Dear Brooks,

Today we went to Grandma and Grandpa Kjar's ward for church. :)

Daddy grew up in that ward so many people know of his amazing voice.

Being that today is Pioneer Day here in Utah (celebrating the trek of Mormon pioneers to the Salt Lake Valley back in the 19th century), Dad was asked to sing a solo in church..."Come, Come Ye Saints." He did a beautiful job! I was so proud to be sitting with you on my lap, and to be listening to my sweet husband (your sweet Daddy) bare his testimony through song. The Spirit was so strong...especially during the last verse...Collene (the amazing pianist) stopped playing and Daddy sang these words a cappella:

"And should we die before our journey's through,

Happy day! All is well!

We then are free from toil and sorrow, too;

With the just we shall dwell!

But if our lives are spared again

To see the saints their rest obtain,

O how we'll make this chorus swell,

All is well! All is well!"

In every footstep, those pioneers showed God that they were ever-faithful, they were dedicated, and they loved Him with all of their hearts. They were willing to sacrifice anything and everything for Him. Brooks, we are so blessed to live in a time and place where we have religious freedoms in our beautiful country, and when the church is growing and spreading throughout the world. Those inspiring pioneers blazed the trail for us.

I love you forever sweet boy!! And I'm so grateful that we can look to those pioneers and be inspired to be better!

Love always,

Mom