April and May letters from mom-xoxoxo
April 1, 2025
Hermana,
A Perfect Brightness of Hope
Because the Restoration reaffirmed the foundational truth that God does work in this world, we can hope, we should hope, even when facing the most insurmountable odds.
Last October, President Russell M. Nelson invited us to look ahead to this April 2020 conference by each of us in our own way looking back to see the majesty of God’s hand in restoring the gospel of Jesus Christ. Sister Holland and I took that prophetic invitation seriously. We imagined ourselves living in the early 1800s, looking at the religious beliefs of that day. In that imagined setting, we asked ourselves, “What’s missing here? What do we wish we had? What do we hope God will provide in response to our spiritual longing?”
Well, for one thing, we realized that two centuries ago we would have dearly hoped for the restoration of a truer concept of God than most in that day had, hidden as He often seemed to be behind centuries of error and misunderstanding. To borrow a phrase from William Ellery Channing, a prominent religious figure of the day, we would have looked for the “parental character of God,” which Channing considered “the first great doctrine of Christianity.” Such a doctrine would have recognized Deity as a caring Father in Heaven, rather than a harsh judge dispensing stern justice or as an absentee landlord who had once been engaged in earthly matters but was now preoccupied somewhere else in the universe.
Yes, our hopes in 1820 would have been to find God speaking and guiding as openly in the present as He did in the past, a true Father, in the most loving sense of that word. He certainly would not have been a cold, arbitrary autocrat who predestined a select few for salvation and then consigned the rest of the human family to damnation. No, He would be one whose every action, by divine declaration, would be “for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world” and every inhabitant in it. That love would be His ultimate reason for sending Jesus Christ, His Only Begotten Son, to the earth.
Speaking of Jesus, had we lived in those first years of the 19th century, we would have realized with great alarm that doubts about the reality of the Savior’s life and Resurrection were beginning to take significant hold within Christendom. Therefore, we would have hoped for evidence to come to the whole world that would confirm the biblical witness that Jesus is the Christ, the literal Son of God, Alpha and Omega, and the only Savior this world will ever know. It would have been among our dearest hopes that other scriptural evidence be brought forward, something that could constitute another testament of Jesus Christ, enlarging and enhancing our knowledge of His miraculous birth, wondrous ministry, atoning sacrifice, and glorious Resurrection. Truly such a document would be “righteousness [sent] down out of heaven; and truth [sent] forth out of the earth.”
Observing the Christian world in that day, we would have hoped to find someone authorized by God with true priesthood authority who could baptize us, bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost, and administer all gospel ordinances necessary for exaltation. In 1820, we would have hoped to see fulfilled the eloquent promises of Isaiah, Micah, and other ancient prophets regarding the return of the majestic house of the Lord. We would have thrilled to see the glory of holy temples established again, with the Spirit, the ordinances, the power, and the authority to teach eternal truths, heal personal wounds, and bind families together forever. I would have looked anywhere and everywhere to find someone authorized to say to me and my beloved Patricia that our marriage in such a setting was sealed for time and all eternity, never to hear or have imposed on us the haunting curse “until death do you part.” I know that “in [our] Father’s house are many mansions,” but, speaking personally, if I were to be so fortunate as to inherit one of them, it could be no more to me than a decaying shack if Pat and our children were not with me to share that inheritance. And for our ancestors, some of whom lived and died anciently without even hearing the name of Jesus Christ, we would have hoped for that most just and merciful of biblical concepts to be restored—the practice of the living offering up saving ordinances on behalf of their kindred dead. No practice I can imagine would demonstrate with more splendor a loving God’s concern for every one of His earthly children no matter when they lived nor where they died.
Well, our 1820 list of hopes could go on, but perhaps the most important message of the Restoration is that such hopes would not have been in vain. Beginning in the Sacred Grove and continuing to this day, these desires began to be clothed in reality and became, as the Apostle Paul and others taught, true anchors to the soul, sure and steadfast. What was once only hoped for has now become history.
Thus our look back at 200 years of God’s goodness to the world. But what of our look ahead? We still have hopes that have not yet been fulfilled. Even as we speak, we are waging an “all hands on deck” war with COVID-19, a solemn reminder that a virus 1,000 times smaller than a grain of sand can bring entire populations and global economies to their knees. We pray for those who have lost loved ones in this modern plague, as well as for those who are currently infected or at risk. We certainly pray for those who are giving such magnificent health care. When we have conquered this—and we will—may we be equally committed to freeing the world from the virus of hunger, freeing neighborhoods and nations from the virus of poverty. May we hope for schools where students are taught—not terrified they will be shot—and for the gift of personal dignity for every child of God, unmarred by any form of racial, ethnic, or religious prejudice. Undergirding all of this is our relentless hope for greater devotion to the two greatest of all commandments: to love God by keeping His counsel and to love our neighbors by showing kindness and compassion, patience and forgiveness. These two divine directives are still—and forever will be—the only real hope we have for giving our children a better world than the one they now know.
