November 2024

 November was a great month!

The month was mostly filled with the regular activities of school, church, dance, seminary, band, work, and calling meetings/activities. Currently, Matt is the ward mission leader (as well as the EQ counselor).  He often has meetings or visits on Sundays.  He also has been busy with work as he is preparing to open a new plant in Richmond, Utah.  I have had JustServe meetings, Stake YW meetings and activities, substitute teaching, and have been taking Sheri to the chiropractor for some back discomfort.  There has been a lot of excitement around the election this year. Our country voted in a new president (Donald Trump) as well as other new leadership.

Here is what is new with us. Christian started his rec fall basketball season. He is #2.

Nutcracker Rehearsals have started.  Sheri is excited about many of her parts. She will get to play the harlequin doll, Clara's cousin, the Candy Cane princess, a shepherdess, and she will also get to be in the snow scene and the waltz of the flowers.

Needless to say, Sheri grabs a cat nap on Sundays or whenever she can. 

Meanwhile, Sterling is settling into missionary work in the Brazilian summer.  He is getting more fluent in the language and is teaching with greater confidence.

He also decided to buzz his hair.

Over in Utah Eve is in the last half of her semester.  She has been busy with her studies (she has especially enjoyed her organic chemistry class and her Eternal Families courses). She has also been busy with practicing/performing for the Polynesian Luau. She represented Samoa. It was remarkable to see so many come together to celebrate all the Polynesian cultures.

Near the end of the month Matt and I drove to Utah for Jonah and Ellie's wedding. We are so happy that they were able to be sealed in the temple!  They look so happy! We also enjoyed seeing Eve and the other Smiths (and Sanchez and Ramos families).

We drove home for a few days before Thanksgiving break and then drove to Colorado for Thanksgiving. 

We also enjoyed watching Annie and Hannah in their Denver Dolls Performance down at Union Station. It was the perfect way to welcome in the Christmas season. We also loved staying at a hotel downtown and enjoying the cityscape from our room. Thanks to Jen and Scott for making our time in Colorado extra special.  

The next day we were happy to have one last family gathering before Eve's flight home and our drive home.  We loved seeing Cat's family!

We sure loved being with the Murrays! We definitely missed Sterling and his fun energy!  Missions are a sacrifice for sure!  We keep him in our prayers!

We have so much to be grateful for!  We feel abundantly blessed with family, health, safety, freedom, the gospel of Jesus Christ, and so many opportunities to learn and grow!