Happy Birthday!!

December 16th is a pretty busy time. Two of Andy's cousins have birthdays today, Alan on the Harris side and Sydnie on the Wells side both were born on this day in 1988 and turn 20 today. Congratulations!

But that isn't the best part of this day, Andy is! The following year, 1989, Andy joined our family. Anyone that knows Andy knows that he loves to laugh and I'm sure his first chuckle was when he decided to have this day as his birthday. He's been enjoying humor and laughter ever since.

We had a birthday party on Sunday evening when we could all get together. Vivian made Andy's favorite cake, spice cake, and then with Aud and Viv's help, S and X1 helped to decorate it with all sorts of sparkles and mini dinosaurs.


Of course what good is a cake if you can't help blow out the candles.

The Moment of Truth - Andy's Call!!

Andy Reads his Call

November 19, 2008 Andy call arrived today and after gathering the family together (Jake was still working), Andy opened his letter from President Monson inviting him to serving in the Arizona Tucson mission and will enter the MTC on January 28, 2009. What a special blessing it is to be able to serve a mission. Andy has been excited to receive this call. The mission covers the lower part of Arizona, lower part of New Mexico and the area surrounding El Paso, Texas.

Congratulations Andy!!

The Delay

Normally you are allowed to submit your mission papers 90 days before your 19th birthday. For Andy this would be September 16 but, during the process of completing his application, Andy had pain behind his left eye. After some tests and MRI's he has been diagnosed with "relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis" (which is the non agressive form) and now is on a medication to help deter future exacerbations or flare ups. Andy is awesome and has faced this challenge head on. The doctor has recommended that Andy serve his mission in a temperate climate, where he has access to his medicine and health care. Getting all of this done has taken time and as a result his papers were submitted early November.

Ordination to an Elder in the Priesthood

Andy with Mom & Dad

Andy with Grandma & Grandpa Wells

Andy with Grandma & Grandpa Harris

September brought the first step for Andy, his ordination to be an Elder in the Priesthood. After the ordination we enjoyed the wonderful day outside and we ate lunch/dinner outside on the lawn and visited with family. The next step is the submission of his mission papers.