Thursday, February 11, 2010

The Big MTC Day

Here is the family at the Missionary Training Center sign
Having a super fun breakfast at IHOP! It was Yummy and Fun!
Elder Carter with Grandma and Grandpa Carter
The whole family with the Grandma and Grandpa Carter!
Grandpa Dearden and Betty Ann and Elder Carter we let him wear "service" clothes this day even though he was already set apart! Grandpa is looking a little pale but we are hoping and praying for a complete recovery! :)
We had a great day! We were all a little sad but it turned out to be a day of love. We know that we left Elder Carter in the Lord's hands and the MTC had the most happy loving feeling ever! We went to Utah to see the Grandparents. Grandpa Dearden was released from the hospital on Monday and seemed to be re-cooperating fine. Grandma Carter was released Tuesday afternoon to her home. We are so happy she is home! Hayden had a great time visiting with her. We are all praying for a miracle that she will make it until all her grandson missionaries make it home safe. Then we drove down to Provo and ate at IHOP! It was so much fun. There were about five other missionaries there all going around the world. TIP: Missionaries get their meal for FREE!!!!! :) We then drove to the MTC and took the pics. The tears were starting but under control. We then walked up to the temple and took one last family picture (minus our great son-in-law COLLEGE you can't miss or you get way behind) and then got in our car and drove to the drop off spot. LOVE is all you could feel, from every Elder that you saw! We unloaded Hayden's luggage, he grabbed is backpack and we gave him one final hug and then my very favorite son said "Ok Elder let's get to work!" Off they went and Hayden never looked back, if you look close you can see him entering the doors on the picture. I am so proud of my favorite missionary son! He was ready, willing, worthy, and excited to begin his mission!!! We love Elder Carter!




6 comments:

Abbie said...

Mom!!! I am so proud of you for doing this!! And Aunt Cindy is so proud of you to and that you are putting her to shame with technology! haha You did so so good! I love love you!

Elggren's said...

What a wonderful blessing to have a child on a mission. The love and prayers that will be offerred up on his behalf and the blessings of having a missionary in service will abundantly bless your lives. My mission was the best thing that could have ever happened to me other than meeting the man of my dreams, Dan. If he is the missionary that I know he will be his life will forever be changed and he will rise up and never be the same.

This is Staci Elggren by the way so you don't think it is some crazy random person commenting. I know Dan has been super excited for Hayden and we look forward to sending him letters.

Ashton & Co. said...

Oh you brought tears to my eyes! I am so glad there was so much HAPPINESS. What a great kid and great support system. Now you ill be able to help ME through it in 17 years! :)

Salmon Tolman Family said...

WOW! I can remember when Hayden was 3 years old running around your house in Salmon. I can't believe he is a missionary now. That makes me feel old. What an awesome family you have. I'm glad I ran across this link from D'Neill. Hope the mission goes great, and everything else for you guys too! Josh Tolman

Kristine said...

Yeah for missionaries! I'm glad it was such a great day! Made me a little teary eyed just reading it. I'm not ready to send off my own missionary. Thankfully I have a few more years! Love you all
Kristine

D'Neill said...

What a great time for Hayden and the Carter family!! Thanks for sharing!!!