In addition to having these global desires, many in this audience today have deeply personal hopes: hope for a marriage to improve, or sometimes just hope for a marriage; hope for an addiction to be conquered; hope for a wayward child to come back; hope for physical and emotional pain of a hundred kinds to cease. Because the Restoration reaffirmed the foundational truth that God does work in this world, we can hope, we should hope, even when facing the most insurmountable odds. That is what the scripture meant when Abraham was able to hope against hope—that is, he was able to believe in spite of every reason not to believe—that he and Sarah could conceive a child when that seemed utterly impossible. So, I ask, “If so many of our 1820 hopes could begin to be fulfilled with a flash of divine light to a mere boy kneeling in a patch of trees in upstate New York, why should we not hope that righteous desires and Christlike yearnings can still be marvelously, miraculously answered by the God of all hope?” We all need to believe that what we desire in righteousness can someday, someway, somehow yet be ours.
Brothers and sisters, we know what some of the religious deficiencies in the early 19th century were. Furthermore, we know something of today’s religious shortcomings that still leave the hunger and hope of some unfulfilled. We know a variety of those dissatisfactions are leading some away from traditional ecclesiastical institutions. We also know, as one frustrated writer wrote, that “many religious leaders [of the day] seem clueless” in addressing this kind of decline, offering in response “a thin gruel of therapeutic deism, cheap symbolic activism, carefully couched heresy, [or sometimes just] uninspiring nonsense”—and all at a time when the world needs so much more, when the rising generation deserves so much more, and when in Jesus’s day He offered so much more. As disciples of Christ, we can in our day rise above those ancient Israelites who moaned, “Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost.” Indeed, if we finally lose hope, we lose our last sustaining possession. It was over the very gate of hell that Dante wrote a warning to all those traveling through his Divina Commedia: “Abandon all hope,” he said, “ye who enter here.” Truly when hope is gone, what we have left is the flame of the inferno raging on every side.
So, when our backs are to the wall and, as the hymn says, “other helpers fail and comforts flee,” among our most indispensable virtues will be this precious gift of hope linked inextricably to our faith in God and our charity to others.
In this bicentennial year, when we look back to see all we have been given and rejoice in the realization of so many hopes fulfilled, I echo the sentiment of a beautiful young returned sister missionary who said to us in Johannesburg just a few months ago, “[We] did not come this far only to come this far.”
Paraphrasing one of the most inspiring valedictories ever recorded in scripture, I say with the prophet Nephi and that young sister:
“My beloved brethren [and sisters], after ye have [received these first fruits of the Restoration], I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay. …
“… Ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. … If ye shall[,] … saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.”
I give thanks, my brothers and sisters, for all we have been given in this last and greatest of all dispensations, the dispensation of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. The gifts and blessings that flow from that gospel mean everything to me—everything—so in an effort to thank my Father in Heaven for them, I have “promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep.” May we press forward with love in our hearts, walking in the “brightness of hope” that lights the path of holy anticipation we have been on now for 200 years. I testify that the future is going to be as miracle-filled and bountifully blessed as the past has been. We have every reason to hope for blessings even greater than those we have already received because this is the work of Almighty God, this is the Church of continuing revelation, this is the gospel of Christ’s unlimited grace and benevolence. I bear witness to all of these truths and so much more in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
April 2, 2025
Message of Hope
April 3, 2025
Enjoy this talk- I love it on so many levels- pray for maleck tomorrow- Friday is election day.
Building a Community of Saints
By Elder L. Tom Perry
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
By Elder L. Tom Perry
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
In any community of Saints, we all work to serve each other in the best way we know how. Our work has a higher purpose because it is work to bless others and to build the kingdom of God.
We all have life events that, when we recall them years later, acquire new and important meaning. When I was in junior high, I was honored by the school administration when I was asked to become a member of the student hall patrol. On the days we were assigned to be on hall patrol, we were instructed to bring our lunch to school and eat it together. It was always a special treat, and there was always a lot of competition to see whose mother had prepared the most desirable lunch. Often we traded lunch items among ourselves.
