A Shopping Adventure

Today we set out on a shopping adventure.  We intended to go to Missionary Mall in Provo, but we saw another store on our way there.  We thought we would check out "CTR Clothing" to see what they had.  We really liked the quality of the clothing and the customer service!

The salesman was very helpful and gave us some real good tips.  In talking with him, we found out that he was from Oak City and knew Jim Nielson's family.  Such a small world.

Jackson ended up getting 10 shirts, 12 pair of socks, a belt, a tie, 3 pair of pants, 2 pair of shoes and 1 pair of boots at CTR Clothing. 

We went over to Missionary Mall just to make sure we got a good deal at CTR Clothing.  Jackson found a really nice coat and a cool messenger bag at that store.

We told the people at Missionary Mall that we had driven all the way to Layton 2 weeks prior to discover their Layton store had closed.  Because we mentioned that, they gave us a $10 credit for gas up to Layton.  When we went to check out, they also let Jackson pick out a free tie as a missionary gift.  Jackson signed a little registry and got to "pin" his mission location.  There were so many pins in the Mexico Tijuana Mission.  I guess it really must be the best mission!  We have heard that so much ever since Jackson got his call!  We felt good about all of our purchases at both stores!

We went over to Deseret Book to purchase Baptismal Clothing, a temple bag and garments for Jackson.  The sweetest little old lady helped us.  She definitely knew her stuff!  She was very helpful and gave us lots of tips, too!  She sat and chatted with Jackson and told him that he had such a wonderful attitude about serving.  She asked about our family and told Jackson that he was a great example for his brothers.  She said she hoped to see us again someday and was happy she could help us.  We got out of the store and Jackson said that she reminded him of Granny J.  It made me cry!  She did remind me of Granny - so loving, so helpful and truly interested in Jackson and his mission!  I miss Granny so much!

We stopped off at Noodles and Co. and grabbed some lunch.  It was such a nice day spending it with Jackson.  I was enjoying it so much and just soaking it in . . . it won't be long and he will be off on his mission.

Here are all of Jackson's purchases for today!  Jackson was showing all of his stuff to Hayden and Keaton.  Keaton got upset and said,  "I am so jealous!"  It caught all of us off guard!  I told Keaton that when he was 19 and had his mission call that I would be more than happy to take him shopping!  

We are down to 2 months!  October and November are going to fly right by!  We have lots to do and I am looking forward to all of it!  It is so exciting!  Do you want to know what is even better?  To see Jackson be excited!  That is what makes it easier for me  . . . to see him be so thrilled about this wonderful opportunity of preaching the Gospel and serving the Lord!  I am so proud of him!

He's Good To Go!

Jackson met with President Schulte today for his temple recommend interview.  President Schulte interviewed Jackson and came out and announced, "He is good to go!"  

I went along for two reasons:  (1) So I could get a photo and (2) Jackson and I went to the Brigham City Temple Dedication immediately after he received his recommend.  It was a lovely morning!  The Spirit was ever so strong during the dedication.  My favorite part is when we sing, "The Spirit of God, Like A Fire Is Burning!"

As I sat and waited in the foyer for Jackson to have his interview, I thought about how grateful I am that Jackson has the desire to serve a mission.  I am so proud of him!  I know the next couple of months are going to be filled with all kinds of emotions as he approaches his departure date.  Sometimes I wonder if I am strong enough send him off.  I have to keep the faith and know what he is doing is right.  I know that he as well as our family will be blessed for his service and sacrifice.

The Date Has Been Set

Jackson will receive his endowments on Friday, October 5, 2012.  He has decided to go to the Manti Temple.  The session begins at 12:30 p.m.  Guests should arrive at 12 Noon.  We would love for anyone to attend that wishes to.  This is a day that Jackson has been looking forward to for quite some time now!  It is going to be such a special day!

Nothing Beats $Free.99!

Jackson and I headed down to Missionary Mall tonight to buy him a suit.  On our way down, Jackson and I discussed some options as to when he should go to the temple.  We finally came up with a date that seemed to work for us.  He called the Manti Temple to make to appointment to receive his endowments.   He called and texted a few other people to invite them to attend.  We were driving along and my phone rang . . . it was my Dad.  He asked me if we had bought Jackson a suit yet.  I told him in a matter of a few hours, we would have one purchased.  He said,  "You have got to be kidding me?"  Then he went on to tell me that he had a real good deal for us.  He told me that his Bishop had about 80 suits being stored in my Dad's storage units.  Apparently a guy had bought some inventory in a suit store that was going out of business.  Dad's Bishop acquired the suits somehow and was giving them away to people in their Stake . . . anyway, Dad said that he had called his Bishop and got permission for Jackson to come down and pick out a suit.  I told my Dad that instead of getting off the freeway in Orem, we would just continue south to Levan to his suit store!  We had to hurry because the storage units do not have light.  We had to get there quick so we would still have enough light to try on suits.  We met my Dad at his storage units.  We found about 4 racks of suits and Jackson got busy trying them on!  He tried on most of them and narrowed it down to about 8 - 9 suits.  We took those into my parent's house so we could look at the fit etc . . .  We ended up taking home 4 suits!  Two for Jackson and two for Jason!  Here is the crazy thing . . . the suits fit both Jackson and Jason perfectly - no alterations needed!  We really scored on this deal!  

We took the suits to the cleaners to get them all cleaned up and they look perfect!

Now, he really looks like a missionary!  He looks so sharp!

 "And behold, all that he requires of you is to keep his commandments; and he has promised you that if ye would keep his commandments, ye should prosper in the land; and he never doth vary from that he hath said; therefore, if ye do keep his commandments, he doth bless you and prosper you."

Mosiah 2:22

I am so grateful for this amazing blessing that Jackson has been blessed with!  This has saved him so much money!  Nothing beats $Free.99!