Steele Family News

February 2022

Hello, Steele Fam! 👋  Hope your January has been wonderful and that you're still working on your New Year's goals. I've gotten a late start on my goals for the year--but I'm NOT giving up! I hope you all are enjoying our monthly family letter, and that it's helping us all to grow a little closer and be more of a part of each other's lives.

Every letter we'll talk about family traditions, upcoming events, and highlight at least one person in our family. Hopefully, by the end of each year, we will have highlighted everyone at least once. Since most of us live apart from each other, we hope these newsletters will cut down on confusion and help infuse in us more love for each other.😊

STEELE FAMILY TRADITIONS 

Family Home Evening--We usually just call it FHE. This is an evening during the week where kids and parents get together and share a lesson, song, prayer, and activity together--and usually end with a treat. It's a great time for kids to practice leading music, leading a lesson, or leading a discussion. When there aren't kids in the house yet, we go to single adult FHE or meet together with friends. 

Growing up, most of you remember us having FHE on Monday nights. When President Nelson became the prophet, he helped us see that the Lord doesn't mind which day it is--just as long as we do it! In our super-busy schedules, any time we can set aside to spend an hour together as a family doing FHE will bless us all so much!

Currently, we have our FHE on Sunday nights. If any of you want to zoom in with us on Sunday nights to join us--please do! We would love it!

Birthdays—I talked about birthdays last month, but we have quite a few family members with birthdays in February, so I thought I'd do a recap. We have always traditionally had parties and presents for our birthdays, but with people growing older and moving away, this isn’t always possible now.

Also, some people like presents, some like calls or texts, some like parties, and some don’t. Find out what the person REALLY wants—and then do that—whatever it is! It really IS the thought that counts. If they like presents, money isn’t important. You can find their favorite treat at the Dollar Store for a buck! Everyone likes to be remembered on their birthday. And if it’s YOUR birthday month, and someone remembers YOU—say thank you. Kindness matters 😊

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS 

Paige Steele--February 16

Emily Steele--February 21

Mac Steele--February 22

Everyone likes to be remembered on their birthday. If you can't celebrate with them, make some time to show them how important they are to you!

FAMILY EVENTS 

February 8, 11:00 am--??: February birthday celebration at Fat Cats in Queen Creek! The cost for admission and food is on us (Mom/Nana & Dad/Papa)! We need to know at least a week in advance, so we can plan & schedule it. If we don't hear from you by February 2nd, we'll assume you can't make it. Gifts are welcome! 🎊 And all family is welcome too--the more, the merrier! The address is: 20660 East Riggs Road, Queen Creek AZ 85142

February 24-26: Mom/Nana will probably be heading up to Utah for a couple days for a visit. I'd love to see anyone that lives close by while I'm there! Text or call to meet up 😁

Any family events I'm missing?? Please contact me and let me know!

FAMILY HIGHLIGHT

Each month we’ll highlight at least one member of our family regarding a happy event in their life. February’s highlight is........

Zendaya!!! She was born around 2:00 pm on January 11, 2022. She weighed around 7 lbs. She and Mama and Daddy are doing so good! Mom/Nana and Mischa had a chance to visit her in January and she is SO sweet and beautiful! Dad/Papa, Brig & Mac will head up to see her at the end of January. She's eating lots and growing every day. We are so grateful that she has Grandma & Grandpa Sagal very close by to help out. If you get a chance to text congratulations to the new parents--I'm sure they'd love it! And, if you time it right, you may even get to see her via video call. Welcome to the family, sweet Zendaya! 😊

And..... we have to have two highlights for this month.....

Dimitri! He started walking on his own in January--before he even turned 10 months old! He is so fun and happy, and we love every minute we get to spend with him. He must've inherited some athletic ability from Mama and Daddy to be walking so young. Good job, Dimitri!

That’s it for this month. For those we've gotten to talk to or visit with in January, we've loved it! If you have fun news of your own (or even if you just want to talk), give Mom/Dad (Colette/Mike) a call! We’d love to hear from you anytime!!

