Yes, it does look like one of them is taller than the other...

It's kind of cool how these guys get to see eachother while in the MTC.  
 That's going to change in a few short weeks and they will be separate for the first times in their lives -- well for at least more than 1 week. I'm  Wishing you the best Elders!

And by the way, I think Elder Parker is a tad bit taller.  You? 

Sunday Afternoon Surprise

Here's a picture of Elder Traasdahl  at the Provo Temple grounds with our cute friend Rylee.  She saw Tyler first... about a 1/2 hour later she sent this picture & a text: "Just saw Parker too!  He loves you!"

So I got two pictures yesterday out of the clear blue sky with the missionaries sending their love.   Modern technology used at it's best.

It was definately bonus Sunday. 

Thanks Rylee!

Something to Smile about

There's just something about getting the first letter from your missionary that really gives you something to smile about.  And I'm doubly blessed to be the receipeint of two at a time.  (That's the bonus of twins.  Yes, I missed them like crazy the first few days but the letters -- well they go a long way.)

  Here are a few excerpts from his letter:

"Hola Familia!

Well, it's early morning of day 2 right now.  And before I forget, Mom, I want my scripture on my missionary plaque to be Helamen 5:12.  Anyways, they let us shoot off one letter to let you guys know we made it and are okay!   I've accomplished both.  All day yesterday my stomach was in a knot and I could hardly eat lunch.  Ha, I felt bad for John.  He bought me a meal and I didn't even touch it barely.  After lunch we got to the MTC, got all our gear, and then dropped off the luggage and went straight to class...

At the class we were given our companions, mine is Elder White.  He's about 6'4" or 6"5" 200-215 lbs and of course, is a red head.  Haha, he's from Augusta, California and has already done a year of school at  Boise State!  And that's all I can think of off the top of my head.  The other two missionaries in my room is Elder Cutler and Elder something, I forgot his name.  But I have to run!  Love you all, I'm doin great!  Elder T."

Written Sept. 6, 2012

So there you have it.  He's alive.  He's well.  He survived the nerves and now He's running!

OH by the way... He made it to the MTC

Why Elder Traasdahl Left our Home

I enjoyed watching this video today. It reminded me why my missionaries have left my home.  To bring the message of Christ to the homes of others. 

Called To Serve -

On Tuesday, Sept. 4th, we had the privelege of having Parker and Tyler get set apart as missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  They walked in the Stake Center as regular Parker and Tyler and came out as authorized representatives of their Savior Jesus Christ.  They were given beautiful and powerful blessings by their Stake President through the power of the priesthood.  The Spirit was strong and peace was present in the room.  It was a profound experience.  The Lord knows these two young men.  You could just feel it.  God has a plan and know's each of His children.  That's the motivating power of missionary work.  It's inspiring, uplifting, and when we remember why the twins decided to go on missions it makes it easier to share them as we say goodbye.

Yes, the hearts strings are being pulled and strained but they are playing beautiful heavenly music.  Well, after the airport this morning believe me, their was dissonance.  The hearts of Mom, Dad and brothers are in a full crescendo of Emotion, Joy, Love, Tenderness, Gratitude...
Oh and So much more.

Elder Parker Traasdahl as he heads out with luggage to the Sky Harbor Airport. 6:00 a.m. 9-5-12
 Looks like he's got a good handle on things.

The Drive into Phoenix.   

Here's 'The Last Goodbye' on 'this side' of the security Gate.  We gave quick hugs, expressed our love and the four of us started the long walk back to the car while the new missionaries zipped through security.   As we looked for our vehicle in level 5 parking we spotted the airplane they would fly on from the parking lot.  We wondered how they were feeling.  How awesome to leave on a mission with your twin.  How many people get to do that?

  Their plane was scheduled to depart at 7:40 a.m.  We did pretty good until we got home to a house without the twins.  Honestly, when I say 'we' I really meant, "I".  Yes, the tears randomly burst with no compassion for what it was making my face look like.  Get a grip Mom.
Actually... I think it's going to be hard for a while.

Tissue please?  Oh & a heart monitor.  I didn't know a heart could feel this way.  Double goodbyes!

WE LOVE YOU ELDER PARKER TRAASDAHL &
 WE LOVE YOU ALSO ELDER TYLER TRAASDAHL!!!

It's Packing Time -- Sept. 4, 2012

Our Parker, and his twin Tyler, are expected in the MTC, in Provo, UT,  Sept. 5, 2012.  Yes, that's today!  But before we get to that part of the story, have you ever seen twins Pack for a Mission?  Well, I --Mom--  author and keeper of this blog did --  all day long.  This is a peek at what it looked like before everything was deprived of air and squeezed into it's smallest molecular form.  Gotta love 'space bags'.  Yesterday was a day of wonder.  How did they pack all their belongings of 2 years into to 3 bags each? 

Too bad there wasn't any room left for me.  I would have gladly taken an uncomfortable pocket -- but sigh.  Letters will have to do.

Of course Parker -- Soon to be Elder Traasdahl, packed some shirts and they turned out to be in the order Red, White and Blue.  That's my Patriot.  Although he's no longer in AP Gov I think he should get extra credit points for that.

We snuck little 3X5 notes in their luggage when they weren't looking so they would feel some love from home in the MTC.  (My plan worked great until they had to shift the contents of their luggage around in an attempt to stay under 50 lbs.  So much for a surprise...   It doesn't change however, the amount of love that we sent with them.  

As the Sun continued aross the sky and the hours went on, Parker and Tyler worked until every bag was packed and weighed. They spent the day saying goodbye to friends, and the front door was a revolving one for sure.  No bag over 50 lbs right? But I realized in addition to packing material goods, they packed in their souls years of love for their Heaveny Father, His Son Jesus Christ, family, friends, leaders, neighbors, and we can't leave out the little Dog Bazil.  It's surprising with such full lives the scales didn't burst.  These two young men are truly blessed and they've etched a place in our hearts. 

A double place.