2026 Theme

January is almost over and I still need to get these two things printed and put on my vision board! (which also needs to be created). 

This is who I want to be when December rolls around in 11 months. I want to be a peacemaker. I want to let pride go and have more love and peace in my heart. 

& I want to let go of the desire to be in control. Learn to be steady in (daily) uncertainty. I can't control how my kids, husband, friends, family, church members, etc. will act & react, but I can control how I do. <3 This will be a good year. 

Beans in Berlin Round 3

How lucky are we to have had Justin's family come every year during our Germany experience. Here are some highlights from our week together <3: 

Christmas! Logan was in heaven opening his new toys and Lightning McQueen shirt.  

Justin's basketball game. 

Lots of hanging out at home & baby cuddles.

Visited our favorite Burgelhaus so they could get a German nativity and Christmas pyramid!

Logan and Papa had a few movie mornings while Justin was at practice and the girls went shopping. We tried to introduce him to Lion King but somehow we ended back with Cars. Haha, that boy knows what he likes.

Trip to our favorite food court & spaghetti eis!

& lots of quality time with the people we love. <3

Justin had to leave for an unexpected road trip at the end of the week, so we went to the Alba store to get some gear to cheer him on.

Logan was in heaven. I think the only things he loves more than Cars and Lightning McQueen is Alba Berlin. I can't believe we had never been to the team store! It was fun to see all of the Alba gear and Buddy Bear.

Man, I'm so grateful for the week we got to spend together. I'm the luckiest to have such amazing, kind, selfless in-laws. They spoiled us & we felt so loved all week.

This was the one sunny day we had had in a while so we took advantage and walked by the Berlin Wall on the way home. It was sooo nice to feel the sun on our faces.

Best, best, best week!! Next time we're together it will be back in the U.S.A.!

Emery's Blessing Day

Today was one of the best days. For a lot of reasons. Family in town, my first time going back to church since Emery was born, lots of friends visiting for Emery's blessing, a tender, powerful blessing given by Justin, & a basketball game to top everything off. 

Mom mailed my own baby blessing dress to Oklahoma so Justin's parents could bring it for Emery's special day. She looked sooo beautiful. I was so happy she got to wear my dress. 

We put her bow on before we went to church. It fell off right as Justin lifted her out of her carseat and never made it back on her head... Ha!

I loved all of her sweet blessing and that Justin was the one who gave it to her. I feel so blessed to be her mom and that I get to love her and be with her every step of the way during her life. 

Our Bean family was only here for one Sunday and it happened to be one that Justin was able to attend church. It was a tender mercy to share that experience together. 

The talks in sacrament meeting were on the nature of God as our loving Heavenly Father. They were powerful & I'm grateful for that principle of knowledge that we have. We are all children of God.

Our Aversa family traveled to come and share that experience with us too. I LOVE these people. 

And lastly, in addition to our ward family, we had some basketball family there too. I truly felt so much joy & happiness standing at the chapel doors, welcoming all of these friends to church. To think of where we started, just the two of us in August 2023, until now is a miracle. 

We've been so blessed to create the community we have in Berlin. It was such a special, sweet day. 

I love you, Emery Claire. 

xoxo, Mom