missionary Jake

Last Wednesday~ I was so lucky! SO LUCKY!!

My nephew Jake was set apart as a missionary a week ago today & was headed to the Provo MTC. My brother Jim & sis Beth put him on an airplane headed for Salt Lake City- and I picked him up!He is such a GReat kid & so excited to be finally on his way. His call came over 5 months ago-- longgg wait. We headed down to Provo & had a really good talk on the way. I am just so impressed with this young man. He is going to be a true blessing in the lives of so many people in Paraguay-- did I mention he is going to Paraguay? So EXciting!
Our first stop- to pick up Brittany & John.

The plan was to go to lunch & talk MTC facts with Marcus unfortunately the law building lost power last Friday & rescheduled make up class right during his typical lunch break- dang it! Missionary Jake was stuck eating lunch with his aunt & cousin's wife... and Johnny. He didn't seem to mind.

I asked Brian & Marcus where they thought I should take him for his last meal before the MTC... funny they both had different responses. Marcus said - Mexican food- he craved it the whole two years in Brazil. Brian- cheeseburgers- he craved that the whole time in Chile. I gave Jake the choice & he picked Chinese. I can pretty much guarantee he won't be eating Chinese in Paraguay.

a couple of over exposed photos..

and lunch!

we had the most delicious lettuce wraps & noodles & chicken- YUM- great choice.

Jake's fortune

It was time & this guys was done waiting. We headed up the hill to the MTC & I'm pretty sure I've never seen anyone so excited.

Upon arrival Jake jumped out of the car & hugged the Host missionary...? I thought, ya he's excited- until I walked around the car & found out this missionary is a good friend of Jake's from home! They played golf together & this sweet kid had been waiting & looking for Jake- hoping to be his host all day. What a way to start off at the MTC- perfect!

We unloaded...

started saying our goodbyes...

and it was time to go.

Good Luck & God Bless you Missionary Jake!

You are going to do great!

and have the experience of a life time.

Thanks so much for sharing a bit of it with me.

my missionary jack... an update

Monday this photo was in my inbox.

It was like a little slice of heaven... seeing a picture of my missionary jack!

He has been out nearly 7 months now. YES- you read that right- it's been 205 days sent we said good bye & he got on an airplane to Brazil.

I miss him terribly.

I think about him constantly... always.

I don't write much about it because frankly, I don't like to get super personal on this blog. My feelings about having a missionary are so personal, so overwhelmingly personal & sacred... I just don't want to trivialize any part of the experience. Anyhow- he is doing well. He has lost some weight, but then he walks at least 10 miles most days. He loves it. Absolutely loves it! I know- not because of the many letters saying he loves it- but because of pictures like this one. I know my son, and I can see it in his eyes.

Tonight I want to share a bit of this week & last week's email.

(last week)

He is writing about a family they are teaching, "They are a really humble family, that doesn't have much. It was hard going to their house for the first time & seeing how little they have. Their house is only a little bit bigger than my bedroom back home & they are a family of 13- 11 kids! But they are so happy & so excited about the gospel. The blessings of the gospel are so much it doesn't matter how little we have, if we have the gospel we are rich with blessings."

(this week)

"this week was GREAT!! We went to visit a family & one boys had a surprise for us. He had named two of his roosters after my companion & I. Little Elder Messer is a white rooster with a red head, ha ha. Now many of you may be recalling the Seinfeld episode where Kramer buys a rooster & names it little Jerry Seinfeld. So it probably won't surprise you when I inform you that, yes, Little Elder Messer got in a fight against Little Elder Alves. We were all sitting in this little tiny room (it's really little especially with 11 people in it!) when these two roosters just went at it. They were fighting in between my lets, on my lap, it was craziness. Don't worry though, Little Elder Messer was quicker than Rocky from rocky III."

It's good to know he still has his sense of humor.

I know you are not reading this...

but someday you will-

I love you Jack. I know you are exactly where you need to be, doing exactly what you want to do & I am proud of you. Proud to be your mother. Proud you are doing good in this world & loving your fellow man. Proud of the man you have become. Proud that you are not afraid to teach & testify of what you know is true. Proud that you know how to work hard. I miss you but wouldn't bring you home- mostly because you would never speak to me again- for anything. I dream of the day you will come home & walk down the ramp at the airport. I love you so much.

love, mom

100 days

It's been long journey these past 636 days.

But my missionary mom days they are quickly coming to an end.

