I can always learn more

 I have been trying to perfect my sour dough bread.  It is improving with each loaf.  

I also baked some sour dough bagels one morning for my kids.  I won't do that again because Avram was the only one that ate one.  

I have always wanted to learn how to make chocolates like mom but I have seen how much work it is so it has deterred me from learning.  I have a neighbor that makes chocolates all the time so I took a couple of classes from her.  She has some cool tools and has some unique tricks in doing chocolate.  For the past couple of years I realized I could do chocolates but I needed to get a tempering machine.  So it took two years to finally pull the trigger and buy a machine.  It was an expensive purchase but hopefully it lasts a long time and I can carry on the tradition of chocolates.  

Mom and I had a little class with my neighbor.  I really wanted mom to see some of the things my neighbor does and Monica also taught us about the tempering machine and how to use it.  

I was also able to jump in on a last minute chocolate dipping class at Gygis.  

Adam and Briggs went to the Kansas City vs Raiders game in Las Vegas.  Adam was given some box seat tickets from a supplier he uses.  It was an amazing experience for them.  

Avrams home coming

Due to General Conference and fast Sunday, Avram wasn't able to give his return report for a couple of weeks.  It was so wonderful having my three children all at church again.  Adam, Ila and I get lonely sometimes.  

I was worried about Avrams homecoming talk because he didn't take any notes nor did he seem nervous about anything.  When Avram gave his talk, Im pretty sure my jaw dropped open and never closed until he was done.   I was completely shocked by his report.  I think everyone was amazed watching him quote scriptures and prophets and talk for 15 mins without any notes.  

One of Avrams good friends, sister, sang an amazing song for the program.  I may be bias but the talk and song were one of the best sacrament meetings I have ever attended.  

We had an ice cream bar in the back yard afterward.  The weather was perfect and suddenly cooled down just before his homecoming so it was a little chilly out back but we had it out side anyway. 

 

Blessings

The Fall was beautiful, and the sunsets are always breathe taking.

Even though I just wanted to hang out with Avram there was still a lot to do around the yard.  I canned a couple more bottles of tomato sauce and made a lot of fruit leather and jam.  

Avram loves seeing his plaque on the wall.  We have had our plaques on display for years and we hope to get more up there before all is said and done.  Avram has said many times since returning from his mission, "Im so thankful I went on a mission."  

We are having fun feeding Avram all the food he loves and the new things we have learned since he has been gone. 

 

Step by step

 Two days after Avram got home we went to the temple with one of Avrams closest friends, Stefan.  Stefan and his wife took out their endowments in the Bountiful temple.  I love that Avram was here for this amazing experience.  In a few weeks we will get to see Stefan, Brooklyn and their daughter Baylor sealed in the temple.  💕

No Words

I don't know how to put into words the joy, excitement, fear, and love I have felt this week.  Seeing Avram come home has truly been a roller coaster of mixed emotions.  Knowing what is ahead for him is terrifying.  There is "safety and simplicity" in being a missionary.  

That being said, it was one of the greatest days of my life spending the day together with 3 of our kids.  I think the only thing that will be better is when all four kids are together, laugh and joking as if no time has passed.  

Avrams plane arrived 20 mins early so luckily we had a few people show up early enough to welcome him home.  Everyone else showed up within mins of his arrival. 

Avram was released the following day. Hearing Avrams testimony was humbling.  To see the love he has developed for his Savior helps me understand why we are given this earthly experience.