Celebrating Jessica’s Grad Weekend

What a weekend it was—Jessica’s graduation! It felt like one big celebration of her, her accomplishments, and the beautiful person she has become.

The festivities began with plenty of photos, of course. Jess had a shoot with her friends, captured perfectly by her cousin Brooklyn (who was officially hired for the job). Then I got my chance behind the camera—not once, but twice—so I could capture Jessica and Grayson together. Honestly, celebrating Jess also means celebrating the two of them, and it was such a joy to freeze those moments in time.

And then came grad day itself. In true Jessica fashion, despite her reassurances to me that it would not happen, her dress tore. (We can thank her NAIT coach’s bulking plan for that one. 💪) But really, it was just another little twist in the story—because if there’s one thing we know about Jess, it’s that she’s wild, fun, happy, and full of life. She handled it all with her usual good humor, and the day rolled on filled with laughter, love, and pride.

We are so incredibly proud of her accomplishments, but more than that, proud of who she is. Our lives are richer, brighter, and infinitely more joyful because Jessica is in them. This milestone is just one of many, and we can’t wait to see what comes next for her.

Congratulations, Jess—you’ve made us so blessed. 💛

Two Mother’s Days, Twice the Memories {May 2025}

This year, I was lucky enough to celebrate Mother’s Day not once, but twice—and both were so perfectly “me.”

On Saturday, John, Jessica, and Nate piled into the car, along with their two “friends,” Brooke and Grayson, and we headed out to Waterton for a Mother’s Day lunch. The Can Cooker worked its magic, the ice cream was delicious, and we spent the afternoon doing one of my favorite simple things—throwing rocks into the lake. It was the kind of day that doesn’t need much planning or fuss—just being together in a beautiful place is more than enough.

Then came Sunday, the official Mother’s Day, which took on an entirely different (but equally wonderful) flavor. Jessica and I drove up to Edmonton so she could join her NAIT teammates for a two-day service project. Once we arrived, we attended YSA church with Abby, and she surprised me with the sweetest Mother’s Day lunch at her house. Pulled pork sandwiches, pasta salad, and all the love I could ask for—it was amazing!

In between Jessica’s commitments, we still managed to sneak in some girl time. We walked the High Level Bridge, wandered around the beautiful Legislative Grounds, and capped off the night watching Criminal Minds until way too late. Sometimes the best memories are tucked into those ordinary little moments.

Two celebrations, two different cities, and two very different kinds of days—but both left me feeling loved, spoiled, and so grateful for the wonderful people I get to call mine. 💕

Cuba: Sun, Sand, and Small-Town Girls Abroad

When Jessica and five of her friends came up with the idea of taking a trip together, I’ll admit—I was a little hesitant. Sending six small-town girls off into the world on their own? Not a chance. Thankfully, three other moms felt the same way, and before long we had all hopped onboard with the planning.

Our destination: Cuba. Affordable, beautiful, and famous for its beaches, it quickly won the vote. For most of us, it was our very first time flying to another continent, which made the trip feel like an adventure from the very first day.

And what an adventure it was.

We got a glimpse of life in a third-world country—one that is also communist. Even though we stayed at a “resort,” conditions sometimes felt rustic, reminding us how different daily life is for those who call Cuba home. But what the country lacked in luxury, it more than made up for in beauty and heart.

We spent hours—hours!—on those stunning beaches. Napping in the sun, playing volleyball, sipping mocktails, and then resting some more (because, really, isn’t that the whole point?). We explored caves and swam in their refreshing waters. We wandered through the streets of Havana, browsed markets, and enjoyed an authentic Cuban restaurant that was unlike anything at home.

But more than anything, we’ll remember the people. The warmth, the kindness, the way they embraced our girls. Resort workers like Angel and George, along with our wonderful tour guide (Roger) and chauffeur (Alfredo), quickly became our favorites—faces and names we won’t forget.

Cuba gave us more than just a vacation. It gave us perspective, laughter, and memories stitched together with sand, sunshine, and friendship. I’m forever grateful we got the chance to experience another world. A beautiful, beautiful world. 🌴☀️

Jessica & Grayson: A "Moving" Invite

It’s hard to believe, but Jessica and Grayson have been dating for almost three years now—and they continue to keep us laughing every step of the way.

