Sargent Sayings 2020 presents

 

"I'll be HOME for Christmas" 

2020 Sargent Sayings

To spread along some holiday cheer, we wanted to share what we did this past year.

within our watch​    ​​

pandemic paused. within our watch, begging the sun to early rise 

countless prayers sent up to God, surpassing earthly skies.

we mourn past life, our family, friends, and those called home too soon

life upset, school's shut down, and shouted songs of doom.

 

our hard days of mining hope, ​when we hit bedrock find

peace resides within our homes when faith, love, time intertwine.

as glorious light foils voids in night, ​share love with ​​those of embers low

for God invites every child to unite, become one ​as crescendo.   🎄~m, dec. 2020

1. 

   
   
   This year's favorite Christmas Carol tells of Jesus Christ's birth fulfilling Isaiah's Prophecy
   "Lo, how a rose e'er blooming"
   Isaiah 'twas foretold it,
   The Rose I have in mind,
   With Mary we behold it,
   The virgin mother kind;
   To show God's love aright,
   She bore to men a Savior,
   When half spent was the night....
   ...This Flow’r, whose fragrance tender
   With sweetness fills the air,
   Dispels with glorious splendor
   The darkness everywhere.
   True man, yet very God,
   From sin and death He saves us,
   And lightens every load.
   This is originally a German Christmas Carol, "Es ist ein Ros entsprungen" 
   (CLICK here for video of this song)

         2020   Before & After NOW...       

Sargent Family 2020 at the LDS Temple, Fort Collins CO

CARTER: our middle child @19

Carter has had a wonderful time of changes and re-arranges. Before the pandemic, Carter was serving as missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Arizona. He completed his mission and he loves Arizona! He loved the heat, loved his companions, loved his Mission Presidents, and loved serving the Lord with all of his strength and might. It was good, and hard, and hot, and time of great growth. We are grateful he was loved, guided, and cared for during his mission. His life will continue to be blessed by those he holds close to his heart. 

Now, Carter is learning what freshman year looks like: at home, online, in person, apartment with a student ward (all of the above) during COVID. Basically, he LOVES classes, having roommates, and being his own man with his own plan. During the summer Carter and Sperry took a much needed break from their parents and took a Moab trip. A BIG thanks to our dear friends who let them hang out in their empty home.  They ate treats that they don't get at home,  and they had adventures planned. Carter's been flexible with finding a Spartan race, which is proving difficult during a pandemic. But, he will keep looking and working towards this goal. During this time of COVID, just like everyone, he's explored different things to fill his time. He loves drawing and learned that he can combine his love of retro-video games (like Mega Man) with his art outlet. He has come a long way from his stick figures of Mike Wazowski from Monsters Inc as a pre-schooler. Here's proof...

Carter has grown his musical talent. When he's playing the piano, I have to ask him if it's something he's made up, or if it's from a video game... kinda ticks me off, honestly I can't always tell. I had no idea, but video games have really beautiful music. Here's a classic Carter story: while he was at BYU Idaho, he was running at the outdoor track. He noticed someone was trying to get his attention and they nicely told him that he needs to leave the track area for scheduled tryouts. Carter asked what they were trying out for, and if he could try out too. Turns out they have cross country teams and we shouldn't be surprised that Carter decided within 3 seconds to be on a team. I'm still not sure if he was most interested in the competition, continuing to run, or if he was influenced by some cute girls. But, classic Carter style proves true, this boy is game for anything that continues to push himself. After Christmas he will be officially "looking for work" (let him know if you know a guy...) and again being immersed in the beauties that abound while living with your parents to relish in their wisdom and love (and for free housing and free food). We are excited to have him home.

Moab sibs-bound: road trippers

 

Jacob on Carter's shoulders

Wonder what life looks like pandemic style at our house... we find you get really "creative". 

The kids made a movie, took Fawna in a backpack so she could enjoy the fresh air, and we got the canoe on a few lakes. Music, madness, and a little bit of magic. 

Grateful for Family time.

SPERRY: our baby child @16.9999999

Well, what can we say, this girl brings the party like no other. She has been a trooper during all this pandemic stuff. Sperry had shoulder surgery during her down-time this summer. We didn't know she had been in pain while playing her fav sport, volleyball. But now that she's almost back to normal, hopefully she will experience life more like the Bionic Woman (a Lindsay Wagner nod) and able to do whatever she wants to! She has been 16 for almost a year now, and this summer got her driving license.  In her defense, she wanted to get it much earlier. But, her parents delayed it and then COVID delayed it. 

