Welcome Home Elder Morrow

We had a big shock/surprise Thursday night when we were called into the Stake President's office and told that Bryson would be coming home on Saturday. A few minutes later, there was a phone call from Bryson and his mission president explaining the reasons for his early return. We were told that Bryson was a faithful and obedient missionary and that as he has been out on his mission and grown much closer to the spirit he has realized that he didn't fully complete his repentance process before leaving on his mission and he spoke with his mission president about some additional things and he agreed. We were reassured that this takes nothing away from all the good he has done on his mission and in fact, we are quite proud of Bryson for the courage this took. He said it was much more important to him to be right with the Lord than how he was viewed by man. What a humble, faithful attitude and we couldn't be happier with this way of thinking. 

Although there were tears and a little bit of heart break for what we thought he would miss out on, the peace and smile on his face as he rounded the corner at the airport taught me the greatest lesson on Grace that I had ever had in this life. This peace is truly the Lord's grace made possible only by the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I am grateful to Bryson for this learning and testimony of grace. 

The hugs after almost 16 months were AMAZING and it is truly wonderful to have him home with us. We love him so much and he truly came back a changed man!

Employee of the YEAR

Nick had an amazing surprise when he went to work this morning. They had a property wide meeting and were going through all the usual business. Then at the end (after he had asked his boss if he should head out and the get the farm ready to open but she told him not to worry about that and to just hang around for the rest of the meeting) they announced they were going to do the Employee and Manager of the year awards. To Nick's great surprise, HE was the winner of the Employee of the Year award for the whole property...which included a $2500 bonus. WOW! They said he won it for a lot of reasons but some of them were that people would call and tell them that the reason they renewed their membership to the property was because of Nick at the farm. He is helpful, kind and friendly and always willing to go above and beyond. They have received many calls complimenting Nick and people wanting to share the experience they had with Nick. He is the youngest winner of the Employee of the Year ever.

We're sure proud of him and sure wish we could've been there to see him receive this but I'm thankful to whomever took this picture! :)

Love These Girls

We sit with the Spencer's at church every Sunday so we can help with the little girls and this week they were enjoying brushing Hailey's hair with the brushes in the purses we bring for them. They love Hailey's long hair and Hailey loves getting her hair brushed so it's a win-win. :)

 Nick was feeling a little sad and left out so Lynlee gave him some good snuggles so he wouldn't be sad. :)

 Then Ellie joined in on the snuggles as well so all was right in Nick's world. :)

Softball

I always wanted a baseball or softball player in the family and it looks like I may get one in a daughter-in-law. I'll take it! :) She's a heck of a player too...first baseman and home run hitter!

Proper Dance Attire

It wouldn't be a school dance without some amazing clothing...haha. Such a fun group!

Elder Standefer's Homecoming

Elder Standefer was one of Bryson's favorite missionaries. They were never companions but their companionships shared a house and they were instant best friends. Just like Elder Wright, Elder Standefer gave an AMAZING homecoming talk where the spirit was so strong! It was fun to also get to meet another one of Bryson's former companions, Elder Paulson (on the far left in the picture below). Getting to meet and talk with these guys makes us feel so much closer to Bryson and we love all the stories they tell!!

My Favorite Farmboy

Hailey went out and took some pictures of Nick taking care of Kevin and the other cows on the property today. I love this farm boy!!!!!

 Of course, all farm boys know how to strike a pose. :)