 

Together, they are equal parts sweet, goofy, and just plain fun to watch.

Just like Nate asking Brooke to the dance in his own memorable way, Grayson made sure Jessica’s invitation to their upcoming Grad was anything but ordinary. He went all out—using a UHAUL truck to pop the big question: “Jess, will U-Haul my butt to Grad?” Talk about going the extra mile! It was clever, creative, and so very Grayson.

What we love most, though, is the way he treats Jess. He doesn’t just make her laugh—he takes the time to show up for her in thoughtful ways, both big and small. We couldn’t be more grateful that Jessica has someone who not only loves her, but also finds such joy in making life fun.

Three years in, and we’re still entertained, still grateful, and still rooting for these two High School Sweethearts. 💛

 

April Adventures: Popcorn, Fundraisers, and Ketchup Wars {April 2025}

April came and went in a blur, full of little excitements, big milestones, and plenty of love in between.

Radar continues to hold the crown as the love of our life. Honestly, how did we ever do family without him? 🐾

Nate has kept us laughing this month. He asked his “not-a-girlfriend” Brooke to the school dance, and her cute response melted us all. Watching him navigate life with humor (and a little charm) is one of my favorite things.

Speaking of Nate (and Jess), the two of them have discovered that ketchup wars are a guaranteed way to drive their mom insane. One spark of provocation and suddenly it’s a mad dash for the bottle—mess everywhere, laughter everywhere else.

On my end, teaching is went well.  It got easier as the year went on. April marked the halfway point of the second semester. Hard to believe I'd almost made it through my first year!

Jessica had an incredible month too. She stepped up to organize a bottle drive fundraiser for the Challenger baseball program here in town—and raised over $800! Her initiative and heart for others made me so proud.

After months of searching and more than a few failed attempts, we finally found Jessica’s grad dress at a little boutique in Diamond City. It was worth the wait—she looked absolutely stunning.

April also brought some tender moments. Uncle Aaron’s health declined rapidly as "C" took its toll. In the midst of it all, he still thought of us—sending multiple bags of popcorn and muddy buddies for everyone to enjoy. Such a simple, yet deeply touching act of love.

April was fast, full, and a little bit messy (thanks, ketchup). But it was also filled with hope, family, and so much love. And really, that’s what matters most. 💛

Jessica’s Birthday: Laughter, Love, and a Box of Tampons

Jessica’s birthday this year was the perfect mix of cozy, chaotic, and completely her.

Grayson gifted her an electric blanket—a thoughtful, snuggle-approved win that instantly earned him boyfriend points. Nothing says “I love you” quite like the gift of never being cold again.

Nate, on the other hand… took a different approach. In true big brother fashion, he presented Jess with every inappropriate gift he could find, from eyebrow-raising novelties to—you guessed it—a box of tampons. And the best part? Jess actually appreciated it. Because when you’ve got siblings who know you well, even the ridiculous gifts hit right.

Among the jokes and laughter, we managed to squeeze in one of my favorite traditions: our mother-daughter dinner in Waterton. It’s a yearly ritual I treasure—a quiet little pause to celebrate her, just the two of us, with mountains in the background and meaningful conversation over dinner. The perfect way to reflect on how lucky I am to be her mom.

Another year older, another year more amazing. Happy Birthday, Jess—you’re one of a kind, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

 

Family Day Weekend: Snow, S’mores, and Sling Adventures - {March 2025}

This Family Day weekend, we did what we do best—bundle up (well, most of us), head out, and make the most of the time we have together.

Abby came down to visit (always a win!), and we decided to brave the elements for a winter wiener roast in Waterton. There’s something about roasting hot dogs and marshmallows with your boots in the snow and smoke in your eyes that just makes it feel like family.

Of course, Nate dressed for the weather… or at least the weather he wished it was. Let's just say fashion over function was alive and well. Meanwhile, Jess managed the entire snowy adventure with one arm in a sling, proving once again that she’s a trooper with or without full mobility. Honestly, the girl didn’t miss a beat.

We missed Sam, as we always do on days like this. His absence is felt in quiet ways—the missing laugh, the jokes we know he’d make... But I’m proud that we gave it a go, even with that space at the table (or in this case, the snowy log by the fire).

Family Day might not always look perfect—but this one was warm in all the right ways.