One Month!

Jeffrey will be home from his mission in one month! May 3rd is the day!

It's hard to believe he's been out 23 months already. (Actually, he hit the 23 month mark on March 28th, so he'll serve a little over 2 years).

I can't wait to see him! And hug him! And listen to him talk in his Mexican accent! And feed him whatever he wants to eat!

One month! 30 days! Woo hoo!

A Cougar in Our Midst!

Jeffrey was accepted to BYU! He will start this Fall.

I'm slowly adjusting to the fact that all of my children won't be Aggies. I guess if one of them has to go somewhere else, BYU is a good choice.

He's so excited. I know this is what he wants, so I'm happy for him.

But I'll always bleed maroon!!

Not What I Like to Read

Today I read the following on the U.S. State Department's website:

"You should exercise caution when traveling in the state of Veracruz. In recent months, the state of Veracruz has seen an increase in violence among rival criminal organizations. In response, the Government of Mexico has sent additional military and federal police to the state to assist State security forces in implementing operation “Veracruz Seguro” (Secure Veracruz) that focuses on combating organized crime."

I don't like to read stuff like that when I have a son serving a mission in Veracruz! Fortunately he'll be home in a little over 2 months, and I won't have to worry about his safety in Mexico any more!

Stamps

When we talked to Jeffrey on Christmas Day, he surprised us all by announcing that he didn't want to go back to A&M. He wanted to go to BYU.

Surprise is probably not a strong enough word. Kimberly, Brian, and I all reacted by shouting, "What?!?" at the computer screen (we were Skyping).

We are a family that bleeds maroon, not blue.

I'm still recovering from the shock of his announcement. Brian isn't convinced that we shouldn't disown him, but I would only consider that if he had announced he wanted to go to UT.

Since he wants to go to BYU, I'm doing everything I can to help him get his application finished by February 1st - a date rapidly approaching. It would have been easier if he had made this decision in October...

One of the things I had to do was go to the high school and request an official transcript be sent to BYU. I had to bring a large, addressed, stamped envelope. I wasn't sure how much postage would be, so I stopped at the post office inside Ace to find out.

I was told it would cost 88 cents. I had forgotten to bring any stamps so I decided to buy two. She had two choices:

Hanukkah or Kwanzaa. Seriously. That's all she had. No flags or flowers or anything.

I know it wouldn't have mattered, but it just seemed weird sending Jeffrey's transcripts to BYU using Hanukkah or Kwanzaa stamps

So I went home and got two of my flowered forever stamps.

It just seemed like the thing to do.

Two Important Dates

I wanted to make note of a couple of important dates:

October 28th.

Jeffrey hit the 18 month mark on his mission. How did that happen? His mission is 3/4 over. He will be home in 6 months.

Time has gone by very quickly. Yet it also feels like he has been gone forever.

I'm so proud of him for choosing to dedicate two years to serving the Lord. I love this picture. I think it shows how happy he is to have made that choice.

October 29th.

Scott turned 18. And I don't have a picture. What a bad mom I am.

I'm finding it hard to believe that MY BABY IS 18! I'm getting old.

Scott's a great kid. I actually enjoy having him around. I'm grateful for his strong desire to do what's right and for his love of the gospel. In a little over a year, he'll be serving a mission. Following in his older brothers' footsteps.

It's exciting to recognize these important dates in Jeffrey and Scott's lives. I'm proud to be their mom.

I'm a Terrible Mother!

My last post was about Jeffrey and how he entered the MTC on April 29, 2010.

Except he didn't enter the MTC on April 29, 2010.

He entered the MTC on April 28, 2010. I discovered that when I was looking at some pictures on iPhoto and noticed the date.

I can't believe it's only been a year and I've forgotten what date he actually left!

My only consolation is that now he's been gone a day longer than I thought!

I Can't Believe I Missed It!

Yesterday, April 29th, was Jeffrey's one year anniversary on his mission, and I didn't blog about it! Granted, I am in Paris at the moment, and we are busy, but I still feel bad I didn't post something on such a momentous day!

So, pretend today is April 29th. One year ago I was sitting in IHOP with Jeffrey. He was getting ready to have his free breakfast. We were counting down the hours until we would drop him off at the Missionary Training Center (MTC). He was excited and a little nervous. I was excited, nervous, sad, and lots of other emotions.

He spent two months at the MTC where he began to learn Spanish. Then he spent 10 weeks working hard in the Salt Lake City South Mission and waiting for his Mexican visa to come. In mid-September he finally made it to the Mexico Veracruz Mission, where he has been working ever since.

