Letter to Richard - Easter

Dear Richard

So right now we’re busy driving home from Fish Hoek. It’s all dark outside, the kids are asleep in the back seats, and there’s just a light rain falling… But I must say it’s actually surprisingly difficult to type in a moving car ;o)

This week has been insanely busy! With Easter today, and Joshua’s birthday party tomorrow there have been tons of preparations that have needed to be done. And with the public holidays you have to do 5 days of work in 4 days, plus I was taking time out to do things like going to the chiropractor, and taking the kids for their annual check-up at the paediatrician. They’re all developing right on target, except Caleb is a little overweight. Not surprising when he’ll eat anything that’s in front of him, and from soon after he wakes up in the morning he’s actually demanding food!

We had a really nice scripture reading time last night with the kids. I used the scripture reader and used the pictures to tell them the Easter story. I tried to explain to them what Christ did in Gethsemane, as well as then dying on the cross and being resurrected. They were so attentive through it, and asked a number of questions. And I ended up crying when I told them about the resurrection, like I almost always do… So I had to try and explain to Hannah about my happy tears ;o) Josh has seen them fairly often, and I don’t think it bothers him too much, but Hannah was quite concerned… While we were reading Josh a couple of times wanted to kiss Jesus, so he kissed the picture ;o)

I was asked to teach Gospel Doctrine today, and the lesson was on DC 25, the revelation given to Emma Smith. We spent quite a bit of time talking about the admonition given to her to avoid pride. And starting off the lesson talking about how most of the revelations can be applied to us personally, and are generally very applicable to us. But back to pride. There were a number of quotes taken from the talk by President Benson in 1989 on pride. A very powerful talk, and certainly a number of things to ponder on what constitutes pride!

Andrew taught the combined Priesthood/Relief Society lesson, and spoke about our family relationships, and what is right and appropriate. Elder Twitchell read a quote that he had from Pres McKay about how priesthood holders will all one day have a personal Priesthood interview with the Saviour, and you will need to account for your actions, and particularly in your family. So whatever you do, you need to be happy that you can stand with a clear conscience in that PPI! Quite a thought!

So what else have you been doing? With the long weekend there has been a lot of family time. Apart from time at home we also took the kids to the park the other day. Caleb wore shoes for one of the first times, and he quite enjoyed toddling all over the place. Andrew and the kids also got some new flowers to put in our flower boxes and in the bed outside Caleb’s window. So now our house looks all nice for the party tomorrow ;o)

Yesterday we had Colleen’s baby shower in the morning (finally!) and then we went to Jessica Tshiama’s first birthday party in the afternoon. That was quite an experience for me! Andrew went to a few African gatherings like that on mission, but it was my first real experience. They live in a fair sized place, but it was full of people, and there was loud music, and tons of food (and flies) and it started late… So very different, and I think I’ll definitely prefer more Western gatherings still in future, but it was a good experience. But one thing is just how amazingly generous they are, with their very limited means. That is definitely something that we could learn from!

The kids had quite a few Easter egg hunts – at school, and Mom and Dad on Friday, at home this morning, in Primary, and then also in Fish Hoek this afternoon. Way too much chocolate for them! Although we’ll probably end up eating most of it ;o) This time of the year always ends up in too much to eat! So I know all about that thinking you’re putting on a bit of weight… We’ll work it off together ;o)

Next week is going to be very busy, with the party, and Joshua’s birthday on Wednesday. Life just doesn’t slow down!

Love you lots!

Shelly and the family

PS Victory! We got home and the kids stayed asleep and are now asleep for the night ;o) It can sometimes be really touch and go if they’ll stay asleep when we move them, as you know!