As a mother, there is one consistent you can always count on, and that is change. Depending on your perspective, this can be good or bad. I have discovered throughout the years that as we institute daily prayer, the spirit steps in and guides our ever-steady-changing lives and those within our realm for good. When Britton left on his mission, he was excited and sure he knew exactly the situation he was getting into. Ten days in Ghana, and he really wanted to come home. JD and I told him he needed to try and make it work a little longer. When he refused, we could do nothing but pray for him. Throughout the rest of the day, numerous ward members and others sent him e-mails of encouragement and love. Late that evening, Britton called with a complete change of heart. Heavenly Father is so detail-oriented in making us, His children, aware that He cares about the minute details of our lives.
Man, two years is a long time to not hug one of your kiddos.
I wasn't ready to give up my turn
yet so JD let me join in on his turn:).
As I look at each one of these pictures,
I can't help but think about the reunion we will all have in heaven.
I believe we will be amazed at how well we remember one another.
Our faces will be much like Brittons in all of these photos.
An expression full of joy, remembrance, awe, and admiration for our loved ones.
Luke was so young when Britton left.
I love this photo! Families are the best.
I love how he used the word choose to nurture the relationships that are important to us.
I love this quote from his talk.
"Nurturing these important relationships is a choice. A choice to be part of a family requires commitment, love, patience, communication, and forgiveness.2 There may be times when we disagree with another person, but we can do so without being disagreeable. In courtship and marriage, we don’t fall in love or fall out of love as though we are objects being moved on a chessboard. We choose to love and sustain one another. We do the same in other family relationships and with friends who are like family to us."
Seriously, so cute!
wouldn't have it any other way."
-Rodney Atkins
I am excited that Britton will be here when Riley
and Madeline's little one is born.
I love that these boys are all back together again.
We fall down, and we get up
We walk proud, and we walk tough
We got heart, and we got nerve
Even if we are a bit disturbed:)
-Rodney Atkins
Grandparents are the Best!
Our kids are undeniably blessed to have grandparents
who support them in everything they do!
Before Britton left on his mission he
loved to go stay at Grandpa Terry's house.
I read a quote somewhere that reminds me of these two.
If Mom and Dad said no, there is always Grandpa to turn to.
Shari is one of those aunts
that every person wishes they had!
Alyssa was so excited for Britton to come home.
She had the cutest little shirts made for her kiddos and
never stopped smiling.
One of my favorite things about a mission
Homecoming is watching the family members look at the
one who has returned with so much admiration.
Love seeing this crew together.
As we walked into the airport parking garage
Britton was amazed by all the cars and the view.
Sheds a whole new light on the words,
I'M PROUD (BLESSED)
TO BE AN AMERICAN!
Boy still loves his Dr. Pepper.
Some things never change.
Being a parent is the BEST
job in the entire world!
Daxon is all about shoes.
One look at Britton's shoes and Dax concluded that Brit was in
need of a new pair before going home.
We stopped at the Nike store in Farmington and
Daxon bought Britton a pair to match his own.
Both Britton and Riley were pretty excited about laying
down of carpet and grass when they arrived home from their missions.
It is crazy the little things we sometimes take for granted.
Britton had never met Avery before.
She wasn't too sure what she thought about him.
She will love him as much
as we all do in no time at all.
Speaking of time, the Jones came to Britton's homecoming talk. They were instrumental in helping us get Christmas packages and other items to Britton while he was on his mission.
Britton commented often about how wonderful the two of them are.
I love what Donene commented on her Facebook page about Britton.
"Today, Elder Phippen gave some good advice to future missionaries. He said that the one thing we can't have more of while serving is time, and he wished he would have spent his time more wisely." She continued, "Time flies on wings of lightning; We cannot call it back." When you return, it feels like you were gone for such a short time, almost a dream, so use this precious gift wisely, you will never get it back." -Donene Jones
I love this advice. It applies to a monumental portion of who we are and what we do in life.
I remember when the clan below was all babies, and just like that on wings
of lightning, they all grew up and are having babies of their own.
FAMILIES ARE FOREVER!
I admire how much Britton made use of the Book of Mormon while he was on his mission. This book, when applied, has a way of being influential in every aspect of our lives. One of my favorite lines from the
Family Proclamation is, "The divine plan of happiness allows family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave." This truth can get overlooked at times. In a talk given by
Elder Holland, he comments that he has a theory that the men and women of the Book of Mormon were able to keep going and testifying because they took courage and hope in knowing that we in our day would have the ability to save what was lost and bring their families back together. He goes on to testify that those earlier brethren are still over there cheering us on and that their ability to be successful depends on our faithfulness and victory. I believe this truth is one of the many reasons President Nelson continues to testify that the gathering of Israel is the most important work taking place on the earth today.
We LOVE you, Britton, and are blessed to have you home.
Thanks for your courage and the example you are to all of us.
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