I Hope They Call Me on a Mission

I've now let a year go by without any updates on this blog.  I doubt I have any readers left but for myself I'm sad because this is my only form of journaling anymore and what a year it's been.  I'm not sure how I let it pass without recording anything except that it has probably been our busiest one yet.  So here's an attempt to catch up on some of the best and unforgettable moments.

Today my heart is tender as my son began a two year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  While we have all dreamed of this since he was a little boy, it's hard to believe the day is here.  I couldn't be happier for the choices he has made to give him this opportunity but at the same time my heart aches for the time when he was little and was with me all the time.  I never really understood how much love my heart would hold until I became a mother.  I also never could have comprehended the feelings I have today knowing his bedroom is empty and he won't walk in the door in a few hours.

Elder Blackham has been called to serve in the Texas, McAllen mission speaking Spanish.  We have spent a few wonderful days with friends and family who have come to wish Andrew well.  There has been a tender spirit in our home and many tears have been shed.  On one hand it breaks my heart to see Andrew's younger siblings so sad to see him leave but it is also rewarding to see how much they really all do love each other.  Sometimes in the the midst of real family life it isn't so easy to see the love between your children.

Here are some of the highlights of the last few days.

Andrew's mission farewell

Andrew's friends from school

Grandma Thacker and Grandpa Darrell

4 Generations of Blackhams

Here he is bags packed and ready to go to the MTC!

Saying goodbye...

And last but not least here are some of my favorites from his mission pictures we had taken in the spring.