December has been pretty fantastic! Here is what we've been up to.
Eve worked very hard to finish some very tough classes and she succeeded while also managing all the other ins and outs of adult life. Eve was offered a job on campus at the Environmental Science lab starting next semester. This will give her the work experience she will need to get a job after college. We felt that she was guided to inquire about this job and then given the job by a sequence of tender mercies (including a friend who mentioned it, took her for an impromptu interview, and all the details aligning.) BYU has been a great environment for her to learn and grow!
Eve will be switching apartments since Sabey is leaving on her mission next semester. She is excited that she will still be in the same ward and is so close to campus. Here are Eve and Sabey on their last Sunday together and a pic from Christmas Around the World.
Christian wrapped up his basketball season and is learning and growing a lot! I am grateful for his growth and his fun experiences.
Sheri performed in the Nutcracker at the Amarillo Civic Center. She had 8 performances in 4 days as well as tech and dress rehearsals the week of. She was cast as the trumpeter in the party scene, a candy cane, and a shepherdess. She was also able to step into the Waltz of the Flowers as an understudy for the last 4 performances. We were so grateful that her teacher trusted her to fill in. Many of the understudying girls were not used in other dances. Many of her friends and leaders came to support her including Jen & Marianne Hendricks, Tori & Brody Moncivais, Ashlyn, Alyssa, and Ava Barton, Cheryl Elliott, and her Theatre teacher, Ms. Cowden.
Sheri worked very hard during theatre week and gave beautiful performances! I volunteered at the Nutcracker booth and watched most of the performances. I never tire of watching my kids on stage!
By the end she had definitely earned her sleep!
Sheri also performed in church on her flute and did a beautiful job! This month Sheri also auditioned for All Region Band and made top band (symphonic), competing against 3A and 4A schools. She placed at the top of her school and will move on to audition in January to qualify for All State band. I have been so proud of how hard she has worked and for her dedication. She has learned some tough pieces!
In December I was able to help volunteer with the Salvation Army Angel Tree program. I am always amazed that they can help so many families. There were around 450 families that received gifts this year.
The boys finished their semester of gymnastics. I love to see all their skills they have developed!
Boys Rope Climb
Christian's back flip
Sterling's roundoff back layout
Sterling's front ariel
Sterling's handstand
Sterling on the rings
Sterling tumbling on the floor
Sterling's 1.5 back full
Sterling's double back full
In theatre, during December, Sterling and Sheri participated in a Madrigal dinner. Sheri was the main hostess and Sterling played the king.
They also performed in a play called Greek Mythology Olympiaganza. Sterling played the main male part, giving the presentation on Greek Mythology and Sheri was Pandora, Helen of Troy, and Aphrodite.
During the Climax of the show Sterling threw a bucket of water in his co-lead, Brilynn's face! His part was very high energy! Sheri and Sterling both memorized their lines well and gave excellent performances!
Christian participated in the UIL chess competition among 6 other elementary schools and took 5th place. Here he is at an awards ceremony at school.
Christian enjoyed his school Christmas party at the semester end.
School break started the Thursday before Christmas. The kids have loved some extra friend time! Christian and Charlotte both got each other sweatshirts for Christmas.
Sheri loves a good show with her friends!
Eve flew in on Friday the 22nd. It was great to have her home and I know she was ready for a break from her tough semester. We were able to go to the temple (the teens and me) on Saturday.
We had a lovely Christmas Eve with church and family time. We also had church friends stop by (the Pearsons and the Vests). We had a turkey dinner on Christmas Eve and of course, I made the traditional pastry wreath for Christmas breakfast.
Christmas morning was bright and beautiful! I felt grateful to have all my family together and everyone seemed grateful and full of love for each other.
Stockings
Breakfast
Reading the Christmas Nativity story.
Gifts
Christian got a new suit for when he passes the sacrament starting in January.
Lunch
Games and karaoke in the afternoon and evening. I love to listen to my kids sing!
We really relished our time to be together!
The next 2 weeks were spent playing, serving, relaxing, sleeping in, and watching movies. It should be noted that Sterling got together multiple times a week to play games with his friends. He enjoys using his imagination to play Dungeons and Dragons. He loves almost any game and loves being with people, and having fun. My girls got some good bonding time with lots of music, talking, and hanging out.
Christian and Charlotte are great friends and I don't think Christian ever tires of hanging out with her. We call the Henricks almost daily to see if she can play. :)
One bittersweet experience was that Matt's grandma, Elaine Sabey passed away peacefully on December 22nd. Matt was able to go to her funeral on Thursday, Dec 28th. The rest of us were able to listen from home. She was a sweet, loving, devoted, and Christlike woman. I've always admired her grace, commitment, and love for her family! She has left an incredible legacy of love, family and strength in the gospel! She will be missed!
We ended the year by celebrating on New Year's Eve. The Hendricks invited us over and we enjoyed talking, snacks, and even a little Rook. Sterling invited his church friends over for games and then movies (after midnight.)
We feel so incredibly blessed! We have everything we need to be happy. We are especially grateful for the gift of our Savior who helps us overcome the difficulties of life. He allows us to become who God wants us to be. Ultimately we can be reunited with our precious loved ones through the Resurrection. We are grateful for the peace and joy that we have in this life and for the hope of even greater joy in the eternities.
