February!

And the ground hog says 6 weeks more of winter.  That may be good; perhaps there is hope for more water for the western United States.  I read of water rationing already in California; we've had fires already - California AND Oregon - and who knows where else.  I am thinking this summer may be a real trial for many -  including farmers and those of us who like to eat the food they (normally) produce.

Mission Notes:  It has been a busy and tiring week, starting with transfers, departures and new arrivals on MTW, then the president threw me a curve ball and moved the Zone Leaders meeting from next week to Thursday.  I am not a zone leader, but it is my job to have the monthly supply order ready for zone leaders to pick up after their meeting... that was quite a challenge, but miracles still happen:).

Our newest missionary couple are in training; their little dog, Boo, is safely at their daughter's and doing well.  Sister Christensen is quite happy about that...Elder Christensen probably not quite so happy.  She is doing well and learning a lot; he is learning too, but quite a bit more slowly.  He has some impairments left over from an illness he endured and that makes his work harder and slower.  Sister Christensen said Friday she wanted to come work with me tomorrow so I have tried to prepare for that. Actually woke up at 5 yesterday morning with all kinds of thoughts of things I need to do at the office; had brought home some Friday evening hoping to work on it here, so I finally got out of bed - with the intent of at least making a list of all those things that were bothering me - then four hours later had completed updating the missionary data file with addresses and phones for our missionaries.  Four hours.  Never thought it would take that long.

Somewhere in here I kind of switched over to Family Notes:

After a shower and working on laundry, I checked the grocery ads and then Dad and I went to Home Town Buffet for a late lunch, with a coupon that made it affordable.  I think it is a great waste for me to go there because I cannot eat more than I think I should and it is certainly not anything close to what I see others eating:)!  After eating Dad was willing to take me to the office so I could finish the other form I wanted to work on and we eventually left there - about 5 I think - and went grocery shopping:).  Then home for more laundry, putting away groceries, a snack of sorts and eventually to bed.

Our ward, Santa Clara 6th, has been given a new set of sister missionaries and we were surprised last night to receive a phone call from them asking if we could give an investigator a ride to church today.  Of course the answer was yes, and it turns out the "investigator" was the Stephanie that we were giving a ride to last year.  The one that was scheduled for baptism and then didn't get baptized.  We had a good conversation by texting (go me!) and then we picked her and her little girl up for church today.  I am hoping that the sisters will be able to work with her and that she will eventually be baptized.  Her life is not a pretty one and she would benefit greatly from being a church member:).  It was nice to feel like we were contributing, even in a small way, to the missionary effort in our ward:).

Had a call from Christine during church and was finally able to talk to her after we got home.  Life sounds busy as normal there and the house sounds like it is progressing.  Sounds like they are having fun with their new puppies - and like they found a way to keep mommy dog from unzipping the kennel after many unsucessful efforts!  You need to call Christine and get the story:)!  John seems to be doing well at school and it sounded like he might be able to be made an elder before too much longer - that would be great. Michael will be turning 18 this month on the 18th!  That doesn't happen very often; I think he plans to turn his mission papers in after his birthday:).  I saw on Facebook that Rachel and another Bullinger hosted a cheerleading camp - they do love that stuff!

Sara called and they are doing pretty well - altho she and Dad talked at length about someone suing them...one of those crazy kind of law suits that hopefully amounts to nothing.  I think it is the person they bought their house from and I don't exactly understand it but will pray that it doesn't cost them any money!  Patrick has been studying stuff he'll be doing in the Guard - trying to get ahead I'm sure.  They signed up for medical insurance today - so that is a blessing worth a lot.  Good way to stay out of Obamacare!  She said she has sold a couple of horses and has another one to sell.  That's our horse trader:).

Jeanie called while Sara was talking with Dad and I got to finally, after months of wishing, talk to her:)!  I think she is finding life with all those little boys rather tiring:)!  Glad to hear that DJ had almost a whole week of being able to be at school and we're looking forward to another one.  If he does good, then he will finally get to have his birthday party - which has been long postponed due to his illness.  Sounds like Tanner is turning into a typical 3 year old, wanting to do everything anyone else does and help with everything!  Sounds a little like Eli - right?  It would be so fun to see all of our 3 year olds together - I think it is a most wonderful age:)

Emily called as she was returning from Disneyland with Eli - who was sound asleep in the back seat.  I think he is having many wonderful adventures between pre-school, trips with Mom, and doing fun Saturday things with Dad:).  Rose is close to being a year old - that is hard to believe.  Almost harder to beleive is that we were able to go down to San Diego for her birth and later for the blessing.  Right now that feels like so long ago.  I think that was about the time that Stephanie - mentioned earlier - was due to be baptized, but wasn't as we found out when we returned.  I am so looking forward to going down after we leave the mission and visiting again:)

Talked with Steve and Holly as I called on Monday with some concern about the huge traffic jams & accidents in Atlanta because of the super unusual weather - snow and ice.  They were fine and were enjoying having the day at home:)!  Both sounded great.

Charlotte and Seth must have gotten tired of us as we didn't hear any more from them this week - but we know they are busy as you all are:)

Miss Mary called to tell us that she is going to be on TV.  Really - yes.  Turns out someone wanted a Sub Zero employee to sign releaseses, etc. so they could bring their TV people in for part of a show.  Those that be decided Mary should be that employee.  When I said to let us know when the show would be on, Mary said, Mother I don't think it is a show you'll want to watch.  With concern I asked why.  Answer was it was a show about a polygamous family.  Hmmmm.

When I asked Mary how Michael was doing, she said he was driving to Provo this weekend, hoping to arrive on Saturday.  He'll be staying with Tyson Lander while looking for an apartment, so sounds like he's in good hands:).  I think they will enjoy being much closer together again and wish him well!

This is really late; I'm really tired and I wish I had some wonderful interesting things to report besides the fact that I am going to bed.  Love to all...stay as wonderful as you are forever!