My oldest (18) moved out yesterday and into an apartment just south of BYU campus.

She is starting her mission papers and will have her leave date on Sept 15th and wants to get some classes done over the semester and work while living away from home.

She felt moving out for the next several months prior to leaving on the mission would be beneficial for her in preparing.

I am proud of her for making this decision but inside sad that she won't be in the house. She was the one that changed my life forever when she came into our lives in 2000. That little girl who is now a woman helped me learn patience, hard work, perseverance and love on a level that I did not know or realize. Hearing her say her first word Dad (yes I beat out mom for that one) to her wearing BYU cougar gear and sitting on my lap at games. To attending her concerts, swim meets, and church activities. To her laughing at my dad jokes even when we both knew they were terrible. To long talks at night about life, The Gospel, and boys. It was also a great blessing to serve as the Bishop of our ward when she was going through Young Women's and being with her on many campouts/activities and sharing my testimony with her and her with me.

The past 18 years flew by and now this is a weird time for me as it is my first child to leave the nest and I am trying to process.

I know some on here have experienced this and know what I am feeling today, others are close and some of you are just starting out.

Cherish the time you have with your kids. Put them in the front as much as you can. You will never look back and think "Man, I wish I would have spent more time doing things without my kids".

Go get em, Lou, you are ready.