Goodbye to Jordan, Hello to Elder Bratt

Tuesday, Sept 26, was our last day with Jordan here in Phoenix as we helped him finish getting ready to leave for Provo, Utah to enter the Missionary Training Center the next day. Of course lots of pictures were taken of our final hours with him before turning him over to the Lord to do His work for the next two years. He was very excited, a little nervous but definitely ready to go. A bittersweet day....beginning with his last sleeping in for two years

Of course, there is always last minute packing to do

Final phone calls to say goodbye to some family

His brother-in-law, Rob, a returned missionary himself, had wise words of advice and some pointers for Jordan

Some bonding time with nephew James who will be walking and talking when next they meet

Checking in at the airport

Of course all of us went to the airport, it took two cars to get us and his luggage there. Nicole, our "other daughter" had the day off from work and was able to come with us and see Jordan off. That was great! Ethan, Heather, Eliza and Liam were greatly missed but know they were with us in spirit.

Hugs and goodbyes...and tears

And he was off

Our good friend Jared Samuelson picked Jordan up in Salt Lake City and took him to his house for the night. The next day Jared took him to the MTC and turned him over for us. Thank you.

With his name tag on (the orange dot is to show he is one of the "new guys" at the MTC), it's official. Good luck Elder Bratt!
We love you.

September 26, 2006 - Jordan's Departure Day

It is just before 8:00 a.m. and everyone in the house is still sleeping except Beth and I. Beth sits quietly at the table writing a letter to Jordan to give to him when he leaves today. I will write my own in a few minutes. The air is almost heavy with emotion. Jordan is our youngest and it is so difficult to see him leave. I don't think he had been gone for more than a few days (scout camp, a short trip with friends) since he was born. We will miss him so much. The last few days have been filled with various activities, but always in the backs of our minds we know we are grasping at each event to remember exactly how he looks and what he says.

Please don't mis-interpret this as not wanting our son to go out on his mission for two years. We couldn't be happier for him, or more proud. But it seems like such a long time to let him go and it is for our personal loss that we feel this way. We also rejoice in the fact that he is worthy to do this and has such a strong desire to serve our Heavenly Father in this manner. Of all the young men I have ever dealt with on a personal level, no one has been more prepared to go forth and preach the gospel than Jordan. He looks, thinks, and acts as a missionary, loves the gospel and understands it better than I do.

I will write more later. We have been having such a wonderful time here in Phoenix. James Kenneth is a great baby and everyone enjoys holding him and being around him. Such a miracle to see the family grow-each little grandchild is such a blessing to all of us. Rob and Emily are a thrill to watch as new parents. They have a very nice little house and we are all very proud of them.

The blessing on Sunday went very well, eleven of us stood in the circle as Jamie was given a name and a blessing by his father. How nice it was for me to be standing in that circle with my two sons and my son-in-law (we did very much miss Ethan). Afterward we all went to Rob's parents home (Robert and Pam) for an opportunity to spend the afternoon and evening together. They are a very generous and kind family and never fail to make us feel welcome and a part of their family when we visit. We really are blessed that Emily has married into such a family. Jenna, Rob's little sister (she is 12) is adorable and loves James. I know that Emily is thrilled to have a little sister (and a future babysitter) so close by.

People are starting to stir so I will write more after Jordan leaves today - and hopefully put up some pictures. It is all so bitter sweet, we love all of our family members so much.

