Soccer tournaments and incredible dads

Right after returning from Sierra Leone, Jacob insisted he be the one (going so far as to uninvite
me and insist I stay home and rest and recover from the last few weeks) to take the three youngest
 to St. George for a long weekend for Nate's soccer tournament. Not only did he make it possible
for me to have some quiet time to heal, but he made those days incredibly fun for the kids.
He's honestly just the most tremendous. Always giving, always serving, always wanting what
is best for us. I'm so grateful for him. And so are the kids. We are forever the luckiest.


I was honestly so confused by this picture at first, until I realized which shirt Ben
had taken down to SG and had worn on this particular day. Hilarious.

My favorite books of 2025

Well, I realized as I started this post that this will be my fifteenth year straight of sharing my favorite books. Madness. And because I read a lot of books in 2025, eighty in total, I ended up having quite a few that I liked a lot. Especially considering one of the books below represents one of six in a series that I absolutely loved. So goodness, this is a long list. 

Let's get going.

The Book of Mormon
This will always be my favorite book, which is why I read it multiple times in the year. I always make sure I spend time in this book, each day, before I read anything else and it makes a difference in my life. Big time. I'm so thankful for this book. 

The Let Them Theory
Tremendous, tremendous book. One that I think every human would benefit from reading. It's just what it sounds like. Only it's not just what it sounds like. Highly recommend.

The Women
Goodness, a very well-written, but hard-to-read historical fiction about the Vietnam War. Kristin Hannah certainly has a gift for writing and I thought about this book for days and days after I finished it. Some strong language here and there, just a warning.

The Seven Sisters
This book was so fun and easy to read, I absolutely loved it. And was so excited to hear it was a series. But never made it through the second book, it just wasn't the same, even though I gave it hundreds of pages to be sure. But this first book, so great.

The House of My Mother
Good. Ness. I knew about this story from the news, but it was something else to listen to it, from the daughter's perspective. I thought she handled it carefully and well, but just absolutely heartbreaking. 

The Mother Next Door
I knew what Munchhausen by Proxy was, but this story just made it that much more real. I cannot even fathom. Excellently written though, even if difficult to imagine in the slightest.

A Game of Hearts
I read at least three books by Joanna Barker, starting with this one, and they are just so fun and fabulous and witty and made me laugh over and over. Such a gift for writing and such clean, sweet books.

Leap of Faith
I thought this was such an interesting and good book. Nothing too huge, just fun to read. I liked it enough that I was excited about the series, but like the book above, couldn't get into the second one, which was disappointing.

All My Knotted-Up Life
This memoir by Beth Moore was toward the top of the favorites this past year. She is absolutely hilarious. And so faithful and good. And she wins extra points for me as someone who stood against our current administration, when they were in power the first time. And it was popular to back the president when you called yourself a Christian—especially a well-known Christian. She took a tremendous hit for it and still did what she knew was right. Bravo to Beth Moore. I'm a fan of her for a lot of reasons.

Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World
This book is written by a retired US Navy Admiral and is just really good. Really short, to the point, has some amazing ideas and I enjoyed it very much.

Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents
This book changed my life. And I don't say that lightly. I plan to listen to it every year to truly understand the life changing work and ideas of Dr. Lindsay Gibson. I'm so thankful that someone could put into words, and help me to understand, many things about my life that I have never been able to. And I love that she talked so much about how these parents are often not horrible people, that isn't the problem. That felt extremely true and important to me also.

Michael Without Apology
Not sure there will be a year that I don't include a book by Catherine Ryan Hyde, but this isn't the year. This book was amazing. My word, some of her one-liners actually stop me in my tracks (I often listen while I am out walking) and I have to process them for quite a bit before I can move on. Loved this book, love this author even more.

Soundtracks
Read this book. Read it now. It's so, so good. I mean, if you know me, I'm clearly not an overthinker, but I hear things. Ha. No, this book was one of my very favorites of the whole year. Helpful, informative, hilarious, all the things. You should read it. For real.

The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion (Volumes 1-6)
I love these books. I really love these books. I could read these books all day and never tire of them. In fact, after reading six of the eight that are out (there are supposed to be twenty-four released eventually), I stopped. Because I didn't want to be finished with them and not have more to read. But I'm now realizing I should finish the eight and just start over. How did this not occur to me until now? Aside from The Book of Mormon, if there is one book/series on this list I would say read for sure, it is this series. The happiness I feel when I read them, the amount of times I actually do laugh out loud, is off the charts. The writing and the story just bring me immense amounts of joy. Emma Lion is the best. And a dear friend. And no one will convince me otherwise. Don't use your  "she's not even real" logic on me, I care not.

Okay friends, that was a long list. Which means it was a good year of reading. I'm so grateful

Darling, growing up Grace

The cutest girl, on her way to her HOPE squad conference this morning. 

