YES, WE REALLY DO HAVE EIGHT!

YES, We Really Do Have Eight!

I love babies. When my babies hit their first birthday, I long once again for that tiny helpless little person that smells like baby powder and doesn't squirm away when you're staring at his beautiful little face. Now don't get me wrong. I love the other stages too. I laugh out loud when I hear the jibber jabber of his first words (Jackson). I giggle when I see one dance hysterically when she hears a Justin Bieber song (Bekkah). I beam with pride when she puts gospel principals into action as she prepares for her upcomming baptism (Emily). I am amazed over and over as he accepts and conquers challenges far beyond his years (Ammon). I burst with pride as I watch his determination and drive in all that he sets his mind to (Zane). I melt when I see the empathy, and concern she has for others (Mckenzie). I have to catch my breath when I see him snuggle with his baby brother (Zachary). I am amazed as I read his letters from his mission (Tres). I guess I just love it all. And this is why I have, despite my horrible pregnancies, we have eight beautiful, talented, amazing, wonderful children!







Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Tres' Goodbye

The Sunday before Tres left for Utah, he spoke in church and then we had a little get together for him to say goodbye. It was a wonderful evening with lots of food, family and friends. Thanks to all who came.

We showed this video at the farewell. (Thanks Sharla!)

The next few days were crazy busy getting last minute packing done.

Wednesday night President Jarvis came to our home and set Tres apart as a Missionary to the Curch of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He gave him a beautiful blessing of safety and comfort, of success and of a love for the work he would soon begin.

Thursday afternoon Tres, Dan, Jackson and I all flew up to Salt Lake City. Grammy stayed with the other kids (thanks grammy, you're the best!) We settled in to the hotel then headed over to Market Street Restaurant for dinner. Tres had salmon and crab legs for the first time and loved it! Jack threw up on Dan and we headed back to the hotel. Since he was set apart already we didn't watch any TV but spent the evening talking about our favorite memories.








The next morning we ate breakfast at a little diner around the corner. Tres and Dan went to the store to pick up a few things, and Jackson and I went back to the hotel to get Tres' luggage. We piled into a cab and headed for his new apartment. We were able to help him up to his room and meet his new companion, Elder Squire, and another one of his roommates, Elder Savage.














All too soon it was time to say goodbye. We snapped a few pictures, and hugged one last time.















The rest of the trip we wandered around temple square. This is the view from the front door of his apartment building!

We took some tours and did a little research in the Family History Library. Even found an ordination certificate for my great great great grandpa signed by Joseph Smith. I kept my eye out for a tall skinny man in suit with a missionary tag on, but never saw him. I was sure to mention his name to every other missionary I saw there though! (hey it's a mother's duty isn't it?!)

We look forward to our first letter - although our expectations aren't real high. 19 year old boys tend not to be big writers. We've already sent him two packages though, so we're feeling pretty deserving.
I know Tres is where he is supposed to be and I know he will be blessed for his willingness to serve.
I've known this day would come for 19 years. It's harder than I thought it would be.

2 comments:

Karen said...

One Mother in my ward told me she was glad to turn her son over to the Lord, just for a little while. It made her worry less I guess.

Only 9 months and Dallin can start his papers. I am excited for him, nervous for me.

He will do great.

jen said...

When did we get old enough to have missionary sons and married daughters? When? This getting old and having old kids is really really hard. I don't like it. And yet I do.
Are you planning any trips to UT this summer?
I need your address for an announcement. Email if you can.

About Me

My photo
Our lives are dedicated to the Lord, we live by this creed: Be clean Be grateful Be humble Be prayerful Be smart Be true Be positive Be involved Be still, We BE the Hustons!

CIRCLE OF LOVE

CIRCLE OF LOVE
(and sometimes not so much)