It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.
No… I’m kidding. It was mostly the best of times — sprinkled with just a very few dull February moments as we rounded out the month.
One of those very best times was celebrating our incredible Dane Marston as he turned 19 on February 3rd. We decked out the house Ted Lasso–style and showered Dane with compliments and kindness. And truly, he deserves every bit of it...he is one of a kind.
College courses started this month, bringing with them a new wave of responsibility and stress. Dane handled it with steady determination, all while continuing to prioritize his mental health, invest in his relationship with Kenzie, and somehow still cook for our family. What I treasure most, though, are our conversations. He listens. He asks thoughtful questions. He expands my thinking.
Last month he told me something that stayed with me. He said I’ve been an incredible mom — but that he’s noticed I sometimes take the path of least resistance. That I don’t always choose to be strict or confrontational when it might be necessary.
He said it kindly. Honestly. Without accusation. And I agreed.
For years I’ve framed that tendency as weakness — maybe even cowardice. But hearing it through his lens shifted something in me. It wasn’t about fear. It was about choice. And if it’s a choice, then it’s something I can change. It reminded me that growth doesn’t end when our kids grow up. Sometimes they are the ones who gently hold up a mirror and call us higher. And this is just par for the course with Dane. He is always helping me to see things in a different way and I'm so grateful.
More best times included celebrating Valentine's Day. I LOVED watching how each of my kids chose to show love — to their friends, their crushes… and even to their dear old mom.
Grant, after heading out to surf at 5 a.m., came home with a bouquet of flowers and chocolate-covered strawberries for me. Evelyn sent out a group text to her sibs reminding them to do something kind. Anna, Dane, and Kenzie surprised me with flowers. Completely unexpected. Completely sweet.
And watching them love others so thoughtfully was maybe the best part of all. Dane planned a beautiful evening with Kenzie — fancy restaurant, dressed to the nines, the whole thing. Anna found the most darling basketball teddy bear and wrote a long, detailed letter to her crush — the kind you keep tucked away for years. We even squeezed in a beach hike as a family and soaked in one of those perfectly clear February days that make you forget it’s still technically winter.
Earlier in the week, we hosted a GALentines party for Sophie and her friends. It was adorable in every possible way — pink and red heart balloons, giggles, treats, and lots of kindergarten energy that felt pretty precious. It added just the right sparkle to the week.
We loved having Grandma down for church and the Super Bowl. She was beyond a good sport when we made a last-minute decision to invite the entire neighborhood over to watch with us — ha! She fit right in like she’d planned it that way all along. We had worried there wouldn’t be enough food. That was absolutely not the problem.
Grandma also brought me two big, beautiful ferns to replace my sad, dying ones. They are lush and full and healthy, and every time I walk past them, I think of her. She has a quiet way of knowing exactly what I need without me ever saying a word.
Dane and Kenzie traveled to Brian Head with Blake for a snowy weekend of boarding in the most perfect winter weather. Ev and Cody met them in St. George, and the crew golfed, hiked, and made their traditional stop at Zupas. I wasn’t there, but I heard it was especially sweet watching Evelyn and her new beau together. They really do seem to enjoy each other, and I can see how his presence adds a little more lightness and fun to her life. She powered through several tough exams this month and came out with flying colors. Halfway through the semester already!
Back on the home front, Grant and Anna soaked up a week off school filled with friends and favorite things — eating out, baking, beach days, biking, hikes, temple trips, even Six Flags. Grant finished his soccer season making it to the first round of CIFs, only to lose in a penalty kick in overtime. A tough way to end. But what a season he had. As a sophomore on Varsity, he played nearly every minute of every game, scored more goals than anyone on the team, and just worked relentlessly. I am so proud of him — and yes, a little sad it’s over. I suppose he’ll just have to fill the time with fishing, surfing, and grilling steaks. Not the worst fallback plan.
He also gave a beautiful talk in church about walking with the Savior, sharing openly about some of his personal trials. He touched so many hearts. And when I asked him to come with me to the Lake Poway Ward Olympics — despite the distinct lack of youth on a Saturday night — he didn’t hesitate. He competed, cheered on the little kids, supported his Sunday School teacher who had organized the event, and was simply a good sport. Those quiet moments of character mean more to me than any trophy ever could.
Living without Blake these past six months has meant Grant and Dane have stepped into “men of the house” roles in ways they never had to before. Cleaning out the garage. Moving Christmas bins. Fixing appliances. Disassembling backyard furniture. They show up. They help. They shoulder things without complaint. It has been a huge blessing.
Dane's home made orange chicken!
As for Anna — she had some "best of times" moments too. Kenzie highlighted her hair blonde, and Anna was absolutely ecstatic. She was also asked to sit on a panel for the California Board of Education when they toured Twin Peaks to learn about special education programs. The principal chose Anna as a student spokesperson. And she was fantastic.
And here’s where the month circled back to my own growth. I had asked Anna to serve at Night to Shine, the special needs prom hosted by our church. For weeks she resisted — plans with friends, busy schedule, the usual 13-year-old pushback. I almost let it go. Almost took that familiar path of least resistance.But the morning of, I stood firm. I told her she needed to go and serve — no debate. And she did. She showed up and became the sweetest little friend to those teens. Nails, hair, hot tub nights, friends, clothes, Starbucks — all important in a 13-year-old world. But caring for someone who truly needs you? That’s a higher call. And I think she felt that shift pretty quickly. She is such a force — funny, charismatic, hyper, smart, responsible, socially aware, mature beyond her years. We have plenty to work on (both of us), but I am deeply grateful for the incredible girl she is becoming.
He's on a diet but it doesn't look like it!
As for me, my own best times included celebrating Chanel’s birthday with nails, delicious food, and late-night laughter with dear friends. A five-hour catch-up with Cathy in town — we hadn’t truly talked since September and were long overdue. A Nertz game night where Rachel brought her slushie maker and I genuinely improved my card skills. And so many nights sitting in stadium bleachers with friends — cheering on Grant, our youth from church, friends’ seniors. I honestly don’t know what I’ll do when everyone graduates. It’s become a beloved rhythm in my life.
So yes, February had a few dull moments. But mostly? It was layered with growth, service, celebration, stepping up, and steady love.
Almost entirely the best of times.
