My baby brother Chandler was called to serve in the Knoxville Tennessee mission. I was able to fly home to Idaho to see him off and say goodbye. When I arrived home, I was greeted by two new additions to the family.
This is the new kitten, called Kittie. I am not a really a cat person but I grew quite attached to the sweet little feline.
This is Brutus, the new Pomeranian pup. He is a really great dog. I wanted to bring him back to Florida to be friends with Zuri. But now that the once home of six people has become a home of 3, I think my Mom will need these new additions to keep her company.
While I was home, I was able to help decorate the house for Christmas. This was a real treat for me since there isn't much room for a real Christmas tree in our little condo back east. My mom has the absolutely most perfect spot for a Christmas tree in her house. It has its own corner in the center of the wall framed by three windows where is can be seen from all angles. It really felt like I was home for the holidays. The night I arrived we all went to my sister's Christmas Program put on by her art school. She did great!
The next day I was able to go through the temple with Chandler. It was wonderful to be able to have both my parents, my brother Jared, both Grandma's and several aunts and uncles there all together. We all agreed it was a very special experience. That night Chandler had a few friends over and we all played some card games. We stayed up really late laughing, competing, and consuming large quantities of mint chocolate chip brownies.
I woke up with the worst stomach ache ever. Those brownies did not agree with me at all. After I was able to get them to pass through my system by several means, which wasn't very fun, I felt much better.
Chandler did a great job on his talk, and I came to the realization that my baby brother was well on his way to becoming a man. The rest of us (Dad, Mom, Jared, Chelacie and I) all sang a beautiful song called The Olive Tree. After sacrament we gathered with friends and family at the community center for lunch, treats, and socializing. It was great to be with so many of those close to us, and I know their support means so much much to Chandler.
Monday I helped Chandler pack and get his room clean. Mom, Dad, Chandler and I all went to see the new Narnia. Yep it is the 3rd one. Can you believe it? This was the last movie Chandler wanted to see before he leaves. That night he was set apart as a missionary.
The next morning we (Mom, Dad, Chandler and I) all headed out for Utah.
On the way we stopped to visit with both grandma's so we could both see them one more time.
That night we stayed at Aunt Shauna's house. She made a fabulous dinner for us with steak, potatoes, salad, and rolls
The next morning they dropped me off at the airport and continued the drive to Provo to drop Chandler off at the MTC.
It was so wonderful to be home and I wish I could have stayed longer. I think I am ready to move closer to home.
