The LAST Shooting trip

Oct 9 2011 - I guess this should of been posted before Joshua being set apart but o well. Once again organization doesn't help me. I really shouldn't call this the LAST shooting trip, but the last one before Josh leaves for 2 years.


One thing our family has done together has been to go shooting out at Lone Rock. A place almost to Wendover. Something that has been a tradition and a really neat thing for my boys to do with Andy. Of course I tag along and do more shooting with my camera then with the guns. When Josh was in his last days we decided even though things are tight with Andy out of a job that we would spend a little and go shooting at Josh request. The last trip sacrifice a little $money, Mt dew and a little time. I had a lot of fun and of course took MANY photos. Even a family picture that I love & will cherish! I wish there was room and space to talk about each photo. There is so much to say and if I could put the words to each photo it would show how important and fun these trips are to our family.
So many fun things happened, blowing up many thing such as, butterflies, flowers, pumpkins, Mt Dew cans, milk jugs, West High seat pads, a lot of teasing, my boys being boys pants down or being pants, burping, farting, peeing on bugs, "trying" to pass Mt dew cans out the window from our car to the Suburban while going down the freeway, (can I just say I don't want to know what happens when I am not there to stop them) throwing the football, teaching each other and much more... Love these men with all my heart. Scotty brought Javi Garrido to join in all the fun. Javi is one of our boys. Love that kid! If all goes as planned my boys will not be together to do this or anything else for a long time so this trip means the world to Andy & I. Zach & Austin if they go will leave on mission and come back before we will have everyone together again. Fun times & I have to Thank Josh for pushing us to go! While I looked through the pictures I had a hard time cutting any out because of the memories, faces my boys are pulling in the back ground or the meaning of what was being talked about at the time. I really need to video one time. After shooting we all went to My Mom & Sherry had fixed us Joshua's last Sunday dinner with Grandma before he leaves.

 

Setting apart

Oct 11 2011  We hadn't heard the time or when to be there but after some calls and things worked out we sent the big text out. "Joshua will be set apart as a Missionary"  text sent and everyone invited. That night on the way to the stake center we stopped and picked my Mom up and we meet everyone over at the Stake center to set Joshua apart. Everything went great.. but they made me say a couple words. Why that is so hard I do not know. Probably because I am so emotional.
We had alot of family and great friends with us that night and many that stopped by the house. Joshua's friends came and then planned to spend the night. However Joshua started falling asleep and so did they. I think when everyone started getting so tired they went home and slept a little and was all back at the house the next morning early to take Joshua to the MTC. Here we go Mission ready to start. Not sure if I am ready for all this.
Pictures of that night

The Farewell

Sept 25 2011 - Preparing for a farewell was & is a lot of work. It shouldn't be but I guess organization just is not my thing. Cleaning and getting everything ready took lots of time but wow I couldn't of done it without everyone that helped. I was amazed at all the friends and family that helped out on the luncheon. It turned out perfect and it was great to have everyone at our home. Helping prepare food ~ Many Thank yous go out to everyone! My Mom, sister Sherry, my nieces Laura, Stacy & nephew Brad & his wife Stephanie, My friends Brenda, Hazel, Chantelle, Suzanne, Lila, Amber, Wendy, Lisa, & Kayanne & others Thank you for your help and all you did. I hope I am not forgetting anyone. But THANK YOU it couldn't of turned out better and we had tons of food! Makes me hungry thinking about all of it. Also Thank You to all who gave contributions they where much appreciated.
Many friends and family stopped to chat and give there goodbyes to Joshua. I only wish I could of grabbed photos of everyone. But hard to do while also keeping it all going.

The meeting at teh church - I was kind of nervous for Josh he is a little "only" a little on the shy side and I was wondering how he would do speaking in front of everyone. That in itself is very hard, But Josh did an amazing job. He was very prepared and had a great humble heart and lots to say and did a fantastic job. I recorded his talk and can not wait to listen to it when Josh returns. To see how much he has grown. If you didn't get a chance to hear him speak here is a link with the audio of his talk. http://www.box.com/s/gnq11gy9jl7iibmeja61

I am excited for Joshua to get lost in the work of the Gospel and to serve the Lord but I am not looking forward to him leaving me. But what Mother would right?
Here are Photos of today.