The amazing Mumford (Elder Gary Mumford that is) spent Monday doing plumbing - his most hated home repair. The leak under the kitchen sink required a new drain. While plumbing, Gary also replaced the bathroom sink stopper and surround and cleaned the drain pipe. What a difference! During the FHE lesson here that evening, each person was to say something they were thankful for that very day. Gary & Brenda were both thankful that the plumbing job went well. The activity after the lesson was playing spoons. The kids had fun - and there was only one fingernail stab injury! The two final winners got a chocolate advent calendar.

We had only 2 students here on Tuesday when it was time to start Munch & Mingle. By the time the lesson was underway, we had 12 - including two non-members. After a Thanksgiving lesson (using scriptures from John 13 & 14) the kids hung around - playing ping pong, piano, and table games. We love it when they stay. It feels more like home.

Tuesday is our open evening - if we aren't needing more lesson prep time. We walked to campus and went to our first ever Ball State basketball game. There were a couple of good Cardinals but the Indiana State University Sycamores (from Terre Haute) crushed the birds by 20 points.

Even though athletic events are free to the students, not many came to cheer for their team. Sad! District Meeting the next morning had us role playing using the last page of the missionary pamphlets to invite an investigator to come to church for their first time. Even though we aren't finding and teaching the Preach My Gospel lessons in our current assignment, the things we learn will help us be better member missionaries.

We did some Christmas shopping and then headed to West Lafayette. Hugs from excited grandchildren made it extra special to be there. Thanksgiving day was gorgeous. I took two girls to the park while Gary helped Kevin & Dacia put up their outside Christmas lights. Most relaxing Thanksgiving day ever - Dacia had done everything but the turkey and green salad ahead - way ahead (frozen) and heated it all up when the turkey came out of the oven. We had a delicious feast.

They spoiled us with fancy breakfasts. We enjoyed lots of game playing, pleasant walks, Friday afternoon Christmas shopping (after all the early birds had gone home), and saw some great synchronized Christmas lights. Upon returning to Muncie Saturday evening we got to visit with our Utah grandchildren. Sunday was full - from the missionary coordinating meeting with the full time Elders and Branch mission leaders to the after church help with the nativity event (happening Dec.1st - more on that next week).

This photo was taken today. That's us with "our" Ball State Missionaries - Elder Magleby and Elder Law - on the front porch of the Institute "house". We bear testimony that Christ's church has been restored to the earth. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is that church. It was restored by a prophet and is led now by a prophet. Living gospel standards, keeping temple covenants, and living God's commandments will bring us joy in this life and in the life after this. We are grateful for our membership in the Church and for all our blessings - especially for our family. As we close the month of November we feel very blessed.