There are only

100 days left

100 days until I see him again- face to face- mother & son.

I had no idea what I was in for back on that day, November 14, 2007- when our family drove down together to the missionary training center & dropped him off. It was hard-much harder than I thought it would be. It was heart wrenching. It was painful. But it was a good thing. A great thing for him & a very good thing for our family. Since then so many things have happened.

We have been strengthened as we pray for him daily.

Jack has become the head/leader of the kids at home & grown several inches.

We welcomed Tony into the family & will be grandparents soon.

Megan & Jack & Tony graduated from their different schools.

Marcus got married.

Hailey is starting High School, driving etc.

Chloe has grown up - a lot.

and Trent too...

but then so have I - I think.

My testimony has grown in so many ways. I have learned once again that I can do hard things & so can my children. That God will not forsake them. That they don't have to be coddled. I know that they are their own persons. They make their own choices, learn from their mistakes, survive & thrive, and all without their mommy. Before Brian left we spent a lot of time together getting ready for him to go.

When he comes home- I anticipate we will spend a lot of time together again- this time me helping him to get readjusted & ready to go off to college. I can't wait. I'm nervous in some ways. I hear it's hard... coming off a mission. A life filled with service & purpose all the sudden comes to a screeching halt & it's back to real life. Work, school, dating, friends, getting rid of intestinal parasites ... trips home now & then. I'm so glad he went. I'm so glad he has been happy. His emails are incredible. This little boy of mine - he has grown into a man.
From yesterday's email:

I was reading this week in Jesus the Christ about the importance of the atonement and the spirit really bore testimony of the truth and reality of the atoning sacrifice that Christ made for me. He was the only one that could do it and He did it willingly. I feel very special to know that the Savior of all suffered specifically for me, for the love that He has for me. Now it is my time and yours to take advantage of the atonement and do our part. He may have already done the atonement but if we don't repent and maintain ourselves close to His presence and that of our Heavenly Father, the atonement will then become ineffective in our lives.

There is truly NOthing like having a missionary in the family! I love it- and I suppose I will miss it... for a little bit... jack puts in his papers in December.

Sunday Thoughts

Today we went to a sacrament meeting service where the missionary's good friend Jordan was speaking. Jordan is going on a mission for our church to New Hampshire. He leaves for the Missionary Training Center on January 9th. He will stay for 2 weeks then off he goes. (Brian is staying for 9 weeks because he is learning Spanish since he is going to Chile.) Whenever a young man, young woman or older couple gets close to their missionary departure date they usually speak in sacrament meeting services. Besides the sacredness of partaking in the sacrament (the most important thing,) it is a very special time for a missionary & his family- you can read about my missionary's "farewell speaking day" here if you missed it.

{Brian & Jordan graduation June 2007- Jordan= valedictorian}

There are two good things that immediately come to my mind when I think of Jordan leaving for the MTC. First- Brian will be so happy to see him there. Second- Brian is leaving for Chile one week after Jordan gets there, so time is flying.

It was great to go today. We saw many of the missionary's high school buddies whom I love & hearing Jordan speak of his testimony was inspirational. This is truly an amazing generation. I cannot help but reflect on my own testimony & the sacrifice it has been to send my son off on a mission to teach others of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am absolutely sure I didn't have the courage or conviction to do such a thing at their age. Today I am back to feeling that it isn't a sacrifice after all but a privilege. (However I will make sure that if Jack goes on a mission he WILL NOT leave just before the holidays- that wasn't a very good idea for this mother.)

Tonight for our Sunday devotional we are writing Christmas thank you notes as a family.

* do you go to church?

* do you make your kids write thank you notes after Christmas or other times?

Today has been a really hard day for me. Mostly because I am sick with a really bad cold, sore throat & running off my face nose.

