There is sunshine in my soul today...

Just a note from Mom...Jill, Jordan's aunt is teaching me how to use this blog, that is why things are jumbled around and we are waiting patiently for Jordan to send us pictures from the MTC:)
The song, There is sunshine in my soul today, is one of my favorites for a few reasons...
The first is that on days like today in Utah, the soul is the only place the sun can shine...it is snowing AGAIN! The other is that I like to replace the word "sun" with "son". Having four boys there is at least one if not all that are shining in my soul every minute of the day, more glorious and bright.
I also like sunflowers and the parable of the sunflower is one of my favorite. Again I like that the word "sun" is changed to "son" and that our sons have chosen to follow our Heavenly Father's Son.
I used to sing to the boys when they were little, "Y0u are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy when skies are gray, You'll never know dear how much I love you please don't take my sunshine away..." Sappy, huh? I love that we have all boys, and that the priesthood power is strong in our house. I love that "A mother works from son up to son down" I love that Ross has been such a great example to them, he is a great son, both to his parents, here and gone, and to his Father in Heaven. He honors his priesthood, he loves the boys and me with all of his heart, cycling is a close 2nd :)
We are very blessed to have such great kids...Thanks boys!
Some day we will see the Son again, together...

Support from Home

President Lund, great man, gave Jordan an self addressed envelope and said he wanted to hear from him with in two weeks of being at the MTC. Set him apart and gave him a great blessing.

Grandad has always been a great support and loves us as if we were his own. Jo has been gone for almost 10 years and we love that he still comes around and is there whenever he can be, whether it is sports, church or just because.

Grandma Pat, our adopted Grandma, and Mom. Ross has known her all of his life and she has always treated us as her own. So supportive and loving Grandma Pat never misses anything we are doing, she is such a blessing in our lives.

These pictures and the one below of Mom's parents were taken the night Jordan was set apart. March 3, 2009

Grandpa Steve and Grandma Linda were sick and couldn't make it, we love them and felt bad they could not be there, and to add to it all it was Steve's Birthday, no fun to be sick on your birthday, no matter how old you are.:) We love and appreciate all that they do to support and do for us.

Yes the date is off......it was March 3rd

Employee of the Month

Jordan worked with his father doing whatever Ross would ask and now he working with his Father in Heaven, doing whatever he is asked. Ross misses working with him, great help, good times spent together, many silent but full moments. Work hard and be safe, Jordan

Mission Blessings

This picture was taken the night Jordan was set apart as an Elder. It was also their 43 wedding anniversary. What great example they are of Christ and the love that they give to us. They are always so supportive and encouraging to our family no matter what we are doing. Grandma always lets us know she thinks we are the best:)
Grandma and Grandpa are serving at the Geneological Library in Salt Lake, Grandpa was just made Zone Leader, they are now over 190 missionaries. They are in charge of making that mission run now, schedules, missionaries, kind of like a little "Mission President flavor". They have "normal" hours, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and have Satudays off. They are enjoying their service to the Lord and find it strange when they are not together. They are never seen without their missionary tags on and have infact added a gold key pin to each of their badges. This represents the key to past and future...what a great service, how great will be their joy when they meet all of our ancestors they have found and done their work. Keep up the smiles and the good work, love you Mom and Dad
P.S. So glad they got to stay close to home for their mission...

What a spiritual "giant" to others...

Again the date is off, such a great example to all of the future missionaries in the Weaver house,
makes Mom and Dad so proud!