Here's one of my most recent pictures of Jeffrey with a sweet little boy he baptized. I have the little boy's name somewhere, but I don't have time to search for it.
Jeffrey is loving his mission. He is loving serving the Lord and he is loving the people of Mexico. I'm so proud of Jeffrey for choosing to sacrifice two years of his life to go and spread the gospel. I miss him a lot, but I wouldn't want him to be anywhere else right now. He is growing so much. He is learning and experiencing things that will help him throughout his whole life.

Jeffrey, I love you! Happy one year mission anniversary! May your second year be even better than your first!

Oh, and since next Sunday is Mother's Day, I get to talk to him on the phone! I can't wait for that call!

Happy Birthday, Jeffrey!!

Today is Jeffrey's 20th birthday! Just one short year ago, he was at home for his birthday. Now he's celebrating on his mission in Veracruz, Mexico.

Here's a picture of Jeffrey at the beach with his companion and two other missionaries. They were jumping for joy over the fact that every companionship in their zone had baptized someone the week before. The ones in white (including Jeffrey) were the ones who had done the actual baptizing.

I love this photo. It truly expresses real joy.

I hope Jeffrey has a wonderful birthday today. I'm sad I don't get to see him or talk to him on his birthday, but I'm so proud of him for choosing to serve the Lord by going on a mission. He's a wonderful young man, and I can already see how much he's growing as he serves the people in Mexico.

Jeffrey, I love you very much and I'm proud to be your Mom.

(By way of explanation to any non-members who might be reading this - the missionaries were given permission to go to the beach for their Preparation Day. However, missionaries are not allowed to swim, so they just played in the sand.)

Jeffrey's P-Day

Last week, Jeffrey e-mailed us and told us he was being transferred to a new area within his mission. He was really excited because he found out there were ancient ruins within his ward boundaries.

For any non-members reading my blog, once a week missionaries have what's called Preparation Day (P-Day). They do laundry, go shopping, e-mail Mom and Dad, and explore a little within their area (within mission guidelines).

So I was excited to get Jeffrey's e-mail yesterday. I was excited to read about ancient ruins he explored. And even see some pictures if he could find a computer working well enough to download them.

And what did Jeffrey and his companion do yesterday for their P-Day?

They went to a slaughterhouse. That's right - a slaughterhouse! Forget ancient ruins - lets go watch animals get slaughtered!

His exact words were: "They were killing and gutting cows. We didn't get to see the killing, but we saw the gutting. It was pretty cool, but I could never do it. After about 10 minutes I got nauseous. But it was cool seeing it all."

I'm anxious to e-mail him next week and find out why exactly they went to a slaughterhouse.

I guess I should be grateful that although he thought it was cool, it's not a job he could ever do! And I guess I should be grateful that he didn't send any pictures! I can wait for ancient ruins!

Jeffrey

Jeffrey is serving in the Mexico Veracruz Mission. The Mission President and his wife have a blog, which they try to keep updated. They fell a little behind, and have just started to post pictures from September, which is when Jeffrey finally made it down to Mexico.

A couple of days ago, I was looking at the blog and saw a post about visa-waiting missionaries who had finally made it to Mexico. The post included this picture. Which includes Jeffrey!

It was so much fun to see him on the Veracruz Mission blog! I'm hoping that I will see his picture on that blog a few more times.

By the way, Jeffrey has been on his mission over 8 months! I can't believe how quickly the time has gone by.

Expensive...But Worth It

Last night I got my best Christmas present - I got to talk to Jeffrey on his mission in Mexico. It was wonderful to talk to him, but also extremely expensive. For various reasons, we haven’t been able to get a landline here in Italy. We only have cell phones. We have a Magic Jack, which is a phone system we use with our computer which lets us call the United States for free. I know there’s a way to make international calls with the Magic Jack, but whenever I clicked on their link to set it up, it said their server was down. Whether their server was really down, or whether our internet was too slow and crappy to handle their server is unknown. Skype was out of the question because Jeffrey didn’t have access to a computer yesterday. So we decided to use our cell phones. We knew it would be expensive, but it was our only option.

Cell phones in Italy are different. You don’t sign up for a plan. You put a certain amount of money on your phone and replenish it as needed. We all had money on our phones, but we decided to add more. Robert put an additional 50 euros on his phone (so he probably had over 75 euros on it) and 25 euros on my phone (so I probably had 50 euros).

Christmas night we called Jeffrey. We tried to put the cell phone on speaker, but we could barely hear him, so we gave up on that idea. I talked to him for a little while, then passed the phone to Brian, who passed the phone to Scott when he was done. About 20 minutes into the phone call, Scott said there was a beep and then the phone went dead. We then got a message saying we had less than 1 euro left on the phone! We went through over 75 euros in 20 minutes! We next called him on my phone. Scott finished up his call, and handed the phone to Kimberly. She talked to him a while then gave the phone to Robert. After about 15 minutes, my phone went dead too. It was out of money. We couldn’t even get Scott’s phone to work - he may have been too low on money. Robert quickly raced over to the bank and put 50 more euros on his phone (you do that at the ATM). I called and talked to him another 15 minutes and then the phone went dead. Our Christmas conversation with Jeffrey was over.

