Cheetahs, Topis and the 80's

Hi Ty!

This week was pretty low key.  Can you believe Conference?!?  I am still enjoying listening to a talk a day and I’ve loved it.  I listened to Elder Bednar’s talk about praying continually and about the cheetahs and the Topis.  It is an insightful to hear from an apostle that the adversary is relentless.  Just like the Cheetahs, Satan and his minions pursue mankind hoping to make them miserable like unto himself.  

I’ve been spending a ton of time working on Stake Play stuff.  Trying to train the youth, have meetings to decide what Stake play will look like and then spending time communicating with people.  We are adding a great aspect to stake play where we are going to take kids in small groups and head out into the community to perform for old folks homes etc.  We are going to do this instead of the Saturday Matinee.  There’s been pro’s and cons both ways but ultimately the youth voted to do the service which I think is a great choice.  I have spent many visits to rest homes to perform and I always leave there feeling like I have ministered as the Savior would.  He loves those people. It is so fulfilling to bring a little joy to them. It is well worth the sacrifice.  

I attended a meeting with Elder Penmintel. Who told us that we are to “Wear out our lives in service to the rising generation.”  It was a good message to hear right as I was starting to work on Stake Play because I feel like I am spending a ton of time on Stake PLAY!  It’s all good.  I start teaching in a week at Pinewood.  I’ll be taking over for ms. Linza.  

Grant's flag football team.

Grant and Justin eating French Toast at Kneaders!!

Sitting at Justin's game 33 degrees...COLD!

Surprising Justin

Surprising Jacob

We went to Cache’s farewell today and it was such a great talk and so good to hear him share his journey and desire to serve a mission.  It was powerful.  I hope you take time to listen to it.  He really bore a powerful testimony about how the Spirit worked on him to serve a mission.  At the end of the meeting, Boyd Smith Sr. Said the closing prayer and it was touching to hear the story and then see Grandpa Smith hug his grandson.  Cache has been through a lot with his parent’s divorce and then with the allure to continue playing basketball and not to serve a mission.  His resolve is strong and he will be a great missionary serving in Boise Idaho!  So proud of him and all the great missionaries serving.  We love you and are so proud of the choice you made and make every day to serve the Savior and proclaim His message to the people in Chile.  May you know, and feel of our love everyday.  May you also continue to find joy in your service.  

LOVE YOU MY BOY!!
Mom


PS. I’ll send you some pictures of our 80’s high fitness night that we hosted this week. :). I also sent you the clip of the boys surprising the cousins right?

Here's a little Nilla love for you!

Wasn't she just the cutest!! 
You seem to love all the dogs you see.  :)