Ryder

 Yesterday after Ryder’s soccer practice his coach gave him a soccer “hat” to keep for a few days because he’s been improving so much! It was kind of an odd thing but it was also such a nice gesture. Ryder was excited about it.

We were able to have our Elders over for dinner tonight. Transfers are tomorrow and we’re losing Elder Scott which is sad but we’re happy that Elder Anderson will get to stay for another transfer! Kade has gotten along well with these Elders so it’s great that one will be staying. 

Ty

 Ty spoke in church today and gave such a great report about his mission and such a good talk about immersing yourself in the gospel and not letting other things take the gospel’s place in our life. He has matured so much and it was so so good to be there. We got to see a lot ot the Hobson’s as well and enjoyed a delicious steak taco meal with everyone. We left after eating to try and make it home before 10. The whole trip was less than 24 hours but it was definitely worth it to give Ty a hug. We love him! He’s Kade’s closest cousin and I’m glad we were able to make it down there.

Baccalaureate, Elder Petty

 We had to say goodbye to Elder Petty for the third time. Luke gave him the biggest bear hug. He’s definitely one of our most favorite missionaries and we will miss him! He’s headed to his last transfer area. While we were talking with Elder Petty and Elder Taff, Kade came home from tracting with Elder Braby and Elder Trottier. He looked like a missionary sitting with Elder Petty and Elder Taff! 😆 The elders had some great mission advice for Kade which I really appreciated.

Kade said he had a great time tracting. They knocked on 20 doors but only five people answered. They let Kade knock on a door and when they answered he said, “Hi, we’re missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, would you like to hear a message about Jesus?” The lady was nice but did say no. It sounded like he did such a great job! I’m glad he got to have that expression.

Tonight Kade sang with his choir at Baccalaureate which is a traditional non denominational church service for the seniors before the actual graduation ceremony. The school has asked several different religions in the city to host before, but this year they asked our church to host it. Our Bishop spoke and the youth we know shared scriptures. Kade’s choir sang an arrangement of Homeward Bound by Mack Wilburn with the orchestra accompanying them. It was amazing!! It really was so uplifting and all those who participated did such an amazing job. I’m glad we were able to be there.

Missionaries

 We got to have six missionaries over for dinner tonight and I loved it. They are my favorite. They’re so happy,  genuine, humble and kind and we’re grateful to have them serving here. I love the example they are to my kids and the wonderful spiritual messages they leave with us. It felt like summer today so we grilled chicken for chicken burgers and made homemade ice cream. It was so yummy!

Luke got a puzzle at piano lessons today for being a super reader! He and I did it together once and then he put it together on his own three times after that. He loves puzzles.

Missionaries

 I received a fun and exciting phone this morning. Elder Petty called to tell me that he was coming back to Great Falls for his next transfer! He won’t be serving in our ward but he wanted to come say hi. We got to have him and his new companion over for dinner tonight. It was so good to see him again!! His companion Elder Taff is a great missionary too. We’ve been so lucky to have so many great missionaries serve in Great Falls and to be able to get to know them all. They’re hard working, dedicated young people. I love hearing them share their testimonies and I love the example they are for my kids.

Elder Despain

 We’re losing another great Elder! Elder Despain has been serving in our ward for 3 months now and has been awesome. Kade really gets along with him and they were taking down cattle together on Monday. But he’s headed off to a new area tomorrow. He came over for a quick goodbye tonight. We will miss him!!

Stake Missionary Transfer Dinners

 We got to host the stake missionary transfer dinner tonight. It’s so much fun to see all the missionaries get together and get to hang out with each other. They’re all so happy, so kind, and so full of light! I love them all! My kids were such big helps with getting everything ready for the dinner. I couldn’t love them any more. I’m grateful for their willingness to serve and to be at the church for an additional two house tonight!

Our Elders

 For the past three months we have had the most amazing missionaries serving in our ward. They just got news last night that they are both getting transferred. We will miss them! We had them over for dinner tonight one last time and had a great time!

Christmas Eve Dinner with the Elders

 Christmas time with young kids in the house is the best! Ryder and Luke were so excited for today. We did a lot of baking today and a lot of wrapping. The kids also delivered a lot of gifts to our neighbors. We got to have our missionaries over for dinner tonight. They are the best and may very well be our favorites! We had a delicious dinner and then played a fun game of Settlers of Catan. 

The kids opened their pjs and we had a sweet little devotional and the kids went to bed so willingly because they’re so excited for tomorrow!