February started to pick up the pace of 2026.
With our relocation to San Antonio this summer on the horizon, we started to meet with realtors to determine which one we wanted to use and what needed to be done to list our home for sale. We determined that we would list it in March after spring break. Thus, we moved into high gear for preparing the house and yard. We ultimately went with Kayla Melton as our realtor. She was knowledgeable, efficient, helpful, and proactive from the beginning.
The kids' activities also got busier. Here is what they have been up to.
The kids both auditioned for judges at the area Solo and Ensemble Competition.
Christian did a fantastic job and the judge said that he was quite impressed with how well he did! Christian received the highest possible scores.
Here is his warmup with the other percussion kids from Bushland JH.
...and his performance for the judge.
Sheri and I had been preparing her "solo" piece for months and we had a great performance. The judge said that it was the most musical piece he had heard all day. The music left an incredibly beautiful feeling in the room. We both felt grateful that we were able to do well despite our nerves. It wasn't perfect for me but I have grown so much in this process. This will be a beautiful memory for me. Playing with Sheri is a joy! Sheri earned the highest marks and was able to advance to state where we will play again, in Austin, in May.
We are grateful for the support Matt has given us throughout this process!
Here are the first and fifth movements. (She also did the second but I will include that in another post.)
She also participated in a flute quartet which also advanced to state.
On the 13th of February Sheri learned that she and Marianne were accepted into BYU!
We are so happy for her and we are excited that she and Marianne will be roommates! Let's go Cougars!
On Valentine's Day Matthew made chocolate brownie pie, which was very decadent! Perhaps it is a sign that he has forgiven me for turning it down 26 years ago when we were dating and I was "off chocolate" for the year. Haha:) We also invited the sister missionaries over for dinner and had a lovely evening. Matt has very much enjoyed his calling of ward mission leader which goes along with his Elder's Quorum counselor calling.
Matt and I have also been enjoying his greenhouse and have been planting seeds.
The winds have been wild lately and they tore up the cover for the male rabbit's shelter. They now mostly run free in the yard.
Sheri earned the superintendent scholar award for both Fall 2025 and Spring 2025 (Junior Year) semesters. Here she is with her friend, Everley. They are #2 and #1 in their class.
Track season has begun.
Christian and Sheri had one meet together but most of their meets have been separate.
It is so fun to see them together and reminds me of the meets Sheri had with Sterling.
Here is Sheri's 300M hurdle race (it's a beast)!
Sheri has also enjoyed closer friendships with many of the girls in track this year. They braid each other's hair and enjoy cheering each other on.
Near the end of the month Christian and I headed to Denver for his monthly up-dose appointment. This visit went well and he is up to a 1/2 tsp dose. Here he is being silly afterward with his traditional gourmet hot cocoa.
Of course, he always loves his cousin time!
and I love my family time!
This time I also got to see Gina Owens, my friend as well as my distant cousin).
Some other highlights for the month include:
Big Blue hitting 300,000 miles. Matt and Sheri got ice cream to celebrate.
and Christian showed us how he can play his teeth.
Meanwhile, in Provo Eve is doing great. Here is what she has been up to.
President Oaks came to the Marriott Center to give a devotional and Eve and her cousins got to hear him speak in person.
Eve planned a Valentine's party. The girls made flower bouquets and had a lovely time. This is such a cute invitation!
Eve got to perform in her cultural dance night with the country of Samoa. She has loved participating in this event for the past few years! Camille also participated with the country of her mission, Mexico.
Here is a video. She enters around the 1:40 mark.
Eve is on the activities committee in her ward and specifically helps to make sure those with special dietary needs are taken care of. Here she is with Sabey preparing for their ward's linger longer.
Here are some other fun pictures.
Her hair is getting so long! It is beautiful!
At a Bob Ross activity.
Capturing the snow
...and a nap.
She also received her Scuba open water certification.
She has had a fun month!
And finally, Sterling has been doing well in Brazil.
His companionship with Elder Blazer came to a close but not before they were able to help another friend make baptismal covenants.
Here he is with Leonardo and Elder Blazer.
Pereque is beautiful.
Sterling continues to work hard,
...and enjoy a furry friend from time to time.
When he gets discouraged, singing in the rain brings happiness.
He inherited a suit,
and a new companion that he enjoys (who also likes to take cat pictures).
For Valentine's Day he celebrated with strawberries and honey which was very nostalgic for him.
Another friend was baptized.
P-Days give great photo opportunities.
To conclude this post I think I will share a video of Sterling that reminds us to have endurance for the goals ahead for each of us.
Matt and I must push through until the major events of selling, buying and moving into a new home, in a new city, are complete. Eve must endure well until college graduation in April and finding a job. Sterling must press forward until he finishes his mission this summer, Sheri must endure well until high school graduation in May, and Christian must press forward with courage as we move toward a new city. We each have big milestones ahead and the process will take some perseverance, but we know with God's blessings we will surely succeed! Plus, we have many blessings that make the journey exciting and joyful!
Let's GO!
Check out his hovering between pushups! He went all the way to the end!!! Way to go Sterling!!!
And Happy February!
