Gingerbread houses

We finished decorating the tree after school today.

I spent way too much time in the afternoon while Tysyn and Rebekka were napping and the kids were at school, untangling long strings of silver beads that I wanted to put on the tree this year. It took forever!! We've had the beads on the tree before in years past but they have always been destroyed by the kids. Thus, for the last few years, I haven't even bothered with them. This year, I wanted them. Once they were all untangled, I put them on the tree. Cassandra helped me finish the very top when she came home from school. When all the kids were home (except D and B), we put on the tree ornaments after I unpacked them from the Christmas tote.

I got a phone call yesterday from our neighbour directly across the street inviting the kids to come to her house today and decorate gingerbread houses. (Actually they were graham cracker houses, but whatever.)

We planned for the decorating to begin at 6pm. I didn't tell the kids anything. Nothing. I only told them that we were all going out at 6pm and they needed to be ready to go.

We ate supper super fast. Hotdogs and fries.

Then the kids got ready and headed for the van. I stopped them before they all got buckled in and told them we weren't going in the van. They were so confused. I said we were walking to our neighbours, the Phillips, house. We were going inside and we were going to use appropriate and good behaviour.

Once inside, I let Cheri announce to the kids that they were there to decorate gingerbread houses. They were so excited.

Each kid got a prebuilt house. All they needed to do was decorate it. There was so much candy and treats. They had a blast decorating to their hearts content. Maren helped Rebekka for a bit with the icing while I ran Devin's cell phone to him at the school gym.

Works in progress

Aaren had a funny casualty.

He was kneeling on the floor to be level with his house that he was doing a fantastic job of. He was piping icing onto the house and all of a sudden he felt icing  under his neck, in and on his shirt. He wasn't paying attention and the icing came out the back open end of the bag and globbed right on his neck. It was so funny.

Thank you so much Cheri for thinking of the kids. They had a fabulous time and some of them commented that it was "the best day ever!" It's was a great way to kick off the Christmas season. 

After the littles bedtime, the middle big kids wanted after pictures of their houses.

Final hunt 2016

The hunt in our zone ended Saturday. Jeff realized that on Sunday afternoon. The boys went out Friday but didn't feel like going Saturday so they stayed home. Brandon also had to work.

Because Brandon still had a tag to fill they travelled this morning up to areas west of Cardston to hunt.

Around lunchtime, Brandon got this beauty.

They were home in the late afternoon. After hanging it in the shed, Brandon got right to work on skinning it. He also took the antler mount off. 

Evan had a friend over after school today. they had fun playing inside and outside together.

Cassandra and I went to Lethbridge for training tonight. Afterwards we stopped for groceries. We were home late. Thanks to Jeff for being home with the kids.

Weekend

Saturday, after my morning shift at Steed's, Aaren, Evan and I spent most of the day cleaning their room. It is now presentable and Evan is back to sleeping in it.

Jeff did two rototilling jobs on Saturday afternoon. Can you believe it?!! Rototilling at the end of November!! Too bad it wasn't our garden....

Tonight we attended the fireside for high school students. The stake is planning to take the youth to Martin's Cove in May 2017. Devin will be able and is excited to attend. Yay.

I worked for Dianne this weekend. I am grateful my finger is healing well and I was able to work. I still protect it and baby it, but I can function pretty normally. I'm also excited for a tiny pay raise. Tiny, but a raise nonetheless!

Cousins!!!

We met with the little home from school cousins today for a play date in honor of Benson's birthday. Fun fun.

Snack time. 

At noon I met with Devin's Physics 20 teacher. Devin is struggling in the class but is starting to make a better effort and his grades are beginning to reflect it. I'm hoping he can continue to improve and come out with an acceptable mark.

Devin tried out for the basketball team and is excited to have made the junior varsity team. The team has a lot of grade 11 boys on it. Next year he hopes to make the senior varsity team and play in the sugar bowl tournament.

I've been working on finishing journal entries that I didn't finish during the time of Dad's stroke to his funeral. It is taking a lot of effort to finish those entries and I am plugging away at finishing them. I have a lot of tender memories and emotions to wade through. There is lots to record for the future.

