2023 in a Nutshell

For our family, the years seem to be getting more busy and more difficult—but thankfully, even more filled with God’s grace and blessings. 

June 2023

Calvin is in sixth grade and is currently learning to code, so his creativity has another fun outlet.  He is really getting good on the piano, loves writing, drawing, cooking, hiking, and is always quick with a hug and “I love you” to his family members.  He excels at expressing emotions and talking about feelings—something the rest of us are trying to emulate. Calvin has shot up in height this past year and we wonder if he will surpass his big brothers! 

Mollie is a sophomore and, on her first day as a 16-year-old, backed her little red truck into her dad’s big red truck.  Little Red now has new rearview mirrors, and Big Red has a new battle scar.  Mollie ran cross country this Fall and found her people—an incredible group of girls who have become her best friends.  When she is not playing piano or organ or babysitting or doing homework or running or crocheting, you can find her with a book.  Her music is such a pleasure to listen to, but her presence is even sweeter. 

Brigham graduated from high school as the student body president, receiving high honors both from SSHS and CSI with his associate degree.  He began missionary training in Provo, and had the courage to push “pause” on his mission while receiving help for a diagnosis of OCD and scrupulosity.  Brigham has always been a leader—we are so humbled and impressed by the way he is leading both friends and family to greater empathy, acceptance, and trust in God. He has so much energy and is gifted at motivating others for good . . . and he continues to be the life of the party! 

He and Truman are both attending BYU-Idaho in Rexburg, majoring in business and nursing.  Nursing is a natural fit for Truman, who has always been such a caregiver.  He completed his service as a full-time missionary in August and said that the best thing he learned, both as a proselyting missionary in Korea and as a service missionary at home, is to “See people the way God sees them.”  Truman can’t believe how much MORE fun Rexburg is with in-person classes, mask-free activities, and zero social distancing. He was also heard to remark, “I didn’t know dating could be so fun!”    

Becca always has a side hustle going and 2023 was no different—in addition to substitute teaching and babysitting, this year she was the “camp chef” for five different parties of guided hunters in September and October.  It was hard work, but also fun and rewarding, and she met so many great people.  Bike rides long and short kept her sane, and a deepening love for scriptures kept her grounded and comforted.

Allen started teaching guitar lessons again, and a highlight every week is teaching his own dad for an hour over Facetime!  He continues to be the handiest guy in town, fixing cars, bikes, appliances—you name it!  We bought two kayaks this year, and he and Becca are firm believers in the power of “river therapy.”  Allen loves serving people and is the best example of Christ-like empathy to all of us.

Celebrating the birth of our Savior is special because He is the giver of every good thing.  Our family has been blessed by His love and grace and we hope you feel those very real blessings in your life, wherever you are and whatever hardships you face.  Let Him lift you.