Dear Family,

How I wish we could see each other more often.  I have come to love this
area and my ward family, but am sad that I have no family close by.  Makes
me think of living in San Jose and talking to Linda almost daily, and how I
took having her nearby so much for granted. It seems so much in life is
taken for granted. In relief society this past Sunday it was my turn to
give the presidency message. I talked about gratitude.  The story told by
Mary Ellen Edmunds (one of my favorite women) tells about a mother putting
her two small children to bed early one night because it was so cold.  She
placed a board on each of them to try to help keep the chill off. One of
the children from under the board whispered, "Mother, how nice this is, How
I pity the poor people who don't have any boards to cover their children on
this cold night". I probably would have thought to myself - "lindas board
is bigger than mine":, or "I'm going to get splinters".  She  was not only
grateful, she was concerned about the needs of others.  I depicted each of
the things I was grateful for as a leaf, and that  each of those "leaves"
comes from a much stronger branch - our savior, with a huge trunk - a
loving Heavenly Father.  I am so grateful for that knowledge, and for
goodly parents who taught me well in my youth.

With so much going on in the world and in my own ward right now I have felt
the need to attend the temple often.  Upon going seeking peace one morning
I sat in a room with maybe only 15 people in attendance. My eyes were fixed
upon a very very old man sitting in the session.  I could not stop thinking
of him and watching him throughout the session. I marveled at how much he
must have seen in his life, he looked very worn. It came time for the
prayer and he stood to participate.  I found myself standing to join him.
What a marvelous experience it was. He looked down at me, his face glowing,
with a big smile to thank me. I had to thank him, for in his face I saw the
Savior and knew that I had found what I had come in search of that day.
What a glorious blessing the temple is.

We are so excited about adding to our family chain.  Amy and Brian have
found out they are having a boy and are thinking of naming him Camden
Christopher Morris.  What a blessing to have new life join ours.  Our
children are such a blessing to us. I wonder at why I have been given such
choice spirits.
Heather received her patriarchal blessing this past month, so much in store
for her upon her obedience and faithfulness.  I am so grateful for the
priesthood and its magnificent power.

I could go on forever today, but I will  conclude with more temporal
things.  Daves work in SAn JOse is going well.  It is nice to have him home
for long weekends.  Jen is as busy as ever, Amy is got quite a tummy on
her, Brian has decided to manage our first Quiznos, Melissa is going to
school and working 2 jobs to pay for school to pay off her car. Heather is
starting her school basketball season and is very excited. As a junior she
has already received letters from 2 colleges interested in having her play
for them after she graduates.  Christa is playing the piano, working hard
to get a 4.0, she wants to be a cheerleader next year so is starting to
take classes in gymnastics.  DJ is playing in an indoor soccer league and
will start basketball soon.  He reminds us of Harry Potter with his
glasses.

We love you all, and are grateful for the ties that bind us together.

Laurin Hubbard

November 2001