We had to go to Provo because Megan's car wouldn't start so we drove by the MTC. There were missionaries walking outside & I don't know what I was thinking but I was at least curious. Of course we didn't see Brian & as we drove away Trent started to cry. We had brought his friend Lily with us & he said, "I wish Brian still lived at our house." My heart was breaking. I told him that Brian's friend Jordan was going into the MTC right after Christmas and that we could send a special package with Jordan to give to Brian from him. Lily asked, "who's Jordan?" Trent said, "Jordan is Brian's friend who has a swimming pool. Me & Jack & Brian used to go swimming there but now it's just me & Jack." Then he started to cry again.
I am glad Brian is on a mission I really am. It's just hard because we miss him & it's Christmas. Here is a quote from his last email

"the christmas spirit is different here. my district and i had a talk the otherday about how it doesnt feel like christmas. a sister in my district made thecomment that its because we feel that happy christmas spirit all the time here.i thought that was really cool! we are living the happy christmas season hereeveryday no matter the season. the reason for the season is christ and i guessshe is right because that is all we talk about. everything is related to him. mybranch president said in sacrament on sunday that christmas wouldn't be what itis without easter. i thought that was so cool and so true. without the atonementof our savior nothing would have the same significance that it has. i am sograteful for him and for his life. i know he lives and loves each of us so so somuch and wants us to live with him someday and because of that love he providedthe way for us to do so."

I am so happy he is doing well.

(I think his english teacher would just about croak reading this though.)

Missionary Package

This morning I sent a package to the missionary. He has been really wanting some photos of family, friends, his pre-mission self, etc. He only had one family photo with him when he left- we didn't think of that, it wasn't on the list. He is going to be so excited to get this today. I hope he already has it right now. The store that I take it to has same day MTC delivery for $6.00.

Great deal. I am hoping he loves it and it doesn't make him too homesick. His last e mail sounded so good. He is doing great. I sent a bunch of rowdie pictures of him with really long hair from when he grew it out when he was in Jane Eyre last year. Just so he can look cool like he used to be some kind of rebel or something.

This one's just for laughs!

This one too! Well & to show that he's modest...
But this one... could get him into trouble!?

What a goof ball. All these pictures are from our trip to NY last spring. That was so much fun.

My sister sent me this poem today- I just have to share it. This is really how I feel-(and I thought I had finally stopped crying.)

This Year for Christmas

I skipped the sales after Thanksgiving.

The thrill just wasn't there.

No pictures taken with Santa Clause, my decorating has no flair.

His presents are shoes, shirts, and ties, two suits and socks...no fun.

I've bought him all white clothes because...

This year I'm giving Christ my son.

I've spent more time in the temple,

Felt strength come from His words.

I've reread November's Ensign,

and my testimony stirred.

Our family prays more frequently

My tears are quick to run.

Abraham seems closer because,

This year I'm giving Christ my son.

I wonder how those Lamanite mothers,

gave their sons to war?

Or how the pioneers chose Zion ,

their sacrifice was so much more.

My loss will be his presence,

I'll miss his smile a ton

For two years we will pray for him,

I'm giving Christ my son.

I stare at his face when he's not looking.

I memorize his eyes, their shine.

He's always hungered for the part of him

, that makes his soul divine.

The stories and lessons he always heard,

His choice and mine are one.

I'll put my faith in God's hand,

This year, I'm giving Him my son.

Past gifts have lost their glitter,

I think I finally understand

Christ's birth should be celebrated

by giving Him a hand.

It's because I know Christ lives and reigns

that all his packing's done.

My gift has taken years to make,

This year... I'm giving Christ my son

I am missing you Brian~ mom

May the Lord bless you and our missionary children as they serve him with all their hearts!

Day at the MTC

The sweetest thing happened first thing in the morning yesterday. My sweet friend Wende dropped off two survival kits on the porch. This one for Brian

And this one for me.

Can you believe how thoughtful? I am amazed! It was the most thoughtful thing ever, and it was perfect. She is the great photographer who took our amazing family pictures which I haven't gotten around to ordering yet so she included some pictures too.

Look at these! Mini Ritter Sports- these are so cute- we were all dying over how cute they are. I have to get more.

Here we are on the way down in the car, laughing it up...We listened to classical music and laughed the whole way to Provo. Trent kept calling up from the back- are we in Provo yet? Here we are walking in...Everyone got a picture with the missionary after he got his name tag. Putting on the name tag-that is when I lost it. I looked around there were tons of missionaries coming in - 700 in one day! (All throughout the day- not at one time.) No one else was crying- no one- I looked around and wanted to scream - do you people have ice in your veins? This is it you dumbies! Luckily I contained myself- they may have kicked my rear outta there.
Brothers!
(Don't tell Brian- Jack has already rearranged the bedroom.)

Hailey & Brian.
She got his cell phone. On the way home in the car Trent told Jack that when he goes on his mission he's taking his cell phone & when he (Trent) goes on a mission Jack gets nothin.

This guy bawled his eyes out. That was tough.

