We also got Calianne's wedding pictures back! They turned out so great and are a reminder of that lovely day!!!

 The grandkids came over a few times this week! We watched Evelyn on Wednesday while Mariah substitute taught and we watched Sarah's children on Saturday while she got a couple of hours to herself. I say "we" because even though my sweet daughters ask me if I'll help them out, Beth loves these babies and they all love her! Plus, when Savannah and Dad are home they both take time with the kiddos, too! On Thursday, Sarah, Megan, and Mariah all came to my house with their babies. It's so fun to see them together (my grandchildren and my daughters). I love that they are such friends to each other!

             

Benjamin had to work hard to get caught up on math assignments before a big test this week. Apparently all his friends in that class were pretty worried about that test and they all met for a prayer before hand. Those are some pretty good friends! He said he was shaking after the test because the pressure was so high. Crazy, right? Anyway, he ended up with a 97%. Way to go, Ben! He continued with indoor track this week, had a basketball game on Saturday, and worked as a lifeguard twice. On Saturday, he had a six hour shift that started at 5:45am! He learned he could do it. That's important. He is a great young man.

Kevin continues to work hard. He had meetings for work early in the week and did an intensive during the last few days. He gives a couple nights of week to the YSA ward as well as most of the day Sunday. It takes time but he loves it. Cheyenne organized a basketball game Monday night with members of the ward and asked Kevin to play. He had fun but hurt his foot and now needs to take a break from tennis and basketball for a few weeks!

I had some sessions this week. I thought a lot about those cases and what might help them. I also filed the W-2 and 1099s for Kevin's business. I babysat. I walked three times this week. I decided Joe Dispenza might be a good solution for Beth and might convince her to take his online class next week. I called and talked to my mom. I took chances to get caught up on Cheyenne's life on her way to and from so many things! I talked with Savannah as she struggled through a couple of days where headaches made it so she couldn't go to work. I pondered on the purpose of life and the nature of contentment. Did I do a lot this week or very little? I'm not sure, but here is my record. :)

Benjamin had a good week. He's started running after school again, this time with the indoor track team. He's also settling into his new job as a lifeguard. He worked two days this week and is discovering that he may be able to do homework on breaks! Homework is not going quite as well, since he is very behind on math assignments. However, this is the week he will catch up!

This is Ben and his friends on their Saturday run.

Bethany had a happier week than last week. Yay! She even had a couple of really full days where she went to choir, her personal trainer, and to work, and she made it through! Very cool. We had to go to the hospital for a cortisol stimulation test on Thursday morning but we've gotten the lab results back and everything is within normal ranges. She finished a book this week that she really enjoyed, and she needs just $100 to pay for her half of choir tour. Way to go. Beth!

Cheyenne has settled in to life as a nursing student! She has lots of studying to do when not in class, but has been able to keep up and is doing great on her tests! She is also still managing to go to all the UVU basketball games (one of her social priorities!) and she works night shift Saturday and Sunday this week. It's amazing all she's able to fit into a week! She also went to a wedding reception this weekend that brought together 20ish friends from her mission and they danced and cheered and had the best of times!

Savannah was sick a couple of days but pulled out of it by the end of the week. She was able to do an overnight babysitting gig for Mariah on Wednesday and on Friday she went out to eat with Peter to meet his parents. She was smiling when she got home and still smiling in the morning remembering some good conversations.

Kevin has been doing intensives every week and it is hard work. This weekend we went to the temple together for the YSA ward. We are talking about having me go with him to a training he's doing in Arizona next month and taking a day for a mini-vacation.

I'm having sessions with clients and loving seeing an impact on their lives for good. I also volunteered to watch Sarah's kiddos and Megan's, too last night so they could get out. I love those little people and what a priveledge to be a part of their lives!

Sunday dinner

Micah having a moment with Oliver.

 Avery turned four-years-old this week! She delights us all with her passion for make-believe and loud, squealing games! She is a spit-fire that keeps us all on our toes! Her birthday was on Wednesday, but Sarah had a dual-family party for her on Sunday in the church gym. We had soup and breadsticks, opened presents, and ate cake and ice cream. It was super fun! We sure love that girl!

Also this week, Beth was an escort for a Mr. Springville contestant at the high school. Kevin and I went to watch. We've heard of it, but never gone. It is kind of a silly remake of a beauty pageant but with guys. It was cute! Beth looked lovely and did a great job participating in his talent by being a back-up singer for "Gaston" and dancing in the final number. She had really low energy all week so it was a hard thing for her to do and she was super glad when it was over!

