Valentine boxes and incredible big sisters

Tomorrow these kids will walk out the door with the most darling valentine boxes you have ever
seen. Thanks to their big sister and her hours of help. She's honestly the best. I don't know how to
say that strongly enough. I'm going to need her to quit college and come raise these children for
me. She's just pure sunshine in human form and makes so much about my life happier and better.

Grace and Nate were just so excited and grateful. And so was their mother. So IS their mother.
 Everyone should have an Annie Allen in their life. 12/10 would recommend.

The best ever

One year ago this month, these darlings had their engagement pictures taken. And I often think about
how much I love these photos. And even more frequently, about how much I love Campbell and Kelsey.

They are so good and fabulous, so hilarious and hard working. They are just plain amazing together and watching
the life they are building together is inspiring and beautiful. It's such an honor to know them and to love them.

I'm just so thankful to be a mom and to watch with awe as my darling kids make eternal choices that bless
their lives in a way that I could never have imagined could be so wonderful. It's kind of the best ever.

How are we here again already?

The most darling of friends attending the junior high showcase together tonight.
How that handsome boy, just to the left of center, could be old enough for that in
a few months, is beyond me. Love him so much. Just so honored to be his mom.

Jacob in Egypt ~ Bonus experience

 
When we were scheduling Jacob's flights to Cairo, we realized that if we booked a longer
than normal layover in Paris, he could visit his parents who are living there while serving
a mission in the Paris France temple. So that is what he did. And I'm so grateful Jacob had
 that time with his parents. He needed it more than I think he realized and it made me
so grateful it could happen. It was a really happy few hours for all three of them.

Jacob in Egypt ~ Part two

On a Thursday when Jacob was in Egypt (similar to our Saturday in the Middle East),
he had the opportunity to see some sights in Cairo. He was joined by three others who helped
 with the logistics of his evaluating the refugee schools. I wish so much all of you could hear
his thoughts on it all. That Jacob Allen, he's a deep thinker. And a handsome one at that.

Jacob in Egypt ~ Part one

 

Jacob recently returned from a ten day trip to Egypt--where he was asked to evaluate efforts
to help schools teach refugees from other parts of Africa. And without sharing things that were
meant to stay in his heart, it was a beautiful, hard, touching, eye-opening privilege. And made
both of us want to do more and make a greater impact. I'm so grateful for the goodness and light
 of so many around the world who inspire and bless our lives, without even knowing it. And so
thankful for Jacob and who he chooses to be and how he chooses to serve so many who need his
unique talents, all with humility and an amazing heart. I'm truly just so honored to be his wife.

Robotics and darling boys

The most darling of boys at his robotics tournament today. He and his team were brand new to it all,
 so they just planned to do their best and focus on having fun. Which resulted in them taking third
out of twenty-nine teams. Pretty crazy. And fun to watch. I just really love being this boy's mom.

I still really love His house

 

My favorite books of 2023

Another year, another blog post of my book recommendations. For those interested in previous years, here is a link to my favorite books of 2022 and if you scroll to the bottom, you can click on any year since 2011, when I began this yearly tradition.

And now on to last year. I ended up reading sixty books total. Not my record, but not bad, as it is just over one book a week. And I had three or four that really stood out, but am sharing eleven here, because the others were quite good and I don't hesitate recommending them, even if they aren't necessarily five stars in my book. (Pun definitely intended.)

So, without further ado (and in no particular order after the first three)...

The Book of Mormon
Still my favorite book and still what I choose to read every single day. I was able to read it through three times this year and I'm a better person because of it. Forever and always just the greatest book ever.

The In-Between
I really loved this book. As someone who has dealt with hospice and being there with two very close family members when they were graduating from mortality (not to mention someone who knows heaven is real), this book spoke to my heart. I very seldom read books twice, but I would more than love to listen to this book again. I really hope Hadley Vlahos writes many more just like it.

A Girl Called Samson
I liked Amy Harmon's writing quite a lot, but this may be my favorite from her. Such an interesting historical fiction and one I have recommended to several people who have come back to tell me they really enjoyed it.

A Lady's Guide to Fortune Hunting
I listened to this book last summer and it kept me burst laughing through multiple times mowing our lawn (I'm sure that was quite a scene for our neighbors). It was so hilarious and fun and witty and just a joy to listen to.

A Place to Hang the Moon
Loved this book. A lot. It is a young adult book (maybe even an older children's book) and it was just sweet and happy and frustrating and perfect. I liked it so much I bought it for our kids to read.

Running Barefoot
Another Amy Harmon book. And it was so different than what she normally writes, at least it felt like that to me. It was about two friends in a small town in Utah and I don't know, there was something about it that I just really liked.

