August 13, 2011

Dear Mom,

I am doing very well. Last night I went to this concert in the Brigham Young Historic Park, starring this group called the Saltaires. It was a barbershop chorus, and it was pretty dang awesome!So yeah, this is the second-to-last concert I will be going to. Yes, I just got your package last night. By the way, how are those shirts coming along? I don't mean to nag, mind you, but...yeah, it's been about a month since I sent those designs. It was one of the pictures (which, seriously, do you think you could send copies of those?). Now, wait a moment, Ms. OBrian...wasn't she the one I had for that course? (GGGGGRRRRRRRRRRRRR! I am calm, I am peacful, I am in my happy place).Sorry about all that, it's still a little bit of an open wound (as I'm sure you can imagine). Anyway, tell McKenzie to tell Brother Farley I said hi. My new apartment is pretty cool. Although, it's sad, I was in that old apartment for so long, by habit my feet take me back there from work. It took me a month or two to get comfortable out in the field. Anyway, I have been trying to further the lines on that PAF file Dad sent me out with. Oh, here's a HILARIOUS story that happened out here. You see, there is this elder out here by the name of Elder Dooley, who is almost religious about writing in his journal. Now there is also this other elder out here named Elder Miller, who uses the word "foodage" on a regular basis. One night, Elder Dooley came out of his room, pointed at Elder Miller, and said, "You. You did this." Elder Miller, at the time, was thinking, "I haven't done anything. I'm planning on doing a lot of stuff, sure, but I haven't done anything yet." And then, Elder Dooley continued, "I wrote foodage in my journal because of you."Pretty hilarious, huh?

Well, I should get going. Lots to do.

Love,

Elder Huston, Sr

August 6, 2011

Dear Mom,

I am doing well. Elder Walker is pretty cool, and incredibly nice. And for the record, once an elder becomes an AP, he is one for the rest of his mission. Oh, by the way (tee-hee, you'll know why I laughed in a minute) I'm sending the picture of me with John Bytheway. No, I have not been to the temple lately (I have been doing a TON of research). Although, I plan on going next week.

Well, I hate to talk and run, but there's still a lot that needs to be done today.

Love,

Elder Huston

July 30, 2011

Dear Mom,

I am doing well. The move was EXHAUSTING!It's funny, you never realize how much stuff you have until you need to pack it all up. Oh no, I did not have to move far at all. You know that apartment complex you dropped me off at? I'm back there. The elders in my new apartment are: Elder Walker (my companion), Elder Rose, and Elder Scotto. As for the ancestry stuff, why don't you mail it to me? Everyone in my apartment works in the Family History Library (everyone in there works a 12-hour shift with 2 hour-long lunch breaks), and so I'm going to have a lot of free time on my hands. Anyway, no, I did not get my meds from express scripts yet. Thankfully, no, I am not running low on any. I got that letter from you, though. Keep in mind, out here the moves are made under the direction of the Spirit, so there is always a reason as to why who was moved where.

Well, I should get going. There's still a lot to do today.
Love,

Elder Huston

July 26, 2011

Dear Mom,
I'm sorry for not being able to get to you on Saturday. I had a migraine all day. Anyway, I am doing well. I found out I was moving last week, and on top of that, I'm going back to being a junior companion. Fortunately, the elder who will be my companion is extremely nice. At any rate, sorry to hear about Jack.
Well, I need to get going. The time I have left to do these emails is almost up.
Love,
Elder Huston

July 16, 2011

Dear Mom,
Everything is fine out here. Yes, I got the brownies and meds. That new elder in our apartment (Elder Sy) seems like a nice guy, even if he does talk WAY too much about reptiles, movies, Australia, and New Zealand. Apparently he is autistic. So anyway, we had a pretty fun week. We went to this Concert in the (Brigham Young Historic) Park when this band called TimeRiver was playing folk songs. It. Was. AWESOME!By the way, have you had a chance to try your hand at those T-shirt designs? There should have been a picture of them in the camera I sent home. Speaking of which, do you think tou could send some copies of those photos?
Well, I should get going. There's so much time and so little to do! (Wait, strike that; reverse it.)
Love,
Elder Huston

