We Don't Talk About Bruno!

The day starts with "Alexa, play We Don't Talk about Bruno on repeat." Then we all sing about not talking about Bruno. Over and over! Even when Alexa isn't playing it, we're still singing it!

 

Back to Portland

Jared went back to Portland for the first time in 3 years since we moved to Cincinnati to attendMark Hornibrook's funeral. . From the moment I stepped onto the updated PDX carpet, it felt like I was going home!

I got in super late Thursday night, and first thing Friday, we were on our way up the mountain to ski Hood Meadows with the Schaffer clan. I love this mountain!

 

We had blue skies for our ski day - it was great snow and fun terrain as always. I could hardly keep up with Jim and Bridger - when they went out to a double black area, I decided to stay with Aron instead. They reported back that it was a good decision - the snow wasn't in great shape for off trail skiing.

After skiing, on the way back to the Schaffers, I stopped by Precoa. It was a Friday afternoon, so I didn't expect many people to be in the office, but fortunately, a handful of people were there.

I got to spend some time with Ashley Stout, who worked with me for 6 years.

I stopped by to surprise Shelley MacGill at her home for a visit too. Shelley is the same as she was in 2009 when I first started with Precoa!

After spending some time connecting with people from Precoa and the Stafford ward at the visitation, we ended Friday night with a trip to Salt and Straw.

4 half scoops on top of a waffle cone! YUM!!!!

Saturday morning, I wanted to play frisbee, but no one came to play, so instead, I went for a run around Sherwood.

It was fun to stay with the Schaffers. Jack was still my buddy!

It is so great having these lifelong friends!

Sunday morning, I went to church at the Stafford Ward. I surprised many, especially Emily McClelland, who led a "pop up choir," which of course I participated in. I couldn't stay the entire meeting, but after sacrament meeting, I got a quick picture with Bishop Jeffries and with and Eric Battles

After Mark's funeral, it started to rain a bit, which just felt fitting for Portland. I drove around and visited some of the meaningful places around the city.

 

I stopped by the Portland temple. I love the Portland temple! The way it is lit up at night on a rainy evening is beautiful.

As I drove around, I realize how much I LOVE this city! I have so many meaningful memories and developed strong friendships in the years we lived here. As I pondered why I feel such a strong love for Portland, I realized it is where I grew up as an adult, where I grew most as a professional, and where my family grew to completion.

Mark Hornibrook

Mark Hornibrook passed away February 9. He holds a special place in Jared's and our family's hearts. Known as "the Boss," especially to young Jacob and Claire, he was Jared's boss and was instrumental in bringing us to Precoa and Portland. He was also in the stake presidency the entire time we were in Portland, called Jared into the Stafford Ward bishopric, and was a warm and caring person. His vision for Precoa helped many, but more than that, his love and care for individuals helped change lives. 

Mark will be missed.

Given that Mark was in the preplanning business, his funeral was immaculately planned! The theme, "I'll Go Where You Want Me To Go," was from a life lesson learned in his early 20's that led him to "follow the feeling," which he later recognized as the Holy Ghost. That feeling led him to join the church, Mary Ane and start his family, and through countless decisions. I left the funeral feeling like I had just been taught again by Mark, with added resolve to love more fully and to better seek and follow the Spirit.

Following cookies, cake, and a slideshow after-funeral gathering at the church, selected friends and family joined for a graveside service, which continued the outpouring of love for Mark as friends, co-workers, and colleagues shared memories.

Later that evening, Precoa hosted a dinner in Portland. It was like being home. All of the people that I worked so closely with for nearly 10 years were gathered, laughing, crying, and catching up. It was fun to relive memories, to treasured recognize parts of me that I had developed with and because of these friends.

 

These are people that I helped build a business with. With them I grew professionally, shared wonderful memories, many highs, some lows, but throughout, felt so much growth and love. I will be forever grateful for my time at Precoa.

After hors d'oeuvres, yummy dinner, and quite a bit of time together, and just about when it was winding down, Michael and Tyler, after spending family time, came and joined. The party revved back up and we enjoyed another hour of connection. 

Just as Mark would have wanted.

Valentine's Day

Valentines Day brings yummy food and opportunities for us to be together. Dani made a batch of sugar cookies, and we decorated them together as a family.

Our Valentine's Day feast: heart-shaped ravioli with shrimp, heart shaped strawberries, and salad

with a delicious chocolate cake for dessert! 

 

Hours of driving

Our 15-year-olds are driving - and have been driving for a few months now. As often as we can when it is time to go somewhere, we have Jacob or Claire behind the wheel.

Ohio's requirement is 50 hours, so Jared put together a Google spreadsheet (of course) so they could track their hours. It has been 

The majority of Jacob's hours have been to the church for seminary, church, or youth activities, and he's a little ways ahead of Claire's hours. His goal is to be driving right after his birthday.

It has been enjoyable (most of the time!) getting to spend time with the kids. Asked how the adults were doing as teachers, Claire said "Dad is calm. Mom isn't always as calm." 

Jared's response to that assessment: "I'm really good at faking it!" Dani's response: "The fear comes out of my mouth!"

Winter Olympics 2022 - Beijing

It's one of our favorite times of the year - Olympics - when we become obsessed with events that we watch every 4 years!

We started the Olympics out with what has become a fun tradition with the Gibson. Since the Olympics were held in Beijing, we got a bunch of Chinese foods.

and Dani made her Olympic rings fruit ring.

Jared, this year, decided his favorite sport to watch is curling. He would choose that over the new big air skiing and snowboarding events.

We love watching and cheering on the United States. USA! USA! USA!

Kids keeping busy

A few of the things the kids have been up to recently:

Claire finished her paint by numbers painting. This is her second - it turned out so well!!!

The kids 100th day of school involves a spirit day that they dress like they are 100

They boys have been playing "Lego Football." Their teams have players with different positions, levels, and strengths. I'm not entirely sure how they decide the outcomes of each play, but they sure love doing it! There are teams of Harry Potter, droids, storm troopers, and probably others.

We got to see our kids artwork at the high school pancake day. They were happy to show it off for us.