One day when I was assigned to be on hall patrol, I forgot to tell Mother that I needed a lunch until I was almost ready to leave for school. An expression of concern came over Mother’s face when I requested a lunch. She told me that she had just used up her last loaf of bread for breakfast and would not be baking until that afternoon. All she had in the house to make a lunch was a large sweet roll left over from the previous night’s supper. Mother made delicious sweet rolls. She always arranged them in a pan so there was one large one across the top of the pan and then rows of smaller ones down the length of the pan. Only the large one remained. It was about the size of a loaf of bread in length but, of course, not in thickness. I was embarrassed to take just a sweet roll for lunch when I imagined what the other patrol members would have, but I decided it was better to go with the sweet roll than go without lunch.
When it came time to eat lunch, I went to a far-off corner so I wouldn’t be noticed. When the trading of lunches started, my friends wanted to know what I had. I explained what had happened that morning, and to my dismay, everyone wanted to see the sweet roll. But my friends surprised me—instead of making fun of me, they all wanted to have a piece of the sweet roll! It turned out to be my best lunch trading day of the entire year! The sweet roll that I thought would be an embarrassment to me turned out to be the hit of our lunch hour.
As I have reflected on this experience, it has occurred to me that it is often part of human nature to attach less value to familiar things simply because they are so common to us. One of these familiar things could be our membership in the restored Church.
What the members of the Church possess is a “pearl of great price,” yet sometimes this priceless gem is so familiar to us that we do not appreciate its true value. While it is true that we should not cast our pearls before swine, this does not mean we should not share them with people who will appreciate their value. One of the greatest side benefits of missionary work is watching the great value that others who have not previously heard about our beliefs attach to them. There is a great benefit in seeing one’s treasures through someone else’s eyes. My concern is that we often take for granted the unique and valuable blessings that we have of membership in the Lord’s Church, and in such a state of underappreciation we are more likely to be complacent about our Church membership and are less valiant contributors to building a community of Saints.
We are blessed with a great and noble heritage that offers a pathway to truth that veers dramatically from the so-called ways of the world. We need to remind ourselves about the value of our heritage so we do not underestimate its worth. I challenge the many Saints who are hiding in the corners to stand tall and proclaim loudly the treasured teachings of our common heritage, not with a spirit of pride or boasting but with a spirit of confidence and conviction.
Something about which I am most proud is how our forefathers, through their faith in God and their industry and perseverance, turned places that nobody wanted into beautiful cities.
When Joseph Smith was incarcerated in Liberty Jail, with no prospect of release, an extermination order had been issued against the Saints. This made it necessary for Brigham Young to organize the Saints to move them from Missouri. The migration from Missouri in February of 1839 caused many to complain that the Lord had forsaken His people. Some of the Church members questioned the wisdom of once again gathering the Saints together in one location.
Crossing the Mississippi River and pausing in some of the smaller communities along its banks proved to be a respite necessary for the membership to receive new direction from their leaders. The Prophet Joseph Smith wrote from Liberty Jail, encouraging the Saints not to scatter but to gather together, then build from centers of strength.
In April of that year, Joseph and Hyrum and their fellow prisoners were allowed to escape from the jail in Missouri. They arrived in Quincy, Illinois, on the 22nd day of April of 1839. The Prophet immediately went to work to find a place to gather the Saints. He found a spot on the banks of the Mississippi River that looked like it had promise. He named the city Nauvoo, meaning “beautiful,” but at that time it was anything but beautiful. It was a swampy peninsula that had not been drained. Out of the swamp-infested land rose a city that could truly be called beautiful.
The first homes in Nauvoo were huts, tents, and a few abandoned buildings. Then the Saints started to build log cabins. As time and capital would allow, framed buildings were erected, and, still later, more substantial brick buildings were built.
The Prophet had a design to build a community of Saints. He had three major objectives: first, economic; second, educational; and third, spiritual.
The Prophet Joseph Smith’s desire was that the Saints should become economically self-sufficient. Our Father in Heaven has given all of His children everything they have—their talents, their abilities, their material goods—and has made them stewards over these blessings.
A treasured remnant of our heritage of economic self-sufficiency is the Church Welfare Services program. It has two key ingredients. The first is the principle of love, and the second is that of work. The principle of love is the motivating power that moves us to give our time, money, and services to this wonderful program. John the Beloved wrote:
“Let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
“He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. …
“Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another” (1 Jn. 4:7–9, 11).
Then in 1 John, the third chapter, he wrote: “But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?” (1 Jn. 3:17).
