December 16, 1980

Dear Betsy,
I want to thank you for the beautiful Christmas card.  I dearly love it and will treasure it.  Today Grandpa sent off two boxes to you and Kirstie.  Have a nice Christmas and don't open them before Christmas.  I wish I could see you.  I hope you like your presents.

My feet are really a mess and so sore.  I can't work any more.  I thing I have the flu.  I am nauseated and some chills.

Sandy returned to school today after missing 14 weeks.  They gave her Germand for a week and then she will get Russian.  I hope she can catch up.

Sandy worries about her weight.  She has gained being sick.  She weighs about 115# and 5'3" tall.  She thinks you are too thin.  She can exercise a little now.

Are you going to church?  What time is it?  Ours is 9-12:15.  This is only one Mormon in Sandy's school.  My visiting teachers just came and brought me and Sandy a candy wreath.  They are nice.  I just got some since I am in a new ward.  They are going to bring in some meals.

I have all my Christmas cards to do and a lot more but I can't go out much.

I have little news.  Do you have lots of homework?  Sandy does.  I really miss you.  I love you dearly.  Please write me again soon.  I love to hear from you.  I hope you like your Christmas presents.  It is hard to buy for you since I haven't seen you.

With all my love,
Mommy

I LOVE YOU

December 14, 1980

Dear Kirstie,

I was so thrilled and happy to get your letter.  It had been so long since I heard from you.  I am glad you are well and settling in school.  Your dad sent some pictures of you and you sure have grown up.  Sandy can't get over your long hair.  She is letting her's grow.  Sandy starts to school tomorrow after being out for 14 weeks.  She also has a low thyroid and started medicine yesterday.

My feet has been terrible and I have to stay in a lot.  It is cold and damp here.

We hope to get your presents off this week.  I hope you like everything.  Grandma and Grandpa and Aunt Ida's gifts will all be with mine.

I missed you too at Thanksgiving.  I am glad you like my cooking.  To make meetball Stroganoff you need the following:
1 # hamburger
1 dry piece of white bread
1 cut up (diced) onion
1 egg beaten
salt and pepper
Mix together and then brown in pan on all sides.  Take out of pand and drain the grease.
Add 1 can cream of mushroom soup,
1/2 can water
1/2 carton sour cream.
Mix these things and add meatballs.  Then cook for 1/2 hour or longer on low heat.  Stir frequently.  Serve over noodles or rice.

I hope I didn't forget anything.  I didn't have the recipe here that I can find.  We haven't had a steak since we came.  We eat tuna, hot dogs, hamburger, and chicken.

Well, I will close now.  Remember I LOVE YOU with all my heart.  I miss you.

Love and kisses

All my love,
Mommy

WRITE SOON