July 2nd 2011

Dear Dad,
I am doing fine. Yesterday we went to this concert in the Park, when this army band was playing patriotic marches, songs, etc. They played this one song called the Grumbly Bear; it was hilarious!Another one was this song that was made specifically to make it hard on the baritones. Apparently, this baritone said to the composer (without knowing it was him) that he hated his "dinky" marches. I just got a letter from Elder Huston. No, I didn't send one to myself; I got it from Zach. Had you going there, didn't I?Anyway, since you asked, I was wondering about something. Do you remember that one trip to Disneyland, where we all wore shirts with a different character from a Disney movie? Do you think you could send me a picture of us on each of those three days?
Anyway, I should get going. There's so much time and so little to do! (Wait, strike that; reverse it.)
Love,
Elder Huston

June 25,2011

Dear Mom,
I am doing well. Yes, I got the brownies. Originally, those photos were for your birthday, but don't tell Dad that. Not a whole lot is going on in my district, which yes, is still the same one. The only real problem is that our District Leader is a little bit of a jerk (but keep that under your hat). One of the elders moved out of our apartment yesterday, and boy, let me tell you, he went overboard on the cleaning. As for a story, here's one from wwwwwwaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyy back in the early days of my mission: Elder Flatland (I think I have mentioned him in a few of my emails) broke a chair while Elder Squire (you remember him, right? my 1st companion?) was sitting in it. Let me tell you, Elder Squire was M-A-D MAD. After that incident, I said to the elder next to me, "Remind me never to get Elder Squire that angry".
Anyway, I had better get going.
Love,
Elder Huston

june 17th letter

Dear Dad,

I am doing very well up here. This week has been awesome, due to 2 things that happened: 1. This young elder out here, Elder Thomas (I think I have mentioned him in one of my emails) out of the blue asked me, "What shoe size are you?" I told him, and he said, "That fits perfectly with my plans." Needless to say, I was both confused and scared. But then he expained that he had this pair of shoes that have been in his family for a while, and they wouldn't fit anybody. So he asked if I wanted them. Of course, I said yes; besides, they will do until I get a new pair of insoles for my other ones (I've worn holes into the old ones). And 2. I went to this concert in the Brigham Young Memorial Park; the people playing was called Mercy River. It was awesome.

Well, I had better get going.

Loe,

Elder Huston

June 4th letter

Dear Mom,

Mission life is treating me pretty well. The fact that the tweezers were in that aisle would explain why I couldn't find them. As it is, every time I go down that aisle (yes, I have had to go down there for things like shampoo, etc.), I get the BIGGEST case of the willies. (Shudder) Anyway, my medicine is going fine. As for a story...There is one that comes to mind. This is one from way back in the early days of my mission. Well, this elder out here, Elder Talbot (you know, the Phantom Elder) is extremely OCD. I am talking on the level of Adrian Monk here. Everything on his desk is perfectly parallel, perpendicular, and equidistant to everything else. Anyway, his companion at that time, Elder Savage (you might remember him from the day you dropped me off here) would always mess with him by saying, "Crooked, crooked, crooked. Everything is crooked." Well, one night Elder Savage said it when he didn't change anything, so Elder Talbot had to check to make sure that every thing was still organized the way he needs it. So mean, and yet so funny!

Well, I should get going. Lots to do.

Love,

Elder Huston

Dear McKenzie,

I am afraid that every EFY is different (at least, I think it is). The main thing I did at mine was go to some various classes and learn more about the Gospel. My favorite part was the dance (of course). Beyond that, I am afraid I don't know.

Well, I hope this email has been helpful to you. Tell everyone I said hi.

Love,

Elder Huston

May 28th letter

Dear Mom,

I am doing well. Yes, it is finally starting to warm up out here. Yes, I got my package. Thank you!Since you asked, do you think you could send me some tweezers? I have turned Wal-Mart inside-out looking for some. Yes, Monday is a holiday for us. (WOOT-ETH! PAAAAARRRRRRRTTTTYYYYYYY!)So, I plan on mostly catching up on sleep, maybe play a board game or two. By the way, we got a new district leader, which brings up a funny story: Last night, when he did check-ins, he said, "Welcome to the promised land. You are out of the wilderness now. Let Moses take care of you." So, I piped in and said, "Don't worry, I'm already on it."Funny, huh?Oh, yes, fun times out here.

