It's a new year with many adventures in our future!
We kicked off the new year by getting family photos (see previous post) and by celebrating our 23rd anniversary at the temple. This was Christian's first time going to the temple to do baptisms and he also received the Aaronic Priesthood. It was very special to be in the temple all together as a family!
It has also been sweet to see Christian growing into his role as a priesthood holder and learning to serve God and others. How wonderful it is, especially at a time when youth can be so self- focused. Christian is so excited to have weekly activities with the young men and loves helping to pass the sacrament!
On January 3rd we went hiking in Palo Duro Canyon. It was a lovely sunny day!
Eve flew back to Provo for winter semester on the 6th. It was so nice to have her here and be all together at home!
Eve has been enjoying her new classes. She has statistics, religion, 3 dance classes, a meditation class and she has started working at the Environmental Science lab on campus. She will gain lots of experience in the lab which will help her to be eligible for more jobs when she graduates. She loves working with her hands and is learning a lot!
Provo is a winter wonderland!
She loves attending the Provo City Center Temple!
She got a hair cut.
And she got to go into the BYU bell tower with her roommates and friend, Ben who plays the bells.
She has enjoyed her new roommates and enjoys going to basketball games.
Back in Amarillo, January brought a few particularly windy days. One day was especially bad and it picked up the greenhouse that Matt had built (staked into the ground), blew it over our back fence and left it in a crumpled mess! It is so sad! Matt has worked so hard with multiple greenhouse ideas and the wind just decimates them!
One sad event that happened in January was the passing of Howard Robinson, Scott's father. He was such a kind, thoughtful, intelligent, steadfast man who was dedicated to his family and God. I was grateful to be able to attend his funeral in Denver. It was a very bitterly cold day but I was inspired by his life and hope I can be constant and dedicated like he was.
Of course it was good to see family while there. Here Ivan is holding little Alice, my great niece.
This month Sheri was able to participate in All-Region band and performed in a concert.
Also this month Sterling and Sheri have been working on their One Act play which will be performed in February and they will compete with it in March.
Sterling has continued to attend speech and debate tournaments.
Also this month Christian got to go to a school glow in the dark dance. He loves to dance with friends and shows a lot of confidence and enthusiasm. It is so fun for me to watch! Here he is with Lynnox, Brilynne, and Lucy.
Soccer has started again for Christian and I'm excited that he has a very engaged coach and is more challenged in his current league. He is one of the youngest players on the team but he works hard and I believe it will help him improve faster. I admire his endurance and determination!
I have stayed quite busy with substitute teaching, community projects, and my callings along with all the family things. I am grateful to have the energy and ability to keep up with all the activities! I know I get a lot of help from God, Matthew, and Sterling (who helps a lot with driving)!
Here I am at the bi-stake blood drive that my communications director organized.
Well, it's been a busy start to the new year but I feel quite grateful for all that we are blessed with! Between the highs and the lows, God is helping us grow and find joy!
