Life in a Northern Town: FAMILY LETTER 09.08.14

Dear Loved Ones 8 September 2014

This busy week seemed much longer than the past few for some reason—I can’t believe last Monday was Labor Day!

Speaking of Labor Day, we had a really nice one, just relaxed and puttered around the house after the big back packing trip. Tuesday we were back to the grind with school and work. Tuesday night was our Young Women’s New Beginnings and YW Recognition Night. It was nicely done and very motivating. I noticed Addie studying her Personal Progress experiences this week. She wants to finish early so she can mentor younger girls and get her honor bee. I’m all for that!

Wednesday we had scouts and Activity Days. Rich helped with the 11 year olds AND the deacons, and James went up to have his baptism interview. At home we did laundry and reading rather than watching PBS, and we had a nice evening. Thursday Rich had Stake Meetings in Bozeman (yes, he still has not been released, so it’s like he’s doing 4 callings, lol) so I had the girls help me get ready for James’ birthday by cleaning the craft room and wrapping his gifts. I promised I would watch “Sherlock” with them if they did their chores, so we were all 6 snuggled up watching when daddy came home.

Friday morning Rich got up early and cooked a big birthday breakfast for James. He opened a couple of presents and cards that had come in the mail. Heidi stayed home with a sore foot. Rich took her to the clinic later that morning. Turned out she had a sprained foot and they gave her a support and sent her back to school. I went up to the church and set up for James’ Baptism/ birthday celebration. He chose cookies and nachos for refreshments and they were yummy—thanks, Costco! We made a photo collage of him from birth- age 8 just like we have done for the girls, so we put that up on the entry table along with the nice Memory book Nana and Papa Drews sent. The service was sparsely attended, but we expected that on a Friday night. James didn’t care, though—he was so excited to be baptized and confirmed and to have his buddy Kinnick there. The whole bishopric came and the missionaries brought several investigators so that was nice. Afterward we just hung out as a family and got ready for James’ Lego party Saturday morning.

Saturday was all about Legos at our house. Rich was so sweet, he woke up early and gave me a back rub and went and cleaned the kitchen. I showered and fed the baby and did party prep. We had total junk food—left over nachos, pizzas, root beer, cake and ice cream and edible legos! James’ friends were such sweet hearts, so polite and funny, it was really fun to have them here. They went home at 1pm and James just played legos the rest of the day (he got 4 new sets and he has built them all more than once this weekend!). The girls had the Jones girls over (Eden and Clara) for a Sherlock/ Doctor Who marathon. They are such good friends already, I am so glad they moved into our ward (they moved over from Bozeman, staying in Clyde Park until their house near Winans School is ready). I snuck in a nap, then visited with the Joneses when they came to get their girls. We had Subway for dinner and watched more Sherlock and snuggled. It was a fun weekend with all my kiddos.

Sunday was eventful as we got a new bishopric. It was a good meeting, we got to hear from the Stake President, the old bishopric, and the new bishopric (comprised of Trevor Strupp, Aron Kling, and Greg Fawcett). Now Rich is gone to his annual insurance conference in Great Falls and I got Niles off to his first day of pre-school this morning. He was super excited and just got right to work playing when we got there. I love it! This is going to be great for the both of us. So Daddy will be home tomorrow night, just in time for me to go to Relief Society. I feel spoiled—I hate it when he is gone, but I hope he is getting a little rest.

Hope you all had a great week and are enjoying the last of the summer weather. We sure are! Thanks for all your cards and messages encouraging James this week. We love and miss you all!

Love, Jamie and Rich and Family