Sending our missionary off!

Wow!  What a whirlwind of excitement we've had at our house these past few weeks!  Tyler submitted his mission paperwork in early July, received his call to serve in the Philippines, Baguio mission a couple of weeks later, and reported to the Mission Training Center in Provo, Utah on August 29th.  Since he was living in Provo at the time he received his call, he had lots to do in a short amount of time, including finishing up his job, moving back home, shopping for missionary stuff, taking care of required pre-mission medical and dental appointments, going through the temple, and speaking during Sacrament Meeting before our church congregation.  It seemed a little overwhelming to me, being a first-time missionary mom, but it was amazing how everything just fell into place.

David and I attended the Columbia River Temple with Tyler on August 18th.  This will forever be etched in my mind as one of my favorite memories with my son.  There were many special people who also attended the temple with Tyler, including his grandparents, aunts and uncles, friends who have served missions, and church leaders who have influenced Tyler's decision to serve a mission.

We had many great experiences as a family prior to Tyler leaving for his mission.  We had a farewell open house for him and many wonderful friends and extended family came to enjoy homemade ice cream and cookies, and to wish Tyler well on his mission.

We went to a water park and spent the day in the sun.

We had family pictures taken.

We shopped and shopped for missionary stuff.

Tyler sanded and repainted the hood of the little red car (which he wrecked a couple of years ago and it still needed new paint).


We enjoyed eating dinner together each night as a family.
Tyler's request for dinner the last night he was home was puffy oven pancakes (German pancakes) with cinnamon sugar, syrup, whipped cream, and fresh fruit.

Saying good-bye to Tyler at the Pasco Airport was bitter-sweet.  Our family woke up early that morning and we all went together to the airport.  We gave him big hugs (and cried happy/sad tears), then watched him go through the security check point.  He had a spring in his step, and he looked so handsome in his new suit.  Seeing him turn and look at us one last time, giving us a confident, joyful smile. . . I will treasure that gift of a smile for the next two years.

I feel. . . sadness; joy; pride, relief.

Tyler is in the Lord's hands.  He is giving his life to serving the Lord in the Philippines, Baguio Mission by preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and inviting others to come unto Christ and receive the blessings of living the gospel.

Piano recitals

Every six months or so, I have a recital for my piano students.  This gives them an opportunity to perform for their family and friends.  I usually have the recitals at a retirement center.  I like to do this because the residents seem very appreciative.  I encourage my students to shake hands with the residents after the recital and thank them for listening.  

Each performer announces his or her name and the names/composers of the songs they will be performing.

Me and my cute son, playing a duet on the piano.

My other cute son performing a solo.

Tiffani announcing her songs.

The Shupe sisters performing a duet

The following photos and video were taken at the most recent recital, in August, 2012:

Me, announcing the program and thanking parents and friends for coming to the recital

 My sister, Jennifer, and her family came to the recital.  They were visiting from Idaho Falls.

 A view from the balcony before the recital began

Tiffani performing in August 2012

I love music.  I love teaching it.  I love children.  It is rewarding to see them perform after working so hard to learn their music.  I'm grateful for the opportunity to be a piano teacher!