A Soldier Returns

Ok, so before reading anymore... you might want to grab a tissue! 

My mother in law has reenlisted in the Army.  Not very many "grandmas" are in the Army, let alone get deployed to IRAQ for a YEAR!  But my daughter Kaylee is Grandma Lynns biggest fan.  And has missed her grandma SOOO much.  Lynn was deployed last fall, and gave Kaylee a necklace she was wearing to keep it safe for the year she would be gone.  Kaylee hung it up in her room where her brothers or friends couldn't reach it.  Anytime she missed her grandma, she would get it down and hold it or even on occasion, sleep with it!  GOOD NEWS!   
SGT.  Grandma Lynn Brothersen just came HOME!!!!!!

We kept it a secret from Kaylee and Konnor.  It was hard.  But we did it!  So... Grandma decided she wanted to surprise her small, but big fan at school!  We got permission from her teacher a month ago, and then the day came last Thursday for the big surprise.  We got there and I poked my head around the classroom door, luckily the teacher saw me, and Kaylee did not.  Her teacher had the kids get on the rug quickly, and then THIS HAPPENED:

 

And this...

All of the adults in the room were crying!  Kaylee was too! 
She was beaming to see her grandma come into her class to see her. 

Lynn then got the big map out and showed the class where Iraq was.  One little girl in the class shared that BOTH her mom and dad were in the Army and in Iraq.  This sweet, little, brave girl was living with her Grandma while they were away. 
I was crying just listening to her share that!  What a sacrifice!

Then Sgt. Brothersen taught the class how to stand at attention and then salute!  Might I add, one of Kaylee's classmates saluted Lynn as soon as she walked in the room without being prompted!  And not seeing the boy do it, Kaylee saluted Lynn also!  I hope my children continue to have respect for our soldiers and a love of our beautiful country as they grow up!

 Then she taught the class how to do push-ups!  (not the girl kind either!)

 Lynn said to the class... "If you smile then you can do even MORE push-ups!"  Kaylee began to smile so big she was laughing!

 Below is Kaylee, Lynn, Konnor, and Grandpa Keith.  We decided to take Kaylee out of school a little early to spend some time with Grandma!  And for those of you wondering... "When we got home, Kaylee gave grandma her pretty turquoise necklace back and said, "Here is your necklace, I kept it safe for you, and I am so happy you are home."

It was a day Kaylee will NEVER forget.  Just knowing her grandma loves her so much, and coming to her class as the hero she is, will stay in our hearts and minds forever!  We love you Lynn and are SO thankful you are home safe!  Now we just need to get Uncle Jake home from Afghanistan safely!

God bless America and God bless our troops!