As I look back on this past month, I'm grateful for the small moments, new experiences, and familiar traditions that filled my days. From simple joys to meaningful gatherings, each photo in this collection tells a piece of the story. I'm excited to share these snapshots - little windows into the places I've been, the people I've held close, and the memories that made this month feel especially full. 

A warm bowl of homemade soup paired with a thick slice of sourdough bread made the perfect cozy dinner on an icy cold evening. I love making all kinds of soup, and if you tell me your favorite, I'd be more than happy to make a pot just for you.

My almost 7 month-old granddaughter sits happily among a swirl of Christmas bows, striking an irresistible little pose for her mom!

My husband and I attended Mayflower Congregational Church's annual Christmas Cantata. Surrounded by dear friends, we celebrated a tradition that has become a gentle way of honoring my late sister Laurie. The music, memories, and quiet joy of the season all seemed to meet in one place.

My son Grant and I outside of Love Boat Ice Cream in Fort Myers during his visit over Thanksgiving. We had such a great time together. I'm loving this season of life with my adult kids and their significant others; spending time with them feels like a gift that just keeps getting sweeter.

This photo of me and my granddaughter on Fort Myers Beach at sunset captures one of our sweet little beach moments, sandy toes and all! Don't worry - there will definitely be plenty more photos like this... I can't help myself!

My husband Ray and I went to the annual American Sand Sculpting Championship! Master and advanced-amateur sculptors from around the world transformed ordinary beach sand into breathtaking works of art.

Here I am with my birthday cake, ready to make a wish (or maybe two!) and dive into some serious chocolate. Nothing like candles, cake, and family to make a girl feel special.

Hand2Hand is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children who might not have enough to eat on weekends by providing backpacks filled with nutritious, shelf-stable food. They serve as many as 10,000 students in West Michigan relying on volunteers to pack, deliver, and distribute the food. I volunteer several times throughout the year, and what a meaningful experience it is!

As we all are immersed in the hustle and bustle of the holidays, I'm grateful for all the moments captured in these photos - the fun, the traditions, and the simple joys that make life so rich. The holidays are a wonderful time, but I know they can also be tough for many, and my heart goes out to anyone feeling a little extra weight this season. Amid it all, I hope we can pause to appreciate the blessings we do have: family, friends, love, and the small moments that make life meaningful. 

Wishing you a holiday season filled with warmth, gratitude, and peace! 🎁