Hugs 🤗 and kisses 😘

January 2022

Steele Family News

January 2022

Hello, Steele Fam! 👋 Happy New Year! 🎊 This is our first family monthly letter. We’ve had quite a few new additions to the family in the last few years—which is exciting! We hope this monthly letter will help all of us to be updated on family news, and aware of the comings and goings and traditions of our Steele Family. This might also cut down on the confusion that group texting can bring.

SO….speaking of traditions, let’s talk about birthdays!!!

STEELE FAMILY TRADITIONS 

Birthdays—We have always traditionally had parties and presents for our birthdays, but with people growing older and moving away, this isn’t always possible now.

Also, some people like presents, some like calls or texts, some like parties, and some don’t. Find out what the person REALLY wants—and then do that—whatever it is! It really IS the thought that counts. If they like presents, money isn’t important. You can find their favorite treat at the Dollar Store for a buck! Everyone likes to be remembered on their birthday. And if it’s YOUR birthday month, and someone remembers YOU—say thank you. Kindness matters 😊

JANUARY BIRTHDAYS 

Sabrina Vaoifi—January 5

Sabrina is back in Provo now. If you don’t live near her, find a way to help her feel important on her birthday!

FAMILY EVENTS 

We would normally be having a family celebration for Sabrina, but with her back in Provo, we can’t, and are just shipping gifts her way. SO…we have no family events planned for January, but are up for suggestions!

FUN FAMILY NEWS 

Each month we’ll highlight at least one member of our family regarding a happy event in their life. January’s highlight is Elena & Jose Sagal 😁

They are having a baby this month—Yayyy!!! Their little girl—Zendaya Ximena Sagal—(I hope I spelled that right) is due January 4th. We are hoping she comes right on her due date! However, babies come when they’re ready. So, whenever she’s ready to join the family, we’re ready for her! And, so excited for Elena and Jose! If you get a chance, check up with the soon-to-be mama & daddy to see how they’re doing 😊

That’s it for this month—short, but sweet. When you have time, look thru the old posts at the cute stories and pics! If you have fun news of your own (or even if you just want to talk), give Mom/Dad (Colette/Mike) a call! We’d love to hear from you!

Hugs 🤗 and kisses 😘

Garden, garden, garden

Krissy took this cute picture of Brig--he's got the spaced teeth just like his mom.

A lot of the summer focus is on our garden. This is a picture of it when we first started about 2 months ago. Our plants are doing great and are almost in full bloom. I'll put more pictures on soon. Love ya!

Summer Fun

Yeah! It's summer! Finally our days have slowed down, softball is almost over, and family is coming into town. Below are some more recent pics. All four big girls had a blast at girls' camp. Can you pick out the Steele & Eaton girls?
Kristina took this picture of some flowers on our front porch--everything seems to grow here!

Not a great picture, but you had to see baldy. This is with it grown out. He actually shaved it with a razor--totally bald--3 weeks ago--Scary!

Who knows? Maybe she'll be a basketball star someday.

The kids have all loved playing in the pond. Mike put some stuff in it so it's really clear this summer. Mischa's sitting on the side with Jade, waiting for her turn in the canoe.

Jonah Durfee in the front, Peter down in the water teaching Mac how to hold onto the boat and kick, Alex Durfee making sure no one drowns, Mac in the water trying to do everything Peter says, and Sterling in the back giving it some power. What a great day!

Still Bloggin'

I just got new batteries for my camera, so I'll be taking more pictures soon. We've had tons of rain lately--we feel like we're in Hawaii! So...our garden's doing great. If it will stop raining I'll take pics of it.

Above is a pic of Sheri & Niki on the last day of school. They're so pretty. In two months they'll be juniors, along with Sterling. What will Mom and Dad do with Niki and Sheri all grown up? Talk to all of you soon!

Elena, the Photographer

This first picture was actually taken by Kristina. The kids love to take pics, especially the girls. And some of them are getting really good at it!

Mac is hoping to be in scouts soon. Can he wait three years?

This one is blurry, but I had to put it in here anyway. We had so much fun with Jeff and Wendy here. It's rare that our big boys have cousins they love to hang out with. We're so glad they came! And soon, two more sets of cousins will come--Yeah!

Molly, Rocky and our home in the winter...

Peter is so excited about something. What's with the Hawaiian lei?

