I went to another cookbook club. I made some pear dish with honey. I was also baking a different dessert every Monday. After the 4th week, I was done.
I really tried to eat healthier this year and make better choices. It wasn't always easy, but I made a conscious effort to take better care of myself and build healthier habits.
Bear, on the other hand, has developed a funny obsession with my energy drinks. Every chance he gets, he tries to steal one and run away with it. It always makes me laugh watching him proudly carry off a can like he just found buried treasure.
One of the biggest milestones of the year was signing our divorce papers. After everything Jared and I had been through, we decided to celebrate the closing of one chapter and the beginning of another by having lunch together at Gourmandise. It might sound unusual to some people, but it felt right for us. There was no anger or bitterness—just gratitude for the years we shared, the family we built, and the opportunity to move forward with respect and friendship.
As I settled into this new season of life, I also treated myself to a little shopping trip at TJ Maxx, where I found some beautiful new furniture and home décor. It felt good to refresh my space and make it feel more like me. Sometimes a few new pieces can make a house feel like the start of a brand-new chapter.
This year, Mario participated in a Young Men activity where he learned the basics of sword fighting. It was such a fun and unique experience, and he had a great time learning a new skill while spending time with his friends.
One of these photos is with another one of Mario's friends, who works at the steakhouse we visit often. I always enjoy seeing the friendships he's built over the years. It's fun to go out to eat and have someone greet us with a big smile because they know Mario.
I also decided to redecorate Mario's room before he left on his mission. I wanted him to have a space that felt peaceful, comfortable, and reflected the amazing young man he has become. It was my little way of celebrating this new chapter in his life and sending him off with a room that truly felt like home. I'm going to miss seeing him there every day, but I know he's exactly where he's supposed to be.
Mario's Summer Concert with Beatriz
One of the things I admire most about Mario is his love for music. He has always been drawn to it, and it has become such an important part of his life. This summer, he performed in a concert with Beatriz, and it was wonderful to watch him do something he genuinely loves.
Mario is involved in several choirs and is always looking for opportunities to sing. He has a beautiful voice, but what I love most is the joy you can see on his face whenever he performs. Music isn't just a hobby for him—it's one of the ways he expresses himself.
In addition to singing, Mario also loves playing the guitar. Whether he's practicing at home, singing with friends, or performing in a concert, music seems to come naturally to him. I'm so proud of the talented, kind, and creative young man he has become, and I can't wait to see how he continues to develop his musical gifts in the years ahead.
Milo's awards
By the end of the school year, we were invited to what felt like banquet after banquet celebrating Mario and Milo's accomplishments. This one was for Milo's volleyball team, and it was so much fun to see him recognized alongside his teammates.
Milo amazes me with how involved he is. He isn't the type of kid to do just one activity—he loves trying new things and giving them his all. This year he participated in volleyball, swimming, and mountain biking, all while keeping up with school and spending time with friends. He has so much energy, determination, and curiosity, and I love watching him discover new passions.
Unfortunately, we weren't able to attend his swimming or mountain biking banquets, but we were just as proud of everything he accomplished. Whether he's competing on a team, encouraging his friends, or pushing himself to improve, Milo approaches life with enthusiasm and confidence. Watching him grow into such a kind, hardworking, and adventurous young man has been one of my greatest joys.
There was also an awards night at Mario's school to recognize the graduating seniors. Mario was the one who designed the entire program for the event, which was pretty impressive all by itself.
What we didn't know was that he was also receiving several awards that night!
I got a text from Jessica Patch asking, "Where are you?" At that moment, I was sitting in the living room with Jared and the boys, completely unaware that Mario was being recognized at school. I was so upset that he hadn't told us. To him, it wasn't a big deal. He didn't think the awards were important enough to mention.
Over the next week, he gradually brought all of his awards home. As I looked through them, I realized just how much he had accomplished. I was incredibly proud of him—not just for earning the awards, but for being so humble that he never felt the need to brag about them. That's just who Mario is.
Garden Park Ward Senior Celebration
Our Garden Park Ward family hosted a wonderful picnic to celebrate all of the graduating seniors. It was such a beautiful day filled with laughter, good food, and great company.
I love how our ward comes together to celebrate important milestones. It meant so much to see everyone recognize the hard work and accomplishments of these amazing young men and women as they prepared to begin the next chapter of their lives.
It was especially meaningful to celebrate Mario alongside his friends. Looking around at all of these graduates, surrounded by people who have watched them grow up, was a reminder of what a special community we have. It was a joyful afternoon, and I'm so grateful we were able to be part of it.
Mario has always had a creative eye, and this year he put his talents to good use by designing this banner, along with many others for his high school. It was fun to see his creativity displayed throughout the school and to watch him contribute in such a meaningful way.
This year was also especially significant because Mario graduated from seminary, an accomplishment that means so much to our family. We are incredibly proud of the time, dedication, and faith he showed as he completed both high school and seminary.
These photos were taken by our bishop, Brent Wilson, who captured so many special moments during this exciting season of Mario's life.
One of the most meaningful experiences of the year was when Mario received his patriarchal blessing. It was a sacred and unforgettable moment for our family. Sitting together and listening to the promises and counsel that Heavenly Father has prepared specifically for him was deeply moving. It filled us with hope, gratitude, and excitement for the future. I know Mario will return to those words throughout his life as a source of guidance, comfort, and strength, and I feel so grateful that we were able to share such a special experience with him.
One of the fun things I joined this year was a cookbook club. The funny part is... I honestly don't cook very much anymore. The boys are old enough to make their own meals or pick something up on their own, so my days of cooking every night are pretty much over. Still, I enjoy the conversations, discovering new recipes, and spending time with people who love food.
Somehow, I also received an invitation to attend a PR event where I got to meet Shea McGee, the interior designer behind Studio McGee and the beautiful furniture and home décor collections sold at Target. Since the event was so close to my house, I decided to step outside my comfort zone and go.
It turned out to be such a great experience. I met interesting people, did a little networking, enjoyed some amazing food, and even came home with a cookbook. As someone who loves home design, it was really fun to meet someone whose style has inspired so many beautiful spaces.
I'm learning to say "yes" to opportunities, even when they feel a little intimidating. New experiences can be scary, especially after spending so many years in my comfort zone, but growth rarely happens there. I keep reminding myself, If not me, then who? Sometimes all it takes is showing up, and you never know what doors might open because you did.