Hola mi Familia

Hola mi Familia. MTC es muy bueno y divertido.
I am going to answer some of your questions first.
As a district leader I get the mail, make sure everyone has their talks done for Sunday and conduct district meetings. My companion is fun at times, then at other times he is annoying because he has to have the last word on everything, you can't argue with him. We aren't doing choir because no one from my district likes it so I'm not doing choir. I wrote Pres. Lund last week so if he still hasn't received the letter, tell him I'm doing good.
There is nothing to really take pictures of so I might keep the card a little longer until I have some good ones to share with you guys. I haven't received any DearElders from Grandma and Grandpa, I don't know why but I haven't received any.
The food here is good, but not as good as back home. The showers are bad because they are either really hot or really cold. I've hit a slump in my Spanish but I am still working on it. I know I will not fail because the Lord called me to learn Spanish so I know that with His help I can.
Jace, Justin and Jax how are you guys doing with your reading? Are you guys keeping journals on what you read and marking your favorite scriptures? Jace and Justin I wish you both the best of luck in track, and Jax I am way excited about you being in the playoffs, I hope you won them all. You and Justin be sure to have fun with baseball, okay...
Mom, if you haven't sent that package yet, I need 3 new pairs of those short socks we got at Walmart, but if you have already sent it then don't worry about it.
Dad, I love and miss you, I don't have any one to tell me how goofy my facial hair looks. Ha Ha LOL. I'm sorry I missed your swimming show and your chili. If you can get me Austin Crezee's address, I would like to write him about serving a mission. Congrats on Matt asking you to do the race, what race is it exactly?
Mom, I love you and I miss your hugs to, I have really grown in these three weeks, not physically, but mentally and spiritually, well I got to finish my laundry. I love you all and miss you but I know the Lord is watching over you. The Holy Ghost has let me know that you are all safe and that I will see you again.
Love you.
Sincerely Elder Jordan Ross Weaver

E-Mail

Friday, March 20 2009 2:49 p.m.

Hi Mom, Dad, Jace, Justin, and Jax,
How are you all doing? I am doing good, the spirit around the MTC is great. Here is my e-mail Weaver@myldsmail.net.
On Tuesday Elder L. Tom Perry spoke to us which was really cool. On Sunday we get to see the Draper Temple Dedication which is going to be really fun.
Tell Debbie I got her DearElder message, and thank you guys for also sending me messages through that as well, it really makes a missionary's day. I don't know what else I should tell you. Um, we teach a real investigator tonight and we will teach a new one every Friday night. They are actually volunteers but the teachers tell us that they are real.
I just got my haircut and the sister who did it was impressed by how well mom kept my hair. It's silly to say, but the sister who gave me the haircut was really cute.
About the package you want to send I really don't need anything but if you still send it I will be happy.
Can you guys tell Bro. and Sis. Eccles thanks for the shoe bill for me and that I stand on it every day, and ask them if you could get Lauren's address for me, if not it's okay.
And can you send me a picture of Grandma Jo.
I am really excited that you have been getting work dad, and I am glad that Logan is working with ya. How is he as a worker, and is he better than me...lol
My preparation day is on Friday so I will only check my e-mail during laudry time.
Little boys I forgot to tell you that when you read the scriptures you need to pray before and afterwards to feeel the spirit, and if you can keep a journal about what you learn from the scriptures.
Love you all, and miss you alot
Sincerely Elder Jordan Ross Weaver

Monday letters

March 9th
Madre y Padre
Hey the MTC is great and alot of fun. These past few days I've learned more Spanish then I did in those three years I took in school. I am the district leader which is funny since they made me the district leader the first night I was here. But it's alot of fun. I am in charge of 3 companionships and I've become friends with all of them.
I think I have everything I need but i will let you know if I do. The second night here I got really homesick, so I said a prayer and the thought, "Lose yourself in the work", came to mind. So I got back to studing and haven't felt home sick again. I love you guys, thank you for raising me in the Gospel.
Love you both, say hi to mi hermanos,
Sincerely Elder Jordan Weaver

March 13th
Madre y Padre
Gracias por carta! I love getting letters because it feels that you guys are still there. Its dissappointing opening the mailbox and not having anything in there for you. But when a missionary gets a letter it raises his spirits as if he just converted a family of 10 people.
Tuesday I felt really home-sick and I was having a hard time. so I got on my knees and prayed to Heavenly Father. I told him that I know I'm supposeed to be here but I was having a tough time, and I asked him for help, as soon as I said Amen, a feeling of peace came over me. It was the most peaceful feeling I have ever had. I love you both and really miss being able to hug you guys and tell you that I love you, but I'm not home sick anymore ever since Tuesday. Spanish is coming along great and I feel the Spirit everyday. Love you guys. Still send me letters because I can only check my E-mail once a week. Tell Grandma Sheri thanks for her letter also.
I know this church is true, y el libro de Mormon es verdad.
Love you,
Sincerely, your growing son
Elder Jordan Ross Weaver