So, we celebrated in a very, very, Sperry way. She talked her dad into putting racing stripes on "Jolene" (Dolly Parton nod) aka Sperry's name for the van. (and then Scott talked her into going along for some hikes.) I guess the stripes are growing on me and they don't seem as bright. I really think it helps our van go faster, maybe it's more aero-dynamic? At least Joleen continues to run with 260k miles logged. This past summer she was able to work at the job she loves: a kid's swim school. She was trained and certified as a teacher and then had to delay because of her shoulder surgery.

Sperry playing at Norco

But while working she always came home with the best stories. I mean she's working with a lot of toddlers after all, who I think are the most honest and hilarious people ever. Ask her about the toddler named, "baby" and was so shocked when she called him by name and waived that his bottle feel to the floor and his eyes and mouth opened wide! She enjoyed having spending money, and I think Chick-fil-A enjoyed some of her spending money as well.  Sperry is someone that everyone insta-loves, it doesn't take long to love her. When someone meets me and Scott, chances are they will ask we are the parents of Sperry.  I used to think her name might be hard to remember, because it's my mom's maiden name and is unique. Her name represents a line of strong people who knew God.  She has been a trooper during the school year. I worry how all kids are getting through this time. I guess we all just needed to be marinated at home in love. Sometimes it's hard for me not to attend her classes with her, especially the behavioral and mental health class. We both love this field.  But whatever she chooses to study, she will continue blessing lives.  To give her future kids a glimpse into her life, here's a before and after picture of school. 

Sperry 1st week of school

Sperry "not the first week" of school

Jacob & Sperry hanging out

Sperry, "crocs on the rocks"

During the pandemic we found time to explore the great outdoors, and had nightly movies @8pm. We enjoyed having Church at home and being given permission weekly to have the sacrament blessed and passed by the men in our home with the Priesthood.

Jacob mountain biking in Alpine loop, Provo Canyon

JACOB: our eldest @21
Jacob is attending BYU Provo Utah. Covid surprised all of us and we found ourselves a family of 5 again, living in the same state and same house. Scott and I called it "bonus time" our kids may or may not agree. This is one social kid, he is the great gatherer. This summer, he wanted to run a marathon... oh and if you are friends with him, have ever talked with him, served a mission with him, or know a friend of a friend who knows him... you will be invited to run on his team. 

the Melbourne Men apartment: Jacob first on the left

Jacob loves being out and about and has enjoyed exploring up Provo Canyon on his bike. He's climbed some pretty good mountains, and Scott told me he's had a couple of crashes. He doesn't tell me the story, he just asks for a new helmet for his birthday. He works hard at making online school fun, at attends the library most days. His classes were changed to online, except one. Their college days have been changed by COVID making it harder to have opportunities to meet new people. But things don't stop for Jacob, he just finds a way to have fun and to find others to include. Here's a Jacob story that shows a little of what makes Jacob... Jacob.  This adventure includes: Jacob (our main character of this paragraph), Christian (his personal driver and one of his good friends from CO), Jacob's Uncle John and cousin Danny (who is a pretty cool dude). They all met in Salt Lake one Sunday at the gravesite of Scott's parents. 

Carter & Jacob thanking health workers

Jacob brought a bottle of Diet Coke  This Diet Coke offering apparently comes with it's own backstory. I'll fill you in... the drink was generously donated by someone else Jacob knew. When Jacob asked her if he could take the bottle, she was a little worried because it was possibly her last bottle and she didn't shop on Sunday. Believe me, Grandma Sue would have understood your quandary! Back to the gravesite, Jacob opened the bottle and poured it on the ground. He christened this site in a way Grandma Sue would applaud with standing ovation. 

MA-and-PA:add a year to our age last year

Ma-n- Pa in the mountains, a happy place

We are grateful for the year 2020... before you think that sounds crazy, let me explain. We are not fans of COVID, I almost cried when they announced the vaccine was developed within a year and has started shipping. But there have been things I'm grateful for. After 3 Christmases apart, we will all be together.  I'm grateful we got some bonus days as a family of five!  It caught us by surprise, and we went from our affectionally labeled, "The Leftovers" text group of me, Scott and Sperry... and jumped right back into carpooling, organizing who is going where taking which car and returned quickly to the "Sargento Cheese" texting group of all of us.  It was nice to see my kids get to know each other again, Sperry was in 8th grade when Jacob left for Panama. When he came home from his mission,  2 weeks later he left for BYU. I loved hosting our: movie nights/movie fights/movie's that I may or may not have talked through/movie's that we finally agreed to watch, but it was so late (after 8pm) so I fell asleep nights.  I'm grateful my stores have gone to online ordering, I love ordering online. I'm grateful there were Doctors and helpers who somehow kept their doors opened for those needing appointments. I'm grateful to my mountain man Scott, he continues to be my best friend, my adventurous aerospace engineer who loves our kids and helps me when I get stuck! I'm grateful for all those who have helped us all heal: those in the medical and health field, those who always call just when you need a friend, and for President Nelson who is a Prophet. We continue to be amazed at how much love we feel as we read the words of Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Alma 53:20

So, most of you know, our family loves reading from the Book of Mormon, a true abridged record of the people who lived in ancient Americas. I wanted to share words I felt fitting for this year. It speaks of an opportunity to have courage, be valiant to the things you hold true. It's the picture on the left. I love this because it reminds me that I can find God in all things, in all days, and we are to value learning about God and live true to what we know.  These pages contain words of peace, and if your heart is having trouble finding peace, find me (Facebook me, text me, email me) and I've got a copy to give you.