Arizona

Just a quick note. It is Sunday morning at about 7:15 local time. Aaron, Jordan, Beth and I are all now in Phoenix in spite of the airlines. We originally had reservations to fly out Saturday at 8:15 a.m. from Manchester. After arriving home at about 10 p.m. from Jordan's farewell at the church we found messages on our answering machine indicating that our flight had been changed to 5:22 p.m. Saturday night because of bad weather in Chicago. I called the airlines and after much pleading about flying through another city, begging, etc, was told that there were no other flights they could book us on - we were stuck! Not having done any packing or anything we just said the heck with it, stayed up until a little after midnight talking and enjoying the evening together and then went to bed. At 2:00 a.m. someone from United Airlines called to see if we wanted to fly out of Boston at 7:30 am. We told them that we had already changed all of our plans (including a ride to the airport). The caller said she had other flights available out of Boston because United flies into other cities as well as Chicago (where out flight was canceled from). Realizing we probably could have made those changes and made another flight, but now knowing we had too much to do we decided to keep the 5:22 flight. We arrived in plenty of time (around 4:00 p.m. and after checking in were told we out flight was delayed about an hour but not to worry so was our connecting flight in Chicago. We ended up boarding on time and thought we were in good shape, and then we sat in the plane on the runway until 7:00 p.m. When we finally reached Chicago and disembarked I asked the agent the status of our flight to Phoenix. He said it was just getting ready to leave and we would probably not make it (we got off at gate C26, our flight was at gate B21), and no other flights to Phoenix that night. I asked him to please call the gate to see if they would hold it for four of us. He reluctantly agreed but told me they probably wouldn't do it. Beth and I sent the two boys at a run for the flight, Beth ran behind them and I struggled behind them with three carry-ons (a real treat on the escalators). On the way we passed some poor guy being dragged off the moving sidewalk yelling "Freedom, Freedom" while handcuffed and surrounded by three security guards. I secretly wondered if he also had been told they wouldn't hold his flight. Well we did make the flight, sweaty and panting, as the last few people loaded. They had, of course, mixed up the seating assignments but were able to straighten that out and we took off. So what if the movie screen in front of Beth and the boys didn't work, and so what if Beth had to offer to buy a can of soda so that both Jordan and Aaron had their own can (they did provide a can to each of them, finally), We arrived at about 11:13 p.m. I say we because I do not mean our luggage - just we. The luggage is due to arrive today - it wanted to stay in Chicago apparently. It is due to arrive at 12:00 - 12:30 p.m. We are due in church at 11:00 am to help bless our grandson, along with all of Rob's family. I have jeans, moccasins (no socks) and a blue casual top, Aaron has shorts, sandals, and a t-shirt (I can't remember what it says on the front), Jordan, our set-apart missionary has his suit) and Beth had left her clothes here anyway since she only came home for a couple of days. Does this count as an ox-in-the-mire so that I can run to Wal-Mart (the only store possible open before church) and buy a white shirt and socks? Oh yeah, the inflatable air mattress Beth and I slept on...right, it leaked!

Jordan's Farewell Social 9-22-06

This evening we had a social at the church building for Jordan. On the 23rd we all fly out to Phoenix to see James Kenneth Brems and participate in his blessing. Then on Tuesday Jordan flies to Provo and will stay the night with Jared Samuelson and family, good friends from the ward. On Wednesday Jordan will report to the Mission Training Center and begin a new two-year adventure spreading the gospel.

I wanted to show some of the pictures of the social. Beth put together a little information board about the Florida, Jacksonville Mission so everyone could see where Jordan will be serving (above). Then a quick picture of the Cultural Hall before anyone arrived (we had over 100 people attend). Next is a picture of Uncle John Aldrich (my mother's brother) and I, and friends Gage (little guy) and Jeff Bolduc. The next picture shows Jordan with two of his favorite teachers from Pinkerton Academy where he graduated this past June. Jordan invited numerous friends who are not members of the church and he and his mother presented a small program explaining what a mission is. Next is Chelsie Whitney, Juli Kelly (who played piano last week after Jordan spoke in Sacrament Meeting, and Jacob Whitney who spoke just before Jordan last week. Next is Jordan with two of his closest friends, Marcus Nappo and Ian Grotenhuis (yes they both cried as they said goodby to Jordan). Then a picture of (left to right) Bishop Charles Phillips, me, Jordan, Aaron, and Stake President Pouliot. We all stood in the circle as Jordan was set apart.







Finally, here is one of just Jordan and President Pouliot.

It was a wonderful evening with so many friends from the ward, as well as friends outside of the ward. We love them all and appreciate and treasure so much their friendship and service.

