My son Thane received his mission call for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints two days before Christmas. He wanted to wait to open it on Christmas day. The next two days were crazy - I couldn't stop thinking about that envelope under the Christmas tree that would tell us where my son would be living for the next two years of his life.
I snapped this picture right as he opened it and was reading us the location:
This was a very special moment for our family, so nothing else really mattered that morning. This gift kind of stole the show if you know what I mean! He will be serving in the Bahia Blanca, Argentina Mission and he leaves two days after his 20th birthday in April. Happy, proud and also sad mama. If you need to reach me after that date, please contact the psychiatric ward at Mission Hospital where I will be residing for the two years he is gone.
Of course I had to document this special memory!
This layout was made with a new American Crafts line called "The Classics". It was perfect for the colors and mood of this layout. HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A WONDERFUL NEW YEAR! Here is a picture of the next to last sunset in 2010:
SUZY
Congrats, proud mama! I can only imagine what it feels like to be proud but scared to send your son off for that long. Great layout! Hope you all had a great Christmas! Love the pic of the sunset! Happy New Year!!!
Posted by: Kristi Smith | December 31, 2010 at 10:57 PM
Wow! Awesome layout for what sounds like an awesome kid! I'm impressed that you did it so quickly! I can't even imagine what you will go thru, but God will give you all the strength! Happy New Year!
Posted by: ♥Wendi | January 01, 2011 at 07:35 AM
Suzy!! How exciting. It's amazing how quickly the time goes. My little man has got 12 more years before we're dealing with mission calls but I'm already freaking out a bit. Congrats on having a great kid!
Posted by: JenGallacher | January 01, 2011 at 08:42 AM
Congratulations! ! This is SO exciting!! My hubby went to Argentina (Mendoza ) he ate a lot of meat. I LOVE that you have a layout done of him opening his call--would've been awesome if I would've had one of me when I opened mine! ( I went to the Venezuela Valencia mission...) know I'll be cheering for you! Looking forward to your creations....
Posted by: Diana | January 01, 2011 at 11:52 AM
Congrats to Thane, how exciting for him!! It will be a life changing experience for him I'm sure. It is so hard to let go, I have a teen who it seems just like yesterday he was a baby, and my daughter will be 11 in a few weeks, how fast the time flies...love your layout, great colors.
Posted by: Laurie | January 01, 2011 at 01:45 PM
Congratulations to your son, how proud you must be of him. You will be amazed at the man he will become after these two years. Sending you prayers, strenght, hugs to get thru the tough time. Your layout is amazing, love love the colors you used. I'm sure you know about Lisa Bearson's son being on his mission trip this year, she has so many ideas thru the whole year to keep herself busy doing neat things for him, you should check them out. I'm sure your daughters would like to help out on this too.
Posted by: dawn | January 02, 2011 at 03:51 AM
Terrific layout! Congrats to your son and I will pray for strength for you! My oldest went away to college this year and being without him for 11 weeks almost landed me in the psych ward at Mission! The time does go by fast and the missing gets less intense but the new "normal" never feels quite right to me. Good Luck!!
Posted by: Brenda | January 02, 2011 at 08:57 AM
What an exciting time :) Eventhough he will be far, he will have so many life changing experiences that will help him to grow personally and grow closer to the Lord. Plus Jason is excited he can communicate with him in spanish. And you can call me on sad days and talk my ear off. We love your family and Thane so much. Congratulations.
Posted by: jamieharper | January 02, 2011 at 02:52 PM
How exciting!! Can you even imagine the wonderful stories Thane will have when he returns home. This will be such a life changing experience not just for him but for you too. Take the time to enjoy and savor these next few months.
Posted by: Mary Ann | January 03, 2011 at 12:51 PM
what a darling boy!!! congrats!
Posted by: lizzy kartchner | January 14, 2011 at 02:18 PM
God will give you the strength proud mama! ((hugs))
Posted by: cindy tobey | January 21, 2011 at 06:28 AM