What’s New With Mark?

Mark started out this year with a huge HUGE event of his life! He got ordained to be a deacon, which in our church means that he received the priesthood and officially became a Young Man. The rule is that you get to join the Young Men’s organization the year you turn 12, and although Mark’s birthday is not until December 28, he still gets to leave primary and be in youth. He was so excited for this change! In our ward, something like ten boys became deacons at the beginning of January. 

One wonderful thing for Mark is that you are allowed to enter the temple and do baptisms for the dead the year you turn twelve.


My two boys! Only a little over three years apart in age!

One Friday evening we went to the temple as a family and Robert was able to baptize all three kids for some of our ancestors. It was one of the sweetest experiences that I will never forget.

I actually have been very amazed with how much Mark is enjoying the young men's responsibilities such as administering the Sacrament, planning activities and conducting meetings. He is a solid young man according to his youth leaders--always ready to help and learn. I am very happy he is finding joy and friendships at church.

While I am on Mark’s page here, let me share a few more pictures. 

The school sent this picture with all of Mark’s school pictures taken at this school. Our cute Markovka is growing up! 

Also this winter, Mark made a decision to scale back his tennis training a tiny bit for two months and add basketball to the mix. It’s a great way to cross train, but it does make our life busier and makes him sacrifice some of the big winter tournaments as the games are on Saturdays. Mark was on the 11-12 team this year, as one of the younger kids. He did amazingly well, as expected! He is just naturally athletic and very fast. We absolutely love watching him! He actually scores quite a bit:)

He is number 12. The team name was “The Satellites”.

Mark has had quite an audience of people who came to see him play on separate occasions. Starting with Cameron and then Ms. Beickert, Caralyn (his tennis friend) and Waverly (his classmate and friend from the neighborhood). It’s always more fun when people come to support you! He has already decided he will be doing another season of basketball next year, probably one last time as the next level up plays on Sundays;).

And that’s how Mark has been spending his winter months:) 

Lyana.