It is our understanding of the principle of love that encourages us to give generously to the fast offerings, a wonderful, revealed system in which on the first Sunday of each month we voluntarily refrain from eating two meals and contribute the cost of those meals to our bishop. He then has the resources to help him help those in need. The system is mostly painless, and it raises our appreciation for those who are without and provides a means to satisfy their daily requirements.
May the Lord continue to bless us with the desire to love one another and give generously based on the principle of the fast.
The second basic principle is that of work. Work is just as important to the success of the Lord’s economic plan as the commandment to love our neighbor.
In the Doctrine and Covenants we read:
“Now, I, the Lord, am not well pleased with the inhabitants of Zion, for there are idlers among them; and their children are also growing up in wickedness; they also seek not earnestly the riches of eternity, but their eyes are full of greediness.
“These things ought not to be, and must be done away from among them” (D&C 68:31–32).
I have a special concern about the Lord’s reference to our children. We see evidence of many parents who overindulge their children without adding sufficient training about the value of work.
In any community of Saints, we all work to serve each other in the best way we know how. Our work has a higher purpose because it is work to bless others and to build the kingdom of God.
The second requirement in the Prophet Joseph’s community of Saints was that of education. As early as 1840, when he applied for the incorporation of Nauvoo, he also asked for authority to establish a university.
From the Encyclopedia of Mormonism we read, “Educational ideas and practices of the Church grew directly out of certain revelations received by Joseph Smith that emphasize the eternal nature of knowledge and the vital role learning plays in the spiritual, moral, and intellectual development of mankind” (“Education,” in Daniel H. Ludlow, ed., Encyclopedia of Mormonism, 5 vols. [1992], 2:441).
There are verses in our modern scripture that make special mention of the importance of secular and spiritual learning. A few of these are, first from the Book of Mormon, “But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God” (2 Ne. 9:29).
And from the Doctrine and Covenants:
“Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection.
“And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come” (D&C 130:18–19).
From the Articles of Faith, “If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things” (A of F 1:13).
The final desire of the Prophet Joseph Smith was to build a community of spiritual Saints. This begins in the home. The most important instruction our children will ever receive will be that which parents give to them in their own home, if parents diligently teach their children the way our Father in Heaven would like them to follow. One instruction our leaders have given us is to hold regular family home evenings where we can meet together weekly, learn gospel principles, and build family unity. Here we can counsel together, read the scriptures, pray together, and play together. Our greatest goal is to become an eternal family. We build a community of Saints one family at a time.
To enable the eternal family, a magnificent temple was constructed in Nauvoo. It stood as a beacon to remind all the people that the most important blessings in life are spiritual blessings. In the temple, sacred covenants are made and the saving ordinances of the gospel are administered. Repeated visits to the temple give us an opportunity of renewing these covenants and performing ordinances vicariously for those who have died without these blessings.
We now have temples scattered throughout the earth, giving many more the chance to receive the necessary ordinances to qualify for life eternal. Those who are worthy to enter the temple will receive great spiritual blessings if they continue to serve in faithfulness and keep their covenants. The Lord blesses His people when they keep His commandments and frequently visit His house. In God’s eternal plan, our temples are gathering places for communities of Saints working to build Zion.
Our community of Saints is not one of exclusion but one of inclusion, built upon a foundation of apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone (see Eph. 2:20). It is open to all of us who love, appreciate, and have compassion for our Father in Heaven’s children. The dual foundations of our economic welfare are the principles of charity and hard work. It is a progressive community in which we educate our youth in courtesy and civility and also in the deeper truths of the restored gospel. Our community has a spiritual center, allowing us to live with the companionship of the Holy Spirit that guides and directs us in our lives.
May God grant unto us the desire to live closer to Him so we may enjoy the blessings of peace, harmony, security, and love for all mankind—the hallmarks of a community that is one with Him. He is our God. We are His children. This is my witness to you in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Note
Historical information is from Church History in the Fulness of Times, 2nd ed. (Church Educational System manual, 2000), 193–223.
April 4, 2025
Maleck won the election! Hurrah. He was super stoked. My heart was beating really fast as I viewed the results!
He has also started having private basketball coaching sessions this week as well as lifting 5 times a week. Spring football will begin after spring break.
We gathered tonight for gma and gpa’s bdays tonight over pizza and birthday cake. It was a simple and sweet and of course we played a game of old maid - gpa started and ended with the Old Gal
Yesterday I took Bella on a walk for 3 miles in the snow and then o took Steele on a walk for 3 miles. They are the CUTEST!
