Life goes on ...

It took 9 days to hear from Chad. I was NOT worried -- but I am just so used to atleast getting a text from him. It's funny how weird I've been. Chad has been so independent (from a very young age), and it's strange now for me to be so worried about the "little" things again. Is he making friends??? Is he lonely??? Is he sleeping at night??? Is he being a good boy??? HAH! I just really needed to hear from him and hear the "phrase" that I have wanted to hear. "The Spirit is so strong here." And, that's what he said. WHEW! He is working on his Spanish. It's coming. He says that his companion is really good at it -- so he gets to feel "like crap" every day. (In good Chad terms....)

Life is going on. I got a terrible Strep Infection a couple days after Chad left that really "took me down". And then I gave it to Kenna. She was SO sick (104 degree temp - ugh), but she recovered so much quicker than I. Could it be age??? I am still struggling. I think the stress of the last few months has caught up to me. And, teaching a bunch of 9 year olds every day, all day, doesn't help. I'm constantly surrounded by germs.

We are trying to get into a routine. The house is empty and quiet. But - I'm really enjoing McKenna and her crazy "social" life. (15 and 1/2 year old girl ya know????) Thursdays are my new favorite day. Chad days. FUN !!!

Chad's gone .....

Oh my gosh -- this is HARD !!! Whoever says, "We just dropped them off and it was great...." they are LYING! It is so hard to imagine going two years with this pit in my stomach. Even Kenna misses him -- and they hate each other, right????

Brian, Ken, and Chad flew out to Salt Lake yesterday morning at 7:30. There were several of his friends there to say goodbye. Everyone tried to keep the mood light, but it was difficult to keep smiling. Ok, so I didn't. What a big baby I've turned out to be. Haji serenaded us with his rendition of "His bags are packed -- he's ready to go...." Just made me cry harder.

I kept thinking all day, "What time is it -- where is he?" And then at 12:00 our time (1:00 Utah time) I knew he was getting close to the curb ..... and the phone rang. Kenneth. It was done. Oh man.

So, now I'm left wondering every minute what he's doing. I recognize how silly that is. I haven't done that in a VERY long time. Chad is so independent. I keep thinking to myself, "Just imagine he's in San Diego for a couple of weeks, or Oklahoma again." That would get me through this first couple of weeks right?????

I did come to a realization though. The night before Chad left, I couldn't sleep (of course) and I just kept thinking, "I just want this 2 years to be over." Then I had an overwhelming feeling . . . and I came to an understand of a more importnt thing. I absolutely COULD NOT want this time to pass speedily by me. I COULD NOT wish this time away. A time that I have with Mc Kenna. When Chad gets home, Kenna will be almost 18. If I wish this time away -- I will be wasting the time I have with her.

Chad's Farewell

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Chad had his farewell yesterday. It was a great day! He gave the most amazing talk on Missionary Work. He has a gift, that's for sure. We're sure that he will have an amazing effect on the people of Mexico. The simpleness of his spirituality, and his down-to-earth nature will touch people everywhere. He had the audience laughing throughout the talk ..... and his Dad and grandma Virginia in tears. Aunt Sherle and cousin Cori sang the most beautiful song EVER !! Thank you so much!

The party afterwards was HUGE! We figure we had about 70 people in and out throughout the afternoon. People sure love that boy! And, we do too!

It's hard to believe that he will be "on his way" in just TWO days. Kenneth is going to fly up with him. So is Brian, his friend. Then Ken and Brian will turn around and come right back home. I decided that was a bit much for me and opted for the "Goodbye at the airport". I hope I don't regret that -- but I think it's what Chad wants too.

Last San Diego trip

Well -- we only thought that July would be Chad's last San Diego trip .....

There was a change of plans, and Kenneth got home from Missouri on Friday night, October 2nd. Saturday morning we drove to San Diego for the Charger vs. Cardinal game. Brian, Chad's friend came (Chad forced him to wear the Charger shirt.) and we had a GREAT time! Saturday was a beach day, and it was warm and sunny. Sunday was all about the football! Dad, sporting his Cardinal Red, was a bit disappointed when the Chargers beat up on the Cardinals pretty bad. Was it 42-10??? Something like that????

Chad's Invite

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Temple Trip

We had a wonderful day in the temple Saturday. Wow! It is a really special thing to see your children in the temple with you. I DO NOT take that for granted. I kept looking over at him and Kenneth sitting together and thought, "He looks like he belongs here." I know that he is overwhelmed, but I also know that he felt the spirit and that his testimony will grow as he returns and returns and returns. He's hoping to go back atleast a couple times before he leaves for the MTC.

He got ribbed for the facial hair all day long. (Imagine that???) We went to pick up garments before we went to the temple. She was a sweet lady that met him with, "Are you getting married today?" No -- "Oh, are you going on a mission .....?" Yes --- She proceeded to tell him so many wonderful things, in the most sweet quiet voice. Among them - "Make sure you do everything your mission president asks of you ...." And then in closing, after she had been with him for about an hour, "Don't do anything stupid."

When we went into the temple the sweet woman that met us there said, "Elder???? Mayberry?" Yes -- Then, "That facial hair is not destined for this world for long." She immediately wanted to take the words back -- she apologized and apologized saying, "Oh, I'm not supposed to say things like that." But - Chad took it in stride, laughed with the rest of us. I couldn't care less about the facial hair. I know that he will shave when it is time -- and he will shave every day after that. Yes - the time is quickly approaching.

I'm deeply appreciative for the MANY people that have helped Chad get to this point. Some of them were there with him in the temple. People are drawn to Chad -- they flock to him everywhere he goes. And, so many of them have touched his life in ways that us as parents could never. Thank you so much!

Kenneth leaves today back to Missouri. As the plan is right now -- Chad is going to fly out to pick him up in a month. Then they will spend a few days together and go to Chicago and a few other places. That will be the weekend before his farewell. Kenneth is going to fly to Utah with him, just the day he is supposed to report. (That's a bit much for me I think.....)

Dates confirmed

Well ..... our baby boy is going through the temple. This next Saturday at 1:00. We had to do it over the Labor Day weekend because Kenneth is in Missouri working. He has been there since our vacation and still has over a month yet to work there. This was our chance for him to come home on a long weekend. We are very excited !!

Chad's farewell will be Sunday, October 10th. Sacrament Meeting begins at 10:00. The church is East on New River Road off the I-17 freeway. You go a long way and then the church is on the left. Or if you want to go the Carefree Hwy way -- go North on 7th Street. Continue on (again a long way). Church is on the right. We would love to see you there. (Hey -- maybe he'll shave .....)