Called to Serve! {Sunday Snapshot}

It came, my oldest sons mission call! (there were some paperwork delays [dr’s portion], then it was sent to his college dorm instead of home, so we were happy to finally have it in hand). We’re so happy for him and his desire to serve the Lord as a full time missionary for 2 years. He’ll be missed, but he’ll do great!

Nick is called to the... Mesa, Arizona mission, Spanish speaking. Woot! It really feels right and Nick feels good about it. As a mom, it will be comforting having him stateside, although it won’t be a breeze, I know he’ll do well with the language and love the people. So, he enters the MTC (missionary training center) on July 20th. It will come quick so enjoying our time with him before he leaves.

Sophie & Sage tell me often how much they’ll miss him

You’ll be missed Nick- your witty sense of humor, your ambition, your positive attitude, and your genuine friendship and care for others & family, and your love for the Lord. But we’re happy to share you with the world as you can share the gospel with others! Love you Elder B!

Thanks everyone (friends & family) for congratulations and well wishes- in person, emails, and Facebook. And his sweet friend Lindsey and her mom, who joined us over Skype when he opened his call, glad we could share that special moment with you.

Weekend on campus

 Beautiful Rexburg temple above campus

We needed sunglasses!  Isn’t my dad the cutest Grandpa?

Silly boys

We spent a delightful weekend at Nick’s University (our alma mater), ordaining him an Elder as he prepares for his mission and finishes up his first year of college, one more month to go!  It was great spending time with him, seeing him at school, meeting his friends & neat bishop (he  had wonderful things to say about Nick and said he will really miss him).  My dad was able to join us, such a supportive Grandpa.  We dined and enjoyed the company, the ordination was powerful and touching (thanks Paul) and they invited us to attend their student ward (church meeting) afterwards.  That was a treat and brought back many memories of my three years there.  It seems like yesterday I was eating in the cafeteria, working on my big design project (always had a big design project due), studying like crazy while  going to dances, games, movie night with Pauly and my roommates.  Such fun memories… Although I loved it then, I’m more aware of the great spirit of this place now that I’m older, it will always be a special place and I’m so glad Nick is spending his first year here. 

They invited Trevor (12), our deacon, to help pass the sacrament.  So cute seeing him pass with the college students, he thought it was awesome.  You could’ve heard a pin drop in that meeting (I’m used to family wards), I was just hoping the girls would sit through it reverently, we didn’t have any books or quiet things we usually have for them, and sitting for an hour (or three) in church isn’t their favorite thing.  They did pretty good, the girls behind us adored them and told us how cute they were, one said- energetic but loveable, that about summed it up.  Everyone there was very welcoming and  accommodating.  See you soon Nick, I mean Elder B.!  Congrats!  

One of Nick’s best friend received his mission call to Japan, luckily he’s still  in the MTC learning the language preparing to go, he’ll have his work cut out for him.  Our prayers pour out to those in Japan!  His other great friend is off to Russia.  So neat to see these fine boys grow up and be strong young men!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Their favorite part, besides seeing Nick.  Nice posture Sage :)

Nick- {Sunday Snapshot}

Had to get some family shots while we’re together, all dressed up.  Made me laugh when I noticed how Bruno snuck in the picture.  He’s never far from my feet.

It’s great having Nick home for the week-end, the girls get so excited when they hear he’s coming, and his brothers can’t wait to see him again.  It’s been a couple of months since we’ve seen him last, busy college student.  Even when he’s home we have to share him as he catches up with his friends,  but glad to have him Sunday all to ourselves, and it was great having his friend Lindsay join us for dinner on Friday.  He’s preparing his mission papers, so he got his first suit yesterday and we took some missionary pics.  Pretty spiffy.

making us laugh, always

Having fun- Sophie purple plaid, Sage pink plaid

Nick, we’re so proud of you!  You and I, sometimes we’re on different planets, but you have always been my pride and joy, my firstborn.  How smart and enjoyable you are, how much you’ve added to our lives, broke us in to parenting as our first child, with such a big heart and a great example to your siblings.  You have always had wonderful friends and held on to them, even from grade school, a very lovable person.  You always make us laugh.  We are happy for your future endeavors and send you our blessings.  Keep staying strong, always learning, sharing, & leading and know how much your family loves you! 

