JINXED

Dear Family and Friends,

Never again will I suggest we had a quiet week.  It has been non stop for the past 7 days. Yesterday we were up at 6:00 am left the condo at 7:00 am walked back in the condo at 7:00 pm and then had several collateral duties to take care of.  Went to bed at 11:00 and I don't remember closing my eyes.  I really think I jinxed our slower winter schedule.  But what a week!  

We had a new Sr. Missionary couple arrive and it just happens to be Susan Easton Black and George Durrant, who are now married to each other.  Along with their shifts at the sites, one of their collateral duties is a lecture series at the Tabernacle.  They will be presenting every Sat for the next 3 months.  The first month is about Joseph Smith, the 2nd is about Christ, the 3rd will be about Brigham Young.  The Sr. couples had a training meeting with them last Thursday and they did a run through of their 1st lecture, and it is going to be amazing.  We attended last Saturday with 560 other interested locals and visitors.  Our Director, Elder Watkins, is now making arrangements for a larger venue.  We are pretty certain that we will be well over 700-800 people in attendance by the time this is over.  Yea for us, I thought I had read and studied everything Brigham, and I can tell you, I don't know 100th of the information that is in Sister Durrant's little pinky. Pretty sure she has a photographic memory.  What a wonderful gift that she is willing to share with anyone who cares to come and enjoy.  Elder Durrant is a kick.  His quick humor and wonderful stories are fun to hear. We are truly blessed to be serving with them.

We had transfers on Saturday and our transfer meeting on Tuesday.  I can't believe it's so hard saying goodbye to these Sisters.  Those who are from a different country, we will probably never see again.  Sister Calves was returning home to France.  We love these wonderful girls and their shining examples.  We also had to say goodbye to another Sr. Couple.  The Collins were released and headed back to SLC.  They have a home here so we hope to see them often.    

Yup, as you can see by the picture its that time of year.  We are in the middle of putting up Christmas lights at the Temple, Tabernacle, and decorating all the sights.  I think I mentioned, that one of my collateral duties is to decorate all the sites.  I have been going through all the old decorations, throwing out, and creating new.  Bruce tells me I got this assignment because I have plagued him our entire life with putting up 9 Christmas Trees at our home.  But I don't think anything can prepare you for this assignment.  There will be 7 trees at the VC, 2 trees at BY's, 4 trees at the Tabernacle and 2 Trees and Jacobs'.  Then there are all the garlands, wreathes, bows etc., etc.  I get exhausted just trying to organize the Sr. Missionaries for their assignments at each site.  I'll send pictures.  (If it turns out cute.  If its ugly you won't see a thing)

We had a great surprise by Marlin Snider (our son-in-law, Eldon's father) stopping by and having lunch with us.  It was wonderful to be brought up to speed with all the Snider news.  Thanks Marlin.  We love visitors and hope to continue to see those of you who pass through St. George.

 We had the wonderful opportunity of attending the sealing of my Nephew and his cute wife, Jake and Tiffany Cook.  They met in St. George and decided they wanted to be sealed in this Temple. Good for us, we were able to visit with family.  We had pizza, pizza and more pizza.  They had a pizza party and ordered a few too many, but lucky for us, I didn't have to cook.  YEA for me!!!

We continue to try and enjoy the great out-doors of this beautiful part of the State of UT.  This week as you can see, we took a different mode of transportation.  Yes we are on a motorcycle, however, my mamma didn't raise no dummy.  The motorcycle isn't running.  I tried to do a "Hang Loose" hand sign and ended up doing "Go Toros."  (I am a fan, buttttt...)  Its a good thing I don't belong to a gang, I would get myself killed doing the wrong gang signs.  But don't you think I make a great "Biker mamma missionary?"  Can't you just picture us out knocking on doors on one of these bad boys?  We could appeal to a whole new group of people who might be interested in the discussions if we showed up on this.  (Just kidding)

We cannot wait to see the grand kids this weekend.  We will leave Fri, after our shift and drive to Las Vegas to catch a flight to Phx.  We will attend Max's baptism on Saturday, then head back to St. George.  I can't wait for hugs and kisses from all the kids.  I really can't believe its been over 4 months since we have seen them.  I could hardly go a month without heading to CA to see those boys, then hurry home to see our AZ kiddies.  They are such a joy for us and truly enrich our lives.

Need to bring this epistle to a close.  We have a program at the Tabernacle tonight so need to get on our way.  Things are going great.  We are busy sharing the gospel with anyone who is willing to hear.  We pray we have planted a few seeds that will bloom.

We send love to all, please be safe.

Bruce and Dawna

Elder and Sister