Letter to Stewart

Dear Stewart -            

            How’s it going?  I love your great attitude, despite the challenges I’m sure you are having.  That’s the best recipe to successfully making it through this mortal existence.   I love the simple scripture that Man’s purpose is to have joy, despite hardship, trials, adversity, etc.  A good attitude is the best medicine – keep it up J

            I’m trying to get this letter out before I run Emma to dance – Mom the taxi driver.  The passat is still being repaired, so I’m shuttling Maren around as well.  I’ll be glad when she gets the car back so she can take herself to early morning seminary.  I admire all those teenagers around the world who don’t have the option of taking seminary in the middle of the day and MUST take early morning seminary.  I think in many areas it can start as early as 5:30 a.m.   The seminary program has been revamped to make it more of a preparatory class for life, missions, gospel living, etc.  The kids have to actually read the entire book of scripture that’s being studied (or at least some of it if it’s the OT) and they must pass a test each semester.  I suppose that’s a good thing with the world becoming increasing difficult to navigate and so many kids wanting to get into BYU J where religion actually goes on your transcript.  (Cassidy P. says her BofM class is hard – but she likes it).  I can see that some kids (& parents)  might not like this because they might be discouraged and not attend seminary – but I think it’s OK to expect more of people; they usually rise to the occasion.

            We have Irene’s Luke and Henry while they are in Mexico this weekend – I’ve forgotten what it’s like have an 18month old around (yes, he’s that old now J).  He’s a really good baby and very pleasant, just busy and requires constant supervision.  Luke is good too – but a little fire”y” – it’s the red hair, that hasn’t changed much.  Last night I left Sydney in charge of the baby and Charlie in charge of Luke while I went to YW and Dad when to Scouts.  Everything went great until Luke had a tantrum because his block tower was accidentally knocked over.  Charlie called me crying because he didn’t know how to handle the situation.  It was funny.

            I wish I had monumental news to reports or deep insights to share – but we are just doing the day to day living.  I did start my Institute class up again, and I’m grateful for that 90 minutes of gospel thinking in the middle of the week. It’s nice to reflect and ponder and be grateful on a Monday J  This week I was reflective of the magnitude of the calling of the Prophet Joseph Smith.  Although I have a testimony of his divine mission and calling as the prophet of the restoration sometime I fail to realize the supreme significance of his foreordination and importance in “The Plan” for us here in this mortal existence. 

            OK – I’ve been working on this letter for 3 days (not that you’d be able to tell) – and I keep getting interrupted.  So, as incomplete as it is – I’m still sending it.

Love you,

MOM