A work trip to Sierra Leone

Jacob spent nine days in Sierra Leone this month and saw some amazing miracles that God brought to
pass, so he could accomplish some pretty intense and time-sensitive work for the church. It was a more
difficult trip than the last few, but I never once heard Jacob complain. He just laughed that he had to
shower with a bucket, that he had to ask for soap and toilet paper at one of the hotels, that the heat and
humidity was intense beyond words and that there was one area where securing food was pretty much
impossible, so he was glad he had a few granola bars during those days. It was hard for me to think
about him going through that, but it wasn't hard for Jacob. He just did what needed to be done and
thanked God for how he made many things possible that looked very impossible when the trip began. 

We are still so honored to have been chosen to do this work that matters a whole lot. It is beautiful and
 good, difficult and exhausting, right and chaotic. Kind of like life. But that is exactly the combination
 that God sets His hand on and helps to thrive. It's incredible to watch. And humbling to be a part of.
Oh our God is mighty and good. And loves His children beyond imagination. It's beautiful to witness.

Sacred and hard

The most beautiful and difficult reminder today of the fragility of life, the tremendous blessing
of sitting in a room with some of the most awe-inspiring people I have ever known and just
overwhelming gratitude for God and His plan, beyond what I could ever convey. So many tears
and the strongest desire to be more like Matt. And to never stop being thankful for my Savior
who gave everything so that this isn't the end for Malerie and Matt and their sweet family.
Today was so sacred to me. I'll forever be grateful for the privilege of being there.

Eighteen years of our amazing Ben

This incredible birthday boy

 
Happy Birthday to our incredible Benjamin! The fastest of eighteen years with the most amazing of
young men. Watching this boy grow and mature into who he has become is such a privilege. He’s hilarious
 and good, kind and quick-witted, inclusive and brilliant, talented and driven. He craves authenticity and depth
in his conversations and friendships and in life in general. He cares about people, the world around him
and being more like his Savior. He just quietly goes about doing a whole lot of good.

I’ll never forget when Ben was born, too early to breathe well on his own. And I sat by his bedside
in the NICU, with tears streaming down my face. Not because of my worry for his health gratefully,
 God had already assured me he would be fine, but because I was absolutely overwhelmed with who
he was in his soul and I could feel that goodness and power, in that tiny five pound six ounce body,
to the point that it took my breath away. I knew then, and I still know now, what a honor it is to
be entrusted with this boy and to be his mom. I’ll never stop thanking God for the privilege.

Happiest Birthday Benjamin Jay, we love you so much son!

The days between Christmas and New Year's

Annie took the two youngest skiing. She's the best big sister.

Jacob and Nate had a chance to join Nate's friend and his dad on a quick skiing trip
to Jackson Hole. It was fantastic. And was made that much better by Nate and Jack
meeting Kai Jones (the lovely, waving fellow to the right) on their last morning there.

Grace and I saw Frozen at Hale Centre Theatre one evening and it was absolutely amazing.
Yet even with that, I still enjoyed watching Grace's reactions more than the actual play.

Jacob took some of the kids to the driving range on New Year's Eve and all of them bowling later that
night. The wait for their turn took so long, they decided to do a few arcades. Oh he's the best dad.

Grace found out I had never actually seen the movie Frozen and one night, we watched
 most of it in my bed (still need to finish the last little bit before she heads back to school).
Pretty good movie for sure. I really should have watched it a year or twelve ago.

Nate and a few of his teammates competed in an 3v3 indoor tournament that his club put on during the
break. And went undefeated in four games to win the championship. Oh this boy loves soccer.

And while I'm truly so happy for him and of course it is right, our sad news of the break
is that Matt moved out. He's living with some wonderful friends, not too far away
(but closer to his work and school). They found a fabulous place and it is going to
be great. But we already miss him. A lot. Gratefully, we still get to see him often.
Oh kids growing up and moving away. It's the best and the worst, all mixed up together tight.

A day of heartache and gratitude

Even with my immense happiness for him, this one feels like a little too much. Especially following
the heart shattering news regarding a dear friend yesterday. Life already felt far too fragile and I’m kind
of not interested in a world President Jeffrey R. Holland isn’t in. At least right this moment. He changed
 me in ways only my God truly knows. I’ll never stop being grateful for him. He did what he was asked
 so well, just so very well. I’m so happy for heaven. And for all of us who knew him on earth.

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me

I once was lost, but now I’m found

Was blind, but now I see

The BEST humans

27 years

I don't believe it is a coincidence (even without it being a conscious choice we made) that Jacob and I
 were married on the day that officially signals the beginning of more light and life coming into the world.
I don't know what could more adequately sum up my marriage, or the gift of our family, than that.

He, and his overwhelmingly bright light, have stood beside me, every single day of the last twenty-seven years.

Through moments so hard, that they took my breath away with how horrific and earth shattering they felt. 

And moments so full of joy and peace, it felt like heaven was actually here. Or we were there. Or both.  