I ended up napping with Rebekka today.  

It seems like I am so tired all of the time. 

After dinner tonight, Evan offered to help me clean the basement so that we could put up the Christmas tree. He was an excellent worker. And we got it done. I loved using my new vacuum. I love to vacuum. It's my favourite chore.

I really considered not getting out the tree but Evan needed a reward for his hard work so out it came. We only set up the tree. The lights will come another day. And then the decorating. 

I'm just glad to have a clean basement again. Which room comes next?

USA thanksgiving

How do you say it Cassandra??

USA??
Nope.
Oh right.....  us-ah
We celebrated American Thanksgiving today for the Harrison family who is still in Canada visiting. We met as an extended Hardy family (those that are still here) at the Knight street church for a yummy turkey dinner. Thank you to all the families who provided something to build a delicious supper for all. 

We brought peas and carrots. 

Through the whole time we were together, I only took one picture. But these cousins are sure darling!!

Savanna Hardy, Eva Hardy, Charity Purnell and Rutha Hardy. 

Happy Thanksgiving. (Again)

Grateful for and making MEMORIES

I fell asleep briefly this afternoon on the computer chair with Tysyn on my lap. I had a vision/memory/dream of dad.
I was watching from the open front door. Dad was coming up to our house along the sidewalk. His grey hair was combed neatly, with his blue warm coat done up tightly, wearing black dress pants and black dress shoes. He was walking in his snappy, quick walk. Dad walked with authority and regality and was heading up the stairs when I became aware that it wasn't real/ woke up. It really felt like dad was heading up the stairs to visit us. We miss his presence in our lives!!
I will miss seeing him drive up the driveway and getting out to give us something. He would often get out and go to open the trunk to bring us something. Milk powder, cheese, eggs, or plants from the Hutterites. Dad brought us something often.

I met with Maren and Evan's teachers yesterday. Both are doing well in their classes. It was fun to watch them show me the things that they were doing in their classes. This snowman Maren created is awesome. It was well done art work. The shadowing is fantastic. Very impressive.

I had the chance to write about Maren on the classroom board. 

Evan wanted to show me his efforts on the recorder. I didn't think to take a picture in his classroom. 

As I was making supper, Rebekka then Savanna was playing with the magnetic letters. What cute girls!

Vacuum

I bought myself an early Christmas present yesterday.

A friend was selling her Dyson animal canister vacuum. I've been wanting a better vacuum for some time and I'm super excited to have this one. I was really hesitant to buy something right before Christmas but with the price, I knew I couldn't refuse.

I vacuumed my bedroom today. It's been needing it for awhile. I was so excited to see so much dirt in the canister. It's funny how the simple things can bring so much joy!

Not an early riser

I love routine. But we have had a terrible time lately getting up in the morning and moving through the daily morning routine.

Savanna came home on Friday with a note from the elementary school principal for having 10 or more lates. Last week was a difficult week for our whole family and we plan to do better but it has been so hard to get the kids moving in the mornings.

I would love to go to bed earlier but I am finding that if we are not vigilant about seeing the older boys to bed, they will stay up until ridiculous hours. They take a lot of prodding to get to bed.

I also enjoy the quiet of the night and will often take time to read or write in my journal. Sometimes I can read for too long and short change myself. Thus Jeff and I burn the candle at both ends. And sleep is something I have a hard time sacrificing because without it, my functioning abilities are limited. I need to get in a better habit of early to bed and early to rise. Go to sleep Hardy family!!!

I attended preschool with the little ones today. During messy play they did kitchen mixing. Old and stale spices from the pantry are lots of fun when you mix it with vinegar, baking soda and coloured water. Just don't try eating it. Yuck!

After lunch I ran several errands and did some banking.

After supper we attended the Christmas production of show choir. It was fun to watch Meagan and Joseph. They did super awesome. I especially loved the native nativity.

I would love to see Devin in show choir. He would be delightful to watch. Perhaps next year. 