Jordan's Farewell

On Sunday, September 17, 2006, Jordan spoke for the last time before his mission, in Sacrament meeting. He had spent considerable time preparing his talk , but when the time came to give it, he used only about a paragraph of his prepared talk and instead spoke from the heart. He spoke of his love for the church and family and friends. Of the impact people have made on his life and on his desire to go forth and share the gospel. He did an absolutely wonderful job. Afterward Juli Kelly played "Be Still My Soul" as a piano musical number and it was awesome. Jake Whitney began the meeting as a youth speaker (Jake is 14) and he was clear and concise and delivered a very nice message. Preisdent Watson from the Exeter Stake Presidency completed the meeting. We will miss Jordan. He has been a light to our family and to his friends as well. He is ready to serve.

Just another quick blog of the Hopkinton Fair

Yesterday we went to the Hopkinton Fair for the day. Although overcast and cool it was a lot of fun. We watched some Ox pulling (my favorite event) various horse events, looked at all the animals in their stalls, viewed the exhibits, ate too much and generally had a nice time. Here are a couple of pictures:

The largest pumpkin - over 1100 pounds (Not Jordan - it is the large orange thing behind him)

Trip to Plattsburg, NY 8-25

Last weekend we traveled up to Plattsburg, NY with friends Mike and Carrie Mead and their children, Michelle (Kelly) and Brian Mead, Jeff and Jesse Nappo-Mead, Eric Mead and his two daughters Caitlyn (sp?) and Emily, Steve, Renee and Juli Kelly, along with our boys, Aaron and Jordan. It was a wonderful weekend camping in Peru, NY. The trip was about 200+ miles and a trip on the ferry across Lake Chanplain. Beth and I took the bike, everyone else took their cars. The Meads and our boys were nice enough to transport our baggage so the bike wasn't loaded down. The whole event centered around the Run for Jon. Carrie Mead's nephew, Jon, died of cancer about 15 years ago. While he was still sick with cancer a run (he was 14 and a member of the school cross country team) was organized to raise money to help his family with medical costs. After he died his family continued to organize an annual run in his memory to raise money to help other cancer-stricken families and for donation to cancer charities. The event consists of either a 1.25 mi. walk through the apple orchards (where Jon used to train) or a 2.5 mile run. We went to both participate and help with the event and it was a wonderful time.

This is Jordan and I after the race. The reason there is no one else around is NOT because we came in so far in the back that everyone had gone home, it is just because we waited until the track was cleared to have our piccture taken. Aaron, Jordan and I ran, while Beth helped work the administrative end of the race. I ran with Mike Mead all of the way (thanks Mike for hanging back with me and letting me run through the gate first). Brian and Eric Mead also ran along with other members of their extended family. Everyone else helped in the admin tasks. Aaron did a great job beating every one we knew - I can't remember his placement but it was somewhere in the 40s or 50s out of 188 runners. Jordan was in the 70s or 80s and I...wasn't. Okay so I was 137th-at least I wasn't last! ...And so what if a guy pushing a baby buggy beat me!

Here is SteveKellylooking absolutely "cool" in his SeaBees hat and sun glasses. The next picture is Renee Kelly with her daughter the "ever camera shy Juli, hiding behind her at the Wiffle Ball game.

Here are Beth and Jordan at the Wiffle Ball game and another of Jordan.

Aaron blowing bubbles with Caitlyn and Emily. He always amazes me with his ability to connect with litle kids. They love him. Next is Beth at the Wiffle Ball game. You WILL notice that she has already swung the bat but the ball is still going by.

Mike and Carrie at the campsite. Mike did an excellent job of cooking breakfast for everyone. eggs, bacon, pancakes. Below are Michelle and Brian. Michell is showing me how long the trout was that Brian caught flyfishing that morning. Of course Brian had already cooked and eaten it so there was NO way of verifying it's size.





















After all was done we packed up Sunday morning to ride home. That was when the skies opened up and the rain fell. Winds were very high. Beth and I donned our gore-tex rain suits but neither of us had waterproof boots. The ride across on the ferry proved very interesting. Waves were high so I had to stand out on the deck and hold the bike with one hand (foot holding down the kickstand) and hold onto the ferry with the other. Had I let go the bike would have flipped over and slid around on the deck. As it was the spray continued to wash across us (the bike and I, everyone else had sought shelter inside - a very loyal crew) and I could see and feel the water wash across my hiking boots. After getting off the ferry we rode aross a road on a sand bar with cross-winds that had to have exceeded 35mph - as an American flag was standing straight out without a flicker or riple.

