Getting Set Apart

Jacob was set apart as a Missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on Thursday night. It was a really nice evening. President Gregory D. Mott, our Stake President, set him apart and gave him some good advice and counsel. So, we are starting to call him Elder Morgan when we think about it. He will always be Jacob to me. We drove to Utah on Friday and hung out around the Salt Lake valley today. 4 days to go! Love, Jenn =)

MTC Website

Mike came across a great website that tells about the Missionary Training Center. For all of our friends, and Jacob's, who maybe interested in what they do there, etc. this is a great opportunity to see. There is also a virtual tour. Very cool of you are interested. Love, Jenn =)

A New Experience

We had a great experience taking Jacob to the Spokane Washington Temple last Friday. My sister was able to come and them we had quite a few other couples that have been important for Jacob. Past Young Men Presidents and friend's parents. He just absorbed everything and came out glowing. It is nice to see him take these important steps for his progression in life, being worthy to enter, and living the gospel standards. He is such a great kid (man?) He is so ready to get to the MTC (Missionary Training Center) and on to Arizona! We leave on Friday to SLC, Utah and then on to Provo April 1st. Time flies! Love, Jenn =)

Un-Official Farewell

I can not believe time moves so fast and yet so slow. We have been doing so much getting Jacob ready and I can't believe it's been over a month since I posted. But what do I post? I didn't think you wanted to know about the DMV visit, medical stuff, shopping, etc. But now there is something worthy........his un-official farewell. In the old days, when Mike went on a mission, they had horses and wagons......no, just kidding. They would have Sacrament Meetings full of family speaking, musical numbers, brag-talks full of family stories,etc. Then there would be Open Houses in the evenings where people would come, leave gifts, say good-bye, like a mini-party. They have now moved to a more spiritual/gospel centered meeting with the called missionary giving a talk on the assigned topic. And, they discourage the Open House Party. The purpose being to focus on the mission and teaching the Gospel and not on the farewell to his "former life". That is totally fine with me, less work. As if getting him ready is not work enough and top it off with preparing a talk, organizing the family to sing (I did do that), and preparing food and stuff for an Open House? I'm happy to Follow the Prophet.

This past Sunday, 15 March, Jacob gave his talk in church. The topic was The Gospel of Jesus Christ from a talk by Elder L. Tom Perry, from April 08 Conference. He did a really nice job. He spoke with the Stake High Councilman, George Johnson. There were a lot of friends from the old Pines Ward and it was so nice to see them and show their support for Jacob.

Mallory and Becca sang One Voice. It was a theme a few years ago at Girls Camp. I was at Time Out For Women in Denver a week ago I happened upon a great songbook collection with that song in it. They sounded like angels and we complemented by many people. Mal was having the hardest day of a cold and was really worried about how it was going to sound. There were angels there to support her because you couldn't tell while she was singing that she was sick, only before and after. It was a perfect meeting. (mental note: do not participate in the meeting yourself, it is hard to read music through the tears)

A great treat that we had was my nephew from St. Louis, Brandon, came out for the weekend. He is such a great kid. He took a few days out of his Spring Break to hang with Jacob before he leaves. This is such a tender time, as many of you know, watching your son do a lot of "lasts" for a few years. Brandon was a great addition to our family for the weekend, he probably thinks we are a little weird and quirky, but I'm sure we made him laugh quite a bit. Thanks for coming Brandon! (yes, he is taller than Jacob, he was standing on the carpet and Jacob was on tile, but he is still taller!) Love to all! Jenn =)