Matthew Entered the MTC today!

WOW! My boy finally made it to the MTC!
Last night, well actually 3am this morning, I knelt down to say my prayers before getting a few hours sleep. I kinda, no, I blatantly told the Lord that I've heard all about the blessings that come when your child serves a mission, and though I wanted some things really badly, ie., Josh mission, this house... NOTHING was gonna make it worth missing him for 2 years with little or no phone calls and not seeing him. I immediately heard, "He is alive!" WOW! Touché!
Ok..I was done complaining, I felt quite stupid at that moment crying! I quickly admitted defeat and stopped. Talk about the Lord answering your prayers! Too bad they aren't all that fast. I was put into immediate check!
I am really blessed that I am not sobbing and wrenching in sheer despair, speaking of today being the day he was supposed to finally go to the MTC. Considering how very ill he had been since mid October. He is just barely able to handle almost a full normal day now! He's only really been out of bed for more than just a few hours about 19 days now!
Matthew probably wondered why I didn't shed a tear and was brave as can be all morning, at least until we left the MTC grounds! I honestly don't know how I didn't lose it, you can see from the photo, I knew this day/week??? would be gut wrenching. Especially after I saw all my wrinkles!
(Now can I say this is going to be the second hardest thing I have ever done...the first was triple this one.)

Matthew is officially a missionary ~only a few hours left.

Matthew @ our favorite restaurant 
"El Matador" after being set apart.

The day has finally arrived. My sweet boy was set apart tonight by President Hanks, (a truly wonderful instrument of the Lord.) Most of the family was there. There were only a couple of dry eyes in the house. Matthew's wasn't one, nor mine! Present were: President Hanks, President Olsen,  Ryan, Allie, Michael, Joshua & Destiny, Kim & DeVon, Aunt Ruth (Hill), Niki (Matthew's sister) & Scott, Katherine, Scott and Andrew, DeVon, Scott (Owen), Scott, (Martineau), Tyler Roberts, Andrew Fry, Gordon Irving? and Joseph couldn't get out of the hospital in time to be there, but was there in Spirit. My camera was there but not the memory card, so I will have to upload a photo later of that.

My First Baptism ~ Mission Prep 101

Mission Prep 101 ~ Talk your dad into letting 

you baptize your sister!

I baptized my sister, (Destiny Michelle Celeste) 

on July 4th 2009.

Later we all went to family gatherings and 

Sugarhouse Park for BBQ's, Fireworks etc!

Matthew's Farewell and Publication in the Clipper with David and Jordan-Third time is a charm!

Well...this is Matthew's real Farewell date! 2 of his friends are in this one too. They will all be going to the MTC the same day! David Coffman, (going to Merida, Mexico) and Jordan Parkinson, (San Fernando-Spanish speaking.) Cameron Thueson and Connor Edgar are one week behind them.
Matthew's talk was absolutely awesome. He spoke of the Liahona's in his and in our own lives and learning to hear and be guided by the Spirit.
Man am I gonna miss this kid!