It’s been a year!!

-Alex at 6 years old-
Today, it has been a year since my darling missionary son, left for his mission!!
 I can’t believe it’s been a year. It usually goes by fast when it’s someone else’s missionary, but it has gone by fast for us too! He is one amazing young man. From the start he has always been so easy going. Happy a lot! Not afraid to do nerdy things, and things that are not always popular, he is also not afraid to do what’s right.  
-Flexy with his mission president and wife-
He is someone who knows who he is, and is not afraid to show it. That works out kinda nice when you are in another country, telling people about your Savior, and trying to help them make some needed changes in their life.
-Flexy at an orphanage- (darling children)
He is loving his mission
 and the experiences he is having. 
I am so glad!!
-With the other missionaries-
We are so proud of our son! 
Only one year left!!!

Howzit-Elder Flexy!


So it’s Monday at about 7:10 p.m.
I have been checking my email account
 off and on all day, and nothing. 
Our darling Elder has not sent an email. 
Paranoid me says, 
“What’s wrong? Is he ok? 
Maybe he’s just too busy today.” 
Faithful me says, 
“He is great! Doing the Lord’s work!
 He is definitely safe, the Lord will protect him. 
You need to relax!” 
Momma me says, “That little stinker! 
Doesn’t he know I worry? 
Can’t he at least give me a few lines?!” 
It will all be just fine, but it is a challenge for me. Who knew when I decided to name Alex’s posts “Howzit-Elder Flexy”, that it was prophetic. That there would be times many times when I wonder “Howzit?”
I thought I would tell you a story about Alex when he was five. Just to keep my mind off the fact that I haven’t heard from him, and to give you all something to read today. 
—————–
The school was having a talent show. Because we’re not that talented at our house, I’ve never been a big fan of them. But this time Alex decided on his own, that he wanted to be in the talent show. I never heard a word about it. I found out after the talent show was over, that Alex had indeed taken part in the talent show. He signed up and on the sheet he said he was going to whistle. I’m sure that the teachers thought he was going whistle a song, a tune of some kind. But when he got up to do his talent, all he did was whistle. Just one note, for about 3 seconds, then he sat down. Everyone applauded. And Alex felt super. The teacher who told me the story started to cry when she told me. She said it was the sweetest thing, to see this little boy sharing his whistle with his peers. He believed that they would think that was so neat. I need to tell you here, that there were kids who could play the piano, sing, and all kinds of talents that the parents had spent money helping their child develop. I didn’t have to spend any money, ’cause Alex’s talent was to whistle. What a darling little boy! He has always been such a great kid. Always happy and easy to please. I know that he is a blessing to the people of South Africa, and I am happy to share my wonderful son with them. 

What works for me!

I am the mom to a missionary. 
A missionary mom. 
Actually, I am the mom to two missionaries. These missionaries are adult children. I love them so much. I really do miss them. You need to know that when you serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you leave your family and live somewhere in the world. You share the gospel, and serve God’s children. You communicate with your family by email and letters. Except for twice a year, Mother’s Day and Christmas when you get to talk to each other on the phone. Sometimes it is hard. But I think I have figured out how to enjoy this time while they are gone. Whenever I feel sad or like the next year and a half of my life with take forever, I reason through the emotions like this: First, they are adults. They are young, but they are adults. And I want them to become independent and able to live on their own. Second, they are learning and experiencing life. They will see life out in the world. In a place where they have never been before. I want them to learn and experience life. Would I deny them this opportunity just to have them here with me? No. Third, they are there to serve. They have given up a year and a half to two years of their life to serve, love and help others. I have taught them their whole lives to love everyone and to serve others. They are amazing. Fourth, the only time I feel sad and lonesome is when I am thinking about me. If I think about them and what amazing kids they are, and how this opportunity will bless their lives and bless the lives of those they serve, I am thrilled for them. And next thing you know, I am no longer sad or lonesome and I happily go about my day. I will say, probably the most important thing in all of this, and the Fifth thing is that I believe that our Heavenly Father loves them and will protect them, and bless them. This is what works for me! It may not work for everyone, but it works for me, and I thought I should share it. 

Happy Birthday to my darling Flexy!

My darling Flexy turned
 20 years old today! Wow! 
Where did the time go?
Just to celebrate, 
here are 20 things
 I love about Flexy…
* he is rarely upset
* he knows how to have fun 
with out spending money 
* he is responsible
* he loves Heavenly Father
* he is a good friend
* he is kind to everyone
* he is easy going/happy go lucky
*  he is a hard worker
* he is my most quoted child
* he is a good brother
* he loves Jesus
* he is a good example 
* he is loving
* he is strong
* he is funny
*he is an Eagle Scout
* he is very profound
* he is handsome
* he is respectful
* he is a great son! 
You are a wonderful son!!! Happy Birthday Alex!
I love you!

My Elder!!

My son Alex
got his mission call
yesterday.
He is going to South Africa!!!
Amazing!!
Mission call opening party!!!
Hurry Alex, Hurry!!
Reading…….
There it is!! South Africa, WOW!
Mom can’t help but hug!
So proud!
Here it is!!
We are so please with our son and his decision to serve the Lord
for 2 years!
I love you, Alex!
You’ll be an awesome missionary!!

Nerdfest 2010!!

Flexy had his 19th birthday
last week on the March 4.
 We decided to celebrate by having a Heroscape party!
You can learn about Heroscape here!
Heroscape is Alex’s favorite game to play.
He and his friends play for hours and hours. It’s what you call good clean fun!! I think everyone had a great time at Alex’s party (AKA -Nerdfest 2010)!