Oh My Heaven's! I'm trying!

Well I feel terrible! I have tried every night to find a little extra time that would allow me to do some blogging, and every night I think about how I am not being able to stay in touch with so many people I truly love, because I have become busy! So tonight, instead of going to play volleyball with the women in the ward, I decided to take some personal time!

How fast time is going! It is November! There are so many fun things happening here, like SNOW. Cathy Nixon calls it "South Da-Snowda!" But I hear Utah had snow before we did! We are having amazing experiences with or without the snow!

If you can believe it, I saw my first live CAMEL in Minnesota at the Martin County Fair!

Thad is in Tractor heaven and loves the midwest farm communities because it reminds him of his Grandpa Ward. His Grandma Ward is still living on the farm. Grandpa passed away a year and 1/2 ago. It is Harvest time here, and now that the snow is officially here, Winter just arrived.

Over Conference weekend, we drove to Mom and Dad Larsons, and on our way, all of a sudden there was a huge road block! I have never seen that on the freeway. No getting through. So we had to drive through the corn fields to find another highway that would connect us some how! Crazy. Just across the barackade it says, "Minnesota Welcomes You!" Yeah, some welcome!

We have been so blessed to have been able to share in the fruits of Mom and Dad Larson's labors. They grew a beautiful garden, and every time we go to Northrup, MN we get to go produce shopping in their back yard! Thad pulled up potatoes, Mom picked the tomatos, I chose the cabbage and beets, and Dad helped with peppers and carrots! It is awesome! Thanks Mom and Dad Larson! Here is a picture that has gone through the ages!

We have been so blessed to find good friends here in Sioux Falls. We are grateful for our ward family and the many wonderful opportunities we have to serve and to do missionary work. One great connection I was blessed with was meeting the Stake President from Sioux City, Iowa, who invited me out to do a basketball camp for two Saturdays for 4th -6th graders. It has led to some talk of me working with a trainer who is developing individual camps and we will see where that takes us. It felt so great to be back on the basketball court and being with kids. I loved them!

We also are loving the humble people that are coming to know the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. We have a new friend named Dennis that has just set a baptismal date! He has been in our home several evenings with great searching of the gospel truths. He is having very trying times. Please remember him in your prayers. Missionary work is what we have been fasting and praying for as a ward, stake and family. There is so much to do to help the Lord invite all of his children to know of his truths. We are loving coming to know so many amazing people!

Thad continues to study very diligently. He is doing remarkably well. I am so proud of him. He is loving learning and really is grateful for this opportunity. He did go hunting for Pheasant last weekend. Although he didn't get anything, he had a great time with some of our friends.

Life is super. I apologize for my delay in message delivery! But I sure appreciate all of the love and support we receive from you are dear family and friends.

Know that we love you and pray for you daily!
Have a great week!