The farewell...

Sunday May 10th was Loren's Farewell, and Mother's day, yep a double doozy. But, we all did good. Minimal tears from a family of complete bawl babies. Loren commented on how he took a public speaking class this last semester at school, and I think it really helped. Loren did AWESOME on his talk! I was so proud of him. He spoke on reverence and respect. He shared a few life experiences, one from when he was a deacon and had been goofing off with the other deacons in the ward during the preparation and the passing of the sacrament for a couple of weeks. Until one day when the priests from the ward pulled the deacons aside and told them to pulled together and stressed the importance and sacredness of the sacrament. It had taught him about reverence and respect.As Loren was sharing this story, I couldn't believe that my little brother, my little immature, deacon brother ,was a man now. A man going on a mission.

Loren and I at the party, We look so old.

Immediately afterwards he was set apart as a full time missionary. As he was being set apart the Stake Pres. in the blessing said some really neat things.It was a cool experience, minus Stellar screaming in my ear the whole time.

Loren with his Build-A-Bear missionary, one of his friends in Utah works there and made it for him.

After this we all went to my parents house for a Open House. We had yummy food, and lots of family and friends there. It was really nice to have everybody there, their love and support was definitely felt for Loren. I can't help but mention how neat it was to have my Dad's two best friends there. Randy Braden and Matt Brewster. These men mean a lot to me. They are both great friends to my Dad, both honorable priesthood holders and have been great examples to him, as well as support. In return my Dad has been a tremendous example to my brother, and myself.With my Dad being a convert to the church it is nice to have friends who are there to support him during these special times in our lives.

Randy Braden, My Dad, Matt brewster("Brewster")
Loren and his friend Jake, Jake and Loren went to High School together. Jake drove up to see him, which was very sweet and we were all thankful that he did.(He is going to school to be a massage therapist and gives a great neck rub!;)