Well, I should get going. There's so much time and so little to do! (Wait, strike that; reverse it)

Love,

Elder Huston

Dear Dad,

I am doing fine. It sounds like you had a good time in Toronto. Ketchup-flavored chips? Really? Anyway, I have a joke for you. Blonde Inventions: Glass hammer; inflatable dartboard; left-handed pencil; clear correction fluid; black highlighter; waterproof tea bags; Braille driving manual (yikes!); dehydrated water; screen door on a submarine; helicopter ejection seat (ouch!); air conditioning for motorcycle; wooden barbecue (amazing one-use only!); glow-in-the-dark sundial; gasoline fire extinguisher; battery-powered battery charger; fake rhinestones; fireproof matches; glow-in-the-dark sunglasses; mesh umbrella; and solar-powered flashlight.

Well, I better get going.

Love,

Elder Huston

May 21st letter

Dear Mom,

How on Earth did you already find out about that?!I just barely saw him maybe 3 1/2 hours ago! Dang, he is fast!Anyway, I am doing pretty well out here. As for what to do with Zach, don't worry. Truth be told, I was pretty much the same way at first. But after awhile, he'll change. Oh, before I forget, tell him his big bro has 2 things to say to him: #1. Lock up our room but good before you leave and mail me the keys! (I am not joking in the least! Install a deadbolt if you need to, I don't care!) And #2. You know that first batch of pictures I sent to you all? You remember the one where there was a guy wrapped up in a blanket? The one who was wrapped up? Tell Zach that if he sees him, tell him to run for his life! You see, that guy was a missionary who has since left, and his hometown is none other than Boise! The reason why I say to run, he is in no way, shape or form the brightest crayon in the box. Oh, who am I kidding?! The guy is dumber than a post. Seriously. Anyway, no I did not get it yet. Oh, and also, I kind of ran out of my allergy meds the other day, and I remember you asked me to tell you if that happened. My companion's arm is fine, it's healed up pretty well. The part that makes it a pain is trying to sew up the sleeve that he tore up. I am with you on the part about sunny and warm. It's been raining up here all week. As for a story, here's one: Last week, I lost my umbrella. And let me tell you, I was freaking out because I had heard that it was going to rain all week. I had just about lost all hope when, TA-DAH! One of the elders had apparently found it and handed it to me. YAY!It just goes to show you, so long as we do all we can, the Lord will provide a way!

Well, I should get going.

Love,

Elder Huston

May 7th letter

Dear Mom,

I will be calling at around 6:00 PM, so yeah it's a really good thing you gave me your cell #. Anyway, you don't really think that bum of a Jewcifer brother of mine will listen to me, do you?(Just kidding, I'll talk to him;although I can't make any promises beyond that; besides, I need to tell him about someone who he might run into). Oh, and before I forget, tell Zach that his big bro has 2 messages for him; he's a pretty smart guy, he'll figure them out. The messages are: "The cake is a lie." "I JUST LOST THE GAME!" By the way, you should be getting a package from me pretty soon here; I sent it on Thursday, so it should be there pretty soon. Which reminds me, in all of the pictures on the camera, don't worry, no one is in any real danger.

Well, I had better get going. There's so much time and so little to do. (Wait, strike that; reverse it.)
Love,

Elder Huston

May 14th letter

Dear Mom,

As a matter of fact, I do remember my first formal. Man, was that a blast!No, I am not required to wear a suit coat in the summer (except for meetings), so yeah, I'll be getting those dry cleaned pretty soon. If you could possibly send some of that Blast-O-Butter popcorn I love so much, I wouldn't mind. Yes, I got some more socks. My shirts and pants are holding up fine. As for a story...Oh yeah, here's one for you. You see, our apartment has a balcony, and one day Elder Gee (my companion) was out on it. Well, Elder Allred (as a joke) locked him out. Unfortunately, Elder Gee had some eggs boiling, so he needed to be there, fast. So, he decided to jump off of the balcony, so he could run back to the door and get in. Well, Elder Gee miscalculated the landing, so he scraped up his arm fairly badly and tore up his sleeve. Well, everyone learned something that day: Elder Gee learned not to jump off the balcony (or trust Elder Allred to restrain himself from locking him out); I definitely learned some patience; and Elder Allred learned that it is not a good idea to lock a person out of the apartment.

Well, I should get going. Still lots to do today.

