Jessica’s Epic Trip to Hawaii: Totally Not Jealous {Dec 2024}

So, here we go again. Jessica, my beloved child, got to travel to Hawaii as part of the girls’ varsity basketball team. Yep, you read that right. While the rest of us mere mortals were juggling life, work, and the occasional load of laundry, Jessica was living her best life on a tropical island, dribbling basketballs in paradise. What else can I say?

Basketball? Sure, I guess there was some of that. But let’s be real—she wasn’t exactly perfecting her jump shot between beach days, snorkeling with sea turtles, and probably spending more time getting a sun-kissed tan than running drills. It was a Hawaii trip with a little basketball on the side. Some light exercise thrown in between Mai Tai’s (for the adults, of course) and soaking in those beautiful island vibes.

Honestly, when you think “basketball trip,” you probably picture intense practices, early mornings, and a relentless drive for victory. What you don’t picture is getting to hit the beach right after practice, taking a selfie with a coconut drink in one hand and a basketball in the other. But hey, who’s counting, right? It’s not like the team had to endure the hardship of walking along pristine beaches while their shoes got a little wet. Truly, so much effort involved there.

But let’s be clear: I’m sure Jessica “worked hard” on her game—between sunbathing, shopping for souvenirs, and maybe hitting the courts for a little bit. You know, for the “team bonding” experience.

So yeah, Jessica got to go to Hawaii. Basketball was involved, somewhere in between the beach walks, the coconut drinks, and the Hawaiian leis. She had an amazing time, learned about Hawaiian culture, and came back with a tan that made all of us instantly jealous. But hey, no big deal. It’s fine. I’m totally okay with not having been invited to join the team.

Enjoy those memories, Jess. It was just basketball in paradise. No biggie. 😎🌴 🏀

Catch-Up: Missions, Braces, Basketball, and Kittens—Oh My! {November 2024}

Well, here we are—November has rolled in, and it’s been a month full of milestones, surprises, and a lot of joy. Time to catch up on everything that’s been happening in our corner of the world. Buckle up, because there’s a lot to unpack!

First up, the one who’s farthest away—but always in our hearts—Sam! He’s still doing great on his mission, and I can’t tell you how proud it makes me to hear how he’s touching lives. Every now and then, I’ll get a message from someone who’s run into him out there in the world, and it’s always such a heartwarming reminder of the impact he’s making. From kind words to sincere appreciation, Sam’s service is really resonating with people, and every time I hear about it, my heart swells. Missions are tough, but he’s truly making a difference, and I couldn't be prouder of him.

Big news on the Nate front: the braces are OFF. Hallelujah. After eight years of orthodontics—yes, you read that right—four kids, eight years, endless appointments, and more wax than I care to remember, Nate is officially brace-free. Three cheers for this mom who survived the orthodontic marathon! 🎉 The best part? Nate is loving the freedom of a metal-free smile, and I’m pretty sure he’s flashing it non-stop.

But wait—there’s more! Nate also made the Grade 9 basketball team! It was one of those “oh my gosh, my baby’s growing up” moments when we got the news. And what did the team do to celebrate? Well, within days of Nate making the team, the entire squad showed up at our house… and they decided it was a good idea to buzz each other’s heads. Yes, you read that right—buzz cuts for everyone! So, picture a group of middle school boys with fresh, athletic haircuts and way too much energy. My house turned into a mini salon, and the buzzing? It didn’t stop until everyone was rocking that fresh, team-ready look. It was chaotic, hilarious, and full of memories.

Now, let’s talk about Jessica. One evening, she came home from basketball practice—and guess what she brought with her? A kitten. Yes, a stray kitten. What was she thinking? Haha, I’ll admit, my first thought was, “Okay, who is going to deal with this?” Radar, our resident dog, was not having it. He was pacing, watching the kitten with an intensity that was almost comical—because, let’s face it, Radar isn’t exactly a fan of surprises in the animal department.