2020 visit with Grandma Karen

We wish you, a Merry Christmas. We are grateful for our family and friends. We hope you keep happy, healthy, and hopeful.  We love you! ~Sargent family.

ps: A BIG love shout out to grandma Karen!! This little woman is always up for a grandkid visit with friends, phone call before 5 am, and we love her soooo much!! She has become a favorite rest stop for us to hang out and eat "grandma dip" listen to stories of what my kids call, the "olden days". And, it's always nice to hear there is a brand new In-N-Out right by you. When Jacob gets transportation, he can pick you up a burger from their drive through. We miss you, we love you, and are grateful for you!!

Fawna Floats

pps: ps: Everyone asks us if Fawna is still alive! We are happy to report that Fawna (our dog) keeps rallying after feeling like junk some days... 

basically, she relates better to us humans than any of her own breed. This picture below is during our summer canoe outings and during one of her puppy-feeling days. Most days she is "resting" on a doggie bed, in her apartment (aka the laundry room).  Friends call her "Fawna-cat", meaning she looks like a dog, but has a cat's "can't you leave me alone for a dang day..." personality. But, even on the days she is feeling her age of like 16 years... she's excited to look for eating anything "dropped from heaven" as I clumsily cook dinner.

Sargent Sayings 2019 

To bring you some Christmas cheer, we share some of the things 

that happened with our family this year.

Still Still Still ~ Austrian Christmas Carol

“Still, still, still, One can hear the falling snow.

For all is hushed, The world is sleeping, 

Holy Star it's vigil keeping.

Still, still, still, One can hear the falling snow.

Sleep, sleep, sleep, 'Tis the eve of our Saviour's birth.

The night is peaceful all around you, 

Close your eyes, Let sleep surround you.

Sleep, sleep, sleep, 'Tis the eve of our Saviour's birth.

Dream, dream, dream, Of the joyous day to come.

While guardian angels without number, 

Watch you as you sweetly slumber.

Dream, dream, dream, Of the joyous day to come.”

Sperry's current job titles:  "Student Driver & Tower of Power”

Sperry is now a Sophomore in high school.  She lives in the rolling party zone called “teen life”. If you ever want to learn how to play “spoons” or “lies” card games… she is your girl. Last summer she had the BEST job ever: she helped little kids learn to swim. She has a gift of calming kids fears of the water. She also had several new “boyfriends”; toddler boys fall fast & hard!  Some even tried to kiss her on the cheek. But, huddle in close, let me share the secret to becoming a friend with Sperry… tell her your story: the more hilarious/embarrassing/personal/ your secret crush… she will appreciate it mucho!! Another thing, Sperry loves volleyball and served as captain. She has a graceful serve and plays on the front row by the net and block kill shots. Momma calls her the “tower of power”. But my all out favorite thing about watching her play volleyball is how she cheers everyone on and lifts others UP.   This year was also the end of being the “tall girl” and many are finally passing her in height (including the guys). She be tight with her bro’s, likes watching a rom-com with mom, and continues her quest to beat her dad in chess and win bragging rights and a chocolate orange. AND most of all, she is seeing miracles and gifts from God. Sperry is seeing that our Heavenly Father has a special place in His heart for women. If you don’t know how God feels about you, ask Him and you will be amazed at the feeling of worth that fills your heart.  Sperry loves telling us how everyone will have her driver’s license before she will. She is probably the BEST driver of all 3 kids. She has her learner’s permit, but won’t be legit till summer. This girl is a blessing to us. She loves learning sign language… another way to chat with friends. Sperry has enjoyed studying with her posse’ in the library (of course it’s a quite a “quiet” party). But, ask her to go camping, hiking, biking, skiing, canoeing and let’s just say a bribe goes a long way with your youngest child. Chica, we love where you are, where you are headed, and you start your day with seminary, friends, and “getting all spiritual”.

  

Jacob's NEW job title, student: going BLUE @BYU 

(que song: all the single ladies)

Jacob has returned home. 

