Christmas Eve - A toast to a perfect night!

Christmas Eve was everything it should be—full, festive, and overflowing with togetherness. Our annual lobster night did not disappoint: brisket, potato wedges, French onion soup, lobster, mussels, crab, and shrimp made for an absolutely delightful dinner.

Paisley gave us the sweetest surprise of the night. We thought she was sick and unable to join us, but just after the six of us sat down at the table, she walked through the door. Pure joy all around.

This year, I assigned everyone a small “dinner task.” Nate was in charge of frequent toasts and, as expected, he did not disappoint. John was supposed to start a slow clap and keep it going until everyone joined in—he chose not to play along—but everyone else fulfilled their roles perfectly, adding lots of laughter to the evening.

After dinner, games, visiting, and plenty of fun, we changed into our pajamas—OOKS T-shirts to mark the year we officially became fans while cheering Jessica on. Of course, no Christmas Eve is complete without the sibling gift exchange, driving around to look at Christmas lights and watching The Polar Express before John and I laid out the gifts and filled the stockings.

It truly was a perfect Christmas Eve together. I fell asleep that night with a heart fuller than ever.

Crandell Lake during the break

During our Christmas break, we bundled up and headed out for a winter hike into Crandell Lake. It was one of those perfect winter days—fresh air, beautiful views, and just the right snow conditions. The trail wasn’t too slippery, making for an easy and enjoyable walk. Radar came along too and had the time of his life, even if he ended up completely caked in snow by the end.

John, Abby, Jess, Grayson, and I shared lots of laughs along the way and found ourselves reminiscing about a previous winter hike into Crandell. We remembered the time we crossed paths with a woman named Tamarra and her family and were able to help them on the trail. It was a simple but meaningful reminder of how these shared experiences stay with us.

It was a beautiful way to spend a winter day—together, outdoors, and making memories.

 

December fun and games

December brought plenty of time together as a family. Nate received a 12 Days of Christmas delivery from Aunt Karen, and one day included a pack of long balloons. Nate and Jess spent an entire evening blowing them up and taping them to Sam’s bedroom ceiling—it was hilarious.

We also learned how to play poker, with Nate proving himself to be an expert (and patient) teacher. We played often, and one night Jessica’s friends even joined us for a little friendly “gambling.”

I truly enjoyed the last week of school before the holidays. The female staff took part in the school dance contest, learning a Men in Black routine—and I must say, I didn’t suck at it! Haha. 

It’s always such a fun week. 

Christmas really is more enjoyable when it’s celebrated with kids.

A weekend of Basketball

A Weekend Full of Basketball, Family, and Joy

This past weekend was one of those beautiful, full-hearted weekends that reminds me just how much I love watching my kids do what they love.

Jessica was here in southern Alberta playing basketball, and it all kicked off with a Friday night game in Calgary. I was absolutely thrilled to be able to attend. There’s something special about sitting in the stands, hearing the squeak of shoes on the court, and knowing that one of those athletes out there is your own child. Watching Jessica play—focused, determined, and confident—was such a gift.

The excitement continued as she played again in Lethbridge at the college. What made this game even more meaningful was the crowd. Most of our family, along with some extended family, came out to support her. Seeing so many familiar faces in the stands, all cheering her on, made the whole experience feel extra special. Jessica got some good minutes on the floor, and it was pure joy to watch her compete, hustle, and give it her all.

At the same time Jessica was battling it out against the Kodiaks, Sam was busy on the court too—playing in the alumni tournament. Watching him and his friends suit up and play together again was such a treat. There’s something nostalgic and energizing about seeing those connections rekindled through the game they love. Even better, their team took FIRST place in the beloved annual tournament! Sam had a great first game and played well throughout the rest, and it was impossible not to feel proud.

Cheering on both Jessica and Sam in the same weekend—sometimes in different gyms, sometimes in spirit—filled my heart to the brim. I absolutely loved cheering on these kiddos. What a weekend of talent, teamwork, family, and unforgettable memories.

The Day Sam Came Home

The day Sam came home from his LDS mission to Arizona was nothing short of incredible—one of those days that settles deep into your heart and stays there.

Nate, John, and I left early for Calgary, our excitement building with every mile. We arrived at the airport at the exact same time Abby and Jessica were landing from Edmonton. The timing felt like a small miracle. Together, we made our way to the international gate, joining the Bultsma family, since Sam and Brooke were both coming home on the same flight. There was a sense of shared anticipation in the air—families united by love, pride, and a whole lot of emotion.

Aside from a brief moment when security almost kicked us out for gathering in the wrong spot (apparently joy can be a little disruptive 😄), the pickup itself was flawless.

And then Sam walked through.

It was so good to see him. He had such joy on his face—real, settled joy. He looked people in the eye. He was present, intentional, and genuinely attentive to every single person he spoke with. Watching him interact, it was impossible not to feel inspired. This wasn’t just our Sam returning home; this was a young man who had been shaped, refined, and strengthened by two years of devoted service.

