Christmas Eve Chaos and Cheer: A Wild Ride and a Feast to Remember {December 2024}

Well, if you thought Christmas Eve was supposed to be peaceful and calm, think again. Ours was, well, a little bit of everything—stress, joy, and a few moments of "What in the world just happened?!" Here’s the rundown of how our wild ride of a Christmas Eve unfolded:

So there we were, frantically finishing up some last-minute shopping, when suddenly, the universe decided to test my patience. I’m in the parking lot, minding my own business, when—bam—a lady in a monster truck decides to drive straight over the front of Jessica’s car. I kid you not. She didn’t just tap it—she drove over it. The bumper, the hood, the whole shebang.

And here’s the kicker: she didn’t even stop. She kept driving. I stood there for a second, processing the absurdity of it all, then just shrugged. It’s Christmas Eve, after all. So, to the crazy lady in the monster truck: Merry Christmas, I guess. I let it go, because really, what’s a dent in the grand scheme of things? Maybe it’s just the universe reminding me to embrace the chaos.

Okay, now to the real holiday star: Radar. Our lovable pup—who really didn’t have much of a choice—was dressed up in a reindeer costume. I mean, come on, how could I resist? He may not have been thrilled about it, but Radar wore it with pride (or at least with tolerance). It was a sight to behold. I’m pretty sure he was actually questioning his life choices as I snapped a hundred photos, but hey, it wouldn’t be Christmas without a little animal costume action. Merry Christmas, Radar! 🦌

Radar's favorite winter time activity - Sun bathing behind the blinds!

And then—THE FEAST. Christmas Eve dinner is no small affair in our house. This year was no exception. We pulled out all the stops: French onion soup, fresh salad, hearthside bread, steak, lobster, shrimp, mussels, scallops, and more! If you left our table hungry, it was your own fault. We eat on Christmas Eve. And let’s not forget the paper crowns—because what is a proper Christmas dinner without that little touch of royal absurdity? Nothing says “classy holiday dinner” like a paper crown perched atop your head as you dig into a plate full of deliciousness.

                                          

It was especially meaningful this year, as we were all keenly aware that this might be the last Christmas Eve with Grampa. Having him with us at the table was a gift we didn’t take for granted. The laughter, the stories, the occasional grumpy remark about the food—all of it felt extra special. Our hearts were full of gratitude for the time we’ve had with him, and we soaked in every moment.

Of course, as much as we tried to savor the joy of the evening, our thoughts were with Sam, who was celebrating Christmas in Arizona. It’s always tough having a loved one so far away, but we knew he was having his own version of Christmas cheer, and we kept him in our hearts throughout the evening. Next year, buddy. Next year.

So, that was our Christmas Eve—filled with unexpected moments, love, and enough food to feed a small army. From monster truck mishaps to furry reindeer antics, this is what our family Christmas is all about. Merry Christmas, everyone! May your holidays be just as crazy, chaotic, and full of love. 🎄🎅🎁

The Grad Proofs Are In: How Did We Get Here So Fast?!

Okay, let’s just take a moment. The grad proofs for Jessica are in, and I’m not crying, you’re crying. Seriously, how has this moment come so quickly? One minute, I’m holding her hand as she takes her first steps, and now I’m staring at professional photos of her looking so grown up in cap and gown.

I mean, I know we’ve been talking about this day for years, but it hit me in the gut when I opened those grad proofs. There she is—my baby girl—standing tall, smiling that smile I’ve seen a thousand times but never quite like this. The “OMG, she’s graduating” moment is real, people. It’s real, and it’s here. 😭🎓

I don’t even know what to say. I’m proud, overwhelmed, and somehow a little bit in denial that we’re here already. But, man, I can’t wait to see how stunning she’s going to look when it’s the real deal. Until then, I’ll be over here trying not to tear up every time I look at those photos. #TimeFlies #ProudMom #HowDidWeGetHere

Gingerbread Chaos, Candlelight Dinners, and Wisdom Teeth Shenanigans {December 2024}

Well, December’s wrapping up, and as usual, it’s been a whirlwind of holiday chaos, traditions, and a little bit of extra joy. It’s time to catch up on some of the most memorable moments that made this December one for the books (and, dare I say, a little bit wilder than usual). Buckle up, here comes the rundown!

Let’s kick things off with the gingerbread house competition. If you know Jessica and Grayson, you know they don’t just make gingerbread houses. Oh no, no, no. They took the challenge to heart. We’re talking about elaborate architectural masterpieces with frosting that could rival the top-tier bakeries of Paris.

What did I contribute, you ask? Well, I stuck to my usual role: sitting back, sipping hot cocoa, and pretending not to notice when things got “competitive.” There may or may not have been frosting wars, the occasional gingerbread roof collapse, and one dramatic moment where Grayson nearly threw the whole thing out because of one crooked wall. But in the end, they both proudly displayed their “creations,” which, let’s be real, were basically just sugar-coated chaos in house form.

Next up, our ongoing tradition of dinner by candlelight all through December. Nothing says “festive” like eating dinner by flickering candles and pretending you’re in a Christmas movie, right? Sure, the kids grumble about the lack of overhead lighting (because apparently the ability to see what’s on your plate is important?), but hey—it’s a family tradition that’s here to stay. It adds just enough romance and just enough chaos to make even the simplest dinner feel like a special event. It's the little things that makes this season unforgettable.

Oh, and speaking of unforgettable… Abby came home just in time to bless us all with her famous Saramele (Romanian cabbage rolls). Let me tell you—this is not just food. It’s an experience. A heavenly, meaty, saucy, rolled-up experience that makes you wonder how you’ve lived your life without it.

Every time Abby makes her Saramele, we basically just sit down, eat until we’re in a food coma, and talk about how we should probably make it more often (but we never do, because let’s be real—it’s a labor of love). So thank you, Abby, for saving us from the ordinary. You always manage to make every meal feel like a celebration.

Now, if you thought this December was chill, then you haven’t heard about the epic saga of Jess and Nate getting their wisdom teeth removed on the same day. Yes, you heard me correctly. Both of them, on the same day, in the same car, off to get those teeth yanked.

As a mom, I took immense joy in purchasing their surgery T-shirts—because if they were going to be sedated, they might as well do it in style. Actually, we were on the way to Lethbridge when I remembvered the instruction for them to each wear short sleeve shirts for easier administration of IVs etc. They only had long sleeve hoodies on, so I was forced to run into WallMart and find something for them both. I didn't have long to choose, but I think I found the best designs for the moment. 

But the real fun began when they came home. Watching these two sedated psychos navigate recovery together was like witnessing a live-action sitcom. Jess could not stop crying, agonizing over the fact that the nurses "just did such a good job and she never got to thank them."  Meanwhile, Nate, who had somehow morphed into a philosopher, kept asking deep questions like "What's wrong with Jessica?"  At one point, I looked back to find the two of them practicing how to flip ME the bird. Their fingers were not quite doing what they wanted them to. I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed every second of that chaos.     It was pure gold.

 

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! 🎃👻