My youngest brother, Adam, left on Wednesday to the Missionary Training Center to begin his mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
He'll be there for five weeks before leaving to serve in the Czech Republic/Slovakia Mission. Man are they lucky to get him! I really can't express how special this guy is to me. Adam, although the youngest of our family is so mature and teaches all of us with his wit and wisdom. He is so clever. Adam is one of the most tender-hearted people I know. He has a way about him that makes you smile and laugh at his jokes and feel so relaxed around him. He has surprised me multiple times with clothing offerings he picked out just for fun. He gives so much of himself. We'll miss him but man! we're so proud of him and thrilled for what he's embarking on!
We spent the Saturday before he left as a family; neon mini golf, lunch, temple session and a trip to Springville to La Casita Mexican Restaurant. We ate here as kids, it's the smallest little house turned delicious dive. If you're lactose intolerant steer clear-you want cheese-you got it!
Adam gave a wonderful farewell talk. Special treat was my Dad being the assigned High Council member for the ward so we got to hear him speak with Adam. Both did fantastic! We gathered to have treats and Adam picked dinner, a Jaynes Sunday staple-Spaghetti!
Wednesday we sat gathered in Adam's room helping him pack, laughing and listening to veteran missionary stories from brothers. Dropping him off at the MTC was quick and soon he was off doing bigger and better things. Adam worked hard to purchase all his clothing and supplies for his two-year mission. He picked some beautiful things and looks like Adam; stylish and modern. His Blue suit stood out against the sea of black around him. He should stand out. He's a born leader, He's different and others will soon be able to find him in a crowd because they will see a difference in him-the light of Christ in his countenance.
Off goes Elder Jaynes...Going, Going, Off to bigger and better things. He'll be back before we know it. I'm so excited to hear from him and what he's experiencing. Love you Bud!
Christmas Day has become one of my favorite holiday memories and I've had a lot of wonderful Christmas Memories. Mr. Finch and I started out our day exchanging gifts under our Christmas tree. I gave him mostly things from our "wish lists" with the exception of the Planet Earth DVD's. Mr. Finch surprised me with my wildest dreams-fabric and a bird cage! He found a bird cage that is better than any I ogled before! I didn't get a great shot of the fabric but had to share-pillows to come soon!
Next we packed up food and gifts for our loved ones and hit the road! First was my parents home for brunch. My brother Adam leaves for his mission Jan. 23rd-he requested some more "grown up" brunch items or gourmet as we interpreted it. I definitely ate more Christmas Day then even Thanksgiving. Everyone brought their offerings and it was beyond delicious. My mom's scrupmtious sticky bun cinnamon rolls, fingerling purple and yellow potatoes, sweet potato hash, and what the boys requested-meat! My mom also made this amazing vegetable pizza with spicy hollandaise sauce. Holly/Tyson brought the ham, Matt/Kate made orange julius', Jared/Carrilyne brought a huge tray off brownies, breads and goodies, our offering was deviled eggs, steamed artichokes, and we tried prosciutto wrapped cantelope with basalmic. There was so much more too! We feasted! Opening presents was so much fun. All my siblings like myself have developed a pure love of giving. We were all so excited to give what we'd made, selected and prepared for eachother. We laughed and smiled with pure joy as we gave. But man did we get spoiled! I'm looking forward to the year of dates and activities from the pass of all passes we got from my parents! Everyone gave such amazing things-thank you, thank you! I have to mention my brother Adam and sister Shelley's gift. Every picture you've ever seen on my blog or i've taken were with Adam's camera. He's been so kind to let me "borrow" his camera. Because we haven't had a camera we don't always showcase everything and everywhere because the camera stayed with Adam. With him leaving on his mission the two of them paired up and gave us a new nikon! It's so much more than a gift-they've given our family a memory catcher. Thank you!
The picture below showcases our "kids tree" at my parents. I failed to take a picture of my mom's other tree-it's amazing! Basically professionally done-decorators at taipan watch out! But growing up we had trees overloaded with our ornaments. My mom never turned down an ornament we made and presented her with. Even if we had colored it orange and purple-she proudly placed it next to her crystal icicles.
After the Jaynes' we headed to the Finch's. We feasted again on shrimp cocktails and anything you could ask for! Stuffed, we exchanged gifts and enjoyed each other's company. I'm sure i'll post future pics of my beautiful trays and new lovelies I received. Merry Christmas indeed. The mister and I are sure blessed with amazing family and friends. We feel overwhelmed by the end of the day with everyone's generous and thoughtful gifts. A long day--i'm glad it lasted so long! Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!
