Bangs and a Dead Girl

 I gave Loni some bangs this week. We are all in agreement that she looks even more adorable (if that was possible). During the conference, she spent a good part of the time drawing with the new gel pens I bought in her new flower notebook. I commented on one picture saying that I loved the girl in the colorful rain. Loni looks at me and says a little annoyed, 'Mom! She's dead! Look at her eyes. It's not funny!" Ha! Ha! Made me laugh because I have never seen her draw a dead person before. Didn't even know she knew what dead meant. 

Coins

Daveo has had fun learning about coins. Today, he built a scale out of household items to find the different values of coins that might weigh the same. In the process, he learned how to "balance" a budget. I love incorporating scouts and Faith in God with school.

A Chicken with no Head

My new companion is my son or, in real world terms, I am a trainer. His name is Elder Alexandre and he hails from Rio Grande do Sul. He likes drawing, writing, and joking around. So yeah, legal. He is really awesome! Ready to work and baptize the whole world!

We were walking down the street one day when we deided to talk with a bunch of guys we found on the street. They were not interested... But one of them was kind enough to "correct" us. How you may be asking? Well, he told us that our work is like a chicken without a head. So, that is cool to think about.

On other news, we had a baptism!! The baptism of João! He is awesome, had been attending (Thank you Bishop Black for this word) church for quite some time now so he had alrady been integrated well. For sure he is an eleito. Wohoo!!

"You Door Knockers!"

Good morning everyone!

We had a decent week! We had some very hot weather this past week, but everything still went by quickly!

We had a kind of disappointing week as far as missionary work goes. Our appointment with the Kurosawa family fell through :(. They cancelled on us saying that they want to continue meeting with us after they get settled in more. It is sad, but they haven't prioritized the gospel. This happens with a lot of people we meet with. They are willing to meet with us until it starts becoming a sacrifice. Most of the people we come in contact with prioritize Walmart more than meeting with us haha! Oh well, that is the struggle! We were able to find five new investigators this week! We found a guy named Hanyu from China! He had no concept of God at all before we met him. At the end of the lesson we had with him, he prayed for the first time! It isn't often when we come across people out here who don't even know who Jesus Christ is, so this is a new experience for me! 

We ran into a lady on the streets the other day and right when we started talking to her she said, "Oooooh no! Not you door knockers"! Then she turned around and walked away! I don't think I have ever been called a "door knocker" before! Haha, I'm not even sure if it is an insult!

Saturday was really crazy because of the football game here! It was Iowa vs Penn State. Apparently we almost pulled off an upset! There was tailgating allllll day! It made doing missionary work very difficult. But it was a fun day!

I can't think of anything else. Enjoy your week! General Conference is going to be AWESOME! Soak up as much of it as you can! I love you ALLLLL!

Elder ZINNNNNNNNNNNNN!

PUMPKIN!

Pumpkin! My favorite part of the fall season.

Pumpkin Cake 

Ingredients:

1 pkg yellow cake mix (Reserve one cup for topping)

1 egg, beaten

1/2 cup butter, melted

1 30 oz can pumpkin pie mix (this is the one that has the sugar and spices already mixed in)

3 eggs

1 cup of reserved cake mix

1/4 cup brown sugar

3 tablespoons softened butter

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray or grease one 9x13 inch pan.

Reserve one cup cake mix. 

In a large bowl, combine the remaining dry cake mix, 1 egg, and melted butter. Mix well and pat into prepared pan.

In a large bowl, mix together the pumpkin pie mix and 3 eggs. Poor over crust.

In a small bowl, combine reserved 1 cup cake mix, brown sugar, and softened butter. Crumble over pumpkin filling. Sprinkle pecans over top if desired.

Bake in preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. 

First Date

Kirsten went on her first date. 

Surprisingly I am calm.

 For years, I was dreading this day. However, now that it has arrived I am at peace. Kirsten has grown into a very confident and trustworthy young woman who knows her divine nature and worth. Plus, she knows self defense. Milo, who was her date, is a great young man who I trust completely. The two, went on a double date to Golfland with their friends. Kirsten had a great evening and had high praise for Milo being a gentleman. 

A Runway Birthday

Thanks for always making us laugh, David (see video below). Happy birthday!

Hair and Makeup

Most of my "mom years" have been spent sword fighting, going to sporting events, breaking up fights, etc. I love my four boys, but's it's a nice change of pace doing hair and makeup with my girl. 

Charlie Brown

My dear friend Sarah is having a baby boy! Penni and I threw her a baby shower brunch with Peanuts as the theme. (She'll be naming her son Charlie). We had a top-notch bagel bar with all the fixings, played some cute games, and visited as Sarah opened presents. I'm so excited for her new adventure.

An afghan I crocheted for baby Charlie.

(Me, Sarah, and Penni)