We did get to talk to him for about 50 minutes, but we spent at least 175 euros to do it! With the exchange rate, that’s almost $230.00!

But you know what? It was worth it. Every cent of it. It was money well spent to talk to Jeffrey and hear that he is doing well and loving his mission.

My Christmas was complete.

Bonus Phone Call!

Jeffrey was supposed to leave the MTC this coming Monday, heading for Mexico. Unfortunately the Mexican government is a little slow about giving visas, so he wasn't sure he would actually be leaving on Monday. I got an e-mail from him today saying he and 15 other elders were leaving the MTC on Friday - heading for the Salt Lake City South Mission! They are being temporarily assigned there until their visas come in. I know he would rather be headed to Mexico but he is very excited to be going somewhere!

His e-mail also said he would be calling me tonight. I had to be up at the church to make sure Scott had all of his stuff for Philmont, so I left a strange message on our answering machine. I bascially told Jeffrey to call my cell phone if no one answered the phone.

My message worked! My cell phone rang at a little before 8:00, and it was Jeffrey! We only got to talk for 5 minutes, but it was wonderful to hear from him. He told me he's loving his mission, and he's so excited to be sent out to the field. He's hopeful that his time in Salt Lake will be short and he will be sent to Mexico soon.

Things don't always run smoothly, but the work continues to go forth. I'm happy my son is so positve about this situation and anxious to go serve somewhere!

MTC Day!

Wednesday was the big day! The day Jeffrey entered the MTC! We (Jeffrey, my sister, and I) drove from Salt Lake City down to Provo. When we got to Provo, we went to eat at IHOP. On Wednesdays guys entering the MTC eat for free (up to $10.99). Jeffrey took full advantage of that by ordering the Big Country Breakfast - a small chicken fried steak, scrambled eggs, hash browns, and pancakes! And he finished almost all of it! Here he is anxiously waiting for his food to come.

It was fun going to IHOP because there were other families there, and we were all excited to talk to one another. We actually met another guy going to Jeffrey's mission! That was nice.

After IHOP, and a quick stop at the Missonary Mall to buy Jeffrey a sweater (it was cold in Utah), we headed to the MTC. Here is Jeffrey standing across the street from the MTC (or at least one of the buildings). It's a surprisingly large place.
After taking a few pictures, we drove over to the MTC. They have changed the way missionaries are dropped off. You used to go in for a meeting, but now you just drop them at the curb. When I first heard that, I was disappointed. I wanted to go in for a meeting, like we got to do with Brian. But now that I have done both ways, I think I prefer this way. It's less emotional. And it's kind of cool, because as you drive along, there are missionaries lining the road, ready to greet the incoming missionaries and help them with their bags. That was a lot of fun.

After being told to pull over to the curb, we got Jeffrey's bags out of the trunk, gave him more hugs, and then he left. Here he is, walking off with his helper/guide.
My sister and I then got back in the car and drove out of the MTC, waving at all of the missionaries as we drove along. Leaving Jeffrey behind to begin his mission.

So far I'm doing okay. I'm not sure it has really sunk in yet. It will probably hit me next week. It's a good thing GNO is coming up.

Promised Pictures!

As I mentioned in my previous post, we were fortunate enough to meet President Uchtdorf on the day before Jeffrey went in the MTC. I'm now posting the pictures I took when we met him.

Here he is by himself. He was talking to another family, and I was able to snap a picture of him. I realize he's an Apostle of the Lord, but I have to say, he's a very distinguished looking man!

Here he is with my sister and I. I, of course, hate how I look in the picture, but I will treasure it always anyway.
And my favorite picture. President Uchtdorf and Jeffrey. What better way for my son to start his mission then to be told by an Apostle to work hard and always do what his CTR ring says.
I will be sending Jeffrey a copy of this picture in a few days. It will be nice for him to have on his mission.

There will also be a copy on my hall table full of pictures.

No Access to Post a Picture Yet, But...

We met President Uchtdorf today!! That's right, President Uchtdorf.

We were walking on Temple Square on our way to the Lion House for lunch. Suddenly my sister spotted a distinguished looking silver haired gentleman in front of the old Church Office Building. Sure enough, it was President Uchtdorf. He spoke to us briefly, and told Jeffrey to work hard on his mission. Then he took one picture with Jeffrey, and one picture with me, my sister, and her friend. Sadly, I forgot my cords, so I can't post the pictures. But I will post them when I get back!

