Stephenson Family Ties

J.R.R. Tolkien, in The Fellowship of the Rings  "The road must be trod,
but it will be very hard. And neither strength nor wisdom will carry us far
upon it. This quest may be attempted by the weak with as much hope as the
strong. Yet it is oft the course of deeds that move the wheels of the world:
Small hands do them because they must, while the eyes of the great are
elsewhere."

Her missionary made the following comment about the quote:

"Mom, I love this! We are constantly tracting out ministers and pastors who
say we are too young to really know about Christ and proclaim Christianity.
This quote is a reminder to the protestant world that all through the Old
Testament God used weak things against strong things to show his power.... AND
HE STILL DOES!! I also like that it refers to our necessity to ALWAYS push
ourselves, ALWAYS lean on the Lord and ALWAYS rely on the spirit to do our
teaching, very awesome!!"

Mom: "Later after I shared this quote with an elder here in our stake he said
it made him think of Alma 37:6, by small and simple means the efforts of
these young elders and sisters really can "confound" the wise and help the
kingdom roll forth!"

Brian's plane was supposed to arrive at 2:30...we get there and check the 

schedule and learn that his flight is delayed....like he was still at the gate inLAX!! Ugh oh no!! Now what do we do??!!

family and friends have gathered to greet him...but we have 2 hours to wait...

nourishment is required...off to find something yummy to fill the void...

At least 12 Elders came down that escalator...to masses of family waiting 

anxiously at baggage claim...to claim their long 'lost' sons!!

watching, watching for "the suits with name tags" to appear at the top!

and there he is!!!

...and I really didnt think I'd do it...but I found myself hopping up and 

down and squealing with joy!! 

I got the first hug...AFTER 2 YEARS!!!  It felt so wonderful!! So, so happy!!

...and here we have Clark...'facetiming" or Skyping for Robby and Chelsea 

in St George!! Isnt modern day technology amazing!!!?

 hugs for dad!!

cant stop smiling and cant stop holding on to him!!

Best friend Blake...who just returned last month from his mission to 

Fort Worth, Texas!  Watch out world!!!

Checking out his newest nephew Ben...who couldnt be bothered to stay

awake for the party!!! (and yes..Im still holding on!)

still skyping...

and still holding on...

"oh mom"...(or maybe he's just dead on his feet??)

WELCOME HOME BRIAN!! Words cant express how very proud we all of you...and how 

thrilled we are to have you home!! LOVE YOU!!!

(and thank you Brindley's and cousins for showing up to celebrate with us!!)

Peace and Happiness!!!

.