Our Missionary

Here is our missionary at the MTC (Missionary Training Center) in Provo, Utah. He will be here for 2 months learning how to be a missionary and learning Spanish. Then off to San Jose, California.

The drop off at the MTC

Nick with Bishop Delorey

Nick having lunch with Bishop Delorey and sons Chuck and Mark.

Nick again with Chuck and Elder Tellington.

I had wanted to take Nick out to the MTC as a family. He asked that we not. I debated for a long time what to do. Nick finally told Matt that he thought us taking him there would just prolong the agony of good-bye and he wanted to be able to enter the MTC composed and ready, not a bawling idiot. It was really hard for me to say ok but I did even though I was really never comfortable with the decision. I know Nick and know that he would have a hard time and would benefit from having someone with him. It was agonizing for me but I said ok. About 6 weeks before he was going to leave I was sitting in Relief Society and the bishop's wife (good friends of ours) asked what day exactly was Nick leaving. As it turns out, she and the bishop were going out to Utah the very same day on business and to visit family. Bishop changed his schedule so he could be on the very same flight with Nick at 0600 instead of later in the day with his lovely wife. Once in Utah they picked up 2 of the bishop's sons and headed for lunch - getting some great BBQ down before the dreaded MTC food became Nick's only option. While they were out to lunch Elder (Chris) Tellington called us on our cell phone hoping to hook up with us while there. When we told him we stayed home and the bishop took him out he made plans to head Nick off at the drop off point to greet him. Chris gave Nick a hug and one last good-bye from me. Although the day was bittersweet I could not deny the hand the Heavenly Father had in the way it worked out. Nick was escorted to the MTC by someone who cared as much as we as his parents did that he was there, someone who loved him and supported him but at the same time someone who could take him out to lunch, give him a hug and send him on his way without Nick feeling too terribly emotional. I know it didn't mean much to anyone else but to me it was truly a miracle.

Airport Goodbyes

Nick wanted just Matt and I to take him to the airport as he thought it would be too hard to say good-bye to us and the girls in the same day.  His flight was at 0600 this am.  It was hard to put a smile on my face.  I am proud of him and the sacrifice he is willing to make.  I know it is the right thing.  At the same time my heart is already breaking from how much I will miss his amazing spirit in our home.  I struggled not to cry... I had so much to say but couldn't get out a word as I knew if I opened my mouth I would not be able to hold back the tears anymore...  I love this young man with all my heart and will miss him more than I can express in words.

Packing up Nick

We spent most of the day before Nick left packing and getting him ready. The girls did get him to stop to watch a Barbie movie which I am sure will be the highlight of Nick's memory of his last day at home. Andi and Brooke were able to come and spend the day with us as well. That evening we drove to the stake center in a horrible snow storm to have Nick set apart as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints by the stake president, President Bonner. It was a day of great joy but at the same time filled with a little sadness too. We all know this is the right thing - without any shadow of doubt but that doesn't necessarily make it easy to do.

Brooke turns 2!

I can harldly believe how the time has flown. One would think I would learn by now what a thief time is but it still blows me away sometimes. We are so blessed to have this little girl in our lives. Being grandparents is truly one of the choicest blessings and this little one makes it as rich an experience as possible. She is still one of the most beautiful girls in the whole world to me. We love having her so close to us and being able to see her so regularly. Two is proving to be exactly what one would expect at two. She is learning and growing and we love watching her do so each chance we get.

Temple Trip

Matt, myself, Andi and Nick went to the temple together the first day we had a chance before Nick left. It was most memorable. We didn't get pictures of when Nick went for himself a few weeks earlier but to say that it was one of the most peaceful feelings I have ever had would not even be close to adequately decribing the two days in the temple with my oldest children.