"Do the Mormon Rap..."

Baking Brownies

Jared and Melissa are so hospitably letting us stay at their house 'till I report to the MTC on Wednesday and my two companions fly home to Texas. Tonight we had Family Home Evening, so Jared and Mackayla made brownies for the treat!

Jared measured

Mackayla stirred

...and Bradley licked the bowl!

They're such a cute family!
Thanks for letting us crash with you guys in your wonderful new house!

DOWN in Manti

Manti, Utah is home to My uncle Jay and his wife, Danon, The Manti Temple, and the Mormon Miracle Pageant!

After we arrived in Utah, we headed down south about two hours to this fun little town. When we got there, we were greeted by this cute little motel...

It's just reminding all who come into town to C.T.R.-- or Choose the Right! What a great reminder!

This temple was the third operating temple, and it was dedicated on May 23 {my half birthday} of 1888. And it is just stunning! My mom, dad, Aunt Danon, and I went to the 5:30 session Saturday night. The inside woodwork is completely breathtaking!

Super Cute!

Group shot!

Sunday, we went to their 9 o'clock church meeting, came home, snacked, napped, and talked, and then went to my cousin Celeste's home in Moroni.

Shalynn made Zupas tomato soup with pasta... It was SO yummy!

Celeste made fresh bread, and when we walked in the door, her house smelled just like a bakery!

Piper got a manicure from Abby and Janey... Lucky duck!

And here she is again... Just too cute-- especially since she shares my birthday!

The family that bakes together, stays together! This is one that will be together forever! :)

We left Monday morning to head up to Provo, but...

We had so much fun in Manti Saturday and Sunday...
Thanks, you guys, for such a great time!

I Love the Bookstore!

After lunching it up with Michelle, my two companions and I went to the BYU Bookstore where we saw all sorts of neat things!

I absolutely LOVE this quote!

Daddy found a hat to keep him warm at soccer games!

And on our way out, we saw these ducks... just playing in the snow by the Wilkenson Center. I LOVE ducks!

We also got the obligitory MTC pictures by the entrance!

Two more days and counting!

Michelle... My Bell!

Michelle and I were roommates at King Henry my sophomore year first semester-- we were fast friends, and two of the three that made up S3!

She married Patrick two Decembers ago, and I was lucky enough to be able to spend time with her down in Dallas when they moved there for the last year! This semester, they moved back up here, and so we went to Zupas {one of our favorite lunch places} for a 'see ya later' lunch!

I just adore her-- She has such a sweet spirit about her, she always tries at everything she does, and she is one of those people who is just fun to be around!

loves!

Bye, Michelle...
I'll see you in a year-and-a-half-- Don't forget to write! :)

So, Utah... We Meet Again!

Saturday morning came waaay too early, and after staying up all night to finalize my packed suitcase and clean my mess of a room, we made it to the airport at about 8:20 for our 9:30 flight.

This was taken just before bidding 'adieu' to Cam, Trev, and Lance. Kevin and Audrey were still sawing logs at this point... and who could blame them? It was rather early!

There are two notable things about this picture:

1.) I am wearing not one, but TWO coats along with my snow boots

2.) I have one checked suitcase, one small carry-on suitcase, and a messenger bag for the next year-and-a-half. My dad made the comment, "You've packed less for your mission than you have for most two-week vacations!"
Can I get some applause, please? :)

We landed in Salt Lake, and after sleeping lightly {or not at all!} the night before, we were all exhausted. We stopped at Hires Big H for some super chilled rootbeer in a mug and burgers. mmm... delicioso!

... Here we go!

Farewell to Dallas

It all started Thursday night at our church building when I was set apart as

Sister LeSueur

We all gathered together in President Alleman's office at 7:30. The whole gang was there plus Brother Bowman who Lance home taught with my Dad once.

Group Shot!

After the 'setting apart', Audrey {who was so cute} was just too happy to get out of her dress!

Dessert was a cake that looked like a missionary name tag. Cam and Kevin are too creative!


Friday was my going-away party. It was so much fun to see all those I love there to wish me well!

The Floyds were there... I've known them since forever!

...and so were the Thrashers. I love these two!

The Prosper Relief Society was in attendance-- What wonderful ladies!

Linda Higbee and I are kindred spirits... One of the little girls kept giving her necklaces :)

I love these little ones!

I made snowman cake pops to match my 'winter wonderland' theme...

They turned out pretty cute!

We also served:

• Chicken cordon-bleu
• Chicken-salad croissants
• Mini quiche
• Spinach-artichoke dip with toasted bread rounds
• A veggie tray

After the party, Trevor and Kaylee came home and helped finish off the food.

...bread-bowl and all!

Audrey was just so tired after entertaining all night!

so we rock-a-byed!

Trevor and his new main-squeeze

Since I was set apart, Daddy ensured Lance and I kept the proper distance after the party ;)

Nancy Vrska and Carla Scott quilted me this beautiful quilt with wool batting. In the corner it says,

Chelsea LeSueur
Ohio Columbus Mission
2010 - 2011
"I'll go where you want me to go, dear Lord"

...I LOVE it!

We've had a really fun couple of days!

Guess what came in the mail today...

Grandma Jones knitted me a scarf to keep me warm in Ohio, and IT CAME TODAY!!!

I LOVE IT so much--

Thanks, Grandma!
I'm so glad I know someone SO talented!

My bracelet

My charm bracelet is one of my favorite things in this world! So, knowing this, my wonderful family got me a couple of charms to have with me when I'm away from them!

It's getting full... I love it!

Lance gave me this puzzle piece charm for two reasons.
1) I "complete him" haha
2) I'm worried I'm going to get Alzheimers when I'm older because I hate puzzles, sudoku, crosswords, etc. which are all the things you're supposed to do to keep your mind fresh-- so, he said he would help me out with them and get me to love them!

Cam, Kevin, and Audrey gave me the Dutch snowflake charm. It's to help me remember that underneath the snow, are the flowers that will eventually come up, because winter always gives way to spring :)

And Mom, Dad, and Trevor gave me this Texas charm, because my heart does, and always will belong to Texas!

I just LOVE these charms, and I'm so thankful to have such thoughtful people who love me!

Deck the Halls

My mama began collecting ornaments when Tick-Tock would give her ornaments for us kiddos, beginning when my sister was a baby. The tradition was perpetuated when we went to San Antonio as a family in November of 1993 and she bought ornaments-- one for each of us. This whole thing sort of came full circle when, in San Antonio with Lance, I bought my own ornaments for my future Christmas tree!

There are two of them-- the first one says,
"The stars At Night Are Big and Bright..."

and the second one says,

"Deep in the heart of TEXAS!"

Tradition and Texas pride...
They're beautiful things! :)