January 2026

 Happenings in January. Ang's cat- Bucket- died.  He has been with her almost as long as I have known her.  He was a loved cat.  

Shit' ers full

Lunch for Stacies graducation with Vy.  Dinner as we listened to Lucky Find- Angs band.  Chloe, my goddaughter dropped in.  

Family Dinner at Moms house.  Everyone is growing up.  

Proof we sent to Tyler that Abby is getting taller then Ella.  And... Jimmy.... Stats tutor, and great boyfriend.  

Kind love note from Natalie Montague after Darren and I gave a talk.  My topic was to be kind and and loving like Jesus. 

Hello my friend - I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed sacrament meeting today. You guys nailed it! I really loved what Darren talked about concerning the Holy Ghost, it really made me think and I loved it. As for your talk, l wanted you to know that I see everything that you talked about in the life that you live.

You are a wonderful example of service and gathering, I think it is one of your spiritual gifts and I really hope to be more like you. You are a woman who intentionally goes out of her way to do good things and I honor you for it. Thanks for all of your preparation today!

Winter 2026- The winter it forgot to snow

There was a moment of snow in January.  Mostly we have enjoyed 50 degree days and mnt biking.  

 

Ella Pole Vault competition in Reno

 Ella has been loving pole vaulting.  She has done it all on her own.  Training and pushing herself.  Going to Reno was a big deal... all on her own... with her team from Utah Pole Vault.  So proud of her!

Christmas and New Years with the Harstons

We had a great time with the Harston family for New Year's.  We loved the cabin time.  We wish there had been more snow, but oh well.  Ella and Grace invited their friends.  Nolan and family came up for a day.  Jess got to iceskate on the Beaver Pond.  Jenny brought Minute to Win It games.  There was a fantastic puzzle to do.  We watched the final season of Stranger Things.  Darren hiked and took a nap.  I love the family time. 

 

Before going to the cabin, we went to see Wicked 2.  It was lovely.  Jenny also hosted a Favorite Things party with food and fun.  Everyone shared their favorites: tissues, eggs, caramel apples, pencils, cheese balls, chocolates...

My mom sent us this.  My Grandma Hatch made us all these dresses.  I am the shortest one with Candace on my left and Rachel on the right.  Emily Hatch and Holly Rupp are also there. 

December 2025

 December was so fun.  We had Charlie the Elf at our house.  He is always fun to wake up to.  

The weather was so warm.  No snow.  Darren and Ella did some mnt biking in short sleeves.  She is Darren's biking buddy, and he is going to miss her when she's gone.  Ella is a hard-working student.  We got a nice note from her teacher. Ella also sleeps.  I am always glad when she can catch a nap. 

Greetings,

I just wanted to reach out and express how much I have enjoyed having Ella in my government class. Ella is a sweetheart. I admire her ability to stay positive even when she is dealing with headaches. She is kind, creative, thoughtful, and hard-working. I have no doubt that she will go on to do amazing things.

Best,

Kami Merchant

My mom always does an amazing job of having grandkids put on the nativity.  Darren even had to participate because Tyler is gone.  Fun times with family.  

Jan Clayton was Tyler's organ teacher.  We are so grateful for her in our lives.  She wrote a note about Tyler to me. 

Thank you, Amy. Happiest birthday wishes to you and I wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas and happy new year. I sure enjoy reading Tyler's letters each week. I try to respond many times, but please know he is very special to me. When an Organ Student that is young, like he was at age nine, moves so quickly to become competent (and continues his piano studies) as well as Tyler dia, it's very encouraging to their teachers. He represents a small percentage of students who perform at the level he performs. He's also a natural born leader and is overcoming the huge difficulty of serving in a country so challenging to serve in as Finland is.