But, after some back-and-forth, Jessica did the responsible thing (thank goodness!) and found the kitten’s owner. Crisis averted, and normalcy was restored. The kitten was cute, though, I’ll give her that. Still, my heart couldn’t handle the drama of having an unexpected guest at home.

And of course, as soon as November hits, it’s time for my favorite family tradition: setting up the Christmas decorations. There’s something about the twinkle of lights, the smell of pine (or, in my case, artificial pine), and the cozy vibe that fills the house. I love this time of year, and getting everything ready always brings me so much joy. It’s like the beginning of the holiday magic, and I cherish it every single year.

Sadies - 80s style

When Jessica invited Grayson to the Sadie’s dance, she knew it was going to be a memorable night—but this? This was next-level cute. Grayson responded with the most adorable gesture ever: a giant stuffed duck. Yes, you read that right—a giant duck. I mean, if that’s not the perfect “yes” to a dance invitation, I don’t know what is.

The theme for the night was 80s, and of course, they totally nailed it with matching 80s track suits. Think neon colors, headbands, and major retro vibes. They looked like they stepped out of a classic 80s movie, ready to hit the dance floor and show everyone how it’s done.

Seriously, though—Grayson and Jessica are just too cute together. A stuffed duck, matching track suits, and a night full of fun? That’s the kind of Sadie’s story we’re all here for! 🦆✨🎤

 

The Volleyball Chronicles: Jessica and Nate’s Epic Seasons {Oct 2024}

Ah, volleyball—the sport that brings out the fierce competitive spirit and the kind of teamwork that turns a group of people into a mini family. This year, both Jessica and Nate had seasons that were nothing short of legendary. If you missed the action, buckle up—because here’s the rundown of their unforgettable volleyball journeys.

Jessica, the queen of the court. If you’ve ever watched her play, you know she’s a force to be reckoned with. This season was especially bittersweet because it marked her final volleyball season. Yes, you heard that right—the last one. Cue the tears.

But Jessica didn’t just “go out with a bang.” Oh no. She finished strong. Like, really strong. Senior Night was an emotional affair, filled with speeches, heartfelt hugs, and a flood of memories. As a senior, Jessica showed the kind of leadership that makes the whole team better. She was a role model, a motivator, and a source of energy that never faded, even in the most intense matches. She worked hard for every point, and her teammates fed off her passion and drive.

Finishing her last season like a true champion, Jessica left a legacy. She’s the kind of player you know the team will miss, but also the kind you know has earned every bit of success she’s achieved.

Nate, the guy who’s always up for a challenge (and occasionally a wedding dress), really stepped up his game this volleyball season. Coached by none other than the legendary John (yes, our John, the one who dresses like a Minion), Nate showed a level of skill that would make any coach proud.

From the first serve to the final spike, Nate proved he had the strength and athleticism to play with the best of them. Whether he was diving for those impossible digs or delivering spikes that made the crowd go wild, he played with a passion that could only come from years of building skill and determination.

It wasn’t just about the physical side of things. Nate’s game was marked by incredible mental toughness too. No matter how intense the match got, he kept his cool, always focused, and was a consistent rock for his teammates. And, of course, you could always count on John’s coaching for those sage nuggets of wisdom that only a Minion-cosplaying coach could deliver.

We’re talking about the kind of coaching that has real impact—where you don’t just learn how to spike; you learn how to believe in your own abilities. By the end of the season, Nate wasn’t just a player—he was a powerhouse. Can’t wait to see what next season holds for this rising star!

Forever proud of both of these athletes!

Halloween

Oh, Halloween—the most wonderful time of the year (if you ignore Christmas, of course). This year, our Ward Halloween Carnival was a smash hit, and it all began with the dress-up extravaganza. Hold on to your candy bags, folks. It’s time to recount the chaos and candy that was Halloween 2024.

The Costume Chronicles

Let’s talk costumes first because, let’s face it, that’s the most important part.

I went as a criminal. Why? Who knows. Maybe it was the thrill of wearing stripes. Or maybe I was just hoping someone would offer me a getaway car. (Spoiler alert: no one did. But they did offer me more candy.) If anyone asked, my outfit was “inspired by a lifetime of poor decisions” (and also the fact that I had a black-and-white striped shirt lying around).

