1 January 2023
VOLUME 11 – NUMBER 485
Grandma Arlene playing with children
We went to go visit Grandma Arlene and Grandpa Arnold. We ate lunch and had dessert. It was delicious.
Dad let us bring the motorcycles and me and Isaac showed Monte and Gloria how to ride the bikes. After they tried them, me and Isaac rode the bikes to the gas station and got some treats and then we went back.
We also did three different sizes of puzzles with Grandma Arlene. After that we went home. I like visiting with Grandma and Grandpa!
Family working on puzzles
Ashton and I decided that it would be fun to fix a couple of things around the house while the family was up in Malad. We both had obligations and couldn't join them, but then neither of us ended up needing to go to Provo, so we made the best of our time at the house by attempting to fix the front door knob, putting the wall back on downstairs by the new furnace, and painting the wall and cabinets in the upstairs bathroom.
All of this inspired us to do more projects around the house, so over the next few days we re-painted all of the kitchen cabinets. The whole family was involved with that project, and it turned out amazing! I really enjoyed being able to paint and to brighten up the kitchen!
London and Kai working on cabinets
I've been bouncing back and forth between West Jordan and Provo this whole week and it is great to be at home as much as possible. The two biggest highlights this week were that London and I decided to surprise everyone (specifically Mom and Dad) by doing some random projects around the house.
Long story short, we were about 50% successful, with what we wanted to get done, but it was a lot of fun. We ended up painting the upstairs shower area, since both of us had planned to do that on our own right after getting home from our missions.
Anyways, the other big project was the kitchen cabinets. It was so satisfying painting them, and we got some awesome before and after pictures.
Family working on cabinets
On Saturday night, Yarima planned a New Year's Eve party at Natalie's house and that was so fun! The food was amazing, and we got to watch the crazy TCU vs. Ohio State game.
The curve-ball of the night was that everyone had to bring their own item to drink out of, and the only rule was that it could not be a cup. So naturally, I brought the plant waterer and had a good time drinking from it the whole night.
Refurbished kitchen cabinets
With the start of a new year I always reflect on the previous year. This year, I’m overjoyed with all the good things that happened in 2022. Endia and I met at the beginning of the year, and shortly after we started dating I moved up to Rexburg and did a semester of school.
Before the semester was over we had driven thousands of miles to visit each other on weekends and we also got engaged. We were sealed September 10 in the Oquirrh Mountain Temple for time and all eternity.
Life continues to be more joyful, I am happier now than I’ve ever been. I’m excited for everything 2023!
Braden, Brooke, Ellie, Charlie at beach
The day after Christmas, we continued our annual tradition of going down to Florida with Brooke’s side of the family. It was about a nine-hour drive, but both Ellie and Charlie did so well. We rode with Brooke’s parents, so I got to take care of Charlie while Brooke was with Ellie.
The water in Florida was not warm enough to enjoy swimming, but we still had a good time going to the beach and hanging out in the condo we were staying in.
It’s a little sad to think that this is probably the last year of the Florida Christmas tradition since Brooke’s parents are about to move back to Utah. This is a tradition that began when I surprised Brooke and flew to Florida to propose. Now it’s four years later, and we’re a small family of four! We’ll always look back with great memories of our Christmas Florida trips!
Braden, Brooke, family playing video games
Our bulldog business slowed down a little bit after COVID with all the new breeders but it has slowly started picking back up. Our stud Leo has continued to have breeding, but after one of our customers had a litter of puppies, they decided that they were not cut out for it. She called us very overwhelmed with the whelping process and asked us to take the pups. So we did.
Christmas week we got a litter of two-day-old pups to take care of, and although it is very demanding, I do love whelping. I love saving puppy lives, watching them grow, and finding the perfect families.
On New Year’s Eve we had family over to celebrate with tons of food and games. It was fun to see everyone, we always love a good excuse to party. I will say, it was even nicer to be hosting a party in my new kitchen. Still a little work to be done but overall it was just nice.
Children ready for church (12/18/23)
I know that Jesus lives and that he is the savior and that he died for us. I also know that Joseph Smith was a prophet, and that this is the true church of Jesus Christ
I also know that if we follow the path that we shall have eternal life and that we will have eternal happiness.
Veidi and Isaac on new electric scooter bikes
This week Veidi and I got to go on the new electric mini motorcycles we got for Christmas. We rode them to McDonalds and back. It is so fun, because it is so nice to have the wind in your face and it feels really refreshing.
It has been snowing recently so we haven’t been able to do bunch on them. We also got to go to the church and play volleyball with some friends. I really enjoy playing Volleyball, and I’m wanting to join a team hopefully.
Joanna and Quinn at Cafe Rio
This week I was unable to pass my knowledge test for my learner’s permit. I have been studying hard so I can pass the next time I take it.
I also went to Provo with London and Ashton for the day. I helped London clean the AirBnB for her friend Danielle, and while we waited for the laundry to be done, we went to the gym, and then out to ea.
Then we went to pick up Ashton from work and then to his apartment, where London dropped us off while she went to the temple. Ashton and I cleaned the clubhouse at his apartment complex, which is his other job that he has besides also working at the MTC.
Children playing video games
During Christmas break, Endia, Cougar, London, and Ashton came over for a little while. He remodeled our PFL (Paper Football League) stats, so that we could track them easier. I love playing PFL, and so far I’m undefeated, but it’s only the preseason.
We played a new game called Overcooked on the Switch, which was supposed to be a replacement group video game for Stardew Valley, because Dad was getting bored of Stardew Valley since he finished building his farm. We played Overcooked for hours straight, it’s a really fun, really goofy game, and we all love it!
We also got to play a little bit of Nintendo Switch Sports, (which was a Christmas present for us.) I love Christmas time, and I love being around family. Also, having a break from school, and being able to relax for a while was like a cherry on the top.
Caleb eating with other missionaries