I repeat, Jacob is home… for a few weeks. Soon we will drive over the mountains and thru Wyoming to Grandma Karen’s we go. After welcome home hugs & high fives from friends and family, we drop him off at his new home/dorm at BYU.  Jacob loved and I mean LOVED being a missionary. For 730 days, Jacob was literally a special representative for our Savior, Jesus Christ. He met, so many wonderful people in Panama and lived in cities from one end of the country to the other.

But remember a mission isn’t about WHERE you serve, it’s all about WHO you serve, Christ. 
Sure he knows how to ride a “diablo rojo bus” like a local, learned Espanol, ate spaghetti almost daily, walked a gazillion miles (Crocs sandals are strong), road in boats, countless hours in busses and taxis, can power a canoe, bucket shower, live in a hut, and survive in big beautiful cities. But MOST of all, he learned that everything in the Gospel of Jesus Christ is personal. Jacob shared how Jesus Christ can help us feel peace and purpose. Some of those he met, wanted to be baptized and became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He came home a better version of himself. One thing no everyone knows, Jacob had taken his thrifting to a new level during his personal and preparation days in Panama when he lived in big cities. When came home and unpacked his suitcase in our family room, I watched a stack of jerseys grow. Thrifting often comes in “themes”... warning you might get one for your birthday (Matt, Christian & AJ). Stop by & say “hi”. This man is excited to go from serving to student & from Panama to Provo. 

Carter's NEW job title, "Elder Sargent"

Talk about a huge year: Carter made friends with concepts in calc, loved the friends and fun of senior year, ran cross country and track in high school, enjoyed every shift at Chick-fil-a while he earned money for his mission and college. In May he graduated seminary and high school, in the summer he ran a Spartan race. In July, Carter began to labor as a full-time missionary in the Tempe Arizona Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  This kid had been blessed with strength of character and a happy heart. No matter the trouble, Carter can dig deep, become a machine, and climb as a true “mountain man”. He has always enjoyed the blessing of health and strength. But at the start of Carter’s mission, he got really sick. His wise mom diagnosed it as allergies due to a new climate, and advised Zyrtec. Fortunately, Elder Sargent listened to the promptings of the Holy Ghost to seek “a 2nd opinion” and he went to a Doctor.  Turns out, he had pneumonia… who gets pneumonia in such a hot climate? After several weeks of recovery and a few more trials in his health, he used his down time to dig deep spiritually and build his spiritual muscles. Fully recovered with a deeper understanding of the purpose of trials, he now serves in the area with the biggest biking boundaries in the mission. Carter loves any challenge, and Tempe AZ mission sponsored a 5k for the Missionaries, you know Carter went all in and finished “Rocky” strong!  Carter’s last letter shares a glimpse of daily miracles Missionaries witness: “Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year, so why not spread that joy around? One of our more visited places is a senior living center... We approached a dining hall, and asked those around us if they knew who the person we're delivering cookies was. They didn't know, really. As we were searching for her, We noticed an older lady sitting alone at the end of a long table. She was the person we were looking for, but she wasn't in the mood we were hoping for. She was really sad about living here, and since she knew nobody she was alone too. As we were getting to know her, I notice a piano sitting by a corner. ‘If only I could play something for them,’ I wondered. Almost immediately after thinking that, another thought popped into my head ‘You can.’ With the songs that I knew best, I started to play. As I was playing however, my fingers seemed to be guided, and notes popped into my head. Out of no preparation of mine, I played one the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. Yes, Heavenly Father uses our gifts to help and assist everyone, but He also uses them to work Miracles through you. I know that I've been guided by Him during my service, and through times of hardship I am becoming someone I would have never thought of becoming. Sacrifices bring the blessings of heaven, and with them, you become a little brighter. A little kinder, A little happier, until you realize your old self was but a memory. I have found on my mission, that the more I use my unique gifts and abilities, the better they become. Never pass up a moment for you to grow. Because growth is one of Life's greatest moments.”  Want Carter’s weekly  email? Let me know, email: sargent.family@gmail.com.  Ps: Carter kid: “every champion was once a contender who refused to give up.” (rocky quote). We miss you deeply & love you incalculably. Grateful you are serving, keep sharing your light with all.

Marci and Scott/Ma-n-Pa: the age of parents

We are grateful to have some creative “date time” spent together: tandem riding, canoeing, grocery shopping, movies, and eating take out in our pj’s. We are grateful to have a new car (that’s big doings around here!), updated cell phones that can now run apps, and be blessed with the same dog, Fawna, same kids that sometimes like to be with us, cool job at the rocket factory, and be supported by family @ friends.  We are grateful for ALL Missionaries, and their supportive families. Faith & family run deep around these parts, and we invite all to visit, and get hugged.

Merry Christmas & may 2020 bring insight, peace, & all the reading glasses you can handle!!