July notes from mom

Hermana Rigby, 

 Hey sis, can you believe it’s July? I loved your video of the 4th of July war zone- crazy cool! Sunday afternoon- Adelaide gave a good talk and the dinner afterwards was fun. When we got home I took a fat nap and then aunt Wendy brought gma and gpa to second East for ice cream, and we played rook- it was the first time it felt like summer to me🤩 Monday and Tuesday I did laundry, grocery shopping, went to the gym, and I went walking with Julene and Anne. I like routine. Wednesday and Thursday we celebrated with some fishing, a side by side ride and fireworks. Dad and maleck spent a bit of $$, so it was fun and noisy. Friday and Saturday- back to work- laundry, cleaning etc. I really enjoyed CFM this week- I love the book of Alma and the stories of Alma and amulek’s missionary work.

 Maleck did a bit of studying with me so that was nice. Maleck is getting anxious about football, and he is having tech problems with his Canvas course for driver’s Ed. He is soo handsome and fun. Madsen had a rough week. I think going to therapy kind of stirred things up a bit. But I am super proud of him for going! 

 Amanda and Stockton are getting used to all the things newly married couples have to get used to plus a baby on the way. Stockton is stressed about school and taking care of Amanda. Amanda is tired and emotional- we saw them for a minute on the 4th, but that was it😢 

 Seleck and leydi came down for a few days. Bella is getting so big. Leydi is doing well selling Greenway products on line, and seleck has another client he is helping with bookkeeping. They are both working hard. Me- hmmm- I think I am depressed or need to try some other medication- not sure. This keto diet is hard- sugar brings a lot of JOY. However, I am finding joy in the journey and focusing on the positive. Thanks for asking me to send you family pioneer stories. It has really comforted me and strengthened my testimony! 

 Dad- still working a lot. He seemed to enjoy being in the mountains for a bit- I am so glad. Seeing him with Bella brings back A LOT of memories - with u kids. He is such a cute grandpa🩷 he is conducting sacrament meeting this month. He puts a lot of effort into planning sacrament meetings. I enjoy watching him prepare and communicate with the spirit. I love him sooooo much! I can’t wait to talk to you on Monday. Emma you are a part of the great work. Gathering Israel is the most important work. Thanks for enlisting as as one of God’s soldiers. I love your letters, your stories, your photos, your videos. I am soooo proud of you! Keep up the good work!

 Xoxoxoxodoxoxoxoxx God speed, I love you, mom Hola Hermana, Ca pasa? He Em, sorry I didn't get this off last night. I was up late trying to help Madsen. I just came from the morning check of the car wash.... lucky me. Dad has gone to meetings, and Maleck and Madsen are snoozing. So here it goes, the weekly update! 

 Sunday- Saturday night we traveled to Magna for Bella's blessing. Seleck did a great job, and it was nice to attend church with their beautiful ward family. Afterwards, we had a lovely lunch in their garage. Afterwards. our crew traveled home, and I drove grandma and grandpa to Nampa to see Aunt Wendy. That evening we visited a bit and gma and gpa were able to see Blaine before he left for work (he is on a road crew that works during the nights). My ride with gm and gpa was highly entertaining. Monday- Due to the 6 dogs at Aunt Wendy's and the six people, Aunt Wendy got us a motel. I hardly slept because I am an extremely light sleeper and gma and gpa breathe loudly, snore, and get up and down all night.

 Monday morning I went for a walk/jog in the charming downtown historic Nampa. I loved it. Later that morning we hit a charming little bookstore and went to the Veteran's Memorial at Nampa City hall. We then got gpa settled watching movies, and went shopping with gma. In the afternoon, gma and gpa got settled reading and napping, and Aunt Wendy took me school clothes shopping- she was extremely helpful, and we had a great time. Uncle Rick made us a great dinner and it was fun to visit with Juan, Taylor, and Sydnee. Juan is by far my favorite nephew in law. What a sweetie. Tuesday- Monday night I slept and Aunt Wendy's- thankfully. Tuesday morning we went on a lovely walk and chatted our worries and troubles away. . 