March 20-2009
Hola Familia,
Mi gusta la MTC, la comida y espiritu es around the MTC. My P-day is Fridays so I get to go to the temple every week. My e-mail address is Weaver@MyLds.Net. I tried emailing you on the 13th but I might not know the e-mail address. Is it RosWv@msn.com I only take pictures on Fridays and Sundays so it may be a while till you get a memory card. Elder L. Tom Perry spoke to us on Tuesday which was really cool. I see Jeff every once in a while which is cool because it's fun talking about the MTC with him. On Sunday we get to see the temple dedication in the gym, so we spend an hour a day cleaning it starting yesturday.
I don't know what I should write, this is probably really boring for you guys so next week I will try to make it more interesting.
Little boys, I forgot to tell you guys that you need to pray before, and after you read the scriptures it helps invite the spirit. Love you.
Mom, I love you and sorry I couldn't answer all of your questions but I'm getting my haircut in 10 minutes. Love you.
Dad, I want you to know you have been a terrific father. You have taught me alot, so whenever you feel down about anything just pray.
If you guys get this months Ensign read President Monsons talk in the beginning of the magazine, love you
Love you all with my entire heart and I know the Lord is watching over you
Sincerely with love, Elder Jordan Weaver
P.S. Can you get Lauren's address for me and tell Sister Eccles that I still stand on the shoe bill. And tell Logan that I need all of my friends addresses from him. Thank you :)

The obligatory letter home

March 5, 2009
Dear Mom, Dad, Jace, Justin, and Jax.
I'm fine and healthy, my first companions name is Elder Garner, and he's from Texas. The food here is really good and my Branch President and his wife are really wonderful people. If you could maybe send me Keith and Julies address and Brent and Nancy's, I'd appreciate it. I'm so excited to be here, I'm not nervous anymore. Thank you for the letters in my suitcase and the candy. The dorm room fits four of us and we are all going to Veracruz Mexico. It's only been one day so nothing much had really happened. Dad my I-pod will work so sorry for not trusting your judgment in that matter. Don't know when you guys will get this but know that I love you and that the church is true. See you in two years.
Love Elder Jordan Ross Weaver

Jordan's Endowments and Farewell...

The chapel was full, lots of friends and family showed up to give Jordan lots of support. There were many comments about how he sounded like a returning missionary, not one that was leaving...notice his scripture is in Spanish, he read it during his talk, and he did a great job, could not be more proud of him and the choice that he has made to serve his Father in Heaven!

( the following is Posted in November on his aunt's blog)
On Saturday, we were able to go with Jordan to the Ogden Temple, when he took out his endowments for his mission. It was such a nice day and we were so glad to be able to go with him. He is going to the Veracruz, Mexico Mission and we are so excited for him. He is a sweetheart and will be an amazing missionary.

The cute future missionary and his mom.

I have to tell you that he is one of the most respectful young men I have ever met. He is almost 19 and still opens his mom's door when she gets in and out of the car and will open mine too when he rides with us.

All of the guys.

All the whole gang. (L-R Shaun's parents, Ross, Tammy, Jordan, Jason, Shaun, Jillian and Debbie. ) And afterwards they took us out to eat. Thanks Tam, Ross & Jordan for letting us be a part of your special day.

Letters home

Yea! We got a letter Saturday, kinda sounded like a reassurance to the mom, it went something like, I am happy, healthy, and the food here is great. He also said that is in a room with 3 other elders and they are all going to Veracruz. He said he is no longer nervous-what a relief-he had only been there that night and wrote to us.

Monday, March 9th, got another letter to Madre y Padre. He says the MTC is great and alot of fun, one of Jordan's favorite things to say:) He also said that they made him district leader over three companionships and he has made friends with all of them! If you could only see his Dad, very proud papa! More tears at the Weaver home! He said he has learned more Spanish in the last few days then in all three years in school. The amazing power of the priesthood at work. He is trying to "Lose himself in the work". Hopefully tomorrow will be his first "P-Day" and we can get the e-mail thing going. Till then, remember the church is true!

