It’s been a very slow month—and I wouldn’t want it any other way. The new year began with Evelyn’s friend Cody in town, which felt like a great way to ease into January. Having Ev home for a full three weeks was such a gift, and getting to meet her new boyfriend made it even more special.
We spent a lot of time watching high school soccer. Truly—a lot. And honestly, it was the highlight of the month. There’s something about standing on the sidelines, bundled up, cheering and chatting, that feels comforting in the best way... probably because that's what we've spent the last 15 years doing!
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We also spent a lot of time being sick—two full weeks, to be exact—and it seemed to make its way through almost all of us. Definitely not a highlight, but probably the reason the month felt slower and lighter on adventures.
We did manage to get out to Encinitas a few times to ride the new e-bikes Blake bought. Anna and her friends, Dane and Kenzie, and me (let’s be honest—I love riding bikes) had the best time cruising around town, stopping for dinner, catching the sunset at the beach, and people-watching all afternoon. There’s truly nothing better than an afternoon at the beach in winter.
Dane has been cooking for us twice a week, and it has been so helpful—truly beyond words. His passion for creating fun, interesting meals has inspired me to be more adventurous in my own cooking. We’ve pushed past our comfort zone with all kinds of new dishes: Greek bowls, soups, chicken pastas, cornbread casseroles. It’s been genuinely fun.
I’m so grateful to have the best young man on earth by my side—helping with carpools, cooking meals, and sharing long, meaningful conversations. He isn’t feeling his best in life right now, but he’s showing up, working through it day by day. I appreciate him more than I can say, and I’m grateful for all that he continues to teach me.
Ev is plugging away in her nursing program, with just 11 months left until she becomes an RN. She’s currently busier than busy with rotations in mental health and labor and delivery—both of which she’s very interested in. At the same time, she’s also exploring the possibility of becoming an OR nurse: better hours and less small talk definitely have their appeal.
She keeps herself happily busy with Cody and cousin Katy—at the gym, rock climbing, studying, and wandering around town together. I’m so incredibly proud of all she’s accomplishing and the thoughtful way she’s shaping her future.
Speaking of busier than busy, Grant operates on an entirely different level. Two to three mornings a week, he’s up at 5 a.m. to surf with his buddies before school. Then it’s straight into soccer—practice or a game every single day after school. If he isn’t completely exhausted once that’s over, he’s on to the next adventure: fishing at local lakes and ponds, or even out in the ocean. He is always doing something fun.
And yet, somehow, he’s also incredibly disciplined. He makes up any seminary he misses, gets his homework done right away, and even writes the talks he’s asked to give in church at least a week in advance. He absolutely blows me away.
We hosted his team pasta party at our house this month, and it was such a joy to meet each of the boys in person instead of just cheering for them from the stands. Truly a great group of kids.
Grant was also asked to surf for the high school surf team last month—and he made it all the way to the semifinals. He’s now considering joining the team next year after having such a great experience.
Last week, Grant sang at the funeral of his beloved seminary principal with all of his seminary friends. They sang “How Great Thou Art,” offering a tender tribute to one of the kindest men I’ve ever known. It wasn’t overwhelmingly sad—his wife passed away a few years ago, and he was so ready to be with her again. It felt meaningful to honor a truly incredible life.
Anna and I have had our ups and downs over the last few months. She’s definitely pulled away from me, and that’s hard on this mama’s heart. At the same time, I know this is part of the season—she’ll be back once she’s no longer fully disgusted by my existence. Ha. Anna is simply growing up right before my eyes, and that’s really all there is to it.
She spends most of her time with friends—and the cutest boys in school—while also working hard to keep up with her homework. She eats impressively well almost all the time: fruit bowls, yogurt bowls, Greek chicken with cucumber and tomatoes, smoothies, and blueberry protein crumbles. She genuinely takes care of herself with long morning and evening routines- that always include prayers and scripture study.
Anna went to Disneyland last week with the WEB (Where Everyone Belongs) group and had the best time. She showed up big for her friend Chloe as the lead in Legally Blonde, spoke at Young Women New Beginnings—the “You BEElong” event—and did a marvelous job. She dances, works hard at tennis, and is the very best big sister to Coco and to Sophie Judd, who is over often. So proud of her.
And that’s about it. For me, the month has been filled with steady, quiet work—lots of time spent on Transcend, subbing in the schools, and cleaning out drawers, closets, and pantries whenever I have a free minute. I hiked with friends, lifted weights, listened to audiobooks, and kept doing the ongoing work of tending to myself.
I feel happy and content, even as much of my life remains uncertain. It’s hard to feel sad when there is so much to be grateful for: the most wonderful children, family, and friends; a Savior who guides me daily; a home, a car, a job, my health, and a beautiful community here in Poway. My life looks different than I once envisioned, but I truly feel blessed.
