Thank You

Thank you to everyone for your love and support as Elder Roper embarks on this incredible journey!  We are so excited for this opportunity!

The MTC

The day we have been looking forward to for so long has finally arrived!  All morning long, Jackson said that he just couldn't believe that this day was here.  

It was an emotional morning, knowing that he was packing up and he was leaving for 2 years, but on 

the other hand, it was comforting to know that he was leaving to do the Lord's work and he would be blessed tremendously for his sacrifice and efforts!

Keaton was being a little stinker and was saying some pretty crazy things.  We were all crying and he said,  "I don't know why you are all crying, you should only cry when I leave on my mission because I am the cutest!"  He kept saying how he wasn't going to miss Jackson and he wasn't going to hug him at the MTC.  I looked at Jason and said,  "Where is all this coming from?"  Keaton over heard me and he said,  "Where do you think it's coming from, Mom - my mouth!"  I know that this was his way of dealing with Jackson leaving.  I was really surprised with his behavior.

We stopped off in American Fork at Zupa's for some lunch.  None of really had an appetite.  Keaton let me know that Jackson could die in Mexico . . . again, I did not know where his comments were coming from! 

Jackson was giving some last minute brotherly advice to Hayden:

1.  When the time comes for you to take seminary, don't act too cool!

2.  Don't text in class!

Poor Hayden was very upset!

There was an awkward silence as we got closer and closer to Provo.  I am so used to hearing Jackson texting away in the back seat.  As we were driving, we realized that we did not pack any bedding for Jackson.  We pulled over at Walmart and Jason ran in and purchased some.  I literally felt as if I was going to puke.  I was not looking forward to dropping Jackson off.

We arrived to the MTC with about 20 minutes to take picture and say our goodbyes.  We had been warned that when you drive in, they wisk your missionary off and it's pretty quick.

Those 20 minutes of pictures and goodbyes flew by like lightening.  

We finally got a hug out of Keaton!

Pretty soon it was time to load up in the car and drive over to the MTC.  As we pulled out on to the road, I said let's just go home.  I knew this was going to be so hard!

We pulled in and they asked if we had a missionary in the vehicle, they asked where he was serving.  They mentioned that there were a lot of missionaries arriving today that were going to Mexico.  They thanked us for allowing Jackson to serve.  They told us to pull into stall 18.  I bailed out as fast as I could so I could start taking pictures.  I knew he was going to be off in a matter of a few minutes.

As they were unloading his luggage, they told us they were short on hosts.  We thought that was great because we would have a bit more time with him.

I saw an Elder come over.  He started asking us questions like,  "Do you have your immunization records readily available?"  "Do you have a cell phone?"  Do you have any keys in your pocket?" 

We sat and chatted with the Elder.  We learned he was from Mesa, AZ and was on his way to the Nashville, TN Mission and it was a Spanish speaking mission.  We asked him a few questions about learning a language - we just thought we were waiting for a host.  Pretty soon the MTC Police came up and said,  "People, we love you, but we need your parking space!"  Jason said,  "Well, we are waiting for a host!"  His reply was, "That is your host you are visiting with!"  

Oh!  We  had no idea and were just chillin'!  So that was it,  Jack grabbed his things and was off.  

There was no looking back!  Beforehand, I asked him to please turn around so I could get a picture, but he said he wasn't going to and he kept his word.

As he was walking away, I was snapping pictures and the chorus of "Called To Serve" was going through my head.

Onward, ever onward, as we glory in his name;

Onward, ever onward, as we glory in his name;

Forward, pressing forward, as a triumph song we sing.

God our strength will be; press forward ever,

Called to serve our King.

As we drove off, it was complete silence.  In a way, it was a relief to have that part of the mission over with.  Jason and I talked about how we felt a feeling of comfort as we drove home.  We know he is in the Lord's hands and he will be protected!  We love that boy and will miss him terribly!  We are looking forward to this incredible journey that he will experience!

One Last Game of Ping Pong

These two ventured down to the basement to play one last game of "Pong"!

That is one thing I will miss . . .  the sound of Ping Pong each night.

These two love to play Ping Pong together.  

I think they play almost every night.

They take it pretty seriously and are pretty competitive.

Poor Hayden cried the whole time they played tonight.  Breaks my heart!

This Ping Pong table it probably one of the best gifts that Santa has brought for our boys.  Some great "brotherly bonds" have been created!

An Official Missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

As soon as we got home from seeing the lights, Jackson hurried and got dressed in his missionary attire.  He turned on the TV to watch his last college basketball game for a few years.  President Schulte arrived around 9:15 p.m. and set Jackson apart as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  

Elder Roper and President Schulte

Prior to the setting apart, President Schulte counseled us to listen carefully, taking mental notes of the things he had to say.  He encouraged us to immediately write down as much as we could remember after the setting apart had taken placed.

