Elder Bridger Clayton's arrival at the MTC

He's there.  It was a seriously the hardest thing I have ever done and yet once again a true testiment to me of a loving Heavenly Father.  As things have changed we went to take final pictures at the Provo Temple.  As we were leaving Bridger turned around to see one of his friends Elder Brock Rose who had just left from doing a session.  He hugged him and told him how happy he was there and how much Bridger was going to love it there.  After a few more laps around the temple we entered the MTC.  As promised Elder Parker Rose, Brock's triplet was there to greet and host him.  The pictures tell it all.  True tender mercies from our Father in Heaven to put a worried mom's heart at peace knowing he had a friend to take him in and get him where he needed to go.  Now the countdown can begin...

 All packed and ready to go

 Telling Zoie good-bye. 

 At the Provo Temple

 Elder Parker Rose.  They had arranged for him to host and this picture says it all.  They are truly happy to see each other. 

 Telling his Dad good-bye.

 And his mom, I don't want to let go.  Love this boy! 

Off he goes to one grand adventure.  God Bless you Elder Clayton.  We will pray for you and miss you, but wouldn't want it any other way.

Truly Blessed

It has arrived.  The week we have hoped for, prayed for, waited for, and to be perfectly honest dreaded would come.  Bridger's final week before his mission.  Final preparations.  Laundry 101, which he passed with flying colors.  Final cleaning of his room, so many things to take care of and so many blessings.

Sunday was truly one of the paydays my dad has always talked about.  Bridger gave an amazing talk.  He's so ready to go.  Am I ready to let him...almost.  I found a plaque that will remain in our home that reads, "A missionary leaves his family for two years, so that the people he teaches can be with their family forever." 

So, how did we celebrate our son's decision to serve as a missionary for the next two years?  How do you ever begin to thank all those family and friends who have taught, loved and been there for him almost from the time he was born.  How do you thank everyone for the influence they have been on our son.  In two words,  Good Food.  We had a wonderful celebration at our home after the meeting so all who wanted to could say farewell to their friend, cousin, grandson, neighbor, co-worker, brother and son.  I can not express the gratitude I felt as so many came to show their love to Bridger.  We are not rich in monetary ways, but we are truly "GAZILLIONAIRES" when it comes to family and friends.  I would never have thought our house could hold so many.  But, it was a wonderful day and I couldn't have asked for a better send off to our boy.

We love you all so much and appreciate the love and support you always give us.

Those who attended the meeting for the firework show, this is the one whose cell phone burst into flames during Bridger's talk.  Truly a memorable and unforgettable meeting.  No one will forget Bridger's farewell, it's one for the history books and the hole in the pew and the carpet will prove it, that is until it's repaired. 

Bridger's friend Jared who will enter the MTC on the exact same day.  They have been co-workers at Spankys and great friends. 

Our wonderful friends and also co-workers.  Couldn't have done it without their help in the kitchen.

Jared and his mom.  Michelle has been one of my best friends forever.  I couldn't ask for a better friend to share this experience with.  We will count down the days until they return together. 

Seriously, probably the only seat not taken.

The Clayton grandkids with Grandma and Grandpa.  We love the Guests who came from Colorado to share this day with us. 

Thank you again to all who are our family and friends, we are truly blessed.