And everything in between. A whole lot in between. 

Jacob has never given up on me or our children and if anything, has shown up for all of us even
more the last many months, than ever before. And oh my word, that is saying something. 

He has exceeded every expectation of a husband and father, I never even knew to have, 

He truly is the greatest example of light and love in my life, next to the Savior and my Father.
That tangible, sit-by-my side, listen and care, laugh and believe, work through the exhaustion,
hold me when my world is crumbling, stay when it often would be easier to check out, joke and
smile and focus on the positive, show up again and again and again. And then again, kind of light.

That is Jacob Allen. He is everything to me. I'll never stop being grateful for him.

And my God who joined us together. Forever.

A work trip to Nigeria

Jacob recently returned from a trip to Nigeria, to continue to help The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints measure and evaluate their programs for mothers, babies and children
that aim to lessen the prevalence of malnutrition, disease and death. It continues to be such
humbling work for him and we both feel so privileged to be a part of it.

In addition, the opportunity to leave a few days early and visit his parents on the way was
wonderful for Jacob. He’s seen them twice in the last five months, something we never would
 have imagined when they left for Cote d’Ivoire earlier this year. His time with them meant a lot
to him and being in the Abidjan temple with them, even attending a sealing his dad performed
for that darling wife and husband in the second picture, well it was just incredibly sweet.

Jacob and I talk often about how undeservedly blessed we are and how we truly can’t get over
it. I genuinely don’t think it will ever not humble me to the core and just hope God knows
how deeply honored we are to do our small part to try to further His work. And mostly,
to help as many of His children as possible, as often as possible, feel His love for them.

He’s so just mighty and wonderful. I’m so thankful for Him.

The best afternoon

December service opportunity

For the last and final service opportunity of the year, I had the sweet experience, with the donations
from several of you and the money Jacob and I put aside, to buy quite a few breakfast items, shelf-stable
 milk and blankets for the homeless community in Utah County. And even though this photo shows dozens
 of items ready to be delivered, I actually was able to purchase a few more (not pictured), from money
that came after these arrived. So just imagine even more loveliness. In addition, a darling friend of
mine dropped off three blankets to be donated, so I was beyond grateful for her kindness.

A huge thanks to our Annie for letting me have everything sent to her house and then delivering
 it all to the warming center for me...in multiple trips, bless her heart. She's the kindest and the best.

I'm just so thankful for a wonderful year, alongside many of you, of these monthly service projects.
I've come to understand multiple reasons the Lord asked me to do this and it's been such a blessing
and taught me several unexpected lessons. I'm excited to quietly continue these myself next year,
offering the invitation to join just a couple of times next year, for those that may be interested.

Oh the last twelve months of these monthly opportunities has been good for me. I'm so grateful.

Christmas piano recital

Christmas piano recital last night for these three cousins and their cousin of the recently healed broken
 thumb that wasn’t allowed to practice for weeks until a few days ago. And their very favorite piano teacher/
friend/human. My word we are the luckiest to know her. And these kids are the best. What a happy night.

Sixty years

Sixty years this very day. I could feel my mom smiling from heaven when I woke up. And my dad and his 
sweet reply to my text this morning touched my heart. I'm so thankful that for the last six decades, they
have chosen their  marriage. It means everything to me. How I pray heaven feels close for my dad today. 

Grace's musical theater and tap performance

Grace had an in-class musical theater and tap performance today and she was honestly

so amazing, it just blew me away. Her singing, acting, tapping...every bit of it was

just incredible. So grateful for this girl and her talented, beautiful, hard working self.

6th grade dance

This cutest girl had such a fun time at her sixth grade western dance on Friday. It’s so strange to
experience these elementary lasts with our youngest. Oh that time, the sneakiest of thieves.

Grace's science fair project

Science fair project for this little lovely. She's brilliant and darling.

More Wicked, more darling girls

I’m a huge fan of our tradition of going to Wicked with the girls.
 Love spending time with every one of them so much. They really are just the best.

Also, I may or may not have gone a second time with Jacob tonight,
 because I really needed to process it, by watching it again. You have no idea how
NOT like me it is to watch movies twice in general, but especially twice in one day.

Definitely not sorry though. Oh man that storyline speaks to me.

Our Denali girl

Forever the sweetest girl. We’ll never stop missing her.

Harvest dance

Ben's final Harvest dance with his darling date, Kate.

And a big thanks to Annie girl, for making the perfect Prince Phillip vest. She's the best.

A morning walk and my time with God

Another show of gratitude

Another November, another show of gratitude for Grace, at a nearby senior living center. Jacob so
kindly went with her this time, capturing these fabulous photos. Our beautiful dancer participated in |
five different dances and each one was absolutely tremendous (I know because her classes performed
them for parents through this week leading up to the show.) Oh I love this dance company and this girl.
And feel so thankful for moments that are as beautiful and good as last Saturday morning.