Happy Early Birthday!

"Birthday Party with the Fam"

The Monday before he left (May 18th), we celebrated his birthday with extended family members. We had a "repeat meal" from the day before since we had plenty of left-overs. Then we enjoyed ice cream sundaes with candy toppings, since Chase isn't a big fan of birthday cake.

His birthday gifts included the normal Missionary items, such as scriptures, CTR ring, ties, a leatherman and money. Chase spent a lot of time shooting baskets in the month before he left. His shot was quite impressive! At the end of the b-day party, he played a very competitive game of "Toronto" (instead of "Horse") with Kyle in the front yard. Then, Jessica gave him one last haircut! He had heard all about the MTC cuts and didn't want anything to do with that!

The "Mission Talk"

Chase spoke in Sacrament Meeting on Sunday, May 17th....it was very special. He decided that instead of writing down a talk, he would speak from his heart, by the Spirit. His topic was "Temple Worthiness." He stood up in front of the congregation without a single word written down and bore a powerful testimony of the Temple and the Atonement. He had attended the Temple many, many times in the 2 months since he received his Endowment (including all of the Temples from Logan to Provo). He had gained a great love of the Temple and it came through in his testimony. He expressed gratitude for prayer and the power of praying for eachother as families. Rachel Povey sang a beautiful song, "Come Thou Fount" and it added so much to the wonderful message Chase had already given. The final speaker was a returned missionary, Steven Porter. What a great meeting!

(Elder Norton chilling with the Horne boys and Brocky-D!)

After we had lots of food at our house. So many family members and friends brought food--it was amazing! Because there were 5 farewell talks that day, and our's was last, most of Chase's friends left after his talk and congregated at another house. Needless to say, Chase was right in predicting that I didn't need to plan on so many people. But, I wasn't taking any chances with not having enough food....I know how many people love Chase!

Receiving his Endowment

Chase was excited and anxious to go the the Temple right after he received his call. On Thursday, March 26th we went to the Bountiful Temple with him for this wonderful event.

Where in the world will Chase go?

Chase received his mission call on March 18, 2009. He was very nervous to open it!

He went into the living room to open it by himself!

I'm going to the Toronto Canada West Mission...