David goes to the MTC

May 13th Taking David to the MTC. The great and dreadful day. We stopped for lunch at Jason's Deli but David wasn't able to eat much. Breann and Alyssa enjoying their last minutes with Davie David mom and Dad...You just have to love that boy!

Amy and Chace took time off to come with as well.

The famous walk to put the luggage down.

Last group photo in front of the MTC sign.

I think he was really excited to get this over with! The goodbyes are sooo hard.

It's official. My son is now a full time missionary. I could not be prouder as a mother. My heart aches that he won't call my phone almost daily and say, "Hi mom it's your favorite child. How's it goin? What are you doin? Okay well I am just in between classes and thought I would call my favorite mom. Love you." So let the count down begin! Go Buddy and serve with all your heart and part of mine!

I love you son!

He is a handsome missionary isn't he?

David's mission shower

David had a great time at his mission shower at the Hunt home. Here his is practicing his door approach with Grandma and Grandpa Willardson. Briggs is his companion. He was a little distracting. Here he is arrested for impersonating a Texan.

A mighty fine Stead don't you think?

We had quite a crowd there to wish him the best!

A special family that I will always appreciate! Thank you all for a great time! I love my family!

David's mission photo session

David pointing to Texas! I never knew I had such a photogenic son! Isn't he cute?

He came home with this hair cut and I almost cryed right then. He is looking the part and I know we have little time left.

I have 10 pans of enchiladas made for the farewell. I hope people are coming to eat them!

I think he just realized his mother can't come with him....ha ha love you buddy!

On facebook

Okay so I joined the world of facebook recently. It has been great. I have been able to talk to friends that I haven't seen in years. I know some of you think this is a teenager site but lots of old people like me are on it. It has been really fun. So if you are a member add me as a friend. I am under Gayle Mansell Willardson

Pantry food storage recipes

I am looking for recipes that can be made from canned items that I can buy and put in my food storage rotation. We have had a huge emphisis on food storage and my stake RS president suggested that we get 15 or more recipes that your family likes. These recipes need to be made from items that you can store. So if any of you have a favorite or two let me know. Maybe we can do a section on the recipe blog for using food storage. What do you think?

Alyssa, Karlyen, and Breann after a great recital

Karlyen is their teacher and we think she is great. Notice all the trophies and awards for a great job done.

My grand baby waving hello!

Is this not the cutest ultrasound? Kristy and Chris are only 11 weeks along and this baby is already excited to meet everyone! Her or his grandma and grandpa can hardly wait to meet him or her too!

Amy & Chace Graduate from BYU!

Driving miss Gayle crazy

So I take Breann to lunch today for her birthday and she decides she wants to drive back to school because she still has about 18 hours of driving to get in before she gets her licence. We pull up to the school and I get out to walk around to the drivers side of the car. It is then I notice Breann getting out and the car is moving forward. She realizes then that she didn't put the car in park and is hopping along side the car until she gets in and stops it and puts it in park. Yes raising teenagers is fun. Yes I would do it again. Yes we love it when the learn to drive....excuse my rambling but I hear the power of possitive thinking is helpful. Have a great day and smile!

Help! I need ideas! David has invited a bunch...of friends to his farewell. Between them and this wonderful family that come to support us I need idea's of something to serve after! Any ideas?