Tomorrow is the big day! Jeffrey is so excited and ready. I know he's going to be a great missionary.

Elder Clutter

It's 1:36 A.M. and I am still up. I have been busy. I've been doing last minute laundry, washing dishes, hemming pants, and packing. Getting organized for tomorrow.

Tomorrow. The day Jeffrey and I leave for Salt Lake City. Only he's not just Jeffrey anymore. Now he's Elder Clutter, having been set apart as a full-time missionary by our Stake President. Having been set apart to serve for 24 months. That's one of the things that has to be said during the blessing. 24 months. 2 years. That's a long time.

I'd been doing all right. Then we went over and listened to the end of the Youth Conference testimony meeting so he could be set apart once it was over. For the closing song we sang "The EFY Medley". If you've never heard it, it's a great song. It's sung in Women's and Men's parts. The men sing the song "We'll Bring the World His Truth". This is part of what they sing: "We are as the army of Helaman. We have been taught in our youth. And we will be the Lord's missionaries to bring the world His truth." I looked at Shelley and Kristie, who were both crying, as was I. I could hear Jeffrey singing, and it was all so real. He has now been set apart as one of the Lord's missonaries, and he will be leaving soon to begin his mission.

I know he's ready to serve. So ready. I will let him go willingly, but I'm sure going to miss him. This would be a lot easier if Robert were here.

It's now 1:55 A.M. I'm sitting here crying. Sometimes it's hard to be a mom - even when you know your son is making the right choice.

Finally Recovered!

Jeffrey wanted an Open House before he left on his mission. Because of Youth Conference and other things we ended up doing it this past Sunday. There were a lot of people he wanted to invite, so we did. We didn't know how many of them would actually show up. We discovered that a lot of them would. A lot of them. How many, you ask?

Well, including the four of us, 111 people showed up! Who knew we could fit 111 people in our home? I realize they all weren't there at the same time, but I bet 50 to 60 were there at the busiest times. It was literally Standing Room Only! Jeffrey was thrilled. I think most people had a good time seeing friends from other wards (there were 3 wards involved). And my house survived intact!

Thanks to all who came! It was great to see you. Thanks to all who brought food or helped out in any way! We couldn't have done it without you. Thanks for showing Jeffrey your love and support! As his Mom, I really appreciate it.

The countdown continues. Six more days until we leave for Utah! Eight more days until he enters the MTC!

Another Sign It's Closer!

Tonight I got a phone call. The caller ID said "Out of Area", so I didn't know who it was. When I answered, the woman on the line asked if this was Sister Clutter. I replied that it was. She then said, "This is Sister Hansen, from the Veracruz Mission". I realized then that I was talking to the Mission President's wife! She was calling to let me know how excited they were about Jeffrey coming to serve as a missionary there. She also asked me if I had any questions, which I did, and which she answered. She seems very nice and accessible. She said they expect obedience from their missionaries, which I'm glad to hear. I don't worry about Jeffrey - I know he wants to do what's right. It's nice to know it's expected of him.

After speaking to me for a little while, she asked to speak to Jeffrey, and they spoke for a few minutes. I'm so glad she called. It's not something that all Mission President's wives do, and it made me feel good about sending Jeffrey to serve under their care.

Minutes after our phone call ended, she sent me an e-mail, letting me know I was free to ask her questions any time I wanted. She seems like a wonderful woman!

And as if all that weren't enough, I loved reading this sentence in her e-mail, "We look forward to meeting your son in person…we love him already!" There's nothing that can make a Mom feel better than reading words like that!

17 days, and counting down!

One Month to Go!

Jeffrey leaves on his mission one month from today! Or 31 days, as he likes to say.

We have been busy spending, spending, spending. It is expensive to send a kid on a mission. In addition to socks, pants, shirts, etc. (all bought in quantities of 6 or 12 it seems), we have to buy sheets, towels, luggage, toiletries, a shoeshine kit, a first aid kit, plus lots of other stuff too. Every time I go to Target or Kohls, the cash register in my head goes "cha-ching"!

But it's worth it. Every penny. I'm so happy Jeffrey has chosen to serve a mission. I know he's going to make a great missionary, and come home with an even stronger testimony than he already has.

31 days, and counting down!

Jeffrey's Nineteen!

Actually, Jeffrey turned 19 on Monday. What can I say? I'm a slacker! I didn't even take any pictures on his birthday. Bad Mom! But, in an effort to move the demise of his car further down the page, I'm posting a couple of pictures of Jeffrey when he was younger.

Here he is at age 3. Look at those eyes! Wasn't he a cutie? Even if he did have a bowl haircut!

Here he is at age 10. Still awfully darn cute, if I do say so myself.

Soon I will be posting pictures of him at the MTC. Where does the time go?