We have seen a lot of business miracles this past week- thank you for your prayers. I will let dad share the experiences with you!
I am putting your Easter package in the mail tomorrow. Please wait to open it on Easter! You should get a package from dad this Tuesday!
I hope you had a good day! I love you!
Xoxoxox, momma shake
April 6, 2025
Hermana,
15 new temples can you believe it? I can’t wait to hear about your favorite talk. I wrote you a really nice email last night and it didn’t send
I am so sorry! It’s 9 pm and dad is asleep and my eyes are heavy. I have third period prep tomorrow and don’t forget our yoga date at 5.
Tomorrow is going to be a great day!
Xoxoxoxo, momma shake
April 8, 2025
Hi sis, mi Hermana…
I am all tucked into bed. I just read my 3 chapters in the Book of Mormon- I am so grateful for this challenge! It is especially meaningful because I am reading the copy you marked for us! It feels like you are reading the B of M with me!
Today was a good day. This morning we had all of the stud gov kids- new and old join together for the Winner’s breakfast! I can’t believe I have another year behind me.
After school today, I got my hair cut and colored- it feels so much better, and then I headed to TJ Maxx to get An Easter dress for Bella! I hope you love your Easter box! You may open it when you get it, but save the wrapped package to open on Easter morning!
I got home at 9 pm and two hours later, here I am. I love you Em!
Sweet dreams!Xoxoxox, momma Shake
April 9, 2025Blossoms and a yellow envelop
Wednesday- there was lots of sunshine today. My day at school was smooth- diagramming sentences, essay writing, faculty lunch.
After school o went on a 3 1/2 mile walk. I listened to conference while I walked. It lifted my spirits and filled me with hope
Finding your yellow envelope in the mailbox was the icing on the cake for a great day- thank you Emma. We also received a sweet note from Hermana Zavala- she sure thinks the world of you!
After dinner I had a pizza and paragraphs night for my seniors from 7-9. And then I snuggled into bed and read my scriptures- I am loving this experience!
I hope you had a great day!
Xoxoxo, momma shake
April 10, 2025
Today was swell, smooth and slick sailing! In face I am all caught up on grading- what a relief, and I started teaching poetry- it makes me happy.
After school Steele and I went for a walk, I made dinner, and maleck and I cleaned out his closet- so fun. Literally, nothing fits him- ha!
I even ended the day with a bubble bath- hurrah for me!
I love you so much! I hope you had a great day and that you are enjoying sunshine and the spirit! I am so proud of you!
Xoxoxox, Momma shake
April 13, 2025
Hermana Rigby,
The daffodils are on their way out, but the tulips are just beginning to bloom- I love spring! Madsen has been working on the yard- it looks great!
Looks like we are really going to sell Papa John’s and build another sparkles car wash- the last weekend in April dad and I are going to go to a car wash show in Vegas with Amanda and Stockton- talk about a party.
Emma, did you like having me as your English teacher? Really… did you learn anything? Sometime I doubt what I am doing!
It has been a long Saturday and dad is already snoozing- I am going to read my scriptures and call it a day! Please have the very best Sunday ever!
I love you SOOOOOOOO BIG…Xoxoxo, amyanne.
April 14, 2025
Hermana,
Today was such a spiritual sacrament. The members that shared their testimonies were full of humility and the hymns sung were powerful. I truly felt full of the spirit.
We enjoyed time as a family and played games and we enjoyed the sunshine.
It is going to be a great week!
Can’t wait to talk to you tomorrow
I love you! Xoxoxo, momma shake
April 16, 2025
Hermana Rigby,
Hey em,
Today we did and 8 mile hike- you would have kicked butt- it almost did uncle Rick in- not sure he will want to vacay with us again
It has been super fun to be with my sis and her hubby. She has always been the best sis.
Tomorrow, I will make time to time to focus on Holy Week and Easter Sunday. I am grateful you get to be a missionary during such a meaningful week!
I hope you had a good day. Please remember you are giving your widow’s mite and that Heavenly Father is aware of your sacrifice and that he love you for it!
Emma, you have an amazing heart- use it for good and share it with your companion and the people you meet.
I love you, and I am so proud of you!
Enjoy your day!
Xoxoxo, Momma shake
April 17, 2025Hermana,
Today we spent the day at the resort recovering from the hikeaunt Wendy asked if I thought the hike was hard- I told her that’s what we do… only worse we bush wack. I think they were both pretty shocked by the experience.
The good news is that I got caught up on my Book of Mormon reading- hurrah! Now I just need to keep it up
I am looking for the perfect gift to send u from Hawaii… I hope you will love it!
