February can be quite a dreary month as we wait for Spring to approach. Amarillo is particularly windy, and the cold wind can be miserable. However, we kept our spirits up by focusing on all the good things around us. Here are some of our highlights:
Sheri got to go to a school dance with a western theme.
Christian has had fun play dates, but he is always looking for more friends to play with.
I enjoy making more sour dough creations.
Eve is pushing through her winter semester and finding the balance between school work, her job, and play. She found housing for next year off campus with her cousin, Sabey.
Sheri and Sterling got all A's and were recognized at school.
In addition they were both cast in the school one act play that they will compete with in March. Sterling is the lead male and has been learning all his lines as well as the sign language to go with them. The play is about a deaf family (his character is not deaf).
Sterling decided to ask his co-lead in the play to prom in April. He had so much fun planning and everything went perfectly. She is excited to go with him and they have been having a lot of fun together!
Sheri and Sterling celebrated Valentine's Day with friends.
Christian had a Valentine party at school, a friend over after school, and then we were able to volunteer at Snack Pak for kids (an organization that sends home food for kids on the weekend who otherwise would perhaps not get to eat.)
We brought his friend/Valentine, Charlotte with us as well.
Eve celebrated Galentine's day with her roommates. They had a lovely dinner together!
I have been keeping busy with my calling and organized our first Just Serve Working Group Meeting since before covid times. It was a success!
I have also started teaching two Afghanistan refugees English once a week. I also try to help with giving them rides to appointments where possible.
I have been substituting at the schools 2-3 days/week and I got to help teach the church youth dance lessons before the church formal.
Over President's Day weekend Sterling and Sheri had play rehearsals and the church formal so they were not able to go on our weekend adventure, but they had a great time with out us. :)
Sterling even invited his co-lead/prom date/Valentine, Harleigh to the church formal. Everyone had a great time! She is a doll!
I am glad Sheri and Sterling are finding some great friends here in Amarillo!
Meanwhile, on our President's Day trip we rented a camper trailer and set off to see some cool sites!
First we headed to New Mexico to see Carlsbad Caverns.
You could walk in from the ground level.
It was an impressive 2.5 miles of underground caverns with amazing formations. It felt like we were in an adventure movie.
We found a camping spot and were quite comfortable. We aren't afraid to camp in the cold, but decided the camper trailer was a better alternative to a hotel.
Christian enjoyed whittling with his new pocket knife. :)
The next morning we went to White Sands National Park. It was pretty neat to see one more of God's diverse creations!
Then we drove to our next camping area which was close to our hike for the next day.
Monday we got an early start to climb the tallest mountain in Texas, Guadalupe Mountain. I was a little worried about if Christian could do the entire hike, but he was a real trooper, quite strong and determined!
It was very windy at the top!
It was a quick, cool, trip! I am grateful for all Matt did to make this trip happen.
Back at home track season is in full swing for Sterling and Sheri. Sterling is doing pole vault and high jump. Sheri is doing long jump and 100 m hurdles. They have practice everyday after school and then head to play practice. With church and friend activities, they have plenty to keep them busy. :)
Christian has started basketball and seems to be improving already. I love to see him active, developing his skills, and hopefully he will make some new friends.
The month wrapped up with Family Literacy Night at the Elementary school. This is in conjunction with Read Across America Week. Christian enjoyed showing me what he is learning at school and I enjoyed hearing about his interests, teachers, and seeing some of his work.
February has been full of some awesome experiences! Of all the moments, some of my favorite are the special times of connection at home.
I feel truly blessed to have so many wonderful opportunities for my family and so many blessings from God.
