Elder JQ

It was a great Sabbath day with lots of family and friends over.

JQ spoke in church today because he is leaving to serve as a missionary for two years in the Canada Calgary Mission.

His talk was a blur to me as I stood out in the foyer with fussy JuBean (sleep deprivation and bothersome cold), but there was one thing that FOR SURE I remember.

He cried when he talked about the Savior and his Dad and I.

JQ has a handle on a lot of things.

He is the son that hates to be late, likes his room clean, can tie the perfect knot for his ties, and has control of his emotions.

So I was deeply touched and will forever remember  my 18 year old JQ standing at the pulpit expressing what was in his heart–his very good, mature, rock solid and ready-to-serve-with-all-his-heart heart.

JQ will be our third missionary son to leave and all within 3 years.

B Trout left in June of 2010, and T-Bob left in February of 2011.

Now JQ will be leaving us this next month to join the ranks of those adorable and faith filled missionaries.

Of course I want him to go.

Of course he is dying to go.

And I know he will bless the lives of many and in turn be greatly blessed.

BUT..

I will ache with loneliness for him as he leaves our nest.

Bitter Sweet is exactly what I feel.

Luv u JQ!

Girl cousins!

Cousins are the best!

Childhood friends.  This was their goodbye picture 🙁

More and more and more friends.

Best bud friends (and a little kooky).

Having a little too much cake JQ?

🙂

🙂

Loving his cake!

Cake + JQ= happiness

You’ll be a tremendous missionary, Elder JQ!

Please write your mother 🙂