The MTC

So yes the dates on the photos are wrong, should read 03/04/2009, this is Jordan entering one door and us another. He got into line to get his papers turned in, identification checked and his name tag. Just a few months after Jordan entered the MTC they changed the whole process and the parents drop the kids curb side, we felt fortunate that we were able to experience the MTC the "old" way!
This was the night before he went to the MTC, he was set apart and oddly we all stood in the entry way and said good byes and cried for a good hour, lots of hugs, tears and silent but very full moments!

This is in the MTC, I don't think Ross has every been more proud of Jordan other then the day he was born!

Dropping off luggage and finding out where we should go next...

Dropping off luggage to his assigned spot, unbelievable how organized the church is...

looking at things in the foyer of the MTC, I think they were very old editions of the Book of Mormon "maybe if I don't open my eyes it will all be a dream..."

This is a great picture, one that will never be taken again because of the new way that they drop missionaries off...

Jordan and his companion, Jesus Christ

This is one the way to the MTC, Jordan was trying to be so strong, all he wanted for lunch that day was Arby's, we went, and after in the car he kept commenting that he had butterflies in his stomach and how nervous he was...still smiling!

Dear friend, Bonnie Jacobs made this cake for his farewell, we hated to eat it, it was perfect...

This picture still brings tears to my eyes, to my amazement they let me put his name tag on, I cried the whole time! I was truly sending my son away to serve the Lord and this just brought it all home, really hit me at that moment, it is not a dream, and I am so very proud of my sons!

Walking across the street, wind blowing us forward, sideways,

the boys took Jordan's luggage, last acts of kindness :)

Elder Jordan Ross Weaver!

This Sister was putting all of his "important" papers in his pocket so he would not loose them

Of course the date on the photo is off, Jordan went to the MTC on March 4, 2009. No one can tell you how difficult or exciting this experience is. The whole morning, even for that matter the last week has been very emotional. We arrived at the MTC at about 12:30 p.m. and parked across the street. The other boys all took a piece of luggage and we took a few pictures on our way. It is a very busy place, and well organized. We delivered his luggage to a drop off spot, and he would pick them up there after we left, he was in spot #15. Then we took 235 steps, (the sister there told us, we did not count) from the light pole on the corner to the front of the building. There was a door marked new missionaries and a separate door for family and friends. We all went to our appropriate doors and Jordan was taken to a desk where they

checked his immunization record and his drivers license and then given his missionary tag with an orange dot, affectionately called a "celestial dot" and we were waiting for him in the same big area. He brought his tag to me and asked if I would put it on him-Wow-what a flood of emotions! It was now official, he is our son, Elder Weaver representing Jesus Christ. We took some more pictures and looked at a version of the first Book of Mormon. There is also a stone plaque there in the lobby, large area, whatever, that says "Where ever thou art, do well they part" something to that effect. We then got word that it was time to enter the chapel. We had been told to take all the pictures before that, and that once we entered the chapel we were to stay there. In the hallways of the MTC, we passed the cafeteria. The elders that were eating, had pizza, piles of pizza. There are incredible pictures of missionaries doing the work all of the world. There are lots of Brothers and Sisters telling us where to turn and guiding us along. We got to the chapel and a sister sent us down a row with no one on it yet, in front of us there was a family, and their oldest was an elder. Jordan put his hand on that elders back and immediatley asked where he was going, this elder said he was going to Mexico, Jordan asked if it was Veracruz, the elder said no and named some where else in Mexico, I just did not catch it. This was exciting to watch, it made me realize, although he is nervous he is anxious. We watched all of the LDS commercials, some tearfully, some with huge smiles, more tears, and some laughs. After we were all seated and the missionaries were in, we sang Called to Serve, probably the fastest I have ever sung it. They had a prayer and Brother and Sister Clegg gave some instructions to us and the missionaries. We watched another missionary video had a closing prayer and then it was TIME! We all hugged and cried and said our good-byes, or see ya laters. One of the hardest things I have ever had to do. So proud, so excited to hear from him soon.

They gave us his MTC address it is:

Elder Jordan Ross Weaver
MTC Mailbox #151
MEX-VERA 0504
2005 N. 900 E.
Provo, Utah 84604-1793

and he will be there until May 4, 2009 then off to Veracruz.