(AKA: Proof That Small Traditions Can Change Everything)

Last year I learned something life-changing.

Apparently… anybody can order awards.

And I remember thinking, “Well. I am absolutely an anybody.”

So I did what any reasonable person with internet access and people to admire in their life would do— I ordered awards for my family.

Not for trophies or test scores or anything flashy. But for real accomplishments. Passing a tough math class. Speaking up for someone else. Showing growth where growth wasn’t easy.

I didn’t overthink it. I just noticed.

🦩 How a Tiny Idea Turned Into a Big Tradition

After the awards arrived, I planned a surprise “awards night.” On New Year’s Day, I asked everyone to dress in their favorite outfits and meet me in the living room. Very casual. Very unsuspecting.

I had quietly put together a recap video of the year — photos, video clips and music — and cast it to the TV. We watched it together, laughing, remembering and reliving the year we had just walked through.

What they didn’t know was that when the video ended… the awards were going to be presented!

Each person was recognized for something meaningful they had accomplished that year. Something seen. Something noticed. Something worth celebrating.

It was meant to be a fun, lighthearted night. Dundee-style. But it landed deeper than I expected.

And just like that, our Annual Day Dundee Awards were born.

🦩 Watching For Wins

This year, we did it again — but with more intention.

Throughout 2025, we paid attention. We noticed where each person’s energy went. Where they felt most proud. Where growth showed up quietly. Where progress happened even when nobody else may have seen it.

In early December, we each wrote nominations for one another. Privately. Without discussion.

And somehow — without planning — the nominations all aligned. Each person was recognized for the same thing by everyone else.

The kids made awards for the adults. The adults made awards for the kids. And none of us knew what we were being recognized for.

Receiving an award hits differently when you didn’t nominate yourself.

🦩 The Moment I Lost It (In the Best Way)

When my husband presented my award, I cried like a baby.

Full tears. Unexpected emotions. Absolutely unwarranted.

It felt ridiculous — after all, these were meant to be playful Dundees. But it wasn’t about the award. It was about being seen. It was about someone noticing my effort, my growth, my consistency.

And honestly? That’s why this might be my favorite tradition we’ve ever started. Two years old and already rooted deep.

🦩 Reflection, Growth and Standing Tall Together

This year’s night didn’t stop at awards.

We talked through our 2025 goals that here hit and missed. Talked about what we’re continuing into 2026, adding to it and what we are letting go of. We’ll go deeper later and I will share my goal board once it’s completed.

But even now, it’s powerful.

We’re watching the recap again. Encouraging each other. Noticing growth in the small things and the big things. Seeing how far we’ve come and where we want to go next.

What’s been most meaningful is seeing everyone invested — not just in their own goals, but in each other’s progress.

That kind of support changes how you move through the world.

🦩 Why This Matters More Than the Awards

This isn’t about trophies. It’s about reflection. Accountability. Encouragement.

It’s about building a team that roots for you. A space where progress is celebrated, effort is noticed and growth — even imperfect growth — is honored.

God has blessed us beyond measure. I’m grateful every day that He chose us to do life together.

🦩 Final Thoughts

If you don’t have a tradition like this, I encourage you to create one.

Sit down. Reflect. Notice. Celebrate progress. Even if you’re the only one in your family doing it.

Last year, I made up my own award. And it still pushed me to reflect on the goal I was most proud of reaching.

Stand tall. Build something bold. Celebrate growth — especially the quiet kind.

Talk Soon,
L