What has been going on Part One (caution: lots of family pictures)

22 comments
A week ago we took daughter #7, Laurie, to the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah and dropped her off to start her 18 month LDS mission. She will leave next week for the Everett, Washington area.  AKA Snohomish County area where my friend Nan of Pots and Pins lives. 
Laurie is smart, and pretty, and funny, and has a desire to serve a mission for our church.  It is my job to support her 100%, even though it crushes me to not see her for 1.5 years!  We will get weekly email and I can face time with her on a few major holidays.
If you remember Mason (#8, the baby and only boy) is getting ready to serve a 2 year mission for our church, as well.  So right before Laurie left, she and Mason went to visit daughter #5, Chelsey, and her boyfriend Malachi, in California.  
Disneyland is so exhausting, right?  Mason is always photo bombing people.  
The Sunday before Laurie left, she gave an amazing talk in church speaking about Jesus Christ and her desire to be more like Him.  I was so proud.  After her talk we had a party for about 50+ family and friends at our home.
We had people on the front porch, the back deck, kitchen, and anywhere they would fit.  It was so humbling to see our family and friends come from near and far to support Laurie.  I was so touched by everyone.  It was a day to remember.
I wish I had taken the time to photograph all the food.  We had a very simple menu with fresh fruit, fresh greek salad, sandwiches and desserts from my neighbor Laura's cupcake shop, Carmela's Cottage (oh my gosh - they were so good).  It was a great summer menu.  There were lots and lots of preparations for the big party but seriously but I was too busy to take photos.  No kidding. But now I regret not having more shots.
Allison was so glad her cousins could come.  I can't tell you how much fun the kids had together.
Malachi took some family photos.  This is one with all the kids.  Wait.  Where is Allison?  Left to right Shelbie, Chelsey, Laurie, Jamie, Mason, Natalie, Eliza, Whitney and Tracey.  Yes, Whitney and Tracey are identical twins.  But obviously they all look alike.
The day came to drop Laurie off.  And seriously, that is what you do.  DROP OFF. I think there was less than 5 minutes before she was whisked away by a cute sister missionary.  We had a chance to take a couple photos.  But I think Laurie was over it and ready to just leave at that point.
And this is me...right when we pulled away from the curb.  Tears, red nose, the whole works.  Eighteen months just seems like it is so long.  After all, that is how old baby Lizzie is right now.  Sigh.  I am grateful Laurie is doing good things.  Isn't that what mothers want?  Yes.

-nanette

Next PostNewer Post Previous PostOlder Post Home

22 comments

donna said...

You have a beautiful family my dear.
Hugs
donna

jan said...

Your family is so beautiful and obviously love you so much. Your children are terrific, afterall they take after you don't they! :)
Keep those hands busy and time will fly!
xo jan

Sherri said...

Wonderful post...oh my goodness it's 5 weeks and counting for me...I'm crying already! Because I'm a baby about things like this!

Lynn said...

What a beautiful post, and a beautiful family! I'm getting ready to say goodbye to one of mine for a much shorter bit while she goes off on an adventure.
Lizzie is 18 months already!

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

May God watch over Laurie and Mason as they venture on their missions. May He also bring peace to your heart, knowing they are doing His work.....they are HIs feet, they are His hands....blessings to them and you and your family always sweet friend.

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

Nanette you have such a sweet family. I know you are proud of them all, as well you should be! I pray and believe with you that the Lord will watch over your chicks while they're away from the nest, and we know He will. And for you, dear friend, I pray He gives you the peace that passes all understanding.Big hug to you and lots of love!

Pinkadot Quilts said...

What a lovely family you have there! I am sure she will have quite an adventure and lots to tell you when she gets home. hang in there!!!

Lori Holt said...

Ahhh Nanette. The day you have not been
/and have been looking forward to finally came. Such a bittersweet time for you my friend! She is so beautiful and will be a fabulous missionary. I love this post!!!

Lorene Holbrook said...

Nanette, you touched my heart! our missionary leaves on the 28th. Just wanted you to know, I ordered the fabric I asked you about - the CTR fabric. Jordyn had his farewell this past weekend too. I will talking about it on my blog on the 28th. Bless your heart! I know your daughter will be a great missionary. lots of hugs! PS. I mentioned you on my blog!

Vicki said...

Happy and sad for you. I didn't know you had twin daughters. The Everett mission is just north of me, I think. She will love it here. In the summer, at least. The rain and darkness can be rough in the winter.

dream quilt create said...

You are making me cry, Nanette! I feel your pain and your joy :). My goodness, your children are all so beautiful! Your photo tells the whole story, lol! I hope you're doing okay. It does get better, after about six months, or a year!!!

Nedra said...

Look at that cute Laurie! And wonderful family pictures. You expressed the sentiment well of parents who send their children off to be missionaries. She will thrive, and Mason will too. And my prayers will continue with you and your family.

Carrie P. said...

looks like a fun time. I know you are so proud of Laurie.

pratima said...

What a beautiful day! Very touching and memorable! All the very best to Laurie and Mason!

Pat said...

What a wonderful post about more wonderful things happening in your family. I don't get to read blogs (or write on my own) that often anymore, so I'm not caught up on things but I'm glad I saw this post.

Carole in Nebraska said...

Ditto to all of the above but I have a question... why does she think that her mother is the Earth?
Does this go with LDS teaching????

Thimbleanna said...

Awwww, you brought tears to my eyes to see you crying. ;-(

Looks like you had a great get together for Laurie. Mothers can't be everywhere -- entertaining everyone AND taking pictures. I feel your pain on that one. And that's one good-looking line up of kids there Nanette -- fun to see them all together. You should be VERY proud!

•stephanie• said...

missions. i like to call them the best of times/the worst of times. it's a wonderful/terrible thing. but the good obviously outweighs the bad. bless your heart! (kind of glad i only had one boy and my girls were married before they were old enough to serve missions!)

Corrie said...

Oh...makes me tear up. What a great experience she'll have. Thinking of you.

Des said...

The best time ever, Nanette!! Enjoy it and love it because it really does go too fast. Thinking of you....

AnnieO said...

Getting everyone together is the best!! Despite all the work, and ending with the tears :) You're a very lucky Mom!

Barbara said...

I'm sure you are sad ... but I know you must be so proud! She's a beautiful girl, in every sense of the word.