Brett

Last, but certainly not least, is our wonderful son, Brett. He is serving a mission at the moment in California. We are so thankful he is a part of our family. What would we do without Brett? He has been out on his mission for a year now and is on the backside. I always have conflicted feelings when our sons are just about to come home. We give them to the Lord to take care of, they struggle, they get discouraged, they grow in testimony and strength, and they are happier then they have ever been in their lives, and we hate to have that window close. Of course, we all serve the Lord, but a mission is more focused I think. I remember when Brion was released from his mission in the Stake President's office when he hugged Nick he was shedding a few tears. Nick told him there are even better things to come. Then in the Timpanogos Temple when Brion and Amie got married and Nick and Brion hugged, Brion realized that what was said was true. And so it has been for all of our sons and son-in-law and it will be so for Brett as well. I will tell you this though, this mother's heart is certainly full with gratitude for the kind of son that Brett is. This is at the MTC. I love this picture so much.

This is when Brett was about 1 1/2 years old. He has always loved animals, gardening (as our neighbors can tell it has been neglected since he left) and just being a homebody. Although, we use to have what we called "Brett alerts". Brett had a tendency to escape and it was difficult to keep track of him. One time we couldn't find him and had looked all over the neighborhood. Finally, Jarom went down to the softball fields by the park which was a good choice because as he was walking towards the stands there were Brett's shoes and socks, a little ways down was his shirt and Jarom thought, "he is not going to have any clothes on!!" But he found him before he could remove his pants. That is why I confess that I have to dye my hair. BTW, that is our cat in the background and she is still alive.

I love this picture. Brett is always happy, very seldom onery. I remember taking him to swimming lessons when he was about 4 or 5 and they would play ring-around-the-rosy and then go under the water. Well, he was always smiling and laughing even when he went under and then when he came up he was still smiling!!! I think they had to refill the pool each time he got out for all the water he swallowed~~~Ewww

Brett and Scott have been close and he wanted Scott to baptize him. Brett's very good friend, Mark Pratt was baptized the same day by his brother Scott as well.

Here Brett is outside the Timpanogos Temple

This was a neat experience for Brett~~For graduation we gave him a church history trip that the American Fork seminaries put on each year for graduating seniors. All of our neices as well as Kim went on them. They travel by bus and visit every church history spot clear to Sharon, Vermont. Plus they take in a play on Broadway and a baseball game in NYC. Here he is at Kirtland with John and Carol Cluff. Brett has always loved the Cluffs.

Here is Brett's LA mission president and his wife.

These next few pictures are of the MTC

I love this picture, it should be a postcard, don't you think?

This was his first area, Compton, California. He loved this area.

We are so grateful that the Lord blessed us with Brett. He has brought so much joy and happiness to our family and we love him more than tongue can tell.