August has been a huge month of change for our family!
Sterling was set apart for his mission on August 4th. We are so grateful for his decision to follow the Lord's call and excited for all that he will learn. We know that the Lord will help him to grow tremendously in the next two years. However, it is so difficult to let go of the treasures God gives us. Sterling is a delight! He makes us smile and brings happy energy to our lives. He is always insightful and supportive. He will surely be missed! We felt some comfort as he received his priesthood blessing, but putting on that name tag was still an act of faith for me! I am learning to trust the Lord and have courage!
The next morning Sterling started "at home MTC". It was actually a "preparation day" and so he downloaded all the necessary apps, met with his district, practiced his cooking and language skills, and was able to play some athletic games with some of the missionaries at our church building.
He also got to spend some quality time with his family (us) throughout the week. We enjoyed the extra time with him!
During this time Christian and Sheri were getting ready to go back to school. Band rehearsal was back in full swing. Here Sheri is leading the beginning of the new marching show.
Also, during the first week of August she had her wisdom teeth removed. We got some funny videos. :)
You can see some of her swelling here.
We also spent lots of time labeling and packing Sterling's clothing and mission items.
Sterling headed to the Provo MTC on Wednesday, August 14th.
Saying goodbye was the hardest!
We watched him until he got on the plane and then watched his plane taxi and take off. Then we went to the roof parking lot where we watched his plane until we could no longer see it blinking in the dark sky. I am definitely glad that he got to go to Provo first. Easing into this whole thing has given me time to adjust and worry less about his transition and safety.
It also helped that Eve, Jonah, and Ellie were able to meet him and take him to lunch. It was great to see him smile and be with family!
They dropped him off at the MTC and sent me a little video which made my heart so happy!
Utah Valley is such a beautiful setting for the MTC and BYU!
He attended the temple each week with his district and loves them and his companion!
We look forward to his weekly calls home!
Meanwhile...
The kids started school! The first day of school was actually the same day Sterling left.
We have all been able to stay busy which has helped keep our mind off of missing Sterling too terribly.
Sheri is now a junior and Christian is a 6th grader at the Junior High. Christian was selected to play percussion in the band and we are all excited for him!
Here are some other fun things from August.
Playing with neighborhood friends
Finding critters in the yard
Incredible sunsets
A plentiful garden
We have had a bunch of watermelon, cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs (basil, sage, parsley, cilantro, and dill) this summer. We have also enjoyed peppers, lettuce, carrots, zucchini and onions.
These watermelon have been very sweet!
We pick about this many cucumbers a few times each week.
We also got our first apple this year (along with cherries in early summer).
I love this boy's sense of humor!
A serene evening surrounded by blessings
Sheri conducting at a pep rally
Sheri at a football game with her friends, Marianne and Presley
Over in Utah Eve has also been enjoying her last month of summer before school starts in September. Here are her highlights.
Going to Mt. Timpanogos Caves (July)
Working in her Environmental Science Lab
Attending a Young Single Adult Conference in SLC. They all signed a giant birthday card for President Nelson's upcoming 100th birthday.
She got to see Newsies at Sundance.
She often enjoys going to the temple.
Eve has found a restaurant that is gluten free. She is happy to have found a great place to go with friends for brunch!
Her cousin, Josh (Sterling's age) arrived in Provo for his freshman year. Eve got to join the Sanchez family for ice cream. It's so fun to have family going to the same school!
Going to the farmer's market
Eve's summer bucket list included a picnic with her friends and she was able to plan and do it. She has really has had a beautiful summer!
And so, with August as our transition, a new chapter has begun. Eve will be a junior at BYU, Sterling will be preparing for missionary life in Brazil, Sheri will be an upper classman and has made the senior dance company, and Christian will navigate junior high . Matt also will be growing. He will be supervising a new plant in Richmond, UT. He will be passing on direct management for his facilities here in Texas to a new facility director as he takes on this additional role.
We acknowledge all the tender mercies of the Lord. We could not come to this place without His many, MANY blessings! We are learning to rely on God for courage, with faith that many more wonderful things await us in our futures!
