June 19, 2013 - MTC Day

 The big day finally came. Shad was to report to the new MTC West campus in Provo between 11:45am-12:30pm.

The night before, the Cook house pulled an all night packing party. Mom would add extra items to Shad's suitcase she "knew" he would "one day be grateful for". As soon as Mom turned her back, Shad would sneak the items out. Then as soon as Shad turned his back, Mom found a new place in the suitcase for these "much needed" items. You know....Tylenol...Bandaids....an iron....bleach tablets...Tums...etc. This continued most of the night & the later it got, the funnier it was! Clay & Cole were the gophers until they finally fell asleep on Shad's bedroom floor around 2:00am.

Morning arrived too quickly. We loaded the car and headed to Grammy & Grandad's house for family pictures and a special father's blessing.

Final Family Pictures

Of course we had to show our true colors! :)

Cole, Shad & Clay

(While everyone is still smiling!)

Shaina & Shad

Shad trying to get one last giggle out of his lil sis! It worked!

He couldn't resist! :)

 

Rett & Shad

 

Buddies & Bros!

Grandad & Grammy (Lewis) with Shad. 

Brunch at iHop. There were a lot of other families having a last meal with their missionaries. We enjoyed greeting them & finding out where each were going to serve. One girl on her way to the MTC walked past our booth & asked Shad where he was going. She was on her way to Kansas. She asked Shad what language he would be speaking. When he replied "Armenian", she squealed "ME TOO!!!!" She spun around & skipped back to her family. She was so excited. We think she didn't really hear him. Armenian in Kansas??? But then again, Armenian in California??? :) We thought it was pretty funny. It was great to feel the energy of all the new missionaries on their way to the MTC.

Cole helping Dad load Shad's suitcases. Uncle Todd, thanks for letting us borrow your car so we could all squeeze in to drop him off.

Shad stepping onto the MTC grounds for the first time. Actually....the second time. Aunt Kristie (paparazzi) made him get back in the car & step out again because she missed the shot!

Goodbyes are hard, but we know Shad is where the Lord would have him be. 

We are grateful for his testimony & desire to serve a mission.

 

"Bye Shaddie." He's really leaving now.

There he goes...

One last shot...

Just kidding, one more!

Missionary Pictures

Now that the official call is here,

time for some awesome missionary pictures!

We were so lucky to have the talented Moxie Photography take them for us. 

Thanks guys! You're the best!

Title of this first one courtesy of Grammy Pammy

The Call

February 9, 2013

Beginning in mid-January, you could find Shad's family waiting anxiously for the mailman to bring his mission call. Truth be told, each Wednesday Tracy (Shad's mom) was waiting for the mailman with camera in hand to forever preserve the big moment when the call finally came. February 6, we were sure the call would come. No such luck, the mailman was empty-handed. Tracy left to run a few errands. When she came home, there it was propped up inside the screen door. We still aren't sure exactly how it got there.

Shad was attending Snow College (70 miles away) and wouldn't be home until Friday. The call found a temporary home in the top cupboard. :) Because Shad wanted as many family & friends as possible to come for the "grand opening", he chose to wait until Saturday evening. The Sam's in CA and Ashely from her high school Sweethearts dance were able to participate in the big moment via FaceTime.

 Grandad thought he could pay Shad back for hiding his call when it came!

 

Shad's friends anxiously waiting.

 Let's start already!

Deep breath....

 Arcadia California...Armenian Speaking

 Wait....WHAT???

Who guessed closest? 

Bella!!!!!

And so it begins...