Elder & Sister Dattage: Grandma's potato chips and zone meeting!

January 17, 2016

Dear Friends and Family,

Hope everyone is doing well in snowy Utah. Jodi sent pictures of the snow and it sure is deep. Must be great for skiing.

What an amazing week this has been. We have been driving around in a car because our truck has been in the dealership and no one recognizes us. We were ask to do a Movie Night for the Branch. We decided to show Once I Was a Beehive. We hope people will come and bring their friends and neighbors to it. We took 55 invitations around. Hope for the best. We are getting popcorn in Gallup Lumber. We made lots of rice krispies treats and drinks. Hope it will be lots of fun.

We had a District Meeting and a Zone Meeting this Week. Greg Olson the artist brought pictures and talked to us at the Zone meeting. It was really great. He knows Mike Malm and thinks a lot of him .

We only got wood one time this week with Brother Salt because of no truck. We did take emergency wood to two Sisters in the trunk of the rental car. We sure have a lot of mud here now. It snows then melts and you step out of your car and are in mud up around your shoes. It reminds me of Ryans Pig mud story from his mission. We just scrap it off and keep going. Not much gravel and no grass for sure. Your snow looks so pretty but ours is quite black or orange from dirt.

We presented the Theme in Mutual. I am so happy that we both get to work in the young Men and Young Womens organization. We enjoy the very few people that are that age and they are just like our girls, they laugh and giggle. They want to heart attack peoples houses for Valentines and such.

We had so much fun this week because for a few days we took Maelee’s snowman around with us. When we visited people and talked to them and ask for a picture with him they really liked it. I liked that we went to some of our favorite people’s houses that we don’t get to visit often because we are visiting the less active. They are mostly a happy people and willing to help each other out.

We invited anyone that wanted to go to the Albuquerque Temple once a month. When the list went around even though not many signed up they raised their hand and ask how they can get a visit with the Branch President so they can renew their recommend. Two ladies ask that and I was so excited about something this important.

We visited with a family today that said they sure wanted to come to church but had no way to get there. They used to be active and we said we would love to come get them. They are coming to the Monday Night Movie Night and to Church next week. It seems we never know what will touch their hearts. We don’t even always understand their reasons for not being places. Understood they used to be active but don’t come any more. Hope something that simple to us as a ride can help made a difference.

We still take a bag of chips to Grandma every week. She can eat a bag in two days. She weighs 62 pounds so they don’t seem to be hurting her. We didn’t take any the last visit and I don’t think she was very happy with us.

We are so glad that our family is doing as well as possible right now. Love our grandkids and feel bad when Taylor is sick, or Jaxon doesn’t feel well, or someone is disappointed with things that happen. We pray and think about you always.

We were so excited when we received a sunshine box from the Watrins. Tons of cute yellow things came and we love all of them. We have shared some of the candy but the notes are right above the computer. Saved the cute box because it was so fun and cheerful.

Today in Relief Society the piano player was gone and the lady that leads the much was gone. Sister Vicente turns to me and asks if I will come up and lead without a piano. Of course I went us gave them one note from the piano then proceeded to lead. No a shinning moment for me for sure.

No one cleans the church so yesterday I went over and cleaned. It looked much better and today in church they sent around a sign up list to clean the church. YEA

Just wanted to tell you that we went to the Salts for a birthday party for their girls and they sang Happy Birthday as bad as we do. They were laughing and trying to be silly. That made me a bit homesick because that is just how we do it.

I love studying the Book of Mormon in Sunday school when I am there. We gave Books of Mormon to all the Primary kids a week ago and they were so excited. So much to learn. Love all of the thoughts that we read each day. Every time we read one I think of the time it took to make them and how much we really love them. Thanks.

We heard Ryan was on T V We know that the game Sunday was a family divided and loved Shea picture of that. The Johnsons pictures in the snow looked so cute. Looks like they got Adam good with the snowballs. Have been checking on Taylor everyday and love every positive thing she says. Love Hunter and Adndrws videos of their sports. We love those boys also. Got another two worder from our Hayden and just have to say we sure to love him as well as all of you. Thanks for your amazing support to all of you. We feel it and we love it.

We are in close contact with Uncle Hoot and praying for him and their family. If you guys hear anything more let us know. Bless their hearts.

Just want to say that many times this week we have been told to be still and listen. Take time to ponder and above all have Charity. The best advice ever. Love all of you.

Love mom and dad (Elder and Sister Dattage)

Elder and Sister Dattage also write a little personal note to the family that we usually share. Let's just say this one included a good story for Sister Dattage! She will now have an easy answer to the question: What is your most embarassing moment ever??? Not sure if she would want it all over FB but it is FUNNY!!

Picture note: Maelee sent Grandma and Grandpa a snowman to travel around Zuni. So you will see the snowman in many pictures!!

Hauling wood with the Elders and a less active member Dave

Another day of wood for Brother Benn in front. The Salts helped us!

Men will be boys! District meeting and Zone leader Brother Potter and District Leader Brother Boyder trying out their rubber gun!

The beautiful mountain in Zuni takes on the color of the sun!

Wishing all a happy New Year!

Grandma "Potato Chips" as she is called and Marie with the snowman. This bag may last 3 days!!

For all you Pickett cousins: I can just hear Gayle saying "have a bar and go to bed." Looks like this Grandma likes her chips like Grandma loved her O'Aggie Bars!

Zuni Branch Young Men! Brother Park and Elder Dattage are the leaders with Zach, Austin and Chandler!

Elder Dattage and Brother Sale getting wood for the branch!

Sowman visiting thte bakery! Rose and her niece!

Talking to the Young Women's President Pam. She is a beautiful silversmith, pictured is some of her work. She made bracelets for all of the girls for Christmas!