Update from Dad

All,

Here's a quick update on things. I'm not sure what we've already told you and what we haven't. So if I'm repeating, please forgive me.

This was kind of a tough week for us. Both Jenny and I got sick with colds (Jenny has a sort of flu). We're both feeling fine now. Julie has been fine all along. I"ve been eating in the cafeteria for lunch every day. I don't think my system likes it. I'm going back to bringing my lunch next week. I think each of us was fighting some homesickness this week as well. Things are starting to settle into a pattern, and get easier, which provides for more time to think about how much we miss all of you! We're feeling pretty good now, but I'm sure it will come and go.

Julie started Spanish classes this past Monday. She attends for two hours on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. She likes the school, doesn't like homework, and is sure that 'ser' and 'estar' are of the devil! Other than that, she's doing fine. I am so impressed with her willingness to go up to anybody and start speaking Spanish. She really is great! Julie likes having a maid three days/week. The house is always super clean so either she's really good or Thomas was a whole lot messier than we thought! Probably a bit of both. She does our laundry every time she comes, so I think I keep wearing the same three pairs of underwear and socks every three days. I also get a kick out of hearing Julie say 'just leave the dishes in the sink, we'll have the maid wash them in the morning'. We don't have a dish washing machine, but no complaints.

Julie has also become very adept at the DVR. She now has all the English programs recorded and about any movie that comes along in English is recorded. We've been married for 29 years and this is the first time Julie has taught me how to use the remote control. It almost feels like a blow to my masculinity (I'll get over it!)

Jenny continues to impress. She's working hard at school. I even catch her doing homework every once in a while. She's got a great attitude. Thankfully she still thinks american boys are cuter than mexican boys. We'll see how long that lasts! She's thinking of cutting her hair a bit, but she's nervous. I'm sure she would love to hear your suggestions. She's been practising to participate in a play with thousands of kids in central Mexico to celebrate the rededication of the Mexico City temple. The event should be attended by the Prophet.

I'm doing ok. I'm just getting fat! I ran yesterday about four miles at about 9 min/mi. I can't wait to get my bike. I keep working to join a athletic club that is within about 3 minutes of the house. I still need to get physicals for the three of us, letters from two current members attesting to our trustworthiness, our visas (which we don't have), $3,500 dollars/not pesos, a statement from a current member that wants to sell their ownership, and my first born son. Anyway, we're working on it.

The job is going fine. There is just so much to do. I just can't believe how many things there are to fix. It's definitely a big project. I hate the commute, but I like the people I'm working with. They are talented and dedicated but lacked the direction they needed to really succeed. I haven't been able to spend any time on the sales side yet. I have to get this plant running well before I can afford to spend much of my time on other things. But it will come.

We are so proud of you kids, and we love all of you so much. We miss you and are looking forward to this Christmas when we can spend some time together!

Love,

Dad/Tom