February 2, 1987

Dearest Johnny; Roy & Patrice; Bob, Claire, Michael, Laura & Brett; Rick, Jean, Ricky, Barbara Jean, Mary Ann & Sarah; and Ron, Ann, Susanna, Jessie, Russell, LeeAnna & Jimmy:

It's Monday morning and we have just finished breakfast with little Mary Ann & Sarah. Jennie & Rick came down yesterday afternoon and brought them for us to care for until Jeannie gets strong again after her operation (she went into the hospital early this morning for a hysterectomy). I worried all night that maybe I should have gone to Farmington to stay with all the children because Rick had to get Barji and Ricky off to school and then go to be with Jean. They have gone through so many hospital visits without us being here I'm sure they can get through this one too. Jeannie says she really feels good and that is a good way to go in for an operation - we just know everything is going to be okay and she will be much stronger and healthier after this is over. We love having Mary Ann & Sarah and we hope they will be happy with us!!!

Johnny - we really appreciate your writing us even a short note when we know how busy you are and that is all we need to have - when we know you are okay then we can go "our merry way" - it's when we don't hear that is bad!!! We were so thrilled to receive that letter from Grant Hardester - I sent it on to you and hope you have received it by now. It will be so much fun to have your friends in and out again. John Spencer's sister is in our Sunday School class and she will graduate from Utah State this Spring - she's doing her practice teaching in this area so she is living at home this semester. She was going to Logan yesterday after church to be with John and Corene and their little boy. Johnny she is a "living doll"!!! Daddy talked to a lot of missionaries at the temple last week who were going to Chile but they were going to the Del Mar (?) Mission.

Bob and Claire - we loved your letter - it was even more special because of the way Brett had tried to "destroy" it. I believe you have left Michael's book here. "The Three Little Pigs". I didn't know who it belonged to but since Ann & Jean don't claim it then I know it must be yours and I'll send it - have you missed anything else??? One of the things that worries me is that I don't know who belongs to what and when things are left here sometimes we claim ownership to them - unintentionally - so you will all have to help keep us on the ball. I can pretty well keep track of the big things that Ron & Ann have loaned us but sometimes the other things get "lost in the shuffle". Claire, they were having the "New Beginnings" at our ward here last night and our neighbor had done the art work for the programs and they were beautiful - I can't remember what your calling is - are you in the Stake or Ward? Those things take so much time and we're really proud of you for giving of your time like that.

Roy & Patrice - we have worried about you??? Boston has really been covered up with snow and ice storms according to the t. v. - how do you get to work? I'll bet you take the subway - at least, I hope you can do that. We talk about where you might be sent every single day - I am pulling for closer to Utah - Ha!!! We know you love the East and we know you will be happy wherever it is. Patrice, I am still enjoying the library and feel so much more comfortable going there now and with the children here we will really enjoy their videos - you were so much help to me!!!

We had such a fun evening last night - I wish every Sunday could be like that. The Woolley cousins came over with their Daddy to visit with the Weinert cousins for a little while. It was just a beautiful night and the older children ran up and down the hill in our backyard - Jeannie and I were out with them and it is so interesting to see Ricky play with his girl cousins - he is "all boy" and Jeannie is constantly reminding him to be "careful" with the girls but it is all he can do not tackle them, etc. They jumped the rope out on the patio for a long time and see the sun set over the lake is just a gorgeous sight - we really love our home.

Chris Jordin called last night to tell us they have divided the old Little Rock First Ward. They have formed a new "Pinnacle Ward" which consists of the people living in Maumelle and West of I-30 and that is all of Pleasant Valley. Chris is really concerned because the Pinnacle Ward will have "all the money"!!! Do you all remember when they separated North Little Rock from our Ward - we thought we would never survive but we grew and grew and that is what will happen now. She also told us that Dave Gonce is Young Men's President and Laura is Young Women's President in their ward in Missouri - Dave still lives in Little Rock but goes up there on week -ends - weird!!!!!

Daddy wallpapered the family room and playroom downstairs last week. We got a "Holly Hobby" print paper for the playroom and I have never seen such hard wallpaper to put on - the seams just wouldn't go down - we even had to use the hot glue gun on some of them. I am not one bit of help - I just hand Daddy the scissors, sponge, etc. It is just darling and we are so happy we have it done.

A little bit of news for those of you who don't live in Utah: Geneva workers will start back to work this week but it is still uncertain whether or not they will keep the plant open - Marc Hoffman (the man who sold documents to the church including the famous salamander letter) pleaded guilty to falsifying them and also killing two people including a bishop!!!

That's all the news. We love each one of you so very much and we're so proud of you. PLEASE BE VERY CAREFUL IN EVERYTHING YOU DO and let us know how we can help you.

P.S. I knew I would forget to tell you this if I didn't write myself a note!!!!

Last month they had a statewide contest for children in the first and second grades and I really don't know what it was titled. The subject for Jessie's grade was the past and the present and the children were supposed to draw a picture depicting this. Jessie drew a picture of PaPa and then one of herself and under Papa's picture she spelled his name, Jesse Lynn Mellor, and then, this is my Grandpa and he represents the past. Then under her picture she spelled her name, Jessie Lynn Woolley, and then, this is me and I represent the future. ANYWAY she won first place in her school and her picture is on display in the Orem Public Library. We are so proud of her. We want to go to the library and take a picture of the display.

That same month Susanna was chosen "citizen of the month" for her school so this has been a special month for the Woolleys.

Ricky also had a special time in his school - he was featured and they made a poster about him telling of his special hobbies, etc. Jeannie said he put the picture of him with his big fish on the poster along with other pictures. We haven't seen it but I'm sure it is darling.

It really means a lot to Daddy and I to be close enough to see our grandchildren's activities. Claire wrote that Michael is enjoying his gymnastics - that really helps with their coordination and is something new for this generation.

I think that's all the news!!!!!
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