President Schulte said some very wonderful words - ones Jackson will want to remember.  Here is Jackson writing them down in his mission journal.  We were all telling him bits and pieces that we could recall.  We asked Jackson how he felt and he said he felt like he could baptize all of Mexico right now!

We are so proud of and excited for our missionary - Elder Roper!

Jackson was so glad that Grandma Mangelson was able to come

Jackson, Keaton and Hayden

Jackson and Hayden

Elder Jackson Jason Roper - MTC Bound!

One Last Hurrah!

We decided to go down to Temple Square tonight to see the lights one last time before Jackson leaves for his mission tomorrow.  

It was fabulous to spend time together as a family before Jackson departs.

We walked around Temple Square enjoying the atmosphere.  It was perfect.  Not too cold and not too many people.  We walked over to City Creek and grabbed some dinner.  It was a quick trip, but one that will never be forgotten!  Then we headed home for Jackson to get set apart.  The whole time, Jackson was frantically texting and calling all of his buddies.  He knew in a matter of an hour, he was going to be an official missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and had mission rules to follow.  He signed off Facebook and Twitter as well.  It is definitely going to be an adjustment for all of us, but so worth it!

Ironing and Packing

Jackson and Jason spent this morning ironing all of Jackson's white shirts.

Jason gave him a cram course in ironing.

I am sure Jackson will be a pro soon!

Jason and Jackson ran errands today - getting a bunch of last minute items such as a watch, alarm clock, personal hygiene items etc . . .  Then they started to pack.

Crazy to think that Jackson is packing for 2 years!

Jason is a pro at packing and knowing what to take.

He learned all his tips from being a missionary himself, being deployed and traveling with his job.

We're down to 24 hours and Jackson will be off!

Write Elder Roper A Letter

We just received Elder Roper's updated address for the MTC.

Here are a couple of guidelines about correspondence with Elder Roper:

• Service begins the day check into the MTC.  Please remember complete separation from loved ones is part of the sacrifice that families and missionaries contribute to the work.  Please do not attempt to see or visit with Elder Roper while he is at the MTC, not even during his temple walks or at other places near the MTC.
• All missionary mail must come through the US Mail or commercial delivery services.  These services should not be used to send pizzas, fast foods, ice-cream, or any items that will spoil if they are not refrigerated within 24 hours.  Missionaries are not called out of class to receive packages, nor do they have access to a refrigerator.  For security reasons, we cannot accept any items delivered by hand.
• Communication with family will be done through Elder Roper's missionary email account on his weekly Preparation Day.  
• Communication with Elder Roper from friends should be through letters mailed to the above address.  
• Families and friends should not visit missionaries as they depart to their field of labor, whether at the MTC or at the airport.

Elder Roper's Farewell

Today Jackson spoke in Sacrament Meeting.  He did an incredible job on his talk!  So many people attended the meeting!  

It was very nice of so many to come!

  We invited everyone over to our home after the meeting for a luncheon.  

Since he is going to Mexico, we had a taco and nacho bar.

And lots of yummy desserts.  

I made some cupcakes because Jackson requested them.

It was great to have so many people come over and wish Jackson well!

Jenny and her Dad - Lane Hadlock

Dawn Hess

Sam Staker and her Mom

Jenice and Wyatt Caso

Alex and Charie MaGhee

Hunter, Dalton, Corbin, Kyle, Curtis and Adam

Aunt Lisa

Jackson and Josh

Kia, Johnny and Jevin

The Wightman's - Courtney, Lisa and Mark

Uncle Vaughn

Nick, Max, Grandma M. and Barbara

Jakob, Alex, Donna, Kendrick and Mandie

Max, Nancy, Viv and Zoe

Grandma and Max

Shane and his friend, Witney

The Cowan's

Marci

Zoe and Viv

The William's Family

The Neil Family

Norm Evenstad and Grandpa Roper

The Cowan's

David, Aubrey, Jackson and Jenny

Aunt Mary

Marci, Savanah, Molly and Kendrick

It was Grandpa Roper's birthday today - Happy Birthday!

The Roper Family

Grandma and Grandpa Roper

Cousins hangin' out

Harley and Jyllian

Jenny and Jackson

Harley, Jyllian, Jenny and Jackson

Betsy and Nancy McPherson

Mark

Connor

The Hamilton's - Linda and Mark

Hannah and Cindy Moore

Uncle Chuck

Chris Sudweeks

I don't know what I would have done without my Mom and sisters to help with the food and clean-up!  

I am so grateful for their help!

Thank you!

The Brenchley's - Scott, Molly and Kendrick

Annie

The Nielson's - Paula, Casey, Cade, Zach, Nick and Sophie

Charlie, Max and Katie

The Eyre's - Joseph, Emilee, Madeline, Dallin and Ethan

Grandpa and Grandma Mangelson

Nick Paulson and Jackson Beck stopped by later that night

I am overwhelmed with the outpouring love and support that people have shown for Jackson and his mission.  So many people brought food and helped in so many ways!  We are so blessed!  It has been such an enjoyable day!