November 2005: by Becky & Bjorn

Dear Family,

Enoch said, “The lava doesn’t burn me because I’m a tall bid brudder!”  He (as well as all the rest of the kids) is very proud and happy to have a new little sister.  He tells everyone that he has another new baby sister, so now he has two.  And he says “Her name is Elena, but her real name is Ellie.”

We are all very grateful to have Ellie finally here.  She just seems like part of the family.  Mom (Grandma) also seems like part of our family.  We all loved the attention and service she provided for two whole weeks.  We all miss her now, Enoch and Miriam especially.  She was so great to read to them whenever they needed or wanted it.  They aren’t quite getting that kind of attention now, but everyone seems to be adjusting well.  

Auriana very excitedly volunteered to make lunch whenever she’s home at lunch time.  We had Macaroni and Cheese on Saturday and Ramen Noodles, Cheese, and Carrots on Sunday.   She seems to be growing up in leaps and bounds.  To lighten my load, I asked both her and Bjorn if they would each take one night every week to make dinner – they both agreed.  I figure with six kids and a husband, eventually I won’t have to make dinner at all.  Auriana’s been progressing on the piano and the Mandolin.   She is enjoying reading the Black Stallion series.  She still loves horses, but I’m starting to think she’s allergic to every animal there is.  Much to her dismay, horses, cats, and dogs all make her itch and even wheeze.  

Isaac’s been playing basketball twice a week, reading Encyclopedia Brown, and making progress on the piano (at least while Grandma was here).  He got 100% on his National assessment tests at school.

Natalie is loving Kindergarten.  She happily practices both the fiddle and the piano every morning and then happily plays with Enoch every afternoon.  She is often found making cards or pictures for people.  She loves to color and create things and then give them away.

Enoch is always moving and talking at full speed, except when he’s around the baby.  When he has Elena in his arms he’s very quiet and still.  He loves to hold her.  He’s been very sweet.

Miriam learned to say Baby today.  She’s making great verbal progress and loves to say her prayers.  She gets very alarmed when Ellie cries, making sure that I take care of it immediately.

Hi there, this is Bjorn. I guess Becky hit her limit, so I get the chance to add a few thoughts. You must realize by now that its a good thing we have had so many babies or you would never get a family letter from us! That’s really the only reason we have children so often is so that we can get in a family letter every 18 or 19 months :)

Ellie is wonderful. I just love it when she lays peacefully in my arms and stares up at me with those wondering eyes. I know that one of these times soon she is going to suddenly break into a smile and melt her daddy’s heart even more. She seems so perfect to me. Of course, we’re still working on the sleep thing. Each time we go through this with a child, my appreciation for Becky increases dramatically – she just keep on a’goin’, with a smile on her face.

We have been greatly blessed by the kindness of neighbors and the loving service Mom so tirelessly gave to us for two whole weeks. When we got home from Church and Grandma was gone, Enoch didn’t believe me and he wandered around the house for about 10 minutes calling “Gramma. Where are you Gramma?” Even a couple days after she had left, he woke up one morning and wondered where she was. A testament to the love these children have for someone that they know truly loves them.

Work is going well for me. I’m in the middle of some really fun projects. I’ll be starting tomorrow on a new website: TrumanMadsen.com. The Community Choir is gearing up for our annual Christmas concert on December 9th, and my next project on the Arts Council is to try and get a performing arts center built in Spanish Fork. Wish me luck :)

Well, life is good...even though BYU lost. Grumble, grumble. We enjoyed talking to most of you and seeing many of you after Ellie was born. Thanks again to each of you for your generosity. We love associating with you and feel uplifted by your presence, your phone calls, and your letters. We love reading Stuart’s letters and learning of his growth as a leader, his dedication as a servant of God, and feeling his personal strength of testimony. Its fun to hear the kids pray for him in their personal prayers.

We will be blessing Ellie on December 4th for any of you that can make it. We are moving to a new building that day so make sure and get directions from us if you decide to come.

Happy Thanksgiving to each of you!

Love – Bjorn, Becky, Auriana, Isaac, Natalie, Enoch, Miriam, and Ellie – Wow, a family of 8! I gotta go get some sleep :)