MiSeRaBLe jOy

Today was a day filled with raw emotion. As I look at the past few months, the transformation that Jaden has been through is quite astonishing. He's gone from a kid running around thinking about who he's hangin out with next, to a young man getting ready to serve the Lord. I have to say that Jaden leaving has seriously hit me hard. He's always been my go to person. I've had good relationships with all of my siblings, but Jaden has been the one that I've connected to the most. I guess he just understands me better. I know that he is going to be an AMAZING missionary. And truly I know that he is doing exactly what he should be! I wouldn't want him anywhere else! I suppose that my feelings towards him leaving are mega selfish... but I just can't help it! Jaden has a way about him that no one will be able to replace. This is starting to sound like he's going to be gone forever, but right now, 2 years seems like forever! I have to say that the hardest part will be explaining things to Kaden. As Jaden was loading his things and getting all packed up, Kaden walked up to him and said "Jaden, you can take my tooth brush with you on your vacation! Just bring it back when you're done!" My Kaden is such a sweet boy! But back to explaining things to him... I know that it's going to be hard. And I know that I'll probably break out into some hardcore tears for the first few weeks, but I would rather explain to my little one that his Uncle is out serving a mission and doing exactly what he should be doing than anything else! He is such a great example for Kaden to follow (as are Justin and my Dad) but for some reason Jaden just holds a special place in my heart. These next two years are full of surprises for us, especially for Jaden, but I know that he will be blessed and so will our family. I really am so proud of him and I'm excited for the people of Kennewick, Washington. They are getting a GREAT young man to teach them about the Lord :)