January 2024

One day on Christmas Break, Danny wanted to get a little work in and Katherine and friends wanted to get a little skating in! Skating in the school when it was empty was super fun!

When we were there I found some theater awards on display. Christian's performance in "The Other Room" was spectacular!

I loved "21 Chump Street" too!

 I am so proud of Christian's performances in theater! All-state actor award was well deserved!

Danny went to Richmond for his best friend Ben's Dad's funeral. He and Ben have been friends forever and Danny loved his Dad too. It was a very sad loss.

I did get this cute picture though. Danny ran into my cousin, Meghan, who worked at the funeral home. A bright light at a sad time.

Speaking of sad times, my mom was in excruciating pain after several days of back pain getting worse. She had broken a vertebrae in her back. The pain was intolerable and she went to the ER, which was way overcrowded and sprawling into the lobby.

It took a lot time to get a room and relief. Eventually, she had a procedure that put a form of cement into the break to fix it. It wasn't an immediate fix, but over time, and a lot of time in a back brace, it has gotten much better. I am writing this much later and don't rememberthe exact time line, but I remember that she was in terrible pain and I am glad that I could be with her.

Katherine, Grant, and the other Piedmont Youth had a New Year Temple Trip.

Grant and Kate went back to school. They are so cute.

This cute crew came one Saturday morning to surprise Katherine and take her to IHOP for breakfast to welcome her into YW! It was so kind of them, and Katherine enjoyed it. Also, it was a tad horrifying because Katherine's room is a MESS! Without ruining the surprise, I kept urging her to clean her room, but she didn't care. So... it was a tad embarrassing for me and for her. Perhaps it will encourage change? Even if not, it was a fun way for her to feel loved and seen by the girls and leaders!

Also, Katherine started a new sport- basketball!

We like cheering her on, and she is getting better with each practice!

She has a really great coach, Miesha Brock, and the whole team is learning a lot!

Who and what is that outside my window? Kate in the snow!

The family still enjoys this hill on snow days.

Funny sequence.

I think everyone was kind of happy for a snow day!

One thing I do not enjoy about a snow day- our hodgepodge of snow gear! No one really has a complete matching set. It doesn't snow all that much though, so we make it work.

Brooke's rage pic. When the house explodes, I get sensory overload. I probably yelled and/or went to my room to hide. I usually at least go out to take a couple of pictures and I make hot chocolate.

This was one of V's pics. This is a picture of a couple that she went on a double date with. It was a fun time, and it is fun to look back on. I am writing this over a year and a half later and these two, Nate and Alex, are happily married and expecting a baby boy!

Occasionally, I take pics of good food that I make. This may look a little odd, but YUM! Bibimbop!

I am still in the Stake YW Presidency and really enjoy it. I love the worldwide youth themes! 2024 is "I am a disciple of Jesus Christ."

Katherine's first stake activity was a worldwide broadcast about the theme. Here she is with two friends from Culpeper, Cora and Susie, and my beautiful friend, Gabriela Ogden. They helped us put out some cookies for a reception to go along with the broadcast. I love the sun that Gabbie made.

We also went to support our friend, Emily, and so many of the students that I have subbed for in Yowell's production of  The Jungle Book! It was really well done and included a large number of students! 

In other January news, kids started new semesters at CMS, CCHS, and Germanna. Victoria continues to live in Richmond with my mom and works at Salon Voss. She is doing well there! She has been having fun going on lots of dates and staying active as a YSA at church. Christian continues to save money while living at home while he completes his Associate's Degree. He also still works as an intern at Eldon Farms and enjoys that quite a bit, even on cold winter days!