Elder Nathan Randall Enters the Missionary Training Center

The farewell was wonderful, but even better was Tuesday night when we all met at mom and dad's to witness Nathan being set apart as a Missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Some might see it crazy that one family can spend so much time together, but I love being with my family-all of them!! I love to hear the cousins playing together and just all of the siblings (I include my inlaws), mom and dad sitting around talking, laughing and just being together. This night was extra special, as we listened to Nate share a favorite scripture that described his mission. John 12 :24-26- And while we were waiting for the stake president to come we gathered together and sang hymns. Mostly in an attempt to get the children calmed down and reverent, but spiritual none the less. I was grateful for the chance we got to go around the room and tell Nate qualities and characteristics that we admired about him. He is an amazing man!

The children got to say goodbye to Nate that night and that was so hard to see. I know that there is nothing better for him to be doing at this time, and I try to stay positive, it is still okay to say...we are going to miss him. My brother Matt said it best when he said that Nate is and has always been the calming influence in our family, and we will miss having him around. But he is not "gone" we will still feel him through letters, and with the example that he is setting for all of us! He has been an amazing example for my children, one who is always there for them, that is why they struggled with saying good-bye! I tried to reassure my kids that 2 years will fly by and he will be home before we know it! :)

We headed for Provo Wednesday morning and we ate our last lunch together (for 2 yrs. anyway:) at Chili's and then onto the MTC. I can't believe that the day is finally here. As sad as I was to say goodbye I cried also because I was so happy for him. You could see how excited he was to be there! He just kept smiling. I was touched when we were in the chapel and the MTC Presidents wife talked about the missionaries names being on the name tag with Christ's name and to remember that Christ is who they are representing. I looked over at Nate and he looked down at his name tag and smiled. I am so proud of who he is and who he will become because of this experience! I am so grateful I was able to be there with my family and share in this memory! I love you all!

Nate's Farewell

Nathan had his farewell this Sunday, where he shared his testimony of the Book of Mormon. He is a man of strength and pure wisdom. It still amazes me that the time is here and he is leaving for a mission, cuz I remember him as that curly headed little boy that everyone dodded on, the joy of the family! He still is the joy of the family and he has blessed so many lives, I know he has been a huge blessing to me and my little family. He is loved by many, that was evident with the amount of people that came out to support him. Nathan will make a great missionary...we are sooo proud of you Nathan! Thank you for the great example you have set for all of us! We are so excited for you!!!!

Each of the kids wanted to get their picture taken with Uncle Nate to keep in their room so he would be close by!! We love you Nate!

Tag I'm it!
I... Tamra Merrill
I am: a mom, a sister, a daughter, an aunt, friend and student
I think: to little of myself
I know: My Savior Lives
I want: a lot of things:)
I wish: there was more time in the day
I hate: when my kids are hurt or sick
I miss: Grandma Randall
I fear: failure
I feel: very grateful for all my blessings
I hear: awww quiet (except for my keyboard)
I smell: chocolate :)
I crave: chocolate :)
I search: for my car keys at least once a day
I wonder: If I will get married again
I regret: oh that is a loaded question for me :)
I love: My Family and Friends
I care about: my children's happiness
I always: have places to go and things to do
I am not: very patient
I believe: In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
I dance: whenever, wherever
I sing: with my kids
I don't always: make dinner
I write: in my journal
I win: not very often :)
I lose: my memory sometimes
I never: will be a size 6 (Hee Hee)
I listen: to my children, in school and to my friends
I can usually be found: in my office at home or in my car
I am scared of: losing someone close to me
I need: to go to bed it is way too late
I am happy about: My life and everyone in it!!!
I tag: Natalie, Laura, and Mom

Date with Nate

Uncle Nate took Madalyn and Anna to their "Daddy Daughter" Activity this week. Uncle Nate took roasting hot dogs very serious and knew how to make the perfect hot dogs and Smores!Madalyn said it was because he was an Eagle Scout :)

They had fun playing games....

Anna had so much fun with the games...her screaming left ringing in Nates ears!!

I am so happy that the girls got to have this special time with their Uncle, especially because he will be leaving for his mission in 3 days!! Nathan is an awesome uncle and my children always have so much fun with him, he will be greatly missed:( - but we are so excited for him!!

We love you Uncle Nathan!!

I love good, inspiring quotes, poems, and scriptures. You can tell by all the quotes I print and post on and around my desk. I ran across this quote this week and it has been the topic of my thoughts and feelings and I thought I would share. You know me-I'm an open book :)

"All you need to know about the past is that no matter what has happened it has all worked together to bring you to this very moment, and this is the moment where you can choose to make everything new."

I never imagined that my life would go this direction, being a single mom and all the perks that go with that title :) but it has and I am grateful for my life. And though it has its challenges and disappointments (we all have those right?) and though I may not handle all the stressors that well, I cannot deny the blessings that have been brought into my life as a result!

Okay so I was having one of those feeling sorry for myself mornings...especially when we go to leave for church (at 9:00am) and my car battery is dead! Tired and weepy I was feeling overwhelmed and ready to crawl back into bed. But, we did finally make it to church and I am so grateful we did. (thanks nate for coming to the rescue...again :) Once again I found myself thinking of this quote and the blessings I have in my life! I am so grateful to a loving Heavenly Father who has led me to where I am today. I say led because throughout my life and especially the last two years creating this new life for me and my family, the Lord has been ever present with reminders and reassurances that he is there and aware of us and that we are being watched over and protected and guided. I could go on and on with examples of this, but I guess I don't need to be THAT open :) but truthfully I have been given so many opportunities and the credit goes to my amazing support system. Starting of course with my Heavenly Father and our Saviour Jesus Christ, my family, my old and new friends, neighbors, my patient and forgiving children and my list could go on.... And those of you in my support system know who you are and I want to thank you for being there, loving me in spite of my "what they heck were you thinking" moments, my "boo-hoo" moments, my "It's all good", my exciting and happy moments/milestones...for everything!

I love you all!