Thank you Whitney!!

Whitney Ferguson moved up to Issaquah last weekend. I was so happy to get a text and this picture today! The four of them got to go to lunch. Nothing makes me happier than knowing Whitney is there to look after her.

First pics from Montana

Whitney Ferguson, Sister Brian and Sister Monks

The front of Montana's house in Issaquah

I was so excited to get news that Whitney Ferguson (Shayne Young's sister) was in Seattle today. I quickly texted her Montana's address to see if she had time to stop by. She and her husband Jared were house hunting and were heading to Issaquah to look at a house. I am SO glad they were able to catch Montana at home. They even brought her donuts! Whitney sent me these pictures and a video of Montana giving a very brief tour of her room. It was so nice to hear her voice and see where she is. A little peace of mind for a mom is a big thing!

Issaquah

Montana arrived in Seattle yesterday and is in her first area in Issaquah. No pictures yet... But here's her address there:

Sister Montana Brian

280 Mt. Olympus Drive NW

Issaquah, WA  98027

Montana's Farewell

I have had continual reminders of my blessings these last few weeks. The good things my kids are doing bring me such joy. And I feel so surrounded with love from family and friends! 

Montana's farewell was yesterday and it couldn't have been more perfect. Her thoughts were sincere and well thought out and, most importantly, filled with the spirit. I know she is prepared to serve with all her heart! 

Then to have so many loved ones come over to our house after the meeting was the perfect way to end the day! I am so appreciative of those who travelled a long distance to be there, of those who so generously helped with the food and their time and everyone who came to be a strength and support to Montana and our entire family. 

It truly was a happy day!

Washington Seattle Mission

It's pretty amazing how long two weeks feels when you are waiting for something as exciting as a mission call! Montana had spoken with our bishop early in the week and knew that the call had been issued. Most of the time that means the envelope will come in the mail on Wednesday. Unfortunately it didn't arrive that day! I thought Montana was going to have a nervous breakdown! 

But today's mail finally brought that familiar white envelope. Even harder, though, was waiting until 7:30 to actually open it up! All the England family came to the house along with Montana's roommates and Kenzie Holmes. 

Mom & Dad brought the beautiful flowers to Montana.

She was crying before she even started opening the envelope! But she was able to read enough to get to Washington Seattle English speaking. I am thrilled and I think she is pretty happy too. I kept thinking of all the things that will be so much easier to do having her in the states and so close by-----I am a mom after all! 

She will enter the MTC on June 5-----only about 3 months from now. I'm sure that time will fly by for all of us. 

We called Sherry to tell her the good news and she said Pat had a hand in her call seeing as Seattle was where the mission home was for the Northwestern Mission where he served. I was thinking about him the whole day feeling so sad that he is not here to see his grandchildren serve missions but I know he will be doing all he can on the other side. 

one of the cute gifts given to Montana by my sisters

One of Montana's roommates took oodles of pictures which she is going to pass along so I will have more to post in the future. I think we spent a good hour taking all sorts of shots so I'm looking forward to seeing all of them!