I hope you had a good day- I think you have done conference tomorrow. Enjoy!
I love you, Emma!
Xoxox, momma shake
April 18, 2025
Hermana… my favorite,
I had the best morning walk listening to a Easter podcast by Anthony sweat. It really made me think about who is Jesus to me? Who is he to you?
It reminded me that there is no growth in the comfort zone and no comfort in the growth zone, but at is okay because Heavenly Father and Jesus don’t want us to have the perfect life, but rather a life that helps us become!
Thanks for helping me find all the cool Easter messages on the gospel library app. I am loving my Book of Mormon reading the now my Easter reading! I love you!
Xoxoxo, momma shake
April 19, 2025
Hi Em,
We are safely home and tucked into bed. Dad is softly snoring and the house is quiet…
I am thinking about tomorrow. Dad says I should greet people at church tomorrow by saying, “he is not here he is risen.” It is a beautiful sentiment- maybe a little awkward but still the beauty of the words resonate with me as I consider the day that is our tomorrow- the day that he did indeed rise and save us all from the grave!
I wish I was you- that I could tell everyone about Jesus. Maybe one day I will go on a mission too.
I hope you had a great day Em and that you found great joy in telling others about Jesus Christ, and if no one listened, I want you to know that he knows you tried- that you have your widow’s mite.
I love all the Easter resources you have shared with me. It has truly warmed my heart!
Tomorrow we will shout hosanna- we will rejoice in the celebration of the resurrection of our Lord and Savior.
I wonder Emma…. What is your Hosanna prayer- what is it that your soul needs?
I love you buttercup- happy Easter!
Xoxoxox, Momma shake
April 20, 2025
My favorite Hermana,
Me again… I woke up and went on a walk- it felt so good to be home- church was amazing! We enjoyed dinner with gma and gpa.
But the best part of my Easter was talking to you!
I spent a few hours prepping for my classes this next week. It was nice to get a handle on things.
I had prayer with madsen and maleck and now I am in bed.
Can’t wait to talk to you tomorrow
I love you, Em!
April 21, 2025We said our prayers together
Hermana,
It’s a Monday. I didn’t mind much going back to school. My Skin was sun kissed by the amazing Hawaiian sun, so I didn’t mind hitting the grind again until my favorite child said I had age spotsdon’t worry I forgive you
My classes went well- teaching poetry . This one of my faves! Tomorrow I start shackleton’s journey with my seniors.
Grocery shopping was boring, but I stocked up on healthy food for my fridge at school.
Dad and I walked 3 miles after going out to dinner with Stockton and Amanda. We enjoyed dinner with them and playing with Steele.
I can’t believe seleck and Stockton turn 27 and 25 tomorrow. Yep, you are right I am old!
I just read my Book of Mormon assignment for tonight. I loved the last line of chapter 19 “his arm is outstretched still.” I absolutely know this to be true Em. All we have to do is turn to him.
Dad invited me to pray with him before he climbed into bed. Thank you for challenging us!
I love you so much!
Xoxox,Momma shake
April 22, 2025
Hey Hermana,
And just like that I am officially old- seleck is 27 today and Stockton is 25.
It has been a good day. I really loved what I taught today- we wrote a poem in Junior English and then we analyzed a poem- it was totally in my comfort zone, and I felt like I did a good job!
I enjoyed lunch at home with maleck and then back to school. I stayed late after school to do some prep, and the. I was able to watch 3 of my stud gov kids play tennis and one play soccer. The sun felt amazing! when I got home today, I studied CFM. I really enjoyed reading about the gathering of the OHIO and learning about unity. I then did laundry and dusting after school, and I baked some chicken for later. I then enjoyed going to book group- we went for a 3 mile walk and talked about the book. It was fun to see my friends.
And then ta da …. I saw you- you looked super cute! It was fun to be part of seleck’s b day celebration. I especially enjoyed meeting the diversity of people who attended the party! I enjoy meeting people from different ethnicities.
After the bday call, I poured a bucket of cold water over Maleck’s head as part of the ice bucket challenge. Yikes, and then he challenged me. I have 24 hours to complete the challenge. I will send you video.
Well it past my bedtime. I still need to read the Book of Mormon!I love you Hermana ‘Em!
Don’t worry dad, and I just prayed together…
Xoxox,Momma shake
April 23, 2025An adventurous day
Hi em,Dad fell asleep before we could pray- our streak is broken. However, he hasn’t slept well the past two nights so I am glad could sleep.