The Family I Lost
Definitely mysterious and kind of creepy and a book that I didn't like reading certain parts late at night. (I'm still scared of the dark, if that gives you any indication of my maturity level at the ripe old age of forty-six.) But quite a well-woven mystery and a fast read.

A Different Blue
Okay, another Amy Harmon and now I realize, this lady is just talented beyond belief. I don't think I connected that three of my favorites last year were written by her and they were all so, so different. I don't know what to say about this book except I liked it and it made me think quite a bit.

The Wishing Game
This was a super popular book last year and I liked it. Didn't love it, but it was fun to read and I would recommend it for sure. Maybe it was better than I am saying, I just seldom rave over books that most of the rest of the world does—it is just how I am I guess.

Have you Seen Luis Velez? and Say Goodbye for Now
Even though I separated Amy Harmon's books, I decided to put these both together. I have enjoyed so many of Catherine Ryan Hyde's books the past several years. And these two were not any different. I've said it before and I'll say it again...I just really love everyday stories told in a way that make you think about your life and what you are doing with it. And these two books were not any different. I am a fan.

(And just because I love them so, I need to mention that I read The Blue Castle and The War That Saved My Life again this year and enjoyed them just as much as the previous times. They will always remain some of my very favorite books.)

Well, there we are for another year. My favorite books I read in 2023. Enjoy.
And if you feel inclined, I would love any recommendations you might
have from your recent reading. Because I've got some books to get read.

Presidents Cup tournament ~ Nathan edition

Finishing off with the Nate edition of the Presidents Cup. This boy. I honestly am not sure how to put
 into words what he went through at the tournament and how he handled it. Without getting into details,
he had some really hard things (one terrible call in particular that affected more than one game--and
I'm not just being a biased mom, the two refs involved were actually strongly reprimanded after the
game when the head tournament ref viewed the video) and they seemed to just keep coming. And not
just during games. It was unreal. And yet. This incredible guy. He just kept choosing to rise above it
and had an absolutely amazing attitude. And played his heart out. I'll never forget it. He's the coolest.

Presidents Cup tournament ~ Ordinary moments edition

Jacob and I ended up tag teaming Ben and Nate's soccer tournament this past weekend. And in
addition to the boys' soccer photos, I wanted these ordinary memories here, as a reminder of
what goes into making these weekends possible. And to show how grateful I am for siblings and 
dads who support their brothers and sons in something that matters a whole lot to both of them.
That support looks like loads and loads of driving (especially where we stayed in St. George),
great amounts of sitting (and cheering) on the sidelines, constant gymnastics and dance for
Grace to keep herself entertained and plenty of park time in between games. Plus several
beautiful sunsets to mark the end of each day. It was a busy, and happy, five days.

Presidents Cup tournament ~ Benjamin edition

And here we have the Ben edition of the Presidents Cup soccer tournament from last weekend.
This boy's team made it to the championship and took home second place, no small feat for sure.
So proud of this guy and how hard he works and how much he gives. It's kind of the best to watch
him play this sport he loves with all of his heart. And I adore every picture I was able to capture
 here, but that last one. You know, just Ben being taken to the ground, but still having the
presence of mind to score the goal. As a defender. He's such a stud.

Ben's special day

Our Ben has had a pretty amazing few days, but nothing sweeter or more significant
than today. When he was ordained, by his amazing dad, to the office of priest. It was
an absolutely beautiful ordination and I just don’t know how to keep sharing my
feelings without repeating myself—I’m just so deeply grateful to be Ben Allen’s mom.

We missed my dad, who was planning to come, but several inches of snow kept him from it.
And Jacob’s parents, who are still serving a mission in Paris. And Annie, who also had the
weather keep her from coming (although she made the effort to be here for Ben’s birthday
 on Thursday, which was the kindest). But we absolutely loved having everyone else,
especially Campbell and Kelsey who were able to drive down last night in order to be here.

It really was the sweetest of mornings. With the most amazing boy,
his dad and his siblings. I’m just so ridiculously blessed.

It's official

It was a really happy birthday for Ben. Nothing better than being handed that
official license on the exact day you turn sixteen. Four down, two to go.

Yesterday

Celebrating this amazing boy

 
Sixteen years ago this very day, this boy joined our family, choosing to come to earth early because I truly
 believe he just couldn't wait one more second to be here. And we are forever grateful. He is everything
 that is happy, hilarious, athletic, hard working, handsome, kind, brilliant and good. Just so deeply good.
He is drawn to light and his Savior and loves his Father in Heaven profoundly. He has made some hard
and beautiful choices these past many months that bring me to tears with their goodness and maturity. 
And being his mom is truly one of the greatest honors of this life—and of the next. 

Happy Birthday my incredible Benjamin! We love you so ridiculously much.