Daniel was in his first orchestra concert at Millard South High School in October.  It was wonderful!  He did very well and looked so sharp.  He took his own cello with him because it sounds so much better then the schools instruments.  His teacher is a real ball of fire which makes it very fun to watch her lead.  The kids really respond to her and you can tell that they all enjoy themselves as they play. Great Job, Dan!! 

Number Three

Yet another wonderful group of missionaries entered the Nebraska Omaha Mission this month. President Kunz and I can never get over the spiritual depth and preparation of these young people.  It's so fun to see them come off the plane, all smiles and excitement.  We just feel so blessed to be the ones privileged to meet them there!  They have dinner and training and the Trail Center Tour and then off they go.  This is the greatest calling in the world to be able to be a part of their lives for just a short time and see them grow and develop in the gospel.  How pleased the Lord must be with them!

Snow in October!

Once there was a snowman, snowman, snowman, once there was a snowman, tall, tall, tall, tall, tall...

Imagine our surprise to wake up to five inches of snow the day after a sunny, sweater day!  Dad and Dan went down to the little park by our home and built a seven foot snowman.  He lasted for many days after the rest of the snow melted and eventually became a little ball in a field of lovely green grass.

SURPRISE!!!!!

For his 55th birthday Dad received the surprise of his life! A whole zone of missionaries was hiding in the kitchen when he walked through the door. They had decorated the house and designed a very original cake with the word's "to the hardest working mission president" set next to a photo of him sound asleep in the back of the car. Then they had purchased a suit from Good Will that they all signed. Their plan is that every missionary who comes through during our three years will sign it. Wow....what a treasure! He received over a hundred beautiful letters from the missionaries with many words of love and support. Dad said that of all his many birthdays this one ranked up there as one of his best! Matthew especially enjoyed all the balloons left over after the party ended!

Mission Tour

Elder Sybrowsky of the Seventy and his lovely wife came for a Mission Tour in September. They stayed with us in the mission home and it was such a pleasure to get to know them and to learn from them.  What inspired and wise people they are.  They spoke in two zone conferences and in a few smaller meetings and each time I felt such a wonderful spirit.  Many of the things they said and did had such a powerful influence that both Milan and I felt that it would be the beginning of much change and growth in the mission.  By the time they left we felt that we had two very dear and lifelong friends.

Preparation Day

On one of our "preparation days" we were invited to go fishing at a members club park.  It was gorgeous.  He had invited a few of his friends as well, including some of our missionaries, to join him. We had some great gospel conversations and even caught a few fish too.  This was a 'catch and release' pond, lucky for the little turtle that Elder Jones caught who just couldn't resist those fat, juicy worms.

Quilts on Parade

The Mormon Trail Center hosted a wonderful quilt display that drew many visitors last month.  The Sister Missionaries gave tours wearing little white gloves so that they could handle the quilts and show visitors the backs. There were many beautiful quilts featuring family memories, important dates, baptismal reminders, and even a little quilt that was actually a matching game for children.  The real draw though, was a quilt supposedly made by Emma Smith.  This pictures shows Sister Gingrich giving her wonderful tour.  What a cutie!