Then there was John, who decided to go as a Minion. Yep, a grown man dressed as a small, yellow, overalls-wearing creature who doesn’t speak English—just the occasional “Bello!” and “Banana!” It was the perfect costume for someone who, at the time, had the heart of a child and the birthday of an old man (more on that later). I’m still not sure if he was more adorable or confusing.

Now, Jess wasn’t able to make it to the carnival, but fear not—Nate saved the day! Nate, ever the life of the party, showed up fashionably late to the carnival, and by “fashionably,” I mean in a wedding dress. Let’s just say the dress was… something. Picture this: Nate, standing next to Landon (who was somehow still the more confused one), posing for pictures like it was his actual wedding day. The highlight of the night, right? I’ll let you decide, but we definitely couldn’t stop laughing.

(Here’s a picture of Nate in the wedding dress, just in case you thought I was kidding.)

As Halloween night rolled around, the festivities didn’t stop. We did what we always do: hand out candy. And not just any candy—400 pieces of candy. That’s right, four hundred. I’m pretty sure my candy bowl could’ve made it into the Guinness World Records if I had taken a picture of it and submitted the paperwork. Our front door was basically a revolving door of costumes, from pirates to princesses, zombies to… well, more Minions (thanks, John, for starting that trend).

But wait—there was a twist. It also happened to be John’s birthday. The big 4-9. And while he was busy handing out candy like the Minion superhero he was, we had to sneak in a quick birthday celebration. Happy birthday, John! 49 years old—no small feat, my friend. 

All in all, Halloween 2024 was one for the books. Whether you were dressed as a criminal (me), a Minion (John), or a questionable bride (Nate), it was a night full of laughter, sugar highs, and memories we’ll never forget. Here’s to next year—when we’ll probably do it all over again (but with even weirder costumes).

Hope your Halloween was just as wild and wonderful! Until next year, stay spooky! 🎃👻

Random October 2024

Poor Radar. 

There were many days in October when Radar waited for his family to return home. He definitely feels some anxiety when nobody else is home. He just waits for the moment when someone walks through the garage door. 

It was such a nice time, having Abby home with us. She shared stories of her mission and a couple of times, made Sarmale, which are authentic Romanian cabbage rolls. It is so fun to witness her love for all things Romanian!

And boy, did we ever love her Sarmale!

As always, we grew more than we needed and ended up handing off tomatoes, carrots and other produce to anybody who was willing to take it. 

Autumn walks with Ray are the best!

By the end of October, 2024, we only had one missionary out. Sam doesn't write home very often, but we sure LOVE hearing from him whenever he is able to call. 

We are oh so proud of our missionary kids!

 

Abby is Home!! (Oct 2024)

I felt such joy when I found this milk. Note he expiry date  - that was Abby's return date! It's a whole thing to be able to say that "my daughter will be home before the milk in my fridge expires!" 

The excitement I felt as October 24th neared was unreal. 

John and I both took the day off of work, though due to flight delays, we could have worked the day and then left. How could we have known though. What's a few more hours of waiting when we'd already waited 18 months? 

Jewel secretly came over and decorated the driveway. 
What a nice welcome home tribute for her!

Before we left, we made sure to throw up some yellow ribbons. 

We found a great spot in the airport, where we could watch her arrive and wave to her before she came through the international doors. When she did finally make it through those doors, we were BURSTING with excitement and already in tears!

We loved her surprise at the growht Jess and Nate experienced while she was away and it felt soooo good to hug her and have her back!

This will go down as one of my favorite days in 2024!

 

THE Best Northern Lights show OF MY LIFE (OCT 2024)

This night. 

Wow. 

I will forever remember this night. To date, this October evening gave us the BEST Northern Lights show I'd seen. For hours, the lights danced and changed. I even drove out to Waterton hoping to catch some there. I was not disappointed. 

God is good. 
This universe is astounding.