The sweet Chloe just wanted to get in a couple more hugs.

Megan she's the one who got the least amount of time with him lately.

Doesn't he look proud. He is so excited.

Father & son. Dad of course, handled it better than anyone else.

After these pictures we went into the chapel, no pictures. I don't know why it's just a big room where they have a song Called to Serve, a prayer, some talks a movie. Then the families go out one door the missionaries another. Wow, hard stuff. It's kind of like pulling off a band aid- faster is better, so they say. We each made the hug rounds - twice. Then, he was off.

Here we are outside. Just before we went in.

I love this picture!

I am so proud of this kid.

Okay I bawled my eyes out and cried at least every 10 minutes the whole day & night. I thought I was going to do better, I really did. Luckily I told him the night before, I am excited for you, don't let the crying send you the wrong message.

The best thing happened last night. Brett & the older kids went to their church activities, me and the younger two were doing homework. It was so boring. So everyday, blah, blah, blah... there is nothing here for him. He would be leaving for college anyway. This is the best thing for him. He knows what he wants to do and he is doing it. This is his grand adventure. This is his time before the real responsibilities of being a man fall upon his shoulders. He is prepared, he is ready, being a mom... it's harder than it looks.

Bitter Sweet~ Mostly Bitter For Now

I can't stop crying~ it's more than just being sad~ he's my boy.

(Remember, I cried for a week when Megan went to college just 45 minutes away.)
I'll write later.

Chile In the Morning Chile in the Evening Chile at Suppertime...

Today we've been shopping for all the last minute stuff the missionary in waiting needs. Turns out it's kind of a lot of stuff- nothing like the last minute.

We bought everything on the list and more. They look pretty depressed about it in this picture. I'm not sure what's up with that.

We went to lunch at the golf course where Brian worked all summer.
He loves the food there, and so do we. I asked him where he wanted to eat lunch and this was it! What a compliment after eating there everyday this summer.

Here's some of the stash. Hopefully it'll all fit. If not, we're in trouble- jk.
He doesn't leave for Chile until January so we can always drop off or send what he needs before that big send off. In case you didn't know, parents don't see or talk to their missionaries except for emails once a week, letters, and two phone calls a year- Mother's day & Christmas. Brett & I are planning on picking him up from Chile in 2009. That will be something, won't it?

Brian's Farewell Sunday

Tradition is that Missionaries speak in church at our Sacrament meeting the Sunday or so before they leave on their missions. Brian spoke yesterday. He was really great- I'm not just saying that because I am his mom. He was prepared, he was funny, he was serious, he was humble. I felt better about seeing him go (if a mother can) after hearing him speak. He looked like a man.

- can you believe this great cake? One of Brian's best friend's mom made it!

Many of his friends came from distances far away... they are all in college now some waiting for their birthdays to get mission call (you have to be 19 for boys 21 girls.) So, we had a house full (very full) of young adults for a little lunch. Wende the great photographer took these great pictures- thank you! It's kind of fun to read her post about the event here.

Megan was here. Here she is with Riley the cutie.

Three of his best buds. Jordan on the right is leaving on a mission to New Hampshire in January.

more friends.

Aimee, Sean & Cole. They are moving on Friday. I am so sad, but they will love it in Seattle- one of my most favorite places ever.

And here are some of the gals.

I am so grateful that Brian has so many great friends. At one point the line of kids was out the front door! Not only does Brian have great friends but many of our friends & neighbors dropped off salads & treats. We are so blessed to live in a community we love so much.

It's going to be a really hard couple of days for me. A wise friend told me once that the biggest secret in the LDS church is how hard it is to send our sons and daughters out on missions. Don't get me wrong... they don't have to go. I have told Brian at least a thousand times he doesn't have to go. He wants to. We raise these children the best we know how, then they become their own selves, make their own choices. I keep reminding myself that this is a great thing for him to do. He could be doing so many non productive things with his life. I am grateful for the man that he is becoming. I am grateful he has faith in Jesus Christ. That he has conviction. That he is brave, even though I know he is nervous. I am thankful to be his mother.

So, if you are a lurker reading this message the next time you see a Mormon missionary in your town, think of me. Just remember that somewhere they have a mom who is worried about them & didn't really want to see them go. Remember they are giving up two years of their lives because they want to make the world a better place. These kids not just preach they work & do service all over the world. They love their Heavenly Father & they feel love from Him.

Okay I'm done. Thanks for listening, I mean well.