After the airport, we headed to Olive Garden for lunch—a perfect place to sit, breathe, laugh, and soak it all in. Saying goodbye to Abby and Jessica was hard, but with finals the very next day, there was no other choice. We parted ways with hugs and full hearts.

The four of us—Sam, Nate, John, and I—then returned home, where Sam was officially released by President Ferguson. That moment felt sacred. Two years of faithful service brought to a close, and a new chapter beginning.

It’s astonishing how quickly two years can pass. Even more amazing is how much growth can happen in that time. Sam has grown in confidence, faith, compassion, and purpose—and now, we are together again as a family.

God is good.

Nine Days!

 Hey Elder Hardy, and girls!

Can you believe we’re down to single digits? Nine days until Sam is home! It’s wild even to write that. We are so excited we can hardly stand it.

We kicked off the week by decorating for Christmas. The house looks cozy and warm, and we immediately claimed our usual spots by the tree. I’ve been enjoying it —well, enjoying it in between marking what feels like hundreds of Grade 6 spooky stories. Let me tell you, nothing says “holiday cheer” like reading about ghosts, monsters, and kids who still haven’t figured out where to put quotation marks. Jealous?

It was SUCH a treat seeing Abby and Jess last weekend. This week, though, we were back to the routine—just me, Dad, and Nate holding down the fort. And honestly, it still baffles me that my life revolves around the one who keeps drinking straight from the milk jug. 

Nate and Dad wrapped up their volleyball season—they finished 5th in the league, which is pretty solid. And just when we thought we were free, Nate got asked to join the Varsity team for their last week or two of games. So don’t worry, we still have bleachers to warm and whistles to endure.

In other exciting Hardy-family news, a high school kid came over to restore the headlights on Nate’s car. I’ll admit—I wasn’t expecting much, but he did an amazing job. I took a picture halfway through because the difference was honestly shocking. At this point, those headlights are the newest part of that sad little vehicle.

But of course, all of these small details feel tiny compared to what you are experiencing right now. We can’t imagine the emotions that must come with wrapping up your mission. We are beyond proud of you, Sam. Truly. We pray every day that you finish these last days with no regrets, knowing deep in your heart that you gave your very best to God. And we’re certain He’s looking at you with so much pride.

Nine days. We can’t wait to hug you.

Love you always,
Mom

Chili, Weddings and Sushi (Now Featuring a Licensed Driver!) - Letter from Mom

 Dear Sam (and girls),

Sixteen days. Sixteen! I can practically hear your suitcase zipping itself in preparation. The house is humming with the thought of you walking back through the door. In the meantime, life here has been complete, funny, and just a little chaotic. So...the usual.

First, your sisters. Jessica and Abby spent the week swimming through midterms. We’re hoping the academic universe was kind to them. They seem lighter now, almost human again, so I’m counting that as a win. 

Now, the headline: Nate. He passed his driver’s test! We had to go all the way to Magrath to get a date close to his birthday. He got 50 points taken off, but the limit was 75, so mathematically speaking, that’s triumph. I watched him climb into that car like a boy, and I swear, he climbed out looking two inches taller. Sure, Nate is still a goof, but suddenly he’s a goof with a license. He’s taking his girlfriend to Lethbridge tomorrow. Please add a prayer to your daily rotation. May he remember to yield to oncoming traffic. 

Brooke asked Nate to go to Sadie's this week and left the sweetest things in his room. Nate is responding by filling her room with hundreds of SOLO cups. Hundreds. A sea of plastic chaos. 

Wedding Bliss: This weekend was a blur of travel. Nate and I drove up to Edmonton for Mason and Bethanie’s wedding. He handled most of the drive like a champ, even when I accidentally aimed us toward Banff. Eventually, the steering wheel returned to me just in time for us to hit a snowstorm near Leduc and creep our way into Edmonton at 15 km/h. It took an hour and a half to do a 15-minute stretch. But the prize at the end of the journey was Abby waiting with homemade chili. Heaven in a bowl. It felt like Grandpa and Grandma Hardy, faithfully setting out warm food no matter the hour. My heart felt full. 

Saturday was a temple marriage, ring ceremony, dinner, and reception. Mason glowed the entire day. Absolutely radiant. It is a beautiful thing to see someone so clearly in love. We soaked up the city, enjoyed late-night sushi, and spent time with family. 

Today, Nate and I headed home. Got back in time for Sunday naps and a BBQ dinner with John. Radar and John spent the weekend together in serene bachelor domesticity. John even moved Radar’s sleep mat closer to him on the bed so they could keep each other company. That image will carry me for days. Tiny soft miracles everywhere. 

We are thinking of you constantly, cheering you through this second-to-last week. You have run the race with your whole heart. Keep your eyes on the Savior and your spirit steady. We’ll have you home soon, filling this house with your laugh and your stories. Though I know your heart may ache a little, we cannot wait! 

All our love,
Mom