Smithfield... Something

Still trying to decide on our post title...

I wrote to Emma last week and listed all that had happened in the past 25 days:  Braden got married; Grandpa passed away; we planned, prepared and held his visitations and funeral; We offered and counteroffered to buy a home, which was accepted after the second time; we applied for, gathered information for and were approved for a mortgage in 21 days (which often takes up to 6 weeks here); I taught a baptism lesson to a less active family’s little 8 year old boy (which was a big deal for me!); Dad and I both spoke at his YSA Stake Conference – Dad spoke 3 different times and I spoke at the Saturday evening session; we told Brother Zook we were moving and took everything out of the townhouse and cleaned it top to bottom; we delivered poinsettias to the ladies I’ve been ministering to, as well as a few others; written countless thank you notes; and moved all of our stuff to a new home; had Thanksgiving dinner in our new home; ripped the basement carpet out; painted a purple bedroom (well, it was actually a lavender color) and met a couple of new neighbors. We did all this while trying to maintain a semblance of “normalcy” in our lives – writing to and shopping for our missionary, paying bills, doing prenatal visits, preparing meals, doing church work, etc. There are some months that are record landmark months, I guess. It really was a whirlwind and we are ready to have calmer days for a while.

We are delighted with Jenn's news and are keeping it hush-hush, as requested, but can't help thinking about it many times each day. Such a blessing. Such a miracle.

We were beyond grateful to the Nilssons and Harts for coming to help us get moved and begin the improvements in the basement. Surely wouldn't have happened without all of you! Our deepest thanks to all!

Sickness has been prevalent and we have been very glad to not have participated in it. We do hope the Mannings and Nilssons and Harts and little Joy are all feeling better now.

That's about all to report. We are just trying each day to get a little more settled. I met the bishop yesterday at church. He's nice. We've met a couple of neighbors. They seem nice too. It will be a nice place to live.  Oh, we did go cut our Christmas tree today. We didn't have to worry so much about the height because our ceilings are taller than before. There was deep snow on the mountain, so it was fun.

Maybe all of you could pray for Emma. She is struggling a little. She was told by one of the Sister Training Leaders that the president said, "If anyone can help Sister Koerner (Emma's companion), Sister Belliston can." I think you know what that means. It's a really, really rough time for her right now. Lots of responsibility and a difficult assignment. She could use some extra prayers.

We love reading the updates and are glad when you all contribute! Can't wait to see most of you over the holidays!