Week 59

Querida Hermana Lutze,

We're so grateful this Thanksgiving season for your service to the Lord. We will be in Colorado over Christmas so you should be able to say Hi to Mama Carol and Papa Fred as well. :) Bob and Alexandra had their baby on November 22nd. They named her Amber Samara Lutze. Ryan and Sharon's new baby, Karden, was born on Grandma's birthday-November 21st.

We spent most of the week with family. Wednesday we met up with the Cronins, Weights and Millers at Seven Peaks. We played laser tag a couple of times. The kids played arcade games and climbed the rock wall as well. Thursday we spent with the Russells and Fuhrimans. We only had 14 pies this year- disappointing but still delicious. Sonia's key lime pie and my coconut were both a huge hit. (Hannah saved a piece of key lime in the freezer for you.) Everyone did the polar bear plunge into the pool between dinner and pies. I was very glad to video the whole thing and not be jumping in. Brrr! If you're allowed to watch a youtube video here's the link: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95Ly4V4X4u4  

We went up Friday to Papa's to spend time with the Weights and Cronins. We went to see the new movie Fantastic Beasts. You'll definitely have to watch it when you get home. We're making a list for you. The kids went to the temple on Saturday and then Marissa and Hannah spent the rest of the weekend with us. They watched Unitards Saturday night. Now it's back to work and school!!! There's lots to be done this week.

I'm slowly reading all of the conference talks. I just read "Be Ambitious for Christ" and thought of you. He remarked, "I am proud not only of Elder Cowan but also of all the missionaries throughout the world who serve willingly without murmuring or complaining. Thank you, elders and sisters, for your faith, your focus, and your strong ambition for Christ." I also read "For Our Spiritual Development and Learning" this week. He quoted President Uchtdorf, "When... missionaries have faith in Jesus Christ, he said, "they will trust the Lord enough to follow hIs commandments-even when they do not completely understand the reasons for them. Their faith will be manifest through diligence and through work." Of course I also thought about you as read this statement.

Keep up the hard work until the end and you will be greatly rewarded. 

Love,

Mom