Mission Call

All of my family met at my In-Laws last night for them to open their long awaited mission call. We had all predicted different areas in the United States, as we were told that is where they would be serving. Imaging the surprise on everyone's faces as they were called to the Ontario, Canada Mission! After the initial shock had worn off, I think mom and dad were happy with the call. They will enter the MTC on Monday, March 2nd. It will be great for everyone to have them serving on a mission. What an awesome example they are setting.

The waiting begins................
the tension mounts......................
the anticipation grows....................
holding the breath..........................
what the @#$%!................................
Dumbstruck.........................
Dazed..........................
Doubt...................
Drinking it in........................
Dis-enchanted by the hubby....................
Acceptance!
Delight!
Milton and Renae DeLeeuw (the other parents)
Mark, Kristine, Shelby, Elisha, Sydney & Ethan
Matt, Teran, Chase, Cami, Carson Chris, Kim, Jakob
Jon, Kellye, Tymber, Tyme, Kenya
The Ward Clan

Claiming the "escape of gas"!

Sydney's Persistance Pays Off

Sydney has a passion for acting. She was not able to try out for Musical Theater in the Spring of 2007 because she was in her school's performance of "Annie" during that time. It bothered her so much, that she decided she would do everything in her power to let the teacher know she really needed to be in her class. I gave her encouragement and said "let's see what happens". After Syd sent several e-mails, arranged for an "impromptu audition" for the class and meeting face to face with the teacher about her desires, she showed up to school on Monday to find out she was accepted into the class even though the term started 3 weeks ago. After re-arranging her schedule with the counselors, she is all settled into the new class. She is auditioning today for a part in the Spring musical and will be learning a dance after school to further try out for a part. I am so proud of Sydney taking charge of her destiny and doing this all by herself.

Shelby Shines

Shelby was selected to play her Viola in All-State. This is where they take the top musicians from the entire state of Utah (by audition) and perform an elite concert. She is playing at Abravelnal Hall in Salt Lake on Saturday, September 24th. Quite the honor. She has put countless hours of practicing into this. She is even at a High School in Murray from 9a.m. - 9 p.m. today. What dedication.

On another note about Shelby. I received a letter in the mail from AF High School notifying me that Shelby was chosen by the Staff and Administration to be the student of the month for January! Way to go Bo!

Christmas Eve 2008

We spent Christmas Eve with Mark's family this year. We had a wonderful dinner and had the Nativity Scene reenacted for us by all of the grand children and then exchanged gifts.

Mark had just had surgery and everyone was joking around with him. He was a really good sport about it.

The kid's love doing the Nativity Scene. It gets more and more elaborate every year, and the kids start deciding who is going to play who next year before this year is even over.

All of Mark's brothers were there this year which makes it just that much more fun. It is really fun to see all the brothers get together. They have so much fun together and there is never a dull moment. The cousins all have such a good time together also.

Ice Skating - Finally

I tried taking Sydney and Chase ice skating in November for their b-days. We drove all the way to the rink and found out there was something wrong with the ice so they had to close the place. Major letdown. We tried again in January and had success. Ethan was a total pro at skating after only a couple times around the rink. His ADHD compelled him to try creative ways of skating. AKA - orange cones and "kiddie helpers". Syd and Chase loved skating in between their frequent breaks to eat snacks and text message friends! I took the lazy route and took pictures, read a magazine, ate snacks and froze my tail off in the facility!