Anton's senior picture, adjusted by Elena.

Elena's senior picture taken by herself. Wait, she's not a senior. Okay--8th grade picture.

Jade--washed out, but cute.

I love this one! Miss you all!

Last Couple Weeks of School

May is always crazy with all the birthdays and the overwhelming year-end school activities, but it's fun, too. We were all so excited for school to be out!
The three triplets. All four of my girls help baby sit these kids--now that it's summer, it's a daily occurance.

Brig in his end of the year play--The three billy goats Gruff. He made his own mask!

Kristina won overall out of the entire school for the DARE essay. The crazy thing is that Elena also won during her 6th grade year. It was a pretty big deal--the Police Chief ran it and chose the winners. She read it in front of parents and students--alot of of people were teary-eyed and came up afterward to talk to Kristina and me. I was proud of her for being so brave and reading to everyone.

In May we went to Becky Rogers baptism and Troy and Chauncey's Eagle Court of Honor. It was a beautiful, perfect day and we had a great time being with old friends. Look how handsome they are--they're growing up and will all three be on missions soon. Where does the time go?

Anton graduated from seminary this year, also. He did his last two years in just one year, thanks to the help of Brother Brickey. He was asked with two others to share some of his thoughts and his testimony at graduation. I sat shocked when he spoke as I caught a glimse of the good man that he'll be someday. Of course, by the next day he was back to the same old Anton--but I still have hope.

Krissy and Brina did the Wizard of Oz for their 6th grade play. Sabrina was Dorothy and Kristina was a narrator. They did a great job and were adorable! Of course, I'm not biased, or anything.

Afterwards they had an awards ceremony and reception. Finished with elementary and on to a new chapter. In 2 1/2 months they'll be over at the high school. No, REALLY, where does the time go?

This is a terrible picture, but I had to put Mac on here as Wee Willy Winkie. He ran upstairs and downstairs for his pre-school play. Thanks to Grandma Eaton he had a Wee Willy Winkie hat.

Mac graduated from pre-school and will be a big kindergardner next year! He'll be in all day school, which means it will be just Mish and me at home. I'm getting old--40 this year!

Last day of school. Aren't they beautiful? Anton will graduate soon--just one more test--and then we hope he'll start on his mission papers. It's finally summer, and except for the crazy softball and camp schedule, we're loving it. Mike got a new calling as a high councilor but they can't keep him away from the kids--he's over the scouting for the stake. I think he's a little overwhelmed, but I know Heavenly Father will qualify him--and me, too. Life is so good, we love our kids, and miss our family. Can't wait to see some of you this summer! Love you all so much!

March/April--Is This Spring?

We had a really cool spring and everyone couldn't wait 'til summer. Below are just a few of the activities:
I grabbed this picture of Krissy & Mischa hanging out on the kind-of green grass, hoping for warmer weather. Isn't it so cute? Even Molly, our dog, is enjoying the hope of spring.

Sabrina saw the girls from the house and decided to join them. Although, I think she was a little cold in her short sleeved shirt.As soon as the snows melt everyone is outside. Some days were warmer than others and it's warm enough to play if you're active. Elena loves basketball and had a great season this year at school.

Mac loves basketball, too, but is a little sad here because the big kids don't always want to play when he does. Come on, Elena!!

Easter time! DJ and Laura were visiting and we had fun getting to know her a little bit. The little ones had so much fun, of course, looking for eggs.

Yeah! I found one!!

Did he find an egg, is he laying an egg, or is he doing the chicken dance? Go Brig!!

The big kids still looked for eggs this year, but I think we'll change it next year--they really wanted to be the hiders.

Brig is 8 years old!! He was so excited to be baptized. When the bishop asked him what he was most excited about he said, "I get to fast!"

Brig with Bishop Hanson. Amazingly enough, Brig has fasted twice now and done great--24 hours! He's growing up. He's finally in cub scouts and just got finished with Cub Scout Day Camp. He made the coolest stuff and had so much fun!

Mac looking for turkeys--or Cheetahs. I'm not sure which.

Everywhere we drive here is a trip. Some of the kids couldn't take it anymore and gave up to the sandman.