Senior Pictures

My sweet and very talented niece Cali came down from Idaho to take Matt's senior pictures.

From this....

Comes this....

I could have posted all 70 pictures because I LOVE them all. Cali gave me such a treasured memory of Matt who I can't believe will soon be graduating from high school. I am not sure where the time has gone AND I am not quite sure I am ready for him to grow up BUT he sure has grown into a fine young man that melts my heart.

I finally get it....45 years later

It use to drive me nuts every year when I would ask my dad what he wanted for his birthday. He would always say, "Draw me a picture." Then later in life when I had kids he would say, "Have the kids draw me a picture...just something simple." Well, it use to bug me...why I don't know...maybe cause he was hard to buy for. But this morning I woke up on my 45th birthday, went downstairs and saw a banner hanging and a homemade card with some pretzel M&M's. Not that the boys haven't made me cards before...but today I finally got it. I was so touched that my almost 19 year old son would stay up after I went to bed and take time to make a banner and a card for me. It probably isn't the "coolest" thing to do, and it would have been easier for him to go buy something...but he didn't and I LOVE it. He spent time doing something so simple yet something that touched my heart beyond words. I really don't know how to explain this all very well...but at least I finally got what my dad was saying. It only took 45 years but today was so well worth it.

The camera lens that Larry got me and the blue sky was just icing on the cake!!

Times moving on....

Did you know that in 8 months my boy will be home...

Did you know that in 3 months my boy will be graduating and putting in his mission papers...

Did you know I am starting to get a little emotional about it all.

L.O.V.E.

WE LOVE the people of Chile!!

These sweet friends are from Jordan's last area of La Corvi. He was transferred 3 weeks ago to a new area called Esperenza and the people of Corvi have missed him so much that they traveled a hour and a half to go see and surprise him. They also brought him letters, candies and pictures from the ward members.

Pipe (the one on the right) said that many of the members in Corvi wanted to go visit Jordan soon!! The bishop joked and said that their ward would be empty if all those who missed and loved Jordan went to see him.

It totally melts our hearts to see the people love him as much as we do.

My little CHEF...

One evening Jordan and his companion went to his momita's home to make treats for them. Not exactly sure what it was but I think scones. They were kind enough to send me pictures and a video of my little chef.

I especially LOVE the ORANGE apron!!

Football Banquet 2010...Most Improved Player

We ended the football season with a great football banquet!! We had lots of players and family show up to pay tribute to this years team. (about 250 or so)

Banners I made for each side of the windows....

Matt was awarded several awards which included...2nd team All-Region, Black Knight (for having a 3.5 GPA or higher and leadership skills), Letterman's and...

 Most Improved Defensive Player of the year!!!

We are so proud of him!!!

Matt presented Coach Medina with his coaches gift. They had a love/hate relationship...but created some great memories.



Some of the seniors that played many years together.

Such a great season....and memories that will be remembered for many years to come.

We love our "Boys of Fall" 2010

Isaac

This is one of Jordan's best friends Isaac Bell.

This picture was taken right before Jordan left on his mission

Isaac was called to serve in the Lima Peru mission. He has been there since August. This past week he collapsed and went unconscious. He has a very rare and serious virus that has left him in a coma. It has attacked his muscles and nerves. We are asking for prayers on behalf of Isaac, his family and Jordan. (who is pretty upset about this).

On Tuesday night I received a call from Isaac's dad who said that Isaac did respond to some touch today and he moved his arms and legs a little. The most touching part was when he told me that Isaac had a few tears running down his face and especially when they read something Jordan had written to him.

It has been amazing to see what faith and power that Isaac's missionary friends have had on him. He has an Army of Missionaries praying for him throughout the world. I feel like the one praying the hardest (besides his family) is in Chile.

We love you Isaac!!

Please get better soon.

Life of a missionary in La Corvi

What does a missionary in La Corvi do all day....

They celebrate their birthday with the members...

Get drenched as they walk the streets....

Climb big mountains on P-day (enough to be sore for a few days after)...

Have district meetings...

Hand out candy on Halloween (even though they are homesick and want to be out trick or treating themselves...)

Pound the payments to find the lost souls of Chile who are waiting to hear about our Heavenly Father.

Aren't missionaries just the best!!

What a Stud!!

Just thought I would let you know that #14 is a stud. Enough said.

Senior Night...Boys of Fall

I can't hardly believe that after so many years of football....we are down to our final games. This was our last home game and senior night. I am so proud of this team and what they have accomplished this year.

 More importantly I am so honored to be #14's mom.

 Matt is one incredible young man and I am proud of how hard he has worked over the years on his sports. 

 I am also proud that he was named defensive player of the week last week!! Way to go Matt!!

 He is always a determined player, a fighter and a class act.

This is one proud mom....loving her #14!!

So Far Away...But So Close to Home

How can you be a million miles away and yet be so close to home? This week Jordan emailed us pictures of his companion and two other Elders serving in Chile. Three of the four Elders went to Northridge High School and one went to Bonneville. (Thus the school hand signs in the pictures)

Then later that week Jordan went to visit some members in his new area La Corvi. The members wanted to see Jordan's pictures from home. Then the family pulled out pictures of former Elders that have served in the area. All of the sudden Jordan sees a picture of our neighbor Kyle Israelsen who lives across the street and served there quite a few years ago....Amazing!! (He is holding the picture of Kyle)

Isn't it wonderful how the church can be all over the world and you can send your son a million miles away but it makes us feel like we are all just one and so close to home.

Mission Update

Elder Hunsaker has enjoyed serving the last few months in Santa Julia. This is just the tip of some of the great experiences he has had:

Sang in a Stake Celebration with the other Elders in his District for Chile's Independance Day...can't quite believe I am seeing him singing. LOL

 Celebrated Chile's Independance Day with ton's of BBQ's

And even had a couple of baptisms....

He has now been transferred to La Corvi in the area Quillota. We are anxious to see pictures and hear experiences of his new area!! By the way his new companion is going to be Elder Adams who actually went to Northridge High with Jordan and is on his last 6 weeks of his mission. Jordan is pretty excited to have him as a companion :)

Last of Firsts

I am experiencing the "Last of Firsts" or "First of Lasts" this year. It is all starting with Matt's (my baby) "Last" picture of his "First" day of school. It is fun he will be a senior but not so fun for mom that he will be a senior. It will be a year of "Lasts" which makes me sad....but also a "First" for a whole new season of life. For right now....I will enjoy his "First" day of school picture even though it is the "Last" one I take of his school years (college just isn't the same)....his "First" starting varsity football game of the 2010 season even though it is his "Last" year to play....his "First" at being a senior....

OK, I will go get my tissues now!!

Best of Friends since they were born....Sam and Matt....Dang, I love these two!!