With All Our Heart

How should we send you money? What do you think the best way to do this would be? 

Dad wants a wrapper or poster of something you have that has the World Cup on it (a pin would be wonderful ;-) He saw it on your Easter box.

Also, for your housing application, we need a copy of your drivers license, as well as a written, signed statement saying we have your permission to sign your application. You'll probably need to send those ASAP. I'll try to pay the fee to help hold your application until we receive both of these documents - have you sent these?

Dear Tanner,

One of the more interesting pieces of news I read this week was concerning the construction that is beginning on the new Museum of the American Revolution (MoAR) in the historic heart of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, due in part to a gift from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (Right next to the temple, due to be completed 2016). The $1.5 million donation from the Church was presented to the chairman of the museum, on Thursday.

Dad and I went over to the neighbor's house again for a missionary discussion. It was splits, so President Lim was there as well. It was great. Bro. Shiner really enjoyed having him there. President Lim left asking him to consider what the word "testament" means to him, considering he reads the Old Testament, the New Testament, and the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. We'll be back again this week!

This week I had an orthopedic appointment. Three weeks ago, right after my last appointment, I got up in the middle of the night and stepped on the end of a power cord, right under the breaks. This broke the bone all the way through, and broke the healing that had begun. It was fairly painful ;-) but I didn't go in. So Wednesday he told me I still didn't need surgery, which I was hoping, and my healing was just a little behind schedule. So I get to wear the foot boot for a longer period of time.

Earlier this year we found out that Deseret Book's Time Out for Women (TOFW) would be in Cincinnati this year. I thought it might be fun to go, and have a little time out time ;-) There was a BIG group of women from church who were going to go with me, but kept dropping out one by one. Then I saw that Whitney Johnson was one of the presenters. I told her I was going to come, and she, as a presenter, has two tickets to give to her friends, and offered them to me. Saved me $75! I took  my friend from cub scouts. Because no one else was going, I cancelled the Marriott reservation and drove over to Kathy's from Scholastic, and spent the night with her. Saturday morning Whitney was the first on stage and did a marvelous job. When she was introducing herself, she prefaced it by saying she's been thinking of gifts, and has a friend in the audience, and admired the gifts she has for caring, compassion, and mothering. Isn't she so sweet! She was worried as she changed her program a bit, but was fabulous. Included in her tickets were backstage passes to lunch, which was yummy and interesting, as all the other presenters were there as well. I'd throw some names out but they wouldn't mean anything to you ;-)

I found this awesome picture of Greg, and thought you might enjoy seeing your cousin down in Chile!

While I was gone, Dad handled a home track invitational and Miller's games Friday night; and Saturday morning Sawyer's and Cooper's games. Dad wanted me to mention one thing about Sawyer's game. The pitcher was in the throes of earning a no-hitter, and the ball was hit in such a way that Sawyer had to run backwards and over his shoulder and caught the ball while falling. He then stopped a hard hit ball on his knees in the dirt, and made the throw to first for an out. So he earned the game ball for saving the no hitter. He had a beautiful bunt down the line, and got on base. Hopefully he'll be playing all stars when you get home so you can see him in action ;-)

After church today we spent the afternoon at the Methodist church in Barboursville at the Optimist International Oratorical contest. Does that bring back some good memories? They only need three to hold the event, and your four brothers represented. Sawyer joined the ranks this year, the youngest brother yet to speak for just over four and just under five minutes. Unfortunately, he placed fourth, and only three prizes are awarded. I figured this might happen, although his speech was spectacular! and had asked all the boys if they were interested in donating ten percent to the kitty for fourth place. Then no one had to go home empty handed. So he'll receive about $45 ($20, $15, and $10). Cooper represented well, and placed third, Hunter was surprised with second, and Porter earned first. So he'll get to go on next month, and try for that ever unattainable $2,500! They also presented Optimist essay contest winners with their checks, and Porter had won first, and Hunter second. The presenter said some kind words about you boys willing to compete against each other, and then support each other no matter who won. He also said how well you boys have done in writing and speaking, and how this skill will assist you later in life no matter what you choose to do. There were many who entered the essay contest, but just your brothers for the oratorical. The Optimist club has blessed our family immensely.

The coordinator of youth conference called tonight to let you know your topic for youth conference is how to prepare for missions, important principles for being an effective missionary. You have three 50 minute classes, that the groups rotate through. You'll be great. Prepare now ;-) Teach a principle, and then share an example from your mission when you did or did not have that preparation. For example, when the lady saw you were glowing, I would say that you were living worthy of having the Holy Ghost.

The theme for TOFW was from 1 Timothy 4:14-16: "Neglect not the gift that is in thee...Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all...For in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee." A lot of presenters spoke of realizing the gifts that we have. Since you've been on your mission your confidence in the gospel has magnified tremendously. What a gift in exchange for your service! Elder Corbridge said, "For those of us who feel wanting when it comes to talents and gifts, it is encouraging to know that this invitation is not to dazzle others with who we are or what we know. Rather, our light is the Light of the World reflected in us as we simply strive to do as He did. That’s it. The Lord tells us to follow Him and not be ashamed or unwilling to stand out. Do not be ashamed to hold up His light. Do not be afraid to shine. Do not worry about the outcome. Your light, which is His light, will shine, and whether or not you choose it or want it, you will be a city set on a hill. Your light will shine as an inevitable consequence of faithfully choosing to follow the Lord whatever the cost" (Ensign 9/2011). Isn't that a spectacular quote! No wonder you were shining in the hallway ;-)

The letter is a bit short tonight, as I just wrote a letter on Wednesday, but I will continue to send you updates in your email until your preparation day - whenever it may be ;-)

We love you! The end is drawing near!

Love,

Mom and Dad