He's Gone

Well, here it is Wednesday, September 23, 2009 and Taylor is gone - he is officially a missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for the next 2 years! Emily and I (along with Brad on speakerphone) dropped him off at 1:15. It was crazy. We drove in and they directed us to the curb where there were TONS of others being dropped off too. We had a good spot right in front and there were 4 cute little missionaries there to help us. They got out Taylor's bags and talked to us for a few minutes. We hugged him and told him we loved him, took a couple of pictures and then he was gone. I couldn't help crying - and cried more than I had wanted too. The missionaries were really sweet and told us that all of the moms do and that they would take good care of him. It was soooo much harder than I expected. I know that what he is doing is right and I am so incredibly proud of him, but it is very hard to know that I won't see him for 2 whole years. He will be such a fabulous missionary. He is so well-prepared and is so easy-going and likable. I hope he has a wonderful time and I hope that he feels that it is the best 2 years of his life. I have a strong testimony of this gospel and know that he will be taken care of and watched over. WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH TAYLOR!

p.s. I am in the motel on Emily's work computer which is a Dell. When I get home, I will edit this post and put all the pictures on. We really got some great ones. I just wanted to jot this all down while it is so fresh in my memory.

These two pictures were taken Monday night after Taylor was set apart to be a missionary.

Saying good bye at the airport

We had fun taking pictures in the morning before we dropped him off!

Saying good bye for 2 whole years :(

Is He Really 19?

Today is Taylor's 19th birthday. (Well, September 18th was . I'm about a half hour late). I can hardly believe it has been 19 whole years since he was born! Taylor, you are a wonderful son and have made us so proud through the years. You have always made the decision to choose the right and set a good example for others. You are handsome and strong, but better yet, you are talented, funny, interesting and have so much to offer. We love you and are so proud of you. Only 5 more days 'til you report to the MTC! I am going to try to soak up every minute of having you here for the next few days!

Getting Older!

If I could have cut out the part with me in it I would have - because this day is all about Brad! 48 years ago today he was born! Brad is and always has been the better 3/4's of us. I adore him and thank my Heavenly Father every day for the gift he is and has been to me. He is funny, smart (and a smart alec), gentle, kind, and the most loving husband in the universe. He is a wonderful father and provider. Brad, you are loved more than you will ever know. Thank you for putting up with me and I hope you have a wonderful day! I love the quote that Debi Crandall wrote on your Facebook: "the older the fidder, the sweeter the tune". So, so true. The last 23 years have been the best and I know it will just keep getter better. Love you babe.

Nana's Birthday

On September 1st Nana turned 79! Wow! Jeanne had a little family party and it was nice to spend time together. She made Texas sheet cake and I made carrot cake. I am so grateful for my mom. She loves her family so much and is such a dedicated family history worker. She knows so many stories about our ancestors and tries to share her love of them with all of us. She is a wonderful mother and we love her very much. Ryan made a cute card for Nana and at the end he wrote, "You are the best grandma a boy could ever have!" What a sweetheart! I was also able to spend time with her by taking he to the temple and then we went to Red Lobster afterward. I sure enjoy our lunches together Mom . . . love you!

School Daze

Well, school started on August 10 and here it is September 2nd and I am just now writing about it. Pretty pathetic huh! I was really not ready for school to start again already. It wasn't just the kids, but us too. Summer is so short now - it doesn't seem like I have the kids home and to myself for long enough. But, here we are, almost a month in to the new school year so we better make the best of it.

Ryan is already starting 2nd grade. He is growing up so quickly. He isn't a "little boy" anymore. He is getting so tall and acting more grown up all the time. I love him to death, but I miss having my little guy around. He got Mrs. Bellman this year and we were really happy because that is who we wanted! Kyle Kempton and Jake Arnold from the ward are both in his class and we are pleased about that. Mrs. Bellman is already really impressed by Ryan's abilities and we are having him tested for ALP next week. He is a reading machine right now and just finished the first Harry Potter. He just read Mrs. Piggle Wiggle and liked that too. I hope you have a great year Ryan!

Danny is our 7th grader this year! Junior High already - where has the time gone? When we moved in this house, Danny was my little buddy and was just getting ready to start Kindergarten. He is excited about Junior High and really likes having different teachers and moving around. He is glad to have Mr. Van Briesen for Social Studies. Taylor told him what a great teacher he is and he is Danny's favorite teacher so far. It is nice that the schools are so close. Danny rides his bike with his friends and he has a lot of great friends. He is in all of the Honor's classes and I''m glad that he is challenged. I am a little sad that from now on, Danny and Ryan will never be in the same school and the same time again. I think Ryan is a little lonely. I hope you have a great year Danny and don't grow up too fast!

Alex is a JUNIOR this year! I can remember my Junior year very well. I know I say this all the time - but where has the time gone? It slips away so quickly. It is weird to have him go off to school without Taylor this year. We are all very excited that he doesn't have "A" hour this year! We don't have to get up for scriptures this year until 6:50! WOO HOO! Alex has a great bunch of friends also. He is involved in Choir and Volleyball again this year. He just started his Molten Club practices last night. He really enjoys it. I can't believe you only have 2 more years left Alex - have a great year!