Love,

Elder Huston

April 30th letter

Dear Mom,

Life out here is exactly that: cold, wet, and bipolar. The motto out here regarding weather goes like this: "Hey, it's stopped hailing." "Wait five minutes, it will start up again." No, I have not tried out the phone yet. The work is going fine. Yes, I am still in the same district. As for how long a person stays apartment leader...It kind of varies. I really do not know how long you stay one. I don't have any real power, actually. The position is primarily coordinative, rather than administrative. My primary duties as apt. lead are: 1. Coordinate cleaning duties, as needed. 2. Hold apartment councils, again, as needed. And 3. Report to the District Leader apartment-wide concerns. I really don't know if I like it yet. You see, I was only made official yesterday. Tell Emily (and everyone else, too) that I love & miss them too.

Well, I had best get going.

Love,

Elder Huston

April 23rd letter

Dear Mom,

No, it is not warming up too much out here. At least it doesn't snow (much) anymore. Yes, I got the Easter package. Which reminds me, the other elders in the apartment wanted me to thank you for them. They loved them! As for a story, here's one: While Elder Shaw was living with one of my old companions (Elder Shipton), he (Elder Shaw) had this fan (which was actually Elder Shipton's) blowing all the warm air right out the open window. Well, Elder Shipton got fed up w/ it and took it back. When Elder Shaw came home & found out it was gone, he goes up to Elder Shipton and asks, "Where's my fan?" "I have it." "Can I have it back?" "No." "No, seriously, give it back." "No, you are grounded from it." "You can't do that!" "I just did." (BTW, as both apt. and district leader at the time, he could do that.) So hilarious! Which reminds me, you are never going to believe this: As of next Friday, I AM APARTMENT LEADER! WWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT! The funny thing is, I had a feeling this was going to happen, due to the fact that our current apt. leader is leaving the mission soon, and I am most senior in the apt. Hifive, big success!

Well, I better get going. Lots to do.

Love,

Elder Huston

April 16th letter

Dear Mom,

All is well here. The situation with the phone (as I have told you at least twice now) is that it won't work. Something about the SIM Card registration failing. So if you could please get that figured out, that would be great. Since you asked, do you think you could send a leather shoe care kit? I have been having the hardest time finding one. For the picture with me & John Bytheway, it is on my companion's digital camera, so as soon as he gets around to emailing it to me, I will send you a copy. I am still with the same companion. The names of the other 3 elders in my apt. are Elder Gee (my companion), Elder Allred, and Elder Cornelison. As for a great story...Oh yeah, here's one! The guy who wrote hymn #298, Bro. Klopfer? Well, he told us (a couple weeks ago) about how he and his family escaped from Germany during WWII. It is an amazing story, and I happen to have typed copies of it. I can send some copies of them in the package that will contain the disposable camera.

Well, I'd better get going.

Love,

Elder Huston

April 9th letter

Dear Mom,

I thought that conference was great. As for that comment Pres. Uchtdorf made, I seriously wanted to stand up after the session and yell, "By a show of hands, how many people were doing that just as Pres. Uchtdorf said that?"I know this is going to be a strange request, but do you think you could send me a sharpening stone? It's for this set of kitchen knives I was able to get my hands on; they are getting a little dull, and you know how dangerous a dull knife can be! As for a funny story... Oh, here's one! Well, there is this one elder out here (I believe I have told you about him, the crazy Russian? The guy who went out in the middle of a blizzard in shorts & a t-shirt?) by the name of Elder Shaw. Well, one day in his apartment the other elders in the apt. were talking about the military. Elder Shaw came in, heard what they were talking about, and said, "I hate the military. If I ever got the draft, I would run into Canada!" (By the way, did you know that doing so is a felony?) Well, two of the elders present (one of whom has some anger issues) who are big into the military chewed him out for a solid 45 minutes straight. Moron (no, I am not kidding; this is the guy who sniffs books to get high and is obsessed with a little boys choir).

Well, I better get going.

Love,

Elder Huston

April 1st letter

Dear Mom,

Fortunately, I am feeling better. Yes, I could get some more socks; the only reason I said anything was because you had asked. Anyway, the reason I am emailing you now is that the Library will be closed tomorrow. By the way, did you ever find out what the deal is with my phone?

Well, better get going.

