It was the Best of Days. It was the Worst of Days...

Hi all you normal people.  I am not normal.  Well, most of my friends already knew that, but for those of you who don't, let me put it this way.  Normally I'm sort of abnormal (ask my son), but today I have been excessively abnormal.  One minute I have a huge smile on my face and in 15 seconds my throat tightens up, my eyes start to burn, and then snot is running out of my nose and salt water is sloshing down my face, over my make-up (making it a black mess) and running into my mouth.  Here's a picture.

Just a minute before this I had a big smile on my face. Hubby was slightly wet in this picture too.

I'm still feeling that way 7 hours later.  The reason for this, of course,is  that baby bird B seriously flew out of the next today with our support and help.  He is now a Servant of the Lord with all the rights, blessings and responsibility of that title.  He will spend three weeks in the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah, then fly to the Kennewick Washington mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  

We are so proud of his decision, and his dedication to take two years of his life and devote it to serving the Lord.  

Here are pictures worth a thousand words and since my nose is starting to do that itchy, painful snotty thing again, and my eyes are starting to fill up, I'll just let you look....

The last hug.

I had already cried a bucket over the last three days.  No amount of make-up could cover that up.  But Hubby and I are trying to smile not cry.  (But Ben was all smiles)

President Bangerter asked us all to share our thoughts with B.  It was incredibly moving and uplifting to hear testimonies, advice and so much love directed to our boy.  

"A" just couldn't stay awake that late on a school night.  She cuddled right up next to Grandma and slept through the whole thing.

The three Anderson boys.  B follows in his father and his brother's footsteps.

One of the not-smiling moments.

Saying good-bye to B's other sister, dog Shadow just before leaving for the MTC.

When B gets back S will be three and walking won't be nearly as new.

Getting close...

Almost there!  This is exciting!

Hubby will miss those B-hugs.

I will miss them more.

Now which one looks the happiest?  Dumb question!

 

Go with God, Elder A.  We will miss you SO much!  You are so loved!