Stephenson Family Ties The Barn Burnt Down
And Now I See The Moon

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!!!
.

8 comments:

LMT said...

What a fun waiting story. And what happy news that he's home!!! You're the coolest, sweetest mom. Now that I'm a mom, I can't imagine not getting to hug my son for 2 years. I don't blame you for holding on... :-)

Cindy said...

Thanks Linda!! Its all I can do to not go in the next room this morning and wake him up!! I want to hold on some more!!!

Lisa said...

Such great pictures, Cindy! I remember this excitement and pure joy! Keep holding on. He looks wonderful (taller!). So glad for Skype/Facetime with Rob & all. Love to your whole family!

Kim said...

Absolutely loved seeing and reading thru this post, Cindy! Made me cry!! I'm so happy for you, for Brian and for your entire family! Well done (all of you) and WELCOME HOME Brian!

Judy said...

He looks great! And love the smiles on everyone's faces - yours the biggest of all! Happy day!

Unknown said...

That is so awesome! You are positively glowing!!! And you must still be on cloud 9. Well done momma...you've done well...all your kids have served missions! Check that one off your goal list!!

Pam Hill said...

Oh, I can just feel your excitement and joy - it is tangible even through pictures! So fun to have him back.

PC Ehlert Family News said...

What a handsome boy! We're looking forward to seeing you all soon in St. George...Clark and Jenna? They look pretty happy too!