I’m shutting down Michelle Hartley Photography, but I’ll still be working so don’t leave! Instead click here to visit my new business – Brian and Michelle Photography – where I’ll be specializing on newborn portrait sessions and my best friend (Brian) and I will work together on photo sessions for families, children, couples, and seniors.
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(Written by Brian) Our eldest son, Taylor, is about to turn 19 years old.
Which is a little hard to believe given that he was only born, like … just a few minutes ago.
When Taylor was a newborn, we presented him to the Elders of our church for a name and a blessing. On that day, I said to Michelle: “Only nineteen more years and he’ll go on a mission.”
She punched me in the arm.
When Taylor was eight years old, he was baptized, and on that day, I said: “Only eleven more years and he’ll be leaving for his mission.”
Michelle punched me twice.
Over the years, that has become a bit of a family joke. Now, the joke is over and game time is here.
Why is Taylor going on a mission? Two reasons: 1. We’ve taught him that he should serve a mission when he turns nineteen. 2. He wants to go. He’s prepared himself for this day his whole life. Not only does he want to go, but he’s anxious to have left already.
Why do young Mormon men, and women, serve missions in general? Here’s a link that explains why.
Why Samara Russia is Suddenly Important to Us
Last Thursday, Taylor received his mission call in the mail.
In our church, missions are assigned, not requested. Taylor submitted paperwork to LDS Church headquarters a few weeks ago indicating that he was willing to serve. Part of the willingness to serve, is that you be willing to go wherever assigned.
So, we had some friends over and Taylor opened his envelope and read: “You are assigned to labor in the Russia Samara Mission…”
Russia?!?! Wow.
That’s so cool!
You have to learn to speak Russian!
Not only do you have to learn Russian, but a whole new alphabet!
Suddenly the Metropolitan area of Samara Russia is important to our family.
We read about Samara on Wikipedia. As well as the Samara Flag (pictured above with Taylor), which has its own history.
I even used Google Translate to figure out how to pronounce Russia and missionary in Russian.
Also, how to spell and pronounce the name of the city, Samara:
Taylor is thrilled. We’re thrilled. We’ll all be even more thrilled once he’s there, in Russia, working hard.
Are there risks? Sure. But there are risks living in Oklahoma.
Will he be cold? Yes, he will. But a cold winter wind on the High Plains is nothing to put shorts on for either.
Bottom line is that he’ll be where he needs to be, doing what he needs – and wants – to be doing.
[Written by Brian] The first signs of Spring are showing up in Oklahoma City. Trees blooming, grass growing, noses responding to allergy season.
I like this time of year. My nose is undecided.
For example, I like that the sun rises earlier. It gives me comfort to know that the sun is shining down around us while Michelle and I make sure that the window shades still work well enough to let us sleep in.
What I like most, though, is the approach of April. A few important things happen in our home every year at this time of year. The coming of Aprils are always marked by:
1. Michelle’s birthday (actually the end of March)
2. The General Conference broadcast of our church wherein we attend church from the comfort of our living room (thank you Internet!) while the kids play and pretend to listen, and…
3. Our wedding anniversary in mid-April
This year, Michelle and I will celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary.
It’s kind of a big deal.
Every post is better with a photo, so here’s one that was taken a few years ago.
It was a spontaneous photo that Michelle’s mom took. We were posing for a photo, but between shots we had this moment of playfulness.
It’s one of my favorites.
The kids and I came down to visit with my parents for a couple weeks. We have a lot planned, part of which is teaching my mom to use her camera. I like teaching others because it helps solidify my own knowledge. The kids played models while she practiced. Here are some of the photos that I took.
And here are some photos that I took while the kids were playing one evening. They were so funny with all of their “poses”. It’s ironic that when we aren’t trying to take their photos, they REALLY want to have their photo taken. What can I say, I obliged. 
