Life in a Northern Town: FAMILY LETTER 02.04.18

Dear Loved Ones,

I am happy to report that the winter doldrums are back and we have had a pretty quiet week. Monday we had a nice family night about how we should treat our family members and how the Holy Ghost can help us choose to be kind and can help us find ways to help each other. The kids weren’t quite as wild as they were the previous week, so no photos, hahaha. Ammon got sent home from school because they thought the eczema spots on his mouth might be Hand-Foot-Mouth disease, but he got checked by the doc and she said it was unlikely but maybe I should see what happened on Tuesday. So I kept Ammon home on Tuesday and his little rash had faded away. We had a fun day together. Wednesday morning (Happy Birthday, Tiffany!) we tried to get up and see the super blood blue moon at 6:20am, but it was overcast and we couldn’t see it. I did see it get darker between 5am and 6am, but nothin’ else. Bummer. Ammon was back in school and I got some stuff done and sent Rich and the big kids off to YW and Scouts. The youth had a bishop’s activity and played Battle of the Sexes with gospel questions. It sounded like a good time. Thursday I had to buckle down and have a laundry day. I caught up on devotionals and personal grooming and finished up some writing projects and proposals. Addie came home sad and I wanted to comfort her and help her out, but I had to feed the fam some tortilla soup and head out to parent support group. When I got there (late), the lights went off so I assumed no one else showed up, which was kind of a relief (I talked to the group leader later though, about our plans for community cyber addiction education, which is going to be great). I came home to help Addie with some school work and that seemed like what needed to happen. She had a hard morning Friday and needed to take a mental health day after seminary, but she got herself together and got to school for third hour. Both girls had kind of a stressful week and the boys were just buck wild little werewolves, so I’m blaming it on the moon and hoping that’s all behind us! Friday night Addie worked concessions at the basketball triple header with her student council people. Heidi had her friend Sophie over for a while. They seemed to be in better spirits, which really makes me happy. I love hearing hysterical laughter from the downstairs after a tough week! Saturday morning we had a big pancake breakfast together, then the girls and I went up to the church to do a little service project tidying up the Primary closet. It was pretty fun. I took the girls home and met my pal Lisa for lunch. Rich worked on the Volkswagen (which he does literally ever day) and then he took the boys to a birthday party in Clyde Park while I took the girls to ukulele lessons. That is always fun and they are learning the cutest songs. Heidi is writing her own songs and coming up with awesome strumming rhythms that impress even her teacher. That girl has the most ridiculous, amazing, fun hidden talents. We are hoping they won’t be hidden for long. I noticed during sacrament meeting how beautifully Addie’s and Heidi’s voices blend—I hope they will learn some songs together. Saturday evening Addie went to celebrate Erin Petersen’s 16^th birthday (house party! Bowling! Late night talks! Love those girls) and Heidi hung out at Sophie’s (ramen chefs! Writing songs! Studying Animal Farm!). Rich and I fed the little boys some tacos and put them to bed and watched Groundhog Day (and marveled that Andie McDowell ever got to be in movies because her acting is so painfully awkward #atleastshespretty). When I went to pick up Heidi at 8pm, the temp had dropped from 50 degrees to 13 in like an hour, and it was starting to snow. It was so freaky! Sunday has been fabulous. We had an edifying testimony meeting, strong spirit. I got to hug some people who are grieving (“No one cries alone in my presence!”-Steel Magnolias) and I got roped into helping with Niles’ class (teacher snowed in), and that was pretty fun. Rich had a cough, but he took some meds and was able to stick it out and teach the deacons. We thought he was getting a new deacon today—Curtis Denniston—but Curt’s birthday is tomorrow. It’s so fun watching all of James’ friends receive the priesthood…only 7 more months for him. Uncle Mikey Melin was visiting at the ranch and he came in to town to visit us just as the SuperBowl was starting and our treats were coming out of the oven. The kids were so excited to see him! So we are wrapping up the game by the fire. I need to go snuggle Ammon, so until next week… We love you and and wish you a wonderful week!

Love,

Rich and Jamie and Family