 We returned to school and work and everyday life this week.

Ben returned to high school where he has just one different class. Instead of Health, he has Business Office Specialist where he'll learn Excel and Word and stuff like that. He had a cold all week and it made him a bit miserable but he only missed one day of school and still went to work, so way to go, Ben! He also played in another city rec basketball game on Saturday and I watched him for the first time. He's playing pretty good! Oh, also, he got asked to the Sweetheart's dance in February. Fun!

Beth's biggest news of the week is that she does NOT need to have gallbladder surgery!! Yay! What a load off her mind and our pocketbook (ha ha!). The OTC meds have relieved her esophageal spasms so we're calling that a win. She went back to choir this week and worked a few times, too. She has been practicing a dance with Rhett who she is escorting for Mr. Springville next week!

Chey started nursing school this week!! She rode the train on Monday (it's about a half hour drive on the freeway) and then met a girl in her class who lives two doors down from us. What??!? So now they are carpooling! She has been happy to discover that so far, nursing school is nothing she can't handle. She's also been to a couple of UVU basketball games (including one she kidnapped Cali from BYU to go with her!) and she worked last night and will again tonight. She is on her way!

Savannah babysat for Mariah on Wednesday night, Megan on Thursday night, and Sarah on Friday night. She is such a great help! She has also been creating YouTube videos for the game she likes, Stardew Valley and is really enjoying it. Saturday she went out with Peter again. Here is the link for her video:  https://youtu.be/7XE5a9SPXUU?si=imHtW4HKdw9pstij

Our most fun moment of the week was when we got to take our gift cards from Grandma and Grandpa Gazdik and all go to Texas Roadhouse together! We went on Saturday at 3:30. We ate yummy food and had a great time being together! Thank you Grandma and Grandpa!

Another fun moment this week was when Kevin and I drove to Bountiful to meet up with some of his old high school friends. They had great fun catching up and reliving old memories. I had a fun time seeing Kevin having so much fun. The food was great, too!

Calianne got married this week!! What a beautiful bride! What a great party we had! What a momentous occasion in eternity!

Monday was our last day to prepare before the big day. We did last-minute things including cutting fresh pine branches from our tree out front, since we did a lot of nature decorating! Sarah and Mariah held a bridal shower for Calianne in the late afternoon, and she had a great turnout. Family had started to arrive, including Grandma Elton and Amy's family. Lots of Richmond's female cousins, aunts, and grandmas were there, too! We had a super fun time playing games and taking turns telling stories of Cali and Richmond. That night, Kevin made burgers for the family in town, including Grandpa Skinner! Afterwards, we did nails and face masks!

Tuesday was the BIG DAY! First, I took Cali to get her hair and makeup done and she looked so cute in her button-down shirt that we took pictures of her like that, too! Then Cali and I headed to the temple to meet Richmond and their photographer for some pictures before. Soon we were inside with so many family and friends and the ceremony was BEAUTIFUL! After we cheered them coming out and took some more pictures, we headed to the venue to set up and have some yummy food! At the luncheon, Cali and Richmond thanked everyone for coming and told their story. Then we had an open mic for friends and family to come up and wish them well. Soon it was time for more pictures in front of the lovely fireplace that Megan decorated (her decorations, fulfilling Cali's ideas, were so pretty!). While pictures were being taken, we reorganized the venue for the reception, which started at 6. Cali and Richmond talked to guests the first hour, then the sons-in-law sang my favorite song ("Married a Skinner! Feel like a winner!), Cali and Richmond cut the cake and played the shoe game, and the Flamingos (Cali and Richmond's high school friends) busted out with a prepared dance and started the dance party! Cali has always loved the dancing at wedding receptions, and she had the most fun at her own! We sent them off with sparklers and called the day a complete success. Yay marriage! Yay celebrations! Yay Cali and Richmond!

On Wednesday, my family went home and I enjoyed shutting off my brain for a little while! That night, Mariah and Kolby and Evelyn came to hang out with us. We watched a movie and then played half a game of Catan with Savannah before it was time to go upstairs, count down the New Year, and toast each other with Martinellis! Welcome 2026!

Thursday was my birthday! Kevin and I went out to lunch and watched a movie. My kids came over that night for pizza and presents. I'm glad they love me and want to be with me!

Friday I was willing to put things away from the wedding and Kevin and I went to the temple, but really Friday and Saturday were relaxing, as well. It's been a good, good week. What a beautiful life.