Catching Up

Last week, Matthew had a meeting with Bishop during which he was given a temple recommend interview and no other information. The following evening, Matthew and I drove down to the stake center for an interview with President Ahner of the Stake Presidency. Matthew was given another temple recommend interview, the purpose of which, we discovered, was in preparation for advancement to the office of High Priest. He was then asked to serve on the High Council. Since Stake Young Men's president is now no longer a thing, Matthew will serve in that capacity but as a High Councilor. He's excited to still be working with the youth and is really optimistic about the new program.

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Last Friday the school hosted a fall carnival. The kids dressed up for it and we walked over, but it was pretty lame. There wasn't much to do, and what there was required tickets. I was willing to buy some, but we searched all over and couldn't find where to purchase them, so we only stayed about ten minutes then walked home and spent the evening watching the newest season of Meat Eater.

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The virus Mercy had in Mexico appears to have originated at home. Cora had caught something from her cousin, and we think that's where Mercy got it. This particular virus turned out to have a 7-8 day life span and Mercy continued to have fevers the whole time. She missed two more days of school after we got home from vacation. Matthew started showing symptoms the day after we returned and missed two days of work, then I got sick a couple days later. Today I finally feel reasonably normal, and so far the boys seem to have dodged this particular illness. 

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The kids participated in the primary program last week. It was Hyrum's last one, and I'm still working on wrapping my head around it. I'm so pleased with the person he's becoming and I know he's ready for the Priesthood and Young Men's and all the opportunities awaiting him, but the time has just gone by so fast and I didn't think we'd be here so soon.

Mercy: I feel the spirit when I am being nice to people. 

Abraham: I prepare for the Sacrament by singing the Sacrament Hymn.

Hyrum: I demonstrate faith by going to church and sharing the gospel.

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I went to book club on Wednesday evening, then hosted a Relief Society activity on Thursday. I had three sewing machines set up to make Christmas tree napkins, we had a fleece blanket to tie, and it was a fall recipe exchange. I was hoping for at least eight sisters, and ten came. Three sewed, the blanket got tied, and the treats everyone brought were yummy. On the whole, I'd call it a success.

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Matthew and Jeb left this morning to support a buddy on his mule dear hunt. They are going to try for bear, but I anticipate squirrels will end up being their main harvest. Instead of our usual pizza and a movie, I left the sewing machines out so that the kids and I could do a project. They ask constantly, and there never seems to be adequate time, so I today I set aside the time. Hyrum decided to go to the Jolley's after school, but Mercy and Abraham had a great time sewing. Mercy made a doll blanket and Abraham made a pillow (which is awaiting stuffing). They both did everything but the ironing on their own.