Love,

Elder Huston

march 28th

Dear Mom,

The answers to your ?'s, in order, are: 1. Not much, I guess, aside from the fact that IT IS SNOWING UP HERE, RIGHT NOW! IN LATE MARCH! What is with this crazy place?! Isn't it supposed to be spring?! 2. Not yet. 3. Ditto. 4. Yes. Fortunately, I can buy some out here. 5. Just fine. 6. Funny you should ask, because I am running seriously low on socks. 7. Yes. 8. Greatly. 9. As a matter of fact, yes. We made this completely up ourselves (well, not completely; we started with a recipe my companion already knew, & added some stuff). We took some potatoes, mixed veggies, macaroni, Ragu sauce, and ground pork, mixed it all up in a big pot, and cooked it. We called it Jewish Pork (tee-hee!). As for a faith promoting story...Oh, yeah, here's one: Yesterday, we had a fireside given to us by our own President Simmons. Apparently, at one time, he was serving a senior mission in Africa, and he said that despite (or rather, because) the fact that they have nothing, they are some of the happiest, most patient people in the world. By the way, I am truly sorry that I did not email you on Saturday, but I am afraid that I was sick.

Anyway, I better get going.

Love,

Elder Huston

March 19th, 2011

Dear Mom,
I am doing well over here. Yes, I got the box of goodies. The only medication I appear to be running low on is my Adderall; but don't worry, I think I have enough to last me another 2 weeks or so. Yes, I still have the same companions. The work is going fine. I did get a ticket for conference; I got the Sunday afternoon session.
Well, I better get going. So much to do, so little time.
Love,
Elder Huston

3/13/11

Dear Mom,
I am glad that Zach has been called to Boise, Idaho. No, I did not get the box yet (keep in mind, we only get mail on weekdays, since the JSMB is closed during the weekend). Yes, things are warming up here, slowly but surely. Yes, last week I did cook something good: London Broil; and MAN, was it good! Well, something special just happened this week. We get to go to Wal-Mart! And, if all the young missionaries are on their best behavior, the mission presidency might consider allowing us to go there for the rest of our missions!As for conference next month, yes, I do get to go; as for which session I will go to...I can't remember for sure. I think Sunday afternoon, maybe? I'll have to get back to you on that. I believe I am starting to run low on Clonidine (meaning I don't know off the top of my head I have left, but I'd say I still have enough for another week).
Well, I'd better get going.
Love,
Elder Huston

2/26/11

Dear Dad,
I am doing fine out here. My companion, the self-proclaimed cannibal? He just finished his mission yesterday. So I have a new companion, who, oddly enough, works in the same zone as me. I think part of the reason that he was moved was because he was one small step from killing his companion. The crazy Russian (yes, his old companion was born in Russia) kept their room so cold, he had to sleep in the living room. The Russian is so crazy, he went out into 20 degree weather (and that's without the wind chill factor) in nothing but shorts and a t-shirt! HE (the Russian) IS CERTIFIABLY CRAZY! So, I am sure they figured that he needed a break from the crazy. So yeah, I can see why they moved him out of there. Oh, and since you asked, do you think you can send me some prickly pear syrup? Please and thank you.
Well, I better get going.
Love,
Elder Huston

2/26/11

Dear Mom,
Things are going OK here. We are in the middle of a snowstorm ourselves out here (nothing major). When everything is closed down (which only happens about once in a blue moon), we stay in our apartments all day and play board games, etc. Usually, we do not get to go sightseeing. I have had to teach on a few occaisions.
Well, I'd better get going.
Love,
Elder Huston

2/12/11 One Year Out

Dear Mom,
My week has been fine. Yes, I got my package. Those gloves are exactly what I needed. It is starting to warm up a little bit. I did try one new recipe: sausage-stuffed mushrooms. They were pretty darn tasty. Yes, I still have the same companions in my apartment. If I could sum up my first year in one sentence, it would be: Wow, did that just happen? As for a funny story, here is one for you. You see, my second companion (Elder Talbot) is exremely OCD; I mean on the same level as Adrian Monk (seriously). Anyway, you know my first companion, Elder Squire? Well, he had crookedized some of Elder Talbot's stuff, which just drives him crazy.So, while he was fixing it, he said to me, "I really hate it when people do that." Then I said to him, "But didn't Elder Savage do the same thing?" Then he explained that whenever Elder Savage would do it, it would all still be straight, it would just be at a 45 degree angle instead of a 90 degree angle. Then he said, "Elder Squire, on the other hand, isn't straight at all." I started laughing my head off, and when heasked why, I said to him, "Do you realize what you just said?" And after I told him, he started laughing too!
Well, I better get going. Lots to do.
Love,
Elder Huston

