Monday, January 25, 2010

Open House

Ben will be speaking in Sacrament meeting this Sunday, January 31st at 9:00 am. Friends are invited to join us to hear him speak and then return that evening between 6-10 pm for an open house. We look forward to seeing you.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

13 Days to Go

Oh man! I can't believe it. Only 13 more days until Ben enters the MTC. He's pretty much prepared physically. We got everything he needs. Emotionally it's starting to hit. The reality of being gone for 2 years. The things he'll miss. Mostly, the thought of loved ones who may not be here when he returns. On the other hand he is starting to get very excited. He's still trying to decide between a morning (right after his talk) open house or and evening one. Anybody who has an opinion, please let us know.

I'm looking forward to the time when I can post Ben's words and not have to do this on my own. Thanks to all of you good friends who have helped him get to where he is today.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Farewell

Ben's farewell will be January 31st at 9:00 am. All are welcome. We will be having an open house for him that same day. Details will follow.

Holidays are over!

Woosh! We made it through the holidays/birthday. It was questionable for a while there. I have been delaying this post waiting for pics, but I'll just add pics later. It was a good Christmas. Ben received such exciting things like bedsheets and a sewing kit. Ok, maybe they're not exciting, but will be useful on his mission. His birthday was slightly better getting snowboarding goggles (he does have 4 weeks of snowboarding left).

He is doing extremely well with both the spiritual and physical preparations. Spiritually, he has been to the temple, continues to teach his primary class and set an all around good example for his siblings and I'm sure his friends. We are having a race to see who can finish the Book of Mormon first. So far I'm winning. He is bearing his testimony more often. Physically, he has started working out again and we have most everything on his list. We even got luggage after the new year.

Just some little tidbits: Ben is taking the time before he leaves to teach his brother and sister how to snowboard. It seems like he's trying to spend more time with his family, which is greatly appreciated. We're all very excited as the day of departure rapidly approaches and a little sad to have his great spirit gone for 2 years. You lucky Pennsylvanians!