Our Grandson, Carter, Leaves for his Mormon Mission

Each time one of our grandchildren make the choice to serve a mission, it makes us so happy and thrilled for the experience they will have serving the Lord, as well as the people in the area they are assigned to teach.

Our grandson, Carter Copeland, was called by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to serve in the Scotland/Ireland Mission, leaving on July 26, 2016.  

 On Sunday, July 24, he bore his testimony in Sacrament Meeting at his ward (church), and then talked about pioneers and how he can help others learn about the gospel and be pioneers for their families and posterity.  It was such a wonderful message!  Here is Carter with his parents.

 

 

 Carter with his little brother, Brady, and father, Kyle.

 

And here we are with our grandson.  There were many more people in attendance, but I got most of their pictures after the meeting when they went to the Copeland home.

Since Carter would be serving in both Scotland and Ireland, both flags were hanging on their porch when the friends and family attended the open house after the meeting.

Carter's mother had placed pictures of Carter throughout the house.

When Carter's dad, Kyle, went on his mission to Italy Catania back in 1991-1993, his first companion was this man, Ernesto--a native Italian.  They have remained friends throughout the years and he is now a citizen of the U.S. and owns a restaurant in Provo.  He wanted to cook Italian food for the open house, which he did, and it was absolutely delicious!

Since Carter was on his way to England for a couple of weeks, his grandmother had a cute idea of getting pictures of our own Prince William (Carter), Princess Kate (Kat), and Prince Harry (Carter's cousin, Cameron).  I thought it was an amazing resemblance and we had a lot of fun with it!

 Carter's cousin, Kade, who will be the next missionary out from the Copeland family in a year.

 Carter with his Great Grandpa Stoler.

 Carter's two aunts--sisters of his mother.

 Grandma Laura and her sister, Joyce (Carter's great aunt.)

 Carter with his cousin, Cameron, along with his three uncles on the Harmer side.

Carter with his sister, Jenna.

 

 And here is Sandy, who has been part of the Copeland family for years, and who helped so much with the open house.  She stayed all the way until everything was cleaned up.  So nice of her!

The farewell open house was a tremendous success with so many people wishing Carter well for the next two years.

The next night, Monday, July 25, 2016, Carter's family and both sets of grandparents were there to be part of Carter's setting apart as a missionary.  

 This priesthood ordinance is done by the Stake President who gives authority to members called to labor in specific responsibilities.  It is done by one having the proper priesthood authority and by the laying on of hands.  Carter's two grandpas who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood, also, were able to stand in the circle when Carter was set apart.

  Carter was given a beautiful blessing and many promises were made if he would devote these next two years to the Lord and be obedient in all his responsibilities.

 Carter would now be known as "Elder Copeland" for the next two years as he serves his mission.

Such a special time to be part of this ordination.

Earlier in the evening, we had a picnic in the park for Family Home Evening.

Later that evening, since it was the 24th of July when all members of the Mormon faith celebrate the arrival of the pioneers into the Salt Lake Valley, we were able to spend our last Family Home Evening with Elder Copeland before he leaves by watching some fireworks right in their family driveway.

 Elder Copeland's younger brother, Brady, and a special friend of Elder Carter's put on the fireworks show for us.  It was so much fun!

The next morning, bright and early, Carter's special friend, Kat, brought us hot muffins and fruit so we could have a little breakfast before we left for the airport.  So sweet!

Carter then left behind his house, his car, his cell phone, his dog, etc., as we all left together for the airport.

Arrival at the airport.

 Special group of people who came to the airport to see Elder Copeland off to England.

 And then, all too soon, it was time to say "good-bye."  Although Elder Copeland won't see his family or friends for two years, may only e-mail home once a week, and may only call home twice a year (on Christmas and Mothers' day), we all know this is one of the most growing times in a young man or woman's life.  

By serving the Lord and serving his fellowmen, which he will do the next two years, he will grow and become the person that the Lord wants him to be.  We all will miss him, but we wish him well and will continually pray for him in all he does in this worthy work.

 These will now become his "dad and mother" in the mission field, President and Sister Donaldson who serve in Scotland/Ireland.  They make assignments to the missionaries and continually instruct and help them to have the most positive experience they possible can.

The Scotland/Ireland Mission Home

To follow Elder Copeland for the next two years, just click on his picture at the side of this blog or you can download it at:
Elder Carter Copeland.blogspot.com 

July 2016 Activities in Washington

Ever since George and I moved from Florida in April of 2015, we have lived in a little duplex.  We have looked forward to the day when we could move into a home where we could have our family come and visit us again.  So, it is finally happening!  We are now building a new home in Richland--and couldn't be more excited!  We go there pretty often to make the decisions we must make--and sometimes just to see how the house is coming.  So, we have been very busy this month getting this home built. 

   

 Looking out from our covered patio.  In between these two houses behind us, you can see the Mormon Columbia River Temple down below--about two miles.  This will be so convenient as we do volunteer work there one day a week.

 As a matter of fact, on the Fourth of July, George and I went up on this patio by ourselves, brought a picnic with us, sat on camping chairs, and enjoyed the fireworks displayed in the panoramic view we had!

 Cameron and Anne's Family Come to Washington

 We were thrilled when Cameron and Anne said they were coming to Washington for a visit in July--the only trouble was that we would be leaving to go to Utah during that time for our grandson, Carter's missionary farewell.  We wouldn't be here for much of their visit or even be able to see Cameron, because we would be gone by the time he came.  However, we tried to make every minute count while we were all together!

 

 Kent and Natalie have enough activities to keep kids busy for a lot of days, so there was never a time when the kids couldn't be entertained!

 The kids loved seeing Ella's two horses--Ember and Vader.

 George showed them the two kittens that live in the barn--Curry and Thompson!  (Of course, you can see that Ethan's love of the Warriors carries over to the naming of their kittens!)

 They loved riding the four-wheeler!

 One very hot day, floating on a little raft on a little lake was just the answer!

 But probably the activity that was the biggest hit was Kent and Natalie's pool. 

 Although it wasn't entirely finished, it was filled with water and that's all the kids needed.

 Yes, they actually climbed the step ladder to get to the top of the jump off area!

 Even little Gavin made the jump!

 Another day, we all went on a tour (along with the Anderson family) to a little factory that makes all kinds of Paletas (Spanish for popsicle, I learned!)  We first visited the extremely cold freezer they are kept in--love the hair nets they had us put on!

 We watched them coconut Paletas today.

 This is the kind, hard-working gentleman who owns this family business and took us on the tour.

 And, yes, we got to try all kinds of their tasty treats after the tour!  DELICIOUS!

 Another day, the kids got to watch Ella's horses get their "pedicure."

 We, also, had a great time at a water park in Kennewick.  You can never can get enough water on a hot summer day!

 And one of the funnest things we did  was watch the scrimmage game that Kent coached.  He included Jaxon on his team. 

 It was so fun cheering on the cousins on the same team!

 And, of course, we all got a kick out of Grandpa George yelling plays and instructions on the sideline!  Hah!

 Cousin to cousin.

 These two cousins are two peas in a pod!  They pretty much like exactly the same things and love being together!

Then, it was time to be on our way to Utah for the next exciting Copeland event--our grandson, Carter, was leaving on his Mormon mission.  What an exciting time for grandparents--we love being part of as many activities that we can work in!

P.S.  Just Had to Post

Couldn't help but post these two darling pics that Amy sent me on "Dress Up Like a Cow and Get a Free Chic-fil-a Sandwich" day!

 I can't quit smiling looking at these pics!