Tanner leaves on his mission

I'm becoming one who blogs less and less. It was quite embarrassing to remove Christmas music, and the Christmas background from my blog today; and to see November 29, 2010 as my last entry.

I did want to share some photos of Tanner leaving for his mission. He's been gone for about a month now–and we are officially empty nesters. It's a bigger adjustment than I thought it would be.

Tanner is in the mission field, and is doing well. Here's some photos of the day he was set apart, and of the day he left. He wanted our farewell to be quick and short, and it was. It's wonderful to have a missionary son serving again. Oh, the blessings!



On the day Tanner was set apart as a missionary


Mom and Tanner at the airport


Dad, Tanner, and mom


A tender moment



Saying goodbye


Our last missionary son on the day he left

Michael returns home from his mission - October 27, 2010

There are few things more joyful than a missionary reunion. I hold them right up there with babies being born and weddings! We were so excited for Michael to come home from his mission. We've been on a high for some time now. My parents were able to come for the wonderful event, and we had such a special time with them. Michael was as sweet and humble as ever as he arrived home. We are so grateful for him and feel so blessed to have him as our son. Thank you Michael for your incredible example!

The day after Michael came home, and was released as a missionary.

This was a happy, and yet emotional day – especially for Michael. He loved being a missionary so much, and it was hard for him to have his missionary badge removed. However, we enjoyed the day together. On the day Michael was released, Tanner's mission papers were sent in to Salt Lake. How great is that?

My braces are off

Unless you have had braces placed on your teeth as an adult (and a 50 year old adult at that) you won't quite understand the pain, frustration, and annoyance of braces.

However, I have paid my time (21 months) and they are OFF. It feels so good to smile again. It was a hard decision to get braces. Not only did we have to pay for them out of pocket, not only did it take up a lot of extra time (orthodontist appointments 45 minutes away, extra time flossing and caring for them), but they also really hurt, and I couldn't eat right.

Once my braces were off, I had to wear a clear retainer for 2 weeks, and that was not fun! I now just wear the retainer for 12 hours a day for 4 weeks, and then I'll wear them at night time for the rest of my life.

I am now on a bleach program. I have a week more to go. Hopefully my teeth will look even whiter in future pictures.
Here's some photos:

The first photo was taken on the day my braces came off. The second one was a few days after my braces were off, and the last one was taken a week ago at Pumpkinfest.

Trip to TEXAS- part 9

The day we left College Station was Jack's blessing date and Tanner's 19th birthday. We drove for about 20 hours straight through, and were exhausted when we arrived back home. However, we are so glad we were able to go. These are some of the finest moments of life!

Trip to College Station, TX - Part 8

More photos of Jack's blessing date, including one with all three of our grandchildren and us!

Trip to College Station, TX - part 7

Jack's blessing day. Jack wore the outfit Ryan, Jeffrey, Michael and Tanner wore. The white blanket he is wrapped in was made for Sarah when she was a baby!

It was just WONDERFUL!