January 2024

 Welcome 2024! I enjoyed another super early morning temple visit.

We went to KOU.

And our winter break ended. The boys and I went back to a new semester at school. I finally got my culture word wall up in the classroom.

We had family home evening. 

Timmy was busy all year at school as an SBO. Here he is hosting the Superintendent.

Mark was busy with Stake Conference. The visiting general authority asked for a primary and youth service project. We made toy cars.

Brian's friend Ava asked him to Sweethearts Dance so he answered with her favorite drink.

Mark decided he wanted a swim spa so he got right to work prepping the backyard for it. When Mark decides he wants to do something he gets it done.

The end of January brought the passing of my dear sweet Grandma Joyce at the age of 100. Remembering her and celebrating her life was a blessing. She brought so much to this world. To my world. 

I hope my boys remember her forever. She taught us all how to love with joy. She taught us the importance of showing people that they matter. No one could ask questions and get people talking about themselves better than Grandma Joyce. And when they talked she listened and remembered all the details. She taught us how to have fun and showed us that laughter is always a good remedy for any ailment. She was classy, funny, smart, beautiful, musical, artistic, and was a force for good anywhere and everywhere. I miss her and love her and will always hold dear my experiences with my Grandma Joycie.

December 2023

School and church mixed a bit in December with the Christmas gift drive for our less privileged students. I helped at school during the week and then on Saturday we went to help as a family for our Stake assignment. Here my boss (school principal) is chatting with my family while we were there for church. I do enjoy being part of our wonderful community in both capacities.

During school, the Student Government continued with the Gold Rush Fundraiser events. The candy cane grams were a success!

The Senior Soda Bar was also a hit!

We finished up the Gold Rush Fundraiser raising thousands of dollars for our Teen Center and Scholarship Fund. We ended with a final assembly where teachers and admin got dunked, games were had and hair was shaved.

Timmy decided to make Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup for a school project so he and Mark experimented to create some pretty authentic deliciousness!

I love when we can take a little time together as a family. We made it downtown for Christmas.

Geography continued onward. Not sure why I took this picture. I think I was experimenting with seat arrangements in my classroom. This was first period. It was always super sparse and super quiet.

The ward Christmas party had some pretty awesome decor!

The primary kids love the pipe chimes during December.

We hosted Student Government at our house for a holiday party. It was a nice way to regroup and enjoy a fun time.

This was the last Christmas we visited and played for Grandma Joyce. She passed away about a month later. I am glad my boys got to know her and she could be part of their lives.

The Christmas Eve Nativity at the Ranch is always the best!

We gave the boys a trip to Hawaii this year, but they still got a few things to open on Christmas morning.

Prepping the Prime Rib for Christmas dinner!

We did some fun things with family during the break. The kids went to the trampoline park.

To the Kamas rec center.

Bowling and arcade games where Timmy found a prize with his same name.

And mark continued to give more attention to his nephew than any other kid I have seen.

We finished out 2023 with a youth quad stake dance and a party at the ranch.

Goodbye 2023! It was certainly a crazy year of learning and growth for me. I am grateful for all the opportunities I was given and so grateful for Heavenly Father's guidance. Sometimes in the thick of hard things I wonder why I am doing those things. Then as I look back I see many of the reasons and blessings. He knows me. He knows what I need. He knows what my family needs. We are blessed beyond measure.