"Two Years is a REALLY long time!"

Today we said goodbye to Garrett for two years.  It was one of the hardest things I've ever done.  It's funny how we prepare our boys--from birth really--teaching them how to pray, preparing them for baptism and confirmation, teaching them the gospel of Jesus Christ, listening to them sing "I Hope They Call Me On A Mission" in Primary, working on their Duty to God alongside them, making sure they're enrolled in seminary throughout high school, getting them to early-morning mission prep class their Senior year, etc., etc.  The mission call is the ultimate goal, right?  Then why is it so bittersweet when the day arrives and the only thing you've ever wanted for them is here and it is SO. PAINFUL!

I know I'm a bit prejudiced but Garrett is one of the most prepared young men I know (next to my nephew Connor) to serve a mission.  He's mature, he knows and lives the Gospel, he has a strong testimony, he can talk to anyone and he knows how to love.  Most of all, he is willing AND worthy to serve. He will be a fabulous missionary!

The reason it is so difficult for me as John put into words as we slowly drove away from the Missionary Training Center today: "Two years is a REALLY long time..." with tears streaming down both of our faces.

...and as many friends who said goodbye to Garrett stated in their written messages: "Return with honor."  I KNOW he will.  I love you son and will miss you TERRIBLY but wouldn't have you doing anything else at this time of your life!

The White Board Tells The Story...

We have a white board on the wall in our house which I use daily to remind me of where I should be and when.  I believe Sunday was one of the busiest days our family has had in a long time...

Hillary and Patrick flew in Friday night to take part in all of our family activities.  Sunday was Hillary's 21st birthday.  After Garrett, John and I reported to the high council that morning, we had a big birthday breakfast to celebrate.

Garrett spoke in Sacrament Meeting before entering the MTC on Nov. 28 to serve in the Mexico Leon Mission.  His friend and our neighbor Adam Alvey spoke too so there were 600 people in the congregation.  I was glad the choir was asked to sing.  Between the choir members and Young Men and Young Women who participated, we had more than 50 singers.  It was amazing.  They sang "As Sisters In Zion/We'll Bring the World His Truth.

Garrett did an excellent job and we had more than 100 family members, friends and neighbors join us for enchiladas, salads, nachos and desserts after the meeting.

We still had a quite a few people lingering two hours later but Grayson turned 14 a few days ago so we gathered our family members who were there and went into another room so John could ordain Grayson to the office of Teacher in the Aaronic Priesthood.

The next excited event for Grayson was his Eagle Scout Court of Honor.  I am SO proud of him.  He completed all the requirements while he was still 13 years old and earned almost 50 merit badges.

I love the part in the program when all those who have earned their Eagle Scout award are asked to come forward and sit in the Eagles Nest.  Very cool.

Grayson was given the Eagle Charge and Pledge.

We are proud parents.

Grayson with his Eagle Scout award.  (I totally look like I've been up since 4 am--oh wait, I was!)

The wonderful day ended with Garrett being able to baptize and confirm a friend he has been attending the missionary discussions with.  What an amazing opportunity for Garrett and a neat way to begin his mission next week with a baptism already under his belt...

...and yes, I slept in this morning.  Didn't get out of bed until 6:55 am.

Happy 14th Grayson!!!

Can't believe he's 14...  

It was our turn to host the MPJH basketball breakfast so it was fun to "party" this morning with 17 boys who ate and ate and ate!!  John must've made 100 pancakes and we went through 80 pieces of bacon and 50 sausages and gallons of milk, OJ and apple juice.

Good thing they had to stop eating so they could get to school on time :)

All About Grayson...

This time it really is all about Grayson.  My blog is intended to be a year-long journaling of activities our family participates in so I can have it bound in a book we can look back on and see what we've done throughout the year.  

The Spirit Assembly at Mueller Park Jr. High this week was all about the boys basketball team.  Individual posters were made for each boy on the team then put up on the gym walls for the games.

 

It's basketball season and Grayson plays on three teams, so yes, it's going to be about him these next few months...

Mueller Park has seemed to struggle with its sports team as long as I've had children there.  Smaller student body may be a factor.  Haven't been able to figure it out.  However, Grayson gets a LOT of Varsity playing time and has been doing what he does best, despite the losses...

Let the November Birthdays Begin!

Happy 19th on November 4th Garrett!!!  A few last minute items for his mission and a few gift cards to enjoy in his last few weeks...  (Can you say Buffalo Wild Wings?!)

We always invite both sets of grandparents and the Kings for cake and ice cream to celebrate all 3 of our November birthdays (now only 2 with Hillary in California).  Grayson wanted a chocolate mint cake and Garrett had marble.

Last High School Football Game... Ever.

Woods Cross lost to Timpview 35-14 in the quarter finals yesterday.  The season is over.  Basketball begins.