leavin on a jet plane

Yesterday was the big day. Ryan was to report to the MTC at 1pm. When he woke up there was an excitement to his step. Ryan walks through the house singing quite often. Yesterday he was singing "I'm leaving on a jet plane." He pretty much sang it all morning. He finished packing his bags and then rolled them to the front door. He soon said. "let's get out of here!"

We planned to meet Ryan's brother, sisters and their families at Olive Garden for lunch, It was a great place to meet and several other missionaries were there with their families too.  I was grateful to once again be surrounded by all of my children. I know Kristen was also close. She loved Ryan and I am sure she is watching over him. After lunch we met at the Provo Temple grounds for pictures. After pictures, Richard and I drove him across the street to the MTC. We were hoping to see Tod but he was no where in sight. We dropped Ryan off at the curb. We both waited until Ryan was gone and then the tears came. It was a long quiet drive home.

I can hardly wait to hear from Ryan. I told him I expect a letter at least by Friday. We'll see how that goes.

Farewell and Such

Ryan spoke in church on January 20th. He did an awesome job! I can't think of one thing Ryan could have done better. The Bishop stood up after and complimented both Ryan and Tod on their talks. He told all the future missionaries that this is exactly what he expected from them when it is their turn to talk. After church we had everyone over for bagels and donuts. It was a Great day!

January 23rd Tod left for the MTC. Early in the morning both Ryan and Tod went to the temple with Bishop Jackson. Ryan Loves the temple. Both he and Tod went to the temple for the first time January  16th. They have both been back several times. It was a special day for me as all of my children were there in the temple together.
I ran to Tod's house to get a picture before he left. I am sure going to miss these 2 boys!

Last night Ryan was set apart as a missionary. The Stake Presidency and the Bishop came to our home. It was a truly inspirational experience. Ryan is a choice son and will be an awesome missionary. He received a lot of great advice as well as many blessings.

Monday, Ryan had the chance to fit in one last fishing trip. Ryan, Rick, Richard, Tom, Kevin and Ty all went ice fishing. I heard they had a blast!

Today we dropped Ryan off at the MTC. I have a lot of pictures, I will update later.

the call

Ryan received his call on December 5, 2012. Both he and his cousin, Tod, turned their papers in on the same day. They both received their calls on the same day. Our mail comes earlier in the day than Tod's, so they were at my house around noon waiting for the mail to come. They were really funny as they would run out to the driveway and look down the street to see if the mail man was coming. Finally the letters arrived. They planned to open them later that night.

Early that morning my mom called me. She said, "Ryan is going to Arizona." I didn't think much of it until he opened his call to the Arizona Tempe Mission. My mom said that she woke up that morning and knew that is where he was going.

Ryan and Tod played rock-paper-scissors to see who would go first. Ryan lost so he went first. When he first opened his call he thought it said Arizona Temple. He was a little concerned, but only for a few seconds until he read Tempe. Tod opened his letter next, he was called to the
South Dakota Grand Rapids Mission. Both of these calls were truly inspired and fit the personalities of both Ryan and Tod. Tod leaves today, January 23 and Ryan will leave next Wednesday, January 30.