Mackay Moves to San Clemente

After leaving my Dad on Monday September 5th, we drove to St. George.

We left St. George Tuesday morning and drove to San Clemente California and moved Mackay into his new apartment. He has a job at Nike and was planning to just work for several months. 

 

While driving Mackay reached out to several Jr. College basketball teams and was able to try out for a few. He ultimately chose Golden West College. 

After traveling home for my Dad's funeral, headed back to start practices to be ready for the season.

Unfortunately, Mackay had an incident on September 23rd.

After two ambulance rides, two hospitals, several doctor appointments with several specialist, they finally ruled out a stroke, blood clot, and detached retina.    

He didn't get cleared to play until end of October.

Frustrated but understanding the situation, he decided to REDSHIRT.

He is finishing classes online and working.

 

Mackay Works for Nike

Mackay has wanted to work for Nike for a long time.  He applied several times but never heard back from anyone.  Then finally they responded and set up an interview for February 16th.  He was prepped and ready and really nervous. 

Due to Covid his interview was over Zoom.  He didn't realize that it wouldn't be just him and the employer.  There were two people interviewing two candidates.  The other guy wanting the job was a older guy, a Walmart manager, with a lot of experience with sales.  After an entire HOUR of trying to come up with smart answers to try to win over these men, Mackay came down - shivering and shaking - adrenalin let down.  He was sure it was a done deal.  He wouldn't get the job.  He also learned that they were interview 16 more people that day.  I asked if they would let him know either way.  He said they'd let him know by email.  Mackay fulled expected to be told no. 

Days passed.  I didn't ask him if he'd checked his emails. Finally on Saturday February 20th, I quietly asked is he had heard back from Nike.  He didn't say anything but just sent my phone a picture.  HE GOT THE JOB!!!

I am so glad they saw Mackay for who he is - a good kid, smart, kind, calm, and hard working.  He started February 25th.  His hours are crazy long but he is loving it 

Mackay Ordained an Elder

 Mackay was ordained an Elder by Aaron and received the Melchizedek Priesthood.  

Thoughts from your Ordination/Blessing:

* Stay Close to your Family

* Rely on your Heavenly Father with important decisions in your life.

* Get our of your comfort zone and accomplish goals you never thought possible

* You are kind and sensitive

* You can do hard things

Hayden, Keith Casey, Jason Casey, Mackay, Aaron, Sam, Josh Wendel, Ben, Scott

Mackay Ordained an Elder

First, thank you for coming and supporting our family today.  And thank you for the influence you have been to  Mackay. We feel very lucky to be surrounded by such good people.

Mackay, I want you to know that today, I am so Happy and I am so proud of you.  Not just today but I am Proud of you EVERYDAY.

 

Many say we have very similar personalities. One of the characteristics we share is that we both struggle to make decisions.  Ever since you were a little boy you have always wanted to choose good and make wise choices.  Today is one of those days that you have made a great choice. I am grateful you have chosen to be made an ELDER and receive the Melchizedek priesthood

 

The priesthood is the power to act in God’s name ands it’s purpose is to bless lives. That is a big responsibility but it is also a privilege. I think of the scripture “where much is given, much is expected”.  I hope that you will continue to have a desire to make wise choices and live worthy to use the priesthood and that you will never turn down an opportunity to use this priesthood.

I know your faith is strong, that your testimony is growing and that you will touch the hearts of many through out your life through your words and actions.  The have a testimony of this gospel and of the priesthood. It has blessed our lives with healing, guidance, & comfort. I could rattle off many stories and examples of how the Priesthood has blessed us, but I won't today. 

I am grateful that I have always had the priesthood in my home. Starting with my dad.  I wish he was here today to be a part of this special time, but he is struggling today.  I am grateful for my sweet husband and the example he has set for his boys.  He honors his priesthood.  And now my not so little boy will also have this priesthood. I don’t take that for granted. I am grateful for this gospel and know with all my heart that it is true. I love you Mackay and am so proud of you.  

Mackay's 19th Birthday

 We celebrated Mackay's 19th Birthday at Rodizio Grill at Trolly Square

After, he opens presents and we had ice cream cake.

Mackay is my sidekick.  I love hanging out with him each day.  He is always happy, extremely FUNNY, and is willing to help me whenever I ask (unless it is to pick up Hayden... haha).

I can't wait to see what he does this next year.  

Mackay's Graduation

We got to celebrate Mackay this week!  

Not going to lie.... I am SOOOO happy he is finally done with school.

Due to the stupid Corona Virus, school shut down back in March and he has had to do online school.  In the end it was a huge blessing.  Absences were no longer a problem.  I could help him with Seminary.  He could work on his own time and not worry about having to make things up.  The teachers graded a little more lenient and he actually ended up with a 4.0 this term!!!  Way to Go Mackay!!!

We are so proud of you and the hard work you put in.  

Although the actual graduation ceremony was different for your class, you handled is all with class!

We love you Mackay Ryan!

Steelers in Arizona

 For Mackay's birthday we gave him tickets to see the Pittsburgh Steelers play the Arizona Cardinals. 

We flew out right after our ward Christmas party on December 7th

We took a drive down memory lane with Aaron before the game.