Dropping off our Missionary

The time has come to say goodbye for a short time to our daughter, Carly!  The day before taking her to the Provo Missionary Training Center (MTC), we were able to attend the Provo City Center Temple.  It is a beautiful, older temple with lots of history.  The grounds were amazing -- a perfect place for a photo shoot! 

The next day it was time to take her to the MTC.  The whole process is so organized!  At the specified drop off time, we drove in the main entrance where there is signage telling us which direction to go.  We followed the signs to the underground parking garage/drop-off area.  There is a lane specifically for drop-offs, with many helper-Missionaries waiting to escort the new Missionaries into the building!  It was a quick goodbye at the car, then our special little girl was gone.

As we drove away, we were relieved.  Excited.  Apprehensive.  Overjoyed.  It was an amazing feeling!  We didn't want to "wallow" in Carly's absence, so next we started our drive to Reno NV.  We took a detour on our way back to Washington to have a little break.  It was very nice to have a little relaxation time in the sun before we headed home.

Happy 22nd Birthday, Sam!

Twenty-two years ago our little Sam was born at LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, UT.  It was the hospital that Daniel was working at during that time (as a Respiratory Therapist), and because of that he could be with Sam behind the scene after he was born.  It was really comforting to me that he could be with him.

I remember that my doctor was in surgery, and we had to wait for him to come and deliver the baby.  Sam could have been born earlier in the day, so it was a little stressful waiting -- although I had an epidural so I was comfortable, at least.  After being in active labor at home all night, being at the hospital finally with an epidural felt relaxing.  I wanted to sleep!

During the actual delivery the nurse was so comforting to me - she was calm and loving.  I don't know her name, but I'm so thankful for her assistance.

Happy birthday, Samuel Riker Martinez!

Missionary Prep - Seattle WA Temple

We were able to accompany Carly to the Seattle Temple today -- her first time!  She was so excited to take this step, and Daniel and I were very grateful we could share in it.  Chris, Becky, and Jacob Blackner also joined us for the session, and we stopped at Cafe Rio on the way home for dinner.

It was a lovely day.  We're so proud of our Carly!

Sister Martinez - Called to Auckland NZ

Yep, it's happening!  Carly received her Mission Call today.  She will be serving in Auckland, New Zealand, Mandarin Chinese Language!  She opened her Call with all her college friends, and they were very supportive and excited with her.  The rest of the family was able to watch via Skype.

She reports to the Provo UT MTC on 09/11/19.  We can't wait to see what's in store for her!

Happy 19th Birthday, Carly!

It's this special girl's birthday!  Nineteen years ago I gave birth to this little dark-haired beauty at West Valley Hospital in West Valley, UT.  It was Easter Day, and I labored all day at the hospital.  When she was finally born, I was so happy and relieved.

 

She was my first (and only) girl, so I really enjoyed dressing her in the girly clothes, doing her hair with barrettes and ribbons, and she definitely brought a different spirit to our home!  The boys always took pride in helping to take care of our little baby girl.

Happy Birthday, Carly Chase Martinez!