Tuesday morning we drove to Caldwell where Juan and Taylor are building a house. It is super cute. That evening Josh came by, and we enjoyed a very nice visit with Josh. Wednesday- Aunt Wendy and I made the very long 10 hour drive with our 83 year old parents. It was a hoot with 

 Thursday- morning walk with Aunt Wendy, and then the gym. I caught up on house chores, got Maleck to physical therapy, helped dad with a few errands, cleaned cupboards and the hood of the stove, and cupboards- so much fun, but it made dad unbelievably happy. 

 Friday- Morning walk with Aunt Wendy, went to the gym, did more laundry, house cleaning etc. In the evening was Japrix and Krue's reception. It was lovely. Dad did a great job hanging the lights. I spent the entire night scooping ice cream, so I did not visit much with anyone, but I had fun with Aunt Wendy.

 Saturday- Japrix and Krue got married in the St. George temple. The sealer was incredible. She looked very happy. Afterwards; we enjoyed a catered lunch at a nearby church, and then we came home. I hurt my back deadlifting, so I fell asleep on a heating pad- I don't recommend this in a house where the air conditioner is not working and it is super hot outside. Sunday morning- here I am- So there is your weekly update.

 Family update: Seleck, Leydi, and Bella- It was nice to enjoy time with them here, and then stay at their home last Saturday night. They are so very sweet. Stockton and Amanda- Stockton works really hard at taking care of Amanda. Amanda has been very ill this past week. The heat wave here has not helped. She is having difficulty with her gallbladder which is causing some difficulty. Baby Steele is fine though and Amanda is toughing it out. Stockton is trying his best to work and care for Amanda. Madsen-simply put he is miserable, is making little to no progress, and we need to get him out of the Cedar Store as the general manager. Maleck- he is in extreme knee pain- his condition has a name but it is too hard to spell. Simply put his bones are growing so fast that his tendons and muscles can't keep up! He will go to PT twice a week for the next 6 months. He must do exercises twice daily, ice everyday multiple time, and take ibuprofen/ Me- other than the back pain, I am doing much better than before. spending time with my sister has really helped. This week, I plan on dedicating myself to my teaching for the next year. I am actually excited to go back. There are much needed changes I need to make in my curriculum and my student teacher interaction. Dad- He has hurt his back too. He is so kind and giving. I admire him. We are getting along well and are focusing on supporting each other through our trials. As always, the BEST part of my week is tomorrow when I talk to you! Congrats on Cesar! I hope you have a very nice sabbath day. I love and miss you Emma - we all do! Keep up the great work- study Alma 17-22- these chapters are absolutely fire!

 God speed, XOXOXOXOX,

 mom Hermana, Hey sis, it has been an interesting week …. So many emotions, and goodness it has been hot. Maleck had football camp Monday through Thursday, so I watched a lot of football, and I fed him a lot of food. He did well, and he is learning much. So proud of him🩷 On Tuesday, dad and I attended the pre trial for brother Stolworthy. Seeing him in shackles and an orange jumpsuit was super tough. Poor Julia. And the kids😢. He is presently out on bail awaiting trial. Wednesday I attended a collaboration day with the English department. Kaeli and I planned a lot , and so did Emalee and I. It was good to see everyone. I have just two more weeks of my summer vacay😢😢😢 Thursday and Friday I played catch up - you know the drill. Saturday, we celebrated the life of sister grimshaw. The funeral was beautiful as we the cemetery and luncheon. It was wonderful to visit with old ward members. The Zortmans came down from northern utah as did the morgans, and visited with Many ward members we no longer see due to the ward split. Everyone asked about you including President Romeril. He says to say hi! Sister grimshaw was an amazing woman. I have had so many spiritual experiences of which she was a part. I will miss her dearly. I will forever be grateful that she has been such an integral part of my life. In my spare time, I have been reading Farenheit 451, working on my poetry unit and preparing for my gospel doctrine lesson I teach today. It has been blazing hot here, but finally last night I enjoyed sitting on the back porch. I haven’t hear much from seleck, leydi and Bella this week. Stockton and Amanda came to the funeral. That was nice. Madsen has been a roller coaster this week. Maleck eats a ton. Abi arrived in Peru safely and Lily made it to the MTC.

 I love you Emma. I am so excited fo talk to you tomorrow and hear about your week. God speed…. Happy 6 month tomorrow!

  Xoxoxoxo, mom