January 2026

Happy January! We had a lovely New Year's and anniversary! We were so happy to be home again!

 I love January because I can focus on personal projects.

This month I was asked to teach a Sourdough Class for Relief Society. I spent a lot of the first week refining my process and baking lots of loaves so that I could demonstrate the various phases. It turned out great and we had lots of leftover loaves to freeze.

The following week I prepared and gave a talk in the Perryton Branch.

 This month the All Region Honor Bands had concerts, which included both Sheri and Christian.

Christian got to play a few different instruments (cymbals, shaker, marimba, and snare drum), and was the only 7th grader percussionist from his school to make the All-Region Symphonic band. (He is in the blue plaid shirt.)

If you want to see something surprising, watch this! (the surprising part is about 1.25 min)

Here is one of the two pieces Sheri auditioned with for both All-Region and All- Area. She had a great audition for All-Area, but with so many flutes, she would have needed flawless musical performances, including on all her scales. There was some stiff competition and so she didn't advance to state. But we are proud of how hard she worked and loved hearing her make beautiful music!

On their way to audition (Area) to qualify for state.

Sheri with the other flutes waiting to audition.

Also, Sheri was nominated for the fun senior student awards. Her category was "Most likely to take home to mom and dad." Which I think means that someone would likely be confident that she is has many wonderful attributes, and that one could be proud to bring her home to their parents. Ha ha! She didn't win the final vote but was pleased to be nominated. I'm just glad she wasn't nominated for most likely to sleep through graduation or be on reality TV! :)

These deer surprised us on a few nights when we looked out our back window. As you can see, we got a few inches of snow (our first for the winter).

The kids enjoyed two days off from school and played in it with each other and friends.

During the last week of January, Christian and I drove to Colorado for his OIT up-dose. He passed and will now dose at 1/4 tsp. He also got a few equivalent dosing options (3 Reeses Pieces is one dose). This was Christian's first time trying this candy.  

I also really enjoyed catching up with all my sisters, Scott, Hannah and my parents!

This is a few of us after dinner and the Denver temple. I was also able to spend a morning scanning my wedding photos with Jennifer. I am so lucky to have my family!

At the end of the month Sheri was able to celebrate her friend's birthday. They went to a hockey game and hung out in the evening.

I am happy she is having a fun senior year!

One final note about January is that Christian also started his season of indoor soccer games (practices began in December). He works very hard on the field and runs a TON!  He is having a good experience overall but looks forward to being part of better developed teams. I still love to watch every game! Sorry, no pics yet.

Meanwhile, Eve has been having a great start to her semester. She made a little terrarium for her succulent and hosted a girls' night.

Her highlight was going on a trip over Martin Luther King Day to Moab/ Arches National Park with her cousins and roommate, Rachel. Matt was able to get them a nice room and I think they made some wonderful memories.

There were so many beautiful photos and I know the girls made many happy memories!

Down in Brazil Elder Smith and Elder Blazer have been giving the work all they've got! They have been teaching and inviting as many people as possible to receive the gospel! Many have come close but most are still progressing toward baptism. These elders only have 6 months left of their missions! To mark the day, Elder Smith burned a moldy shirt. They also went to an all you can eat sushi restaurant. Sterling designed a shirt for his zone and had a bunch made to share with everyone.

He and his zone have enjoyed playing Avalon, a game I sent him for Christmas.

They had another zone conference.

We are proud of how Elder Smith is giving his best and enduring through some sickness and the long, hot days. We continually pray that he will find those who are ready to receive the gospel and for his safety!

Well, January was a great start to the new year, 2026! 

We feel very blessed and look forward to lots of great things for the upcoming year.