Click above for Stefanie’s fun Sunday Snapshot, send her some well needed hugs

Homemade Wontons

Gave Nick his choice of dinner before heading back to school, he didn't hesitate and requested homemade Wontons...I pulled out my favorite Wonton recipe and gathered the guys . It’s a group effort, and a great time to catch up on the latest “what movie is this from” quiz. The girls and Trevor can quote lines from about any movie they've seen :).

Sophie made her signature Rocket Wonton, so she’d know which ones are hers

Paul’s were as neat as a pin

and they were as tasty as can be, with a little Kokomo’s sweet and sour sauce

Good choice for dinner Nick, he was thankful to have a homemade meal. Have a great second semester! It's been great having you home for the holidays.

A few fun visitors…

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Guess who’s having a baby? Sophie and Sage were thrilled to see Lindsay and Danny at her baby shower (so was I!), here from CA, we’re so happy for them. We picked out a cute little dress and embroidered shoes for their new daughter. Congratulations D & L, you’ll be great parents! She’ll be one loved little girl. And, guess who came to dinner?…

Check out his braces free smile :)

We thoroughly enjoyed having Nick home for the week-end (for the first time since college!), even if we did have to share him with his friends… We had Paul’s famous BBQ’d steaks Fri night, and Nick cheered on his bro & sisters at their Saturday games, then some restocking at the mall for him. I have to say, this kid's matured being on his own at college, in this short time. He’s enjoying college life and doing good, keep up the great work Nick!

So far, so good- {Sunday Snapshot}

The cute clan saying good-bye to Nick. That first picture says it all, someone said to “look sad” Sage’s face on the right made me chuckle and Sophie helping Bruno say good-bye, ahhh. Then the happy farewell, Sage still looking concerned. They’re going to miss their bro.

For those who asked, Nick is attending BYU-I (in Idaho), an awesome university with students from all over, not easy to get accepted. It was so nice spending the day with him on campus. It’s grown a lot , but still has the same small feel and spirit to it. Nick ended up in the dorm that Paul was in (with a different name, what a pleasant surprise). The freshman and new families received a warm welcome everywhere we went.

After getting him checked in and arranged, many, many long lines, we divided and conquered, we enjoyed an authentic student lunch in the cafeteria. Now that’s come a long way, restaurant style with a variety of choices that wasn't too bad. At the parent/ new student orientation, it totally confirmed that this is the perfect place for Nick. Fun, nice size, gospel centered, and very academic- he can handle some cold weather with all of that. I was touched when the President and his wife spoke, telling us how much they love our children, reminding us to let go but stay in touch, but most impressive, he gave out his personal email address to all the new parents, just in case... Wow, of course he said to use it wisely.

Nick hit it off great with his new roommate, phew. Cool, nice kid from a good family in Texas. Nick’s probably done more these first few days of college (before starting classes) then he’s done most of his summer, besides work- longboarding with his roommate, first college dance, Luau, Tuesday devotional, movie night… So glad they keep them busy with great activities, especially in the beginning, he probably hasn’t had a chance to miss us.

I even snuck in a haircut. It was funny cutting Nick’s new roommates hair on the grass in front of the dorms with student Fiskar scissors- whatever works. The new students and adults walking by asked for a number. Poor guy stood in line for about an hour for his I-card and pic, to be told he needs a haircut first to meet dress code. The hair salons around were closed for Labor day so he was very thankful I could help, and it turned out great even with student scissors :).

Well Thursday was Nicks first day of classes. Let the homework begin, I’m sure he’ll still find time for fun.

My dad met us for dinner one night, so great seeing him

We enjoyed a fun Luau the last night. OK, the only place better then here would be BYU-Hawaii. Maybe after your mission Nick :).

I pulled in today and noticed Nick’s car in the driveway, made me think for a second he was here like any other day, he left it here for Josh… so blogging about the great details helps me not miss his so much. :) We chatted with him last night on the web cam, he’s doing great!

