This has been a crazy week for the kids at school. Jessie had her fun book report due on Monday. She loved being imaginative and created a new book cover for Stanley in Space. For Zac and Bode, it is a full week of testing in every subject, PE included with a written test. Each night they study intensely in preparation for the next days test. I have seen a vast improvement in their study skills and desire to do well at school verses the first semester here. Their grades reflect it too. They are more self-motivated which is such a blessing. I don’t feel like a nagging mom, which is what I felt like before. Happy dance.
The missionaries scheduled for going home on Friday came over on Thursday for their departure interviews, testimony meeting, dinner and a Hall family FHE. The departure included four sister missionaries and one elder. Although we had most of those that are leaving on the 28th join us for dinner this evening as well. I really love all our missionaries but it is really hard on me when our sisters leave. The spirit they carry with them is so amazing and the love of the gospel is almost tangible. Love them! One of our sisters leaving has always had a desire to drive the transfer van since she arrived and shared that desire with President. He fulfilled her wish and let her drive the transfer van to the airport. She was so excited to finally be able to drive it! See picture below. :)
On Friday morning, the bishop, provided a hot breakfast to all those that attend seminary. I think we might have been a minute early to Seminary today. ;) Zac also had a basketball game today. His team played well and Zac was happy about his performance but they lost it in the 4th quarter. I thought it was a home game and had everyone headed to Clements to watch him but when Aaron got there only girls were playing. So it was a bummer we didn’t get to see him play. No practices or games for Bode this past week because of testing. Jessie had a class Christmas party today but came home after school with a fever. I have a cold coming on that is no bueno. I am praying we have a quick recovery. Aaron is praying it doesn't spread to the rest of the family but more specifically to him.
Saturday the boys went to Houston 4th ward’s Christmas party to help the missionaries with their booth. This was an opportunity for Zac and Bode to work with the AP’s specifically Elder Title before he goes home. They had a great time with them using the Church’s Christmas initiative “A Savior Is Born”.
The THSM Christmas Conference is this upcoming Tuesday. We will have all our missionaries with us for the day. The morning portion will be quite spiritual followed by a big lunch and then we have fun activities during the afternoon. Allie arrives tomorrow afternoon. We are all excited to have her with us for Christmas. It hasn’t felt like Christmas at all yet. We are trying to plan some things so that it feels like Christmas as a family. We will try to incorporate some of our traditions from Utah to here in Texas. Wish us luck!! The weather hasn’t been anything like back home. It is expected to be in mid 70's to 80's so we are thinking of heading to the beach….again, not very Christmas like. The boys are hoping BYU gets a win tomorrow. That would be a nice early Christmas present. :)