As I was fixing dinner tonight I looked out the back window.  A little
breeze was blowing.  A sprinkling of red and golden leaves were drifting.
The sun was shining.  A wave of gratitude filled me for the comforts and
beauty of my life.
The missionaries came for dinner.  That is always special.
Dad is not so happy about falling leaves.  Saturday he worked long and hard
raking them all up in the backyard.  We went to do some shopping and when we
came back the lawn was filled again with leaves!
We sure enjoyed conference.  I always hate to see it end.  Especially this
year with all the emotion of these times and the wonderful counsel we
received.  Our Relief Society challenged us to read the B of M over the
summer.  I can't believe how many things are like our day.  When Pres.
Hinckley prayed for us in his closing remarks it reminded me of when the
Savior prayed for the Nephites and they marveled.
Columbus Day was a special temple day for our stake and one other.  It was
great!  We are usually not very busy, but we were that day.  Dad and I
officiated at our ward's session.  Every seat was taken.  It is so wonderful
to hear the loud response as the covenants are made.  I thought what a power
for good was there to take out into the world and into their homes.
We sure enjoyed Grandpa Alexander's short visit with us.  On His and
Grandma's anniversary I set the table with one of her tablecloths and her
dishes in their honor.
We have a new temple presidency as of the first of this month.  I will
really miss the Branhams, but I know each presidency has the special talents
to guide us in the needs of the time.
Last week I was being proxy in sealings.  The sealer began instructing us.
He said that ordinance is the capstone for all the ordinances in this life.
He talked about the fact that people worry about who they will be with
(sealed to) in eternity.  He said he told his married kids.  I've had you
with me on this earth.  We will have a relationship in the hereafter, but
you are the beginning of your own kingdom.
When they redid the gardens at the temple they put in red, white and blue
pansies.  I liked the idea so much that's what I did in back around the oak
tree.
Well, this letter sounds like our life is largely the temple and it is and
we love it.  We love each one of you and enjoy your letters.

Mom and Dad

November 2001

"Think twice before you speak, especially if you intend to say what you
think."  Unknown