Elder Beck

Jackson's last supper was spent with Kevin's side of the family...

Manti Turkey

7 Layer Salad

Fresh Fruit

Homemade Orange Rolls

Frog Eye Salad

Chips and Spinach Dip

Strawberry Shortcake

Flat Apple Pie

This meal is a Beck family favorite!

Thanks Papa Dave and Mama Linda for the delicious dinner!

Mama Linda had an Easter Basket for Jackson, full of all kinds of little things to take with him on his mission.  When we finished we headed to the church for Jackson to meet with the Stake Presidency and be set apart.

President Ivins asked Kloe to say the opening prayer and then asked Jackson to choose a hymn.  We sang How Firm a Foundation.  It's his favorite.  It was our family song a few years ago for both our family and my extended Sollis family.  Some of the words of that song really strengthened me through my pregnancy and and after the birth of Baby Kevin last year, and they still do...

Fear not, I am with thee; oh, be not dismayed,

For I am thy God and will still give thee aid.  

I'll strengthen thee, help thee and cause thee to stand...

From left to right:  Bishop Sandberg, President Bolton, the missionary :), President Ivins, and President Brunt.  All of these men gave Jackson great advice.  He was encouraged to obey the mission rules and be bold in his testimony and in his missionary work.  President Ivins told Jackson that he only gets 2 years to serve this mission but he'll have a lifetime to think about it, so serve with no regrets.  Good advice for us all to live by--try every day to live with no regrets.

As I sat across the table watching Jackson I felt so grateful God would bless me with the opportunity to be his mother.  Dakota was sitting to the right of Jackson and I couldn't help but wonder if Kevin Jr was on his left and then if he was present in the circle with his father and grandfathers when President Ivins set Jackson apart as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  I believe he is present for all of our family's special occasions.  I told Kevin, I don't need to see Kevin Jr to know that he is alive and well but I wouldn't mind :) I do wonder what he looks like.  Probably a mix between Jackson and Dakota.  Or maybe he looks more like his father.  He is such a wonderful addition to our family in a way that is hard to explain but very real and spiritual.  I'm so grateful for that.

Such a special night!  We went home and Jackson Elder Beck (President Ivins told him that tonight he would give up his first name for the next two years to be "Elder Beck") gave us his phone and his computer.  They have been his "companions" up to this point :).  He spent some time watching his Dad and Estabon work on the trailer...

Aunt Megan called to talk to him one last time...

He played a game of Phase 10 Dice with his Mom, Gracie, Janie and Kloe.  Jackson won by 4 points.  And then he went to bed--before 11!  Can't remember the last time he did that.

Tomorrow's the big day!