We did finally manage to make it home - the temp had dropped to about 65. F in the house. Beth immediately hit a hot shower and I had Jordan get a roaring fire going in the fireplace while I turned on the furnace and made hot choc. and hot cidar for Beth and I. The hypothermia feeling did finally go away.

In spite of the rain it was absolutely a fantastic time. Camping in beautiful country with some of our best friends , and participating in a good cause - who could ask for anything better?

Thought I would add a picture of Uncle John and Sharon I took last weekend at kelly's Wedding. It was quite the affair with the wedding taking place at a church in Braintree and then the reception at the Seaport World Trade Center in Boston. This picture is of the two of them dancing.

Not much else happening this week. Beth is starting to make plans to go to Phoenix - Emily is not sure whether the baby will come on the 7th or 12th (or anytime before after or in between for that matter). Beth will probably fly out on the 5th or 6th, return later in the month for Jordan's farewell and then we will all fly to Phoenix and Jordan will go from there to Utah to start his mission. Time seems to be moving pretty quickly (... too quickly).

A couple more with Derek

I promised Derek I would post a couple pictures of the two of us on the motorcycle. Here we are this morning before he left with his mother. Weather in the mid 70s - gorgeous!

Derek and family

I am still figuring out this picgture thing. We have Derek (my sister Janice's dauughter's (Gina's) son) with ous for a few days this week and for a couple more. He just turned 9 a week ago and is full of energy and questions. Today, since I was home after the minor eye surgery, we took him to the park and ona walk around part of Massabeesic lake. these are just a couple of pictures of him and also one of me with my eye patch off.

Minor Surgery

Hi all. Had some minor surgery done on my left lower eyelid this morning. Nothing big, an infection that was becoming rather large so it was decided to lance and drain it. I want to thank my daughter Emily for telling me ahead of time how painful and disgusting it would be, thus preparing me in such a way that twice the doctor had to remind me to breathe as he was injecting the novacaine! Dr said it was the largest infection he had seen all morning (nice to be recognized for personal achievements). Patch comes off this afternoon and probably back to work tomorrow. Unfortunately, on such a gorgeous day - Dr said no motorcycle riding. Don't worry, I WILL get a picture or two of my bike on here eventually.

August 7, 2006

No new pictures to post yet, was in Kansas City (Kansas) all of last week for work. Petty flat place but was able to get a few minutes to go to Liberty, MO and see the Liberty jail, and go to Independence and see the Visitors Center and also the cornerstone laid for a temple there someday. Weather was very hot most of the week and rather dry. Home on Friday to nice weather which continued throughout the weekend. Took the motorcycle out Saturday and actually did a little Christmas shopping with Beth.

I am going to try and put in links for Ethan and Heather's, and Emily and Rob's blog sites.

Well, off to shower and go to work.

Update - July 29

Hi All,
Not sure if I will do anything the rest of this day to update the site - would like to post a picture of the bike - we shall see. I will be away from the computer (Kansas City) for the week so I will try and post next weekend. Hope to be able to get over to Liberty Jail while in Mo.

About time for Jordan to start to do some of his missionary shopping. I think Mom will be taking him on Monday...it is less than two months away.

Speaking of less than two months away - Emily will be having a baby in just about six weeks. We can't believe we will have three grand children by mid-September. What wonderful blessings. Now we just have to figure out how to visit them all.

Will keep everyone posted on the happenings as they occur (Not sure who everyone is - probably just the ones I am writing about!).

Ken (Dad, Daddy, Poppa, etc.)

I'm Trying

Okay, not exactly the way I wanted to publish - but I am learning.

Our daughter Emily and husband Rob (an absolutely great guy) in Florida at a Pirate show.

Another of our Grandson Ethan, Jr.
Another of our Granddaughter Eliza