Smorgasbord of pictures from phone-(Volume VIl)

 Lately we have really enjoyed bike rides as a family.  Our family day (preparation day) falls on Saturday and this picture was taken one Saturday we ventured out for a 14 mile bike ride.  The problem is that I like to ride for the scenery, breeze blowing through my hair, type bike ride and everyone else likes the intensity of the exercise, bike ride. They are very patient with me and don't leave me too far behind.

 Although it may be hard to see, I snapped this picture of Jessica bringing in the trash cans to show her brother that she was willing to to help him out with his chores...such a sweet sisterly thing to do!

 I originally wanted to snap a picture of President Ames as he was talking on his phone (over bluetooth/speaker) and catch him in the action of a Mission President as were on our way to yet another meeting.  We were running behind (normally because of me) and I had just realized that I had forgotten my name tag (again) and was going to have to ask him to turn around. I just happened to snap a picture of the moment right before I told him...(probably in hopes that it would make it easier) He is so very patient with me. 

 Jacob had an end of the year choir concert and was awarded 

the MVP certificate-he was very surprised but we weren't at all-:) 

 Jacob is in 2nd row -center with red nike shirt

 Mother's Day!!

 This would be what I woke up to after my 2 hour nap

 Had my favorite meal...grilled salmon, asparagus, small red potatoes, salad and to top if off, strawberry filling cupcakes. But the best part was being able to spend time and talk to all of my kids. A great mother's day indeed!

This picture was taken of a new Mexican restaurant we were trying out...we loved it.

Always making it a fun family night

 We love it when we get to visit with our return missionaries

(Elder Border)

 President Ames is always so diligent about reading the letters/emails from all 278+ missionaries....even if it means going late into the night. He truly loves each one of them.

Transfers #8- Departing Missionaries

Departing Missionaries

I realize the three pictures below look the same, but I love the slight difference/faces some of the missionaries are making....we love and miss them already.

1.  Attend the Temple together, eat lunch and then worship together the rest of the day

2.  After the Temple, we return back to the Mission Home for a final Texas barb-e-que brisket meal, where the ward members of the Colleyville ward feed and serve us.

3.  Then we gather together in the living room, and sing to the sweet sisters who fed and served us and where the missionaries will sing "Called to Serve" most likely for the last time as a missionary wearing the badge..(ouch).  Then we get comfortable in the living room where thoughts, love, feelings and testimonies are shared.  It is a very powerful experience to hear each one of these missionaries talk about some of their experiences and growth from their mission. Mostly, its awe inspiring to see the women and men they have become in that there is a confidence and credence that is solid and unwavering.  Its not emotion but conviction.  Its not hope but faith. Its not warm feelings but pure love. Its not over but progressive. Its not limiting but blessings. They are truly made of the stuff of eternity and realize that endings are not their destiny.  They know who they are, they know God's plan and will follow him anywhere, anytime and anyplace.  And though they are somber and sad about leaving, they are SO HAPPY!

 4.  At the very end, each of the missionaries are given a hard bound binder that has all of the letters that they are asked to write to their Mission President each week.  There are also all the letters written to them by their Mission President and other important documents.  We then/now have them sign their board picture and place in the treasure box where something special and extraordinary will be made and brought to mission reunions held in the future.

5. We then take some final pictures together and are sure to remind them.......

"In all of living have much fun and laughter, life is meant to be enjoyed, not just endured"! Gordon B Hinkley

Transfer's #8- Incoming missionaries

Incoming missionaries...

1.  Welcome and hug each one of them (President hugs the Elders and I hug the Sisters) as soon as they step off the plane... Its fun to have other passengers come through the gate and say to us, "they're coming"!

 2.  Help them locate, claim and organize their luggage. 

3.  Help them feel welcomed and answer any questions they may have. (Assistant Woodruff doing just that)

 4.  President Ames...doing what he does

 5.  Once baggage is located, assembled and organized, transport to mission trailer.

 6.  Locate trailer and start walking towards it

with a great attitude/smile no less!

 7.  Once trailer is located, load all the luggage into it

 8.  Inform missionaries who have never been to Texas in the month of May that a coat is not necessary...although its a really cute coat and color!:)

 9.  Once luggage is loaded, head to the church for a simple lunch, training on vehicles and bike safety, office procedures, housing information, medical information, referral procedures, proselyting activity, picture to send home to family letting them know you arrived, and an interview with the President.

 Part of the office staff who do so very much

 One of the Spanish Training Leaders showing how to respond and report a  referral 

Most of these missionaries have been up since 3AM to make their flight, and sometimes its very hard for them to stay awake and concentrate....

 but somehow they manage to do it!

 10.  Meet back at the Mission home where a Texas "Howdy" and barb-e-que brisket meal is waiting for them.

 This transfer with all my kids visiting, my daughter in law, Chelsea helped me decorate the tables up so cute!

 She also made this sign to hang on the mantle...so cute and inviting!

 These are a GREAT group of missionaries!!!

After dinner, testimonies and thoughts shared, they turn in for the night and meet their trainers/first companions in the morning!

After a nice breakfast together, some final training and instructions, some idea of where they will be serving.... they are off and running!