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.

Good-bye Old Friend

Bridger sold his car today.  The car he worked an entire summer for.  This has been such a learning experience and I cried as I watched it drive out of the driveway with it's new owner.  I hope it provides it's new owner with the independence and responsibility (without being stolen) that it has taught Bridger. 

One last photo in the driveway, waiting for it's new owner to arrive.

Bridger waving good-bye to his trusted friend

Off it goes to new adventures with it's new owner.  I could not hold back the tears.  I'm pathetic, I know.

Good bye ole' friend, you have given one young man a wonderful ride.  We will miss having you rest in our driveway.

Expired

Those of you who know me best know that I like to be in control.  I would say I'm fairly organized and on top of most things.  However, last night while looking for something in a drawer I came across a letter from the State of Utah that I received a couple of months ago.  This letter stated that on my birthday my current driver's license would expire.  Fine, I'll take care of that.  After all, I had at least two months.  Well, I put the letter away and with so many other important things for Bridger happening I totally forgot about it.  And, yes, I have been driving ilegally for almost three weeks now.  UGHHHH!!!  Thank heavens being somewhat organized I knew exactly where my birth certificate was and my ss card as this is now necessary if you have to renew your license fyi; you're welcome.

Best part about it is that I get a new picture taken.  I no longer have long hair like on my old license and will not have to receive the comment of this looks a lot different than you look now from almost everyone who views it.  Really, because does anyone ever really look like their license picture and for that matter weigh what it says on there, too?

 

So, I'm officially legal to be on the road again.  And thank heavens because I have a lot to do this week.  And, yes, I know this isn't my license.  Did you really think I'd post mine on here,  Not a chance!



 

He's Got the Whole World in His Hands

Each day I realize that I am getting closer to sending my boy out into the world to serve the Lord.  I'm anxious, excited, nervous and several other emotions all in one.  As I drive to work almost everything makes me have tears in my eyes as I have memories and thoughts about his leaving.  Today while driving home I was listening to the Men of the Tabernacle Choir CD that I received for my b-day from a dear friend.  The song that played as I was driving was, "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands"  It was an answer to my prayers as I realized exactly that.  He'll watch him.  I should have no worries.  I will miss him for sure, but I should not worry, He's Got the Whole World in His Hands, including my boy at the MTC and Honduras.  Thank you so much Heavenly Father for answering my prayers through a beautiful song today.  It brings peace to a worried mom who is having a hard time letting him go.
 

Missionary pictures...more to come, and so much better.  This is just one I snapped.  Our photographer can get a real smile out of him, I can't.  That's why we go to the best.

The Happiest Place on Earth and other things...

This has been a wonderful month.  Time is quickly approaching when Bridger will enter the MTC and so we decided to take one final family vacation and head to our favorite place DISNEYLAND.  We have always flown but decided to save a few $$$ and drive.  I'm not sad we did.  We had wonderful weather and with modern technology watched movies, listened to favorite music and had an enjoyable time.  We drove to St. George the first night and stayed the night.  Stetson and Caleb loved it because they were able to swim in the heated outdoor pool.  Wednesday morning we drove the rest of the way to California.  The last time the boys had seen the beach Bridger and Stetson were just little guys and Caleb was not there yet, so that was where we spent the evening.  Newport beach is beautiful and it was fun to watch the sunset.  We ventured to see the Newport Beach Temple and it was fun to be where we felt comfortable and almost home if you will.

We had an awesome time in Disneyland.  February is a wonderful time to go.  Crowds are minimal and weather is perfect.  We are already planning our return trip when he comes back and before Stetson goes.  Disneyland has that affect on us. 

Here's some pics to let you come along with us on our journey.  It was fantastic.

Ready to head out to the pier.  Got there just in time for the sunset.

We had an awesome suite with a room for Wayne and I and an add'l room and bathroom for the boys.  We've never done this before...we will for sure do this again.  It was awesome.  Everyone had plenty of room.

We spent Stetson's 17th b-day in Disneyland.  Hard to believe my 2nd is 17.  We had a wonderful time, what a great place to spend your b-day.

Happy Birthday Stetson!

Dinner at the Rain Forest Cafe for Stetson's b-day.  I have to say he scored this b-day.

After you've rode California Screaming more than a couple of times, you know when they take the photo...can you tell...

Pirates of the Carribean. My particular favorite.  Perhaps it's because it's my favorite from my childhood.  I also love It's a Small World and I have to almost force my boys to go.  They "happily" accompanied me and we got stuck and heard the song at least 50 times. 

The new Toy Story ride is a new favorite.  This was the longest line we waited in and it was still only 40 minutes.  It was an awesome time to go.

Typical photo all have to take.

The World of Color show...AMAZING!!!  We all loved it.

Asking Darth Vadar if he is their father???

We got stuck on this ride for approx. 15 minutes but got to shoot the entire time.  IT was a blast.  None of  us minded being stuck at all, it definately improved our scores.

Another must have photo shoot.

This is our friend Vivian who Wayne baptized while on his mission in Independence Missouri.  She now lives in Anaheim and we caught up with her.  Thanks Vivian for helping us have such a wonderful trip.  We love you and  your family so much.

This was a highlight of the trip...for the boys that is.  They love the show Pawn Stars.  So, we had to stop while driving through Las Vegas.  They expected to see the "stars" of the show.  Ya, right, I knew now that they're famous they're never there.  Oh well, they can now say they've been there.

Dinner at the Rain Forest Cafe with the Volcano Cake for Stetson's b-day.

Swimming at the pool in St. George...dreading going back to snow at home.

Sunset at Newport Beach and how I'm feeling about our trip...so sad it's over.

Stake Conference

This weekend was our bi-annual Stake Conference.  We have a wonderful stake.  I feel very blessed to have been in attendance at the meetings that were held and the messages given.  I came out of each meeting with a new found hope and desire to try and be a better person.  I hope I succeed.   One of the members of the Stake Presidency shared the following story.  I love this story.  I hope I could keep such a positive attitude.  Enjoy...

A little old lady went to the mirror one morning and noticed that she had only three hairs on her head. As she looked into the mirror, she said, “I think I’ll braid my hair today.” That’s exactly what she did. And, she had a great day

The next morning, at the mirror once again, the little old lady noticed that she only had two hairs on her head. Looking herself right in the eye, she said, “Today, I think I’ll part my hair down the middle.” That’s exactly what she did. And, she had a great day.

The next day, as the little old lady looked into the mirror, there was only one hair on her head. She looked at that one lonely hair and said, “Today I think I’ll wear my hair in a pony tail.” That’s exactly what she did. And she had a great day.

The following morning the little old lady looked into the mirror and there wasn’t a single hair on her head. Her eyes lit up, and she said, “Yeah! I don’t have to fix my hair today!”

Your attitude is your choice.

Have a wonderful day.  How can you have a bad hair day after reading that...seriously.

Junior Prom



Ready for Prom

 Here he is looking quite handsome, if I do say so myself.

Junior Prom for WX was held on Saturday, January 22, at the UofU Ballroom.  They had a great time.