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Nick’s off to college- {Sunday Snapshot}

It came sooner then imagined, our oldest heading off to college. He’s attending the same University where Paul & I met, when it was a quaint 2 year college. It will be neat to see the campus again, so many memories. I’m so happy for him, but I’ll try not to cry all the way home. I wanted some family shots before he’s leaves.

Last Sunday’s dinner was Nick’s choice- Steak w/ sautéed mushrooms and mouthwatering shrimp. I about teared up helping the kids set the table, last one with him for awhile.

Friday night we went to a fun movie I wanted to see with him and the kids before he left, Toy Story 3, made us laugh and the whole college and growing up thing was too familiar, sigh (ya, I cried). Paul had to work, so he took us out to a nice dinner Saturday night. After that, Nick made sure everything was packed then he and Josh stayed up too late laughing and chatting, they are close brothers and will really miss each other. Throughout the day, the girls would say “I can’t believe Nick is leaving for college tomorrow, I’m going to miss him!” They think he’s the bomb for leaving them his drum set (he’s been giving them lessons :), I may not be so thrilled.

Love you Nick! You’ll be missed around here, but we know you’ll do great!

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Nick- our graduate!

Class of 2010…

What a great moment, after years of watching your oldest son grow and become the neat young man he is (I’m sure there were days I wondered and much prayer involved). Seeing him mature, learn, and enjoy life. Seeing him question things, figure things out for himself, then make plans to enrich his life and help others. Seeing the friendships he’s made and the example he is to his siblings. Watching him excel in sports (swimming), academics, music (guitar) and hearing him speak at Seminary Graduation (good job!). Only a few months away from leaving for college, then mission. It was a happy, sweet, melancholy day.

He chose lunch at Joe’s after the ceremony, then celebrated with friends before meeting up with us for a formal elegant dinner at Carvers.

Nick- You have added so much to our lives, often making us smile, laugh, enjoy, sometimes drove us  crazy. We couldn’t be more pleased. Continue to follow your dreams and add your part to this great but sometimes troubled world, you have a lot to offer. We love you tons!

Nick- my senior

It’s been so fun having a senior. I’ve enjoyed watching Nick grow and mature, some days more noticeable then others, he’s still a teenager :). I haven’t blogged a lot about my oldest (but his baby books are full of good stuff), he barely lets me take his picture let alone blog about him, but I can’t resist. There are exciting things happening in his life and we’re all happy for him. Here’s a glimpse of his last couple of months…

He received his Eagle!, lettered in swimming, got asked to Sweethearts Ball, turned 18, got his first speeding ticket, called to assist the bishop in his church calling in his quorum, got accepted to college of choice- BYU-I :), and got a job today. (He’s been casually looking since swim season ended about a month ago, pickings are slim these days, so he was happy about this one. He starts tomorrow at a delicious Chicago style Pizzaria.)

Reality hits me thinking he’ll be off to college in less then six months, then serves a mission for a couple of years then back to school to finish up, that’s the plan anyway… how did it happen so fast? He’ll be missed!

Love this kid!

Many of his friends came to support his Eagle Court of Honor. I was too busy visiting and serving cake and didn’t get their pictures, so I made the family stick around for pics. Nick has had some great scout leaders and mentors along the way, big thanks to them! It was great seeing his brothers and friends do the flag ceremony.

Paul put together this video for Nick showing his path and accomplishments in scouting and in life up until now. For Nick’s first big service project he got together a group and made blankets & dolls to hand deliver to the girls orphanage. Everyone was happy to help out and be a part of it, and they were thrilled to receive them in China! Notice some new China pics in the video. Then, for his official Eagle project he and his buddies collected almost 300 children’s books for a local Elementary & Jr. High School, delivered them, helped organize and shelf them. Very appropriate to help with literacy since Nick loves a good book. His merit badges include sports, dog training, rifle shooting, biking, service projects, citizenship… along with many camps and Klondike camps in the snow. Scouting is great for boys and I’m thankful for his dedicated leaders! The video is long, 10 min, so if you have the time sit back and enjoy. We’re so happy to see him make great choices in his life. Keep it up Nick, love ya tons!