Today was a great day- during stud gov. I went to the baseball field to practice for my throw next week with CJ McLean-Dax, bubba and Rex came with me. They were super helpful and even helped me climb the fence it ended up being a really fun time.
My classes went great today- I should have stayed after to grade papers, but I felt like I needed to go home nd hangout with Maleck. He is putting in about 4 hours daily. He lifts at 6 am and then has football and basketball in the evenings. I made dad and I an early dinner and we watched a show. Afterwards, i ran a couple of errands and then walked nearly four miles with Julene and Anne- it was so fun.
When maleck got home, I fed him and then we studied scriptures together and then he poured cold water over my head as part of the ice bucket challenge- yikes it was cold.
I took a warm shower, put away laundry, and I climbed into bed—- I am tired.
I love you soooooo BIG- sweet dreams!
Xoxox momma shake
April 25, 2025
Hi Emma,
I am in St. George as I write this at my cousin Taresa’s house- it is beautiful and high tech it even the toilets have warm seats
There are nine of us here. Aunt Heather and I are bunking together. We have had the best time laughing and catching up.
School today was great. I caught up on all of my grading, and prepped for my substitute. I even got the laundry put away, but I didn’t have time to get to the grocery store.
Tomorrow we are going to do yoga by the pool and then go for an E bike ride then we are getting massages- so fun!
I really hope your Thursday was great!
I am going to read the book or Mormon now.
XoxoxoxoxxoI love you,Momma shake
April 26, 2025
Hey sis,
It’s after one am Saturday morning, and aunt Heather and I are tucked in bed. We have had a fabulous day.
I read my scriptures by the pool and then we all did yoga. Afterwards, we ate a healthy breakfast- homemade yogurt- yummy- fruit…
Around 11 we went on a e bike ride to snow canyon- it was so fun and so beautiful. In the way back we stopped at a little bakery for lunch.
At 3 we went and had massages- it was so amazing- I will take u there. The only bad thing about the day is that cousin Lindsey got left at the house without her phone and we didn’t realise she wasn’t with us until after we were done- we all felt horrible.
The evening was fun filled with a trip for tacos, a favorite thing gift exchange, snacks and a dip in the hot tub.
The best part of the night was chatting and sharing memories and then kneeling in family prayer together. I am so grateful for these beautiful women who love God and Jesus.
I hope your day was awesome Em. Dad is picking me up and 8, and then we are on the way to the car wash show.
I love you so much!
Xoxoxox, momma shake
April 29, 2025Back to East LA
Hey Hermana,
I have been thinking a lot about you today as you leave early in the morning for East LA. I am sure you are nervous with all kinds of butterflies in your tummy…. That’s okay.
How awesome is it that you get to go help another sister. I am sure you are sad about the STL thing, but remember titles don’t mean anything. Being a disciple of Jesus christ means so much more!
Today was a B day- hectic as usual. We are wrapping up poetry and we will soon begin Hamlet and Macbeth.
After school, I threw out CJ’s first pitch for senior night- it was super cool. He is a stud!
Then I went grocery shopping, made dinner, and I folded laundry- yikes!
Dad fell asleep before we could pray. He has a rough business day. Please pray that they will. Sometimes, it is good to just give him his space
April 30, 2025Baking cookies and catching up with friends
Hey Hermana,
Welcome back to EAST LA- you know there is a song about East LA, right? I excited to hear all of the things- how is the companion? How was the departure? Are you glad to be back! Etc, etc.
Today was an an A day, and I have been busy prepping for the rest of the year. Whoosh, I can hardly believe it is over. Tomorrow I start MacBeth and Hamlet and my creative writing class is watching dead poets society. I. Stud gov we are working on decorating the teachers’ door for teacher appreciation as well as prepping for the senior ball, stud gov retreat and our banquet.
After school today, I went on a walk with Suzanne- it was so fun. We are going to make Wednesday our walk days. We even saw a cool bird at the lake on the hill- I will send u a pic. Afterwards, I came home and made dinner, watched my new show “call the midwife” and then I decided to make cookies. Good thing I did. I had a friend text me in crisis so I was ready- I took her cookies and my new m&m’s bag full of a few little books, a new t shirt, a couple of my favorite 0 sugar drinks, and the makings for a yummy smoothie. I am really worried about her. I then felt inspired to text a few friends- I am trying to listen to the spirit more.
Maleck and I enjoyed a great chat while I fed him for the 5th time today—- ugh!
Dad got in bed early- it’s been a rough week, but we all knelt around are bed for family prayer.
I am going to read my scriptures and then join him.
