Biola family, near and far…

This past weekend, we got to have our Biola family, the Kamalski's, from South Africa in town for hanging out. Kit and the guys went away to Arrowhead for a guys hang out and the Kamalski girls, Maxie, Mia, and Clara stayed at our house. We ate together, watched Christmas movies and crafted, went to Ryder’s soccer games, made hot chocolate and we introduced them to the craft store, Michael’s.

 I also got to take them down memory lane and show them pictures of their dads in college. There were some laughs for sure!

I made this book for Kit when he graduated college and they got such a kick out of all the photos…

The guys had a great time too!

Rockharbor Christmas team night 2025

 Last Thursday, we had our annual team night at Rockharbor to celebrate our leaders and volunteers. It’s always such a special time!

They played Family Feud and Kit and was one of the silly hosts…

We love this community and these people so much!

We had our annual staff after party and the only photo I grabbed was my incredible helpers who helped me make sure we were ready. Look at the charcuterie board Eden made!

It was such a fun night all around. It lasted until almost 1 am which reminded us that we’ve still got it…

Christmas snippets…

 I have to remind myself that this season is full and not just busy. To me, full associates with joy and busy associates with stress and overwhelming thoughts. I’m really trying to practice intentional thinking… So here we’re some moments recently of pause…

The Grinch told us to…

 A new happy meal came out this year that was Grinch themed, with socks and dill pickle fries and the whole shabang… Eden talked me in to getting her one. 

She was over the moon! She has had a tiny handful of happy meals in her life and watching my teenager get this one was hilarious!

Advent tools we love!

 Advent is such a sweet time of waiting and anticipation of celebrating the birth of Jesus. Here are some books and activities that we love, old and new:

We have done these verse cards for several years now and love it.

These two are so good. The one from Rich Villodas is new to us this year and I’m so excited about it!

This one is my favorite because of how she incorporates music lists and art with a story and scripture reading. I’ve done it a few years now and love it!

And also, to make it fun, we got these advent calendars for the kids:

let’s not forget…

    It’s Christmas in the hospital too! This is the time of year where we send babies home in stockings and red and white knit caps… It’s precious!!!

Grandpa Pierce’s English toffee time!

 This last weekend we made English toffee from Kit’s family recipe! It’s a family affair…

10 batches later!

Grandpa Pierce would be so proud!