February 2019 in Review

With the recent changes in youth advancements within the Church, Anna is now a Laurel (she was only a Miamaid for one year) and Elsie is a Beehive (even though she's 11 years old).  February 2 was an exciting day for Elsie to attend the temple (first time) and perform baptisms for her ancestors. It also marked 11 years since Brinley was baptized and G-ma P celebrated her 70th birthday somewhere in Australia/New Zealand?  She and G-pa have resumed their world travels since being released from their mission in November 2018.

Later that day, Aaron drove down and back to SL with Jantzen and Quinn so they could redeem their Christmas gift of attending a Jazz basketball game.  They were also able to have a late lunch with Tanner since it was on a Saturday.  It was a lot of driving but the boys were so pumped about their experience watching the Utah Jazz take on the Houston Rockets - it was worth it!

Quinn has become quite the Jazz fan.

 The boys wanted to be at least an hour early so they could watch the players warm-up.

Seriously focused.

Quinn - demonstrating how to play Whack-A-Mole.
He and his buddy operated the moles underneath!

Mrs. Holt is an ambitious teacher.  The students in 4th grade put together a "Cardboard Arcade Game Night" for friends and family.  This was right up Quinn's alley.  And apparently, there are a bunch of other 4th graders that LOVE making things out of cardboard.  There were single entries and group projects.

Aaron & Quinn - playing air hockey

This is a celebratory Benny's Burger from Red Rabbit Grill - my favorite low-calorie item on the menu.

Aaron and I have recently (re)committed ourselves to the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University baby steps program so we celebrated an important financial milestone together with a lunch date.

Jantzen #11

It's been an amazing basketball season for the MHS JV team.  They went undefeated (23-0) to be the JV District Champions.  There were highs and lows for Jantzen under the tutelage of a new coaching staff and with additional move-ins, but he worked hard and was a strong contributor to their successful season.

Jantzen - at right end above

Girl's Choice Dance - "Sweethearts Ball"

 Quinn and I were fascinated watching a herd of elk while driving home from piano lessons.

Remnants from a fun ward Youth/Adult Social on Feb. 12

Just days after Chris & Julia's beloved cabin burned to the ground, local family celebrated Greta's 9th birthday (Feb. 13) at Fuji's Japanese Restaurant.  Quinn and Anna had other commitments so Aaron took Elsie, Jantzen and Brinley to IF to enjoy the festivities (and good food!).

 Happy Valentine's Day!

Brinley made the beautiful bouquet of flowers.

Jantzen - end with long-sleeve red hoodie

The JV team was recognized at a varsity game on Valentine's Day for their outstanding season.

Tanner & Jacob

It was a total surprise to have Tanner walk in the house late Friday night.  I was at the kitchen sink finishing up dishes, heard the garage door open and thought Jantzen was coming home early (which would be a strange thing).  I called out Jantzen's name then turned around to see Tanner standing in the doorway!  He and Jacob (attending BYU-Provo) made arrangements to drive up together since it was President's Day weekend so they had Monday off from work/school.  It was an awesome surprise.

Pack Night - colorful lit laterns filled winter night sky

Since Aaron turned over the CEO reigns in November 2018, he has experimented working from a single office across town.  He wanted to be able to focus on getting Vue Advisors (EOS consulting company) off the ground so his time has been split between two companies and two locations.  He has also been searching for an adequate set-up to do 90-minute workshops for potential clients and hold "focus days" for current clients.  This has proved to be quite a challenge and the search continues.

In the meantime, it became evident that carving out an office at the new HCP location would be a better arrangement for his work week so the two of us packed up and moved his office across town on a very snowy Saturday!  In fact, crazy amounts of snow fell that day but it was our only available time to get the job done (Jantzen was at a Priest Quorum activity at Leatham's cabin we encouraged him to attend).  We were both completely exhausted by the end of the day.  And vowed to not move his personal office again for a very long time....

Aaron loading a white board into back of truck

We filled the truck and the minivan completely for a few trips of back-and-forth.  It was a happy day to find a few willing young men at the HCP office on Saturday to help a bit on our final trip.  Up and down stairs both sides of the transaction.  Not to mention having to take down and put together some office furniture, configure the technological aspects, etc.  There was a lot of heavy stuff!

There's usually a lot going on behind the scenes in Brinley's life.  Anticipating her mission call has been exciting for all of us!  Friends and family plotted their selections on the map and a few people actually guessed "right".  The email arrived on Tuesday morning, February 26 (Stake President submitted her 'papers' on Feb. 17) but Brinley waited until later than evening when we could all be home before she opened it. 

Extended family watches via technology.

 Called to serve in the Texas Dallas Mission.  Reporting to the Provo MTC on Wednesday, April 24.

Tanner couldn't make it so Elsie's holding his picture up.

We are so excited for this upcoming opportunity for Brinley.  After getting over the initial shock of how soon she would be leaving, the timing now feels right and everything is coming together.  She's at total peace about the where and when of her missionary service and it's been wonderful to see how the Lord works.