men must serve in the military. But, the characteristics of a good leader, in Matthew 20:25-28, Jacob 1:19, and Matthew 25:34-40 I'm sure apply to being a good leader in the missionary field as well. Have fun pondering this when you can ;-)
Your father and I love you dearly. Take care of yourself! Remember your brothers. Write when you can...still no snail mail from you but hopefully ours are catching you. No more have come back. Have a great week! We have just heard this morning that your postal workers are going on strike...apparently a yearly event over salary negotiations. I'm not sure what they're negotiating as everything already takes too long, but hopefully they'll figure it all out quickly and get back to real work ;-)
Love,
Mom and Dad
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