ANNNNDDDD WE'RE BACK!!!

At the Stake Center after Alex was set apart.  Only missing Justin.  He was sad he couldn't get off work.

Haydn, Alex and Stephen

As if saying goodbye wasn't hard enough once, we got to do it twice!!  So just in case you weren't aware Alex went back to Fresno on Tuesday, August 5th.  It was exactly what he has wanted and he couldn't be happier.  I've watched Al grow and discover who he is personally and even more so spiritually during the time he was back.  He developed a very personal relationship with his savior and Heavenly Father and it showed in everything he did.  He did a semester at UVU, where I feel like he learned even more what he was capable of accomplishing on his own!!  Learning the bus schedules, riding his bike, working AND going to school.  Getting A's in the Geology and English (classes we thought he'd struggle in) and B's in PE and Music.  WHAT!?!?! (YES!! You read that right!! B's in music in P.E) ha ha ha.  He matured into a man right before my eyes!!! But most of all the spiritual journey he chose to take and set his goal as returning on his mission has been his number one priority.  Honestly the odds were not in his favor.  only 1% of missionaries who come home return.  Alex is in that 1% now.  I'm proud of him.  I'm even more proud that decision and process was ALL HIS.  He did this all on his own!!  We were just here to support and guide when he needed it, but he is responsible for where he ended up... I LOVE HIM!  I love the example he is as a son and brother!  We will miss him coming in from Mortal Combat Wars at 3 a.m.  We will miss him randomly deciding to come over after work and spending the night with us.  We will miss him Playing the Guitar.  We will miss him teasing the babies.  And we will miss his quirkiness everyday.  The people of Fresno are very blessed to have him there!!  He is prepared to spread joy and love.  Honestly I don't see how they can get away from being drawn to his countenance!

Saying goodbye at the airport.  No one ever gets a pic of Mom with him but I got my hug too!!

I waited all day Tuesday (after I got home to my internet not working and my data service in Roosevelt is HORRIBLE so connecting to my email through my phone was a bit of a joke) for an email to come that said he had arrived and it never came!  Wednesday morning the internet was fixed and on and I again started waiting.  Around 11:30 I received a phone call from Fresno.  It was President Clark (his new mission president).  He called to tell me 2 things:  1.  That Alex had arrived safely!!  They normally take time to send out a quick email letting parents know they arrived and he had just realized that they had not done so.  I admitted to him that I had been looking for the email but that I new if he hadn't arrived safe I would have received a phone call yesterday.  He laughed and said "I know you mother's like to get a return receipt!".  I laughed and told him that was EXACTLY what I needed (I'm also VERY relieved he "understands" us mothers) ;).  2.  He had spent all of Tuesday and most of Wednesday with Alex and he wanted to let me know what an amazing son I had.  He was a fine young man and that he already loved him and his spirit.  He said he was going to do great things!  I (of course) agreed with him!  I actually could have gone on and on and on about how much I loved Alex and that I knew he was going to do great and marvelous things but I didn't want him to thing I was bragging ;).  ha ha ha.  So instead I told him how special Al is to everyone here and that he had an enormous group of people cheering on his every move!  He apologized again for no email and said that P-days were Monday's and he'd send out emails then. ...He asked if I had any more questions for him and I said No and we hung up.  Then I realized I hadn't even asked where Alex was going to be.  So I guess I'll find that out on Monday. 

SOOOOOOOO... He's there!!!  Feel free to email, or write a letter and send it, or even send a package!!  He wants to hear from everyone and anyone!!  The email and mailing address are exactly the same.  If you can't find them let me know and I'll post them again :)