12/23/18 - Family Letter to Emma

hi Emma

Merry Christmas or i like to say Christmas me😊

We got your package. I can't wait to open it!!!!!!!!!

I am so existed for your call !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Christmas is not the same😟.

Any way ... SCHOOL'S OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!🤪😜😋😇😀😀😎😎😎😙

QUICK Q what do you want for Christmas and what your favorite animal ?🤔

l.o.l = lots of love

                       Mari

Girls are weird Emma,

Just today, Autumn's friend Raven asked me if I could

accept a plate of cookies made by her, but pretend there from Autumn.

Why?

Also I got kind of sick.

We also raised $27,162.43 for the

Leukemia and lymphoma society

How you doing?

Holiday love from

Hyrum

M,

It has been fun to think of you being in a hot and humid region during Christmas.  It is freezing here.  We went to Temple Square and saw the light this past week.  All the Sisters were on the steps of the Tabernacle caroling.  We all thought of you.  When they were done we cheered and wished them a loud Merry Christmas.  It got a reaction from the Sisters which made us think most people do not cheer them on.  We knew you would appreciate someone loudly cheering you on so we did not feel bad.

A few updated form the week.  Mari had her big COPA event.  Her class performed some songs from Grease.  Mari did not need any help with her stage presence.  If anything she needs to dial it back some.  She had her head wagging while she sang "You better shape up".  Eve had her big solo with the Orchestra and crushed it.  I was not in attendance as I went to support Mari.  She had many strangers approach her to express how well she did.  Eve played cello with the choir and did very well.  It has been a while since we went to a Christmas vocal concert. 

We got your package and per your instructions we have not opened it yet.  We will wait until we talk with you.  Brennan texted your Mom about being here when you call.  She suggested he let it just be the family so you can stay focused on the mission.  We might have some family over when you call depending on when you call.  Grandma Charlene in the morning.  Grandpa George and Grandma and Grandpa Barlow in the afternoon.  We will make sure the Skype is working and will be ready for Christmas Day.

Love ya kid

Dad

We are working on our Christmas Eve talent.  It will either be epic or an eye roll. 

Luke 2:1-20

Sweet Emma,

We are so excited to talk to you on Christmas!  Thanks for the package too!

It was a really busy week finishing up performances etc.  Everyone did great!  Eve and I played violin/cello with the ward choir today. Dad sang bass.  Other than the Barlow Christmas Eve party, we are done!  It will be nice to have a break!

We had Grandma and Grandpa Barlow, Grandma Mildred and Grandpops over for dinner tonight to celebrate Joseph Smith's birthday #213!  We had a great discussion about the new "Saints" book and we answered some of Grandpops' questions. 

How are the people in Brazil feeling about the new changes (2 hour church/home based church, early progression to YW/YM etc)?  It's really exciting to be in a living church with regular revelation from Jesus Christ.

As Dad said, Brennan texted me asking to come to the Christmas phone call.  I told him that we would like keep it family to help you stay focused.  I told him I appreciated his understanding.

Grandma Shea is finally starting to talk about selling her house.  As she is going blind, she is starting to think of other options.  Please pray for her and her situation.  I think she is scared. 

I am in Mormon 8 with President Nelson's challenge.  I have LOVED reading the Book of Mormon this quickly (I've never read it this fast before) and it is an incredible story!  Dad said he read it quickly on his mission and he gained greater insight than before.  I love how there's new stuff to learn each time!  It's truly another testament of Jesus Christ.

Have a wonderful Christmas week!

Sending lots of hugs and we'll talk to you soon!

💜Mom