2/5/11

Dear Dad,
I am doing fine. I could use another pair of warm winter gloves (the gloves I currently have, I am afraid, do not work too well). I did get the box. I just have one question about one item that was in it: the Chia plants. Why? I like fresh herbs as much as the next guy, but I am afraid that the climate out here is far from ideal for growing those (plus, I am sorry to say, I don't have the time or the skill to take care of them). Oh, by the way, my companion loved the hot sauce; on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the highest), he gave it an 8 (I'm not going to lie, I was a little disappointed; I was kind of expecting a more violent reaction; then again, my companion is, apparently, the guy who would eat jalapenos by the jarful).
Well, I better get going. Lots to do.
Love,
Elder Huston

1/29/11

Dear Mom,
You did beat me to the computer (by 1 hour). I am doing fine. Yes, I am still in the same apt. with the same elders. It is OK about the orange peeler and the pics. I do have one funny story I have to tell. This appened a few months ago. You know the button up shirt you sent, the one that I wore to Institute? I came out of my room wearing it, and one of the elders present... Well, let's just say that shirt maybe cost, what, $5? The look on his face: priceless. Absolute horror. He said: "What singer from the 80's did you kill to get that thing?" One of the other elders said: "Michael Jackson." And I said: "Hey, I was doing the world a favor." I am doing fine on meds.
Well, I better get going. So much time and so little to do. (Wait; strike that. Reverse it.)
Love,
Elder Huston

1/22/11

Dear Mom,
There are some last minute requests I have; though I should warn you, they are going to sound pretty strange. I would like you to send: 1. Some blank CDs (as it turns out, we are allowed to download Mo-Tab songs and make our own personalized CDs); one of those cases that can hold a bunch of CDs (to save space and not have them all over the place); an orange peeler; and the one you will find the weirdest of all, some of that After Death hot sauce Dad really likes (you see, my companion is nearly done with his mission, and he LOVES spicy food, and I do not think that they sell that kind of hot sauce in Wyoming [his home state], so I would like to give it to him as a going-away present). As for a story, I will tell you one of the funniest things one of the elders I work with has said. You see, one night, he had apparently had a nightmare, and he woke up and (I kid you not) yelled: "PANCAKES! THE WAFFLE ATE MY PANCAKES! GIVE THEM BACK!" Weird, huh?
Anyway, I gotta get going. So much to do, so little time.
Love,
Elder Huston

1/8/11

Dear Mom,
That goofball with the red nose? That is none other than my fearless District Leader. No, I do not think I cooked all that food (I might have, I'm not sure really which picture you are talking about). If there is any way you could get me the name of the elder from Justin/Elder King's ward, I would greatly appreciate it. The speakers work fine. I loved the t-shirts. If possible, do you think you could have Grandpa Rick send more glogg? You know, if it isn't too much to ask. Yes I got that email, and I was able to answer him back. It's really cool to hear from him.
Anyway, I better get going. There is lots to do.
Love,
Elder Huston

12/11/10

Dear Mom,
I really liked the Devotional. The only problem was getting out of the Conference Center. It was a madhouse! The work is going along just fine. No, I would not mind at all. I could use some recipe ideas for a Christmas dinner. Oh, and I finally remembered what other places the food court has: Suki-Hana, Roxberry, McDonalds (of course) and a place called Red Iguana. I don't know if any of those places have gift cards, but if they do, that would be a nice gift. Maybe also some snacks, and anything else you think I could use (note the italics). I will let you know when I might be calling ASAP.
I love you all so much.
Love,
Elder Huston

11/27/10

Dear Mom,
The answers to your ?'s, in order, are: 1. Good. 2. Oh yes. 3. No. 4. Of course. That blizzard has long since blown over. 5. Yes. My companion is great. 6. Yes. 7. Yes. 8. I would have, but I would always bring it out at night, and he always goes to bed early. 9. It is pretty good. It took some getting used to, but I would say I have got it down. 10. I found out something crazy about a month ago. My 2nd companion, Elder Talbot (you know, the "phantom elder"), well he is our new Assisstant to the President. Go figure!
I love you all so much.
Love,
Elder Huston

11/20/10

Dear Mom,
My week has been pretty good. Yes, I got it. Probably the CD player. When I read that card, my first thought was, "Why I am I not surprised that it was Zach that sent this one?" I thought the hat was hilarious. No, surprisingly it is not snowing here yet. I do not think I get a cake tonight (unless I buy/make it myself). We young elders get to go to this big Thanksgiving dinner at the church. Very well.
I love you all so much, and I hope I have a good birthday too.
Love,
Elder Huston