The Grand Adventure

As I use this for a journal as well as, update friends and family who are far away, I thought I would post something that I sent with Bridger when he left for his very own Grand Adventure.  The night of his farewell we attended a fireside for the upcoming trek experience that that youth will be going on in our stake.  One of the speakers gave an amazing talk which touched my heart and exactly what I wanted to say to Bridger.  It's the quote that Christopher Robin tells Pooh when he is heading off and asks him a ?  Here it is:

Pooh- " Who would I call on those days when I'm just not strong enough or brave enough? And who would I ask for advice when I didn't know which way to turn?"

 Christopher Robin- "If ever there's a tomorrow when we're not together, there's something you must remember-

You're braver than you believe

stronger than you seem

and smarter than you think.

But the most important thing is even if we are apart, I'll always be with you."

Love that quote.  I wrote this down on the back of a picture of me, put it in an envelope and placed it on top of his things in one of his suitcases.  I wanted to tell him this in person, but couldn't do it.  I know that I can't be with him, but he knows that a part of me will always be with him wherever he goes.  I love this boy and even though he may be too old for Winnie the Pooh, the saying is timeless.

Thought I would share it, may be just what someone else needs too. 

Can't believe it's been 10days, and yet it seems like forever. I miss him.  But knowing he's so happy and his faith alreay growing is awesome and somewhat comforting to my soul.

When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Head to San Diego!!!

I have an awesome job.  I had to go to San Diego for a training.  Wow, what a hard assignment.  With  Bridger in the MTC safe and sound, why not.  It was awesome.  Even a bad day is good in San Diego.  I secretly have a desire to live there one day, might be alone however.   

We had a great time and came home with wonderful ideas and new things to try and improve the success of my job at Bountiful Orthodontics.

While there I could check my email which I found a letter from Elder Clayton.  He is doing great.  They made him put a part in his hair which he hasn't had since the 6th grade.  At least I find it awesome that he is being obedient. 

 The view outside or hotel window. 

 We went to the Mormon Battalion to see our friends the Woodbury's who are serving a mission there.  They do a wonderful job as tour guides and hosts.

 The flowers are so pretty there.  These are at the temple grounds.

 The San Diego temple is absolutely breathtaking.

 Looking out our window again.

This was the harbor across the way from our hotel.  Notice the clouds, made it easier to leave and head back to what we knew would still be cold weather at home.

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.

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.