I love you Emma- have fun loving and supporting your companion and the people of EAST LA - finish strong!
Xoxoxox, momma shake
May 1, 2025Sunshine and rain cloudsHi em,
I woke to the sound of raindrops and then I nestled in my bed for a little bit longer. today went smoothly. I enjoyed my students.
After school maleck and I grabbed some food at 2nd East and then I spent the next four hours playing with Steele- stories, toys, songs and lots of crawling. He certainly is a determined little guy!
I was able to go to the school play after my play date with Steele- a few of my students were in the play.
I came home and did dishes, ironed clothes and then climbed onto bed.
I love you Em’ I hope you had a great Thursday.
Xoxoxo, momma shake
May 2, 2025Bunking with my parents
Hi Emma,
Tonight I am Lehi with grandma and grandpa. I taking them to Thanksgiving point tomorrow so they can see the statues of Jesus and the tulips.
We had a nice ride up this afternoon and then we got some chick fil a before coming to the hotel. We are nestled in for the night.
I hope you have had a great day, and that you are loving being back in East LA.
I am teaching gospel doctrine Sunday- I haven’t even started to prepare yet….
Sweet dreams- enjoy your SaturdayI am praying you find friends….to teach
Love you sooooooo Much!
Momma shake
May 4, 20256:07 AM
Happy Sunday,
Hi em, Dad has been teasing me today- maleck has been sleeping a lot, and madsen has been happy so it’s a good day!
My Sunday school lesson went well- I love church history.
I had an amazing morning walk and the. The day turned rainy- but we need the rain.
Tomorrow night is the stud gov banquet- lots of grading to do- hamlet and Macbeth here we come.
Don’t worry we had family prayer- can’t wait to talk to you tomorrow
I hope u had a great SundayXoxoxo, momma shake
CV baseball takes stateMay 17, 2025
Hermana,
Can you believe it? CV won its 7th state championship as a school today- baseball! It was so exciting
Other news- Miss Madsen bought a house- hurrah! We had a retirement soirée for Mrs cutler, we went to lunch celebrate Miss Madsen and maestro’s birthday
I cleaned house ALL day! Finally I took a little bit of time to prepare my lesson for tomorrow. Now I am tucked in bed—- my eyes are sleepy.
My lesson tomorrow- covers spiritual gifts- what are yours?
Dad and I went to the temple Friday night- it was fantastic! Heathwr Rollins was I. Our session- very cool!
Jaime speaks in our ward tomorrow- so cool!
I love you so much! Can’t wait to hear about your week!
Xoxox, momma shake
May 24, 2025School is out Hurrah!
Hi from enterprise,
Hermana, I hope you had a great week! I can’t wait to hear about all the people you met and were able to talk to about Jesus! I love Jesus,
I am currently plowing through Alma - yep I playing catch up
Graduation went well. Saying good bye to my seniors was rough- it always is
We left town Friday night for a little campout. Dad is going home tomorrow for church with madsen, but maleck and I will stay out here and do some massive CFM and B of M studying. We will go home Monday night as Tuesday is my final day. I will try to get a message to you Monday morning, and then talk to you Monday!
Emma, it’s the last 200 meters of your race- I am right there shouting at you- go HARD- finish strong- go shout Jesus from the rooftops!
I love you sooo much!
Xoxox, Momma shake
May 28, 2025Great News
Hey Hermana,
It’s late, but I just wanted you to know that your scholarship is in officially deferred until spring 2026- that’s right January! Here’s to hunting with dad and spending time with your neice and nephew!
I hope your headaches have let up- mine are a beast!
I have been running errands today and enjoying talk time with maleck, madsen and seleck! I even got a walki. In with Suzanne today- hurrah!
I just barely made our reservations for our stay in Nauvoo- it’s going to be awesome!
I hope you had a great day making memories and laughing and of course telling people about Jesus!
I sure love you!
Xoxoxox, Momma shake
I will be praying for you! JUMP into your new area with both feet and LOVE your new companion!
love you soooo BIG!
Xoxox, momma shake
Historical information is from Church History in the Fulness of Times, 2nd ed. (Church Educational System manual, 2000), 193–223.
April 4, 2025
aunt Wendy asked if I thought the hike was hard- I told her that’s what we do… only worse we bush wack. I think they were both pretty shocked by the experience. but still the beauty of the words resonate with me as I consider the day that is our tomorrow- the day that he did indeed rise and save us all from the grave!don’t worry I forgive you. However, he hasn’t slept well the past two nights so I am glad could sleep. it ended up being a really fun time. 
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