Jaden's Farewell

Sunday February 24th Jaden gave his farewell talk at church.

Let me just say it was so special to see so many friends and family there to support Jaden and hear him talk. And boy did he talk! He almost took up the whole time! It was really neat to see him up there doing a pretty good job of speaking and just being so excited to go on his mission.  

It really just touched my heart to see all the people that came for him. His friends near and far- some flew in just to see him. Parents and brothers and sisters of his friends came. Friends from our old ward that Jaden  grew up in when he was young (the old 4th ward).  Some of his favorite Young Men's leaders from our previous ward (1st ward). There were even some of the kids and their families that came that he has taught or is teaching swimming lessons to. And of course our wonderful extended family members that have always loved him and supported him. I thank everybody for being such an inspiring and important part of his life. You all have helped to shape him in who he is and is becoming.

Friends and Family celebrating the day with us.

Jaden lived and worked in California for 4 months last year and these are two of his good friends from there that flew up for his farewell.

Emily and Shana

Later that night Jaden got a phone call from the AP missionaries in Albuquerque.  They were just calling to see how he was doing and if he had any question before he came out. That was a nice surprise and he had a good time talking to them!

Jaden leaves next week!

A Special Day

"I should not like to contemplate an existence, especially one that is going to continue forever, if I could not enjoy that existence with those whom I love. And so we build temples in the name of the Lord."

—Hugh B. Brown

Saturday February 9th was a special day.  Jaden got to go through the Temple for himself. It was wonderful to see so many friends and family and past youth leaders there to support him. We thank everyone who came to share this special day with us.

Columbia River Washington Temple

Elder Stephen A. West, who presided at the groundbreaking ceremony, stated at that occasion, "Our homes are where we become prepared to go to the temple. Carved over the temple door is the phrase, 'The House of the Lord.' Our houses should be homes where the Lord could be comfortable to visit. In the dedicatory prayer for the Kirtland Temple it was said…'establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God.' May that be said of our homes as well."

Would you like to know why we build Temples?

Called to Serve

Jaden has been waiting and so excited for this day - to receive his Mission Call!

January 17, 2013 it arrived!

It was in the early afternoon and Jaden and his mom were the only ones home and they both really wanted to open it, but........ ahhhhhhhh! we waited.  Untill 9pm that night!

so everybody could be there either in person or on Skype or on a cell phone.

We were all so excited to see where he was going!

Friends and Family gathered around

Opening, opening opening-

Drumroll!

ALBUQUERQUE NEW MEXICO!!!

I'm not sure what Jaden thought about it at first but I read his acceptance letter and part of it said that he prayed about it and knows that he is meant to go there! He is so excited and can't wait to go!
We have since then  talked to so many people who used to live there or know someone there or have a Missionary there and they all talk about what a great place it is and what a blessing to be there. Jaden is just excited to go!
He enters the MTC in Provo on March 6, 2013

Italia on Skype
and...... a funny one!