Finally Legal

Bowen didn't get his permit right at the six month mark before his birthday. That meant he had to wait a little longer after his birthday to get his license. He is now legal and ready to roll!

Doug Conley Scoop

One of the big races that our Page Sand Devils participate in is the Doug Conley Cross Country Invitational. The team ran well in the elite division and came out with a second place finish just one point behind Highland. However, the big story of the day was Bowen's first place finish. He ran an awesome race in 15:20. BUT, there was another runner who actually came in before Bowen. When the first finisher crossed the line, he realized that he had not put on his bib number, and was therefore disqualified putting Bowen in the number one spot! Very crazy!

Bo actually went looking for the kid who had beat him to give him his plaque, but the kid was so upset about what had happened he left.

Rex also ran a PR in 18:13 in the open race. He has made some huge improvement already this year. These boys are amazing!

MTC Meet-Up

Corbin got to see TWO people from Texas in the MTC. One was Thomas Britt, a now returned missionary that is teaching at the MTC, and the other was Jared Blashill, getting ready to head into the field of Idaho! Both are awesome guys, and it was so fun to see them together in their tags!

Godspeed, Elder Martin

Corbin was not scheduled to enter the MTC until the afternoon, so we had time to spend with Grandma and Grandpa before departing to Provo. We stopped to get a lock for Corbin's bike in a Walmart, and as we were checking out, a woman approached us and asked if Corbin was going to the MTC. He was already dressed in his suit. When he said yes, she eagerly gave him $20 and told him to buy something fun for himself. It was such a sweet gesture, and I think it shocked Corbin a little bit. I think serving in a mission in Utah, it is likely he will have many experiences like this one. He will also encounter people who don't feel as warm and fuzzy about missionaries. People will usually have an opinion about missionaries one way or the other. This will be a blessing and a challenge. I know Corbin is up for it!

We drove down to Provo, and we actually stopped at the mission office so we could drop off Corbin's bike there. We met some of the office missionaries and found out there were 17 missionaries scheduled to arrive in the MTC that day.

We made our way to the Provo temple grounds for the obligatory pictures before the actual drop-off. It is not any easier the second time around! This time as we drove into the MTC, we were directed to the underground parking. We followed the line of the well-oiled machine. We got out his luggage, said our last words of encouragement and expressed our love.

And then he was off.

Oh the tears. The heartbreak. The joy. Almost more than I can take.

Godspeed, Elder Martin! I love you!

'Til We Meet Again

Corbin enters the MTC on September 13th. Theo, Corbin, and I left for Utah on the 12th so we could stay over at Gandma and Grandpa Ross's house before saying goodbye the next day. It pulls at a mom's heartstrings to watch her boys say goodbye to each other for an indefinite amount of time. There is a real chance that Corbin and Bo will not see each other before Bowen takes the same journey in about two years. Of course, Drake is not here for this goodbye. It could be many more years before all four of my sons are together under one roof. I look forward to that day with peace in my heart that all things work in the Lord's time.

Last Minute Prep

The suitcases are getting packed. Visits have been made. Friends have come by with cards, words of encouragement, and handshakes (no more hugs for now). Grandpa Martin wanted to give a blessing of his own before we departed for Provo. One by one, we have checked off all of the things that needed to happen before this young man enters the mission field. Almost there...

Farewell, Elder Martin

This weekend we had the privilege to celebrate our son Corbin as he prepares to enter the Missionary Training Center to begin his two year mission teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to the people of Utah. He gave a beautiful talk and testimony in sacrament meeting focusing on the things that have prepared him to serve.  I am pretty sure I can do this again. Letting go as your child becomes a man is the most gut-wrenching, fantastic, joyful thing. We love Corbin so much! I can't wait to see what wonderful things he has in store this next two years.

See Ya, Summer