Primary presentation

The children had their primary presentation today. Because I teach primary (Savanna's class) I also got to sit on the stand. I love singing the primary songs.
Nearer to the end, Rebekka escaped from Jeff's care and came up to the stand wanting to sit with me. I wasn't interested in making a scene so she stayed with me until the meeting was over.

Each of our kids said their parts really well. (Some with the help of the primary presidency.) even Tysyn spoke clearly and was able to be heard. He did have a very disciplined meltdown when his teacher, who was trying to reach a classmate hanging over the rostrum, put Tysyn on her lap. I could see that Tysyn felt chastised and so he immediately went sour. He didn't make too big of a scene but he did not want to sit with his teacher!

I loved seeing my other children, and the youth of the ward, stand to sing the second and final line of the closing song. It gladdens my heart to know that my children and family are learning and coming to know gospel truths through attending our weekly meetings and other meetings. I hope that they come to love the gospel as I do.

During opening exercises of primary, the children watched a movie and had Rice Krispie squares with m&ms.

I enjoyed having and teaching Hyrum Harrison (nephew) visiting in my primary class. I'm sure he thought our class crazy. The three regulars are a wild crew!

It's hard to believe that in a few short weeks Rebekka will be joining us in Primary and begin her life long learning of the gospel. 

Funeral of David Lawrence Hardy

Jeff was not feeling well this morning upon awakening. He agonized at how he was going to be able to stand and greet friends, neighbours, and family before the funeral. I am grateful for prayers and tender mercies that helped him feel well enough to do so.

The funeral for dad/grandpa/David Hardy was scheduled for 11am. So many people came to the meet the family and pay respects that we ended up not starting the funeral until nearly 11:30am. All 13 kids and spouses were invited to stand in the line. It started with Jeff (or myself when the air vent turned on) and went down the line to end at Joseph and then mom beside dad's casket.

How can this time be so difficult yet so beautiful? We still shake our head in disbelief that dad is gone to heaven, passing through to the other side of the veil. He is missed. 

The little children were tended by older cousins, siblings and friends of the family in the nursery during the meet the family before the funeral. Savanna snuck into the room several times to just stroke and lay her hand on top of Grandpa's. She spent a fair bit of time on Friday beside the casket doing the same. Just being close to his body and warming his big cold hand with her little warm one. I wish I had of taken a picture for her. It is a memory I will cherish. 

Once the line ended, we proceeded to the chapel where we all got seated. The doors to the back of the chapel were closed and Jared offered the family prayer. Jared gave a beautiful prayer that gave peace to my heart. The doors were then opened and the service began. 

The talks were all so good. I enjoyed hearing of Dad's early life from his sister Janice. Camilla highlighted dad's life raising his family and Lowyn talked of dad in business and service to others.

I am grateful for the songs to comfort the tender ache in my heart.

I think it was Uncle Clark who told us that we need us the legacy dad left us as a polar star to guide our lives. I feel his tug and influence reaching out and directing me towards heaven and all those that are anxiously waiting my return. 

We were surrounded by so much family. I'm grateful for my own Mom, Dad, Uncle Bob Moxley and siblings, Krista & James, Karla, Sherilyn, and Justin & Heather who all came to show support for Jeff and I and the family. How I love my parents and my siblings. THANKYOU!!!

After the funeral, the pallbearers went out first. Sherilyn agreed to take pictures for me. Thank you.

When the casket was in the hearse, and everyone was ready, the lead car headed out. We followed the cars in procession to the cemetery. Brandon and Devin in the car, followed us in the van. I was touched to see passing cars along the road stop to honor the procession and show respect.

The air today is chilly but the sun has been shining all day. The snow on the ground was cleared around the gravesite. Once everyone was gathered, the pallbearers; dad's 6 boys, brought the casket from the car and laid it on the gravesite.

Mom and Joseph sat on the chairs set out by the funeral home. The rest of family gathered around them and the casket. As the extended family surrounded dad's casket, I delighted in seeing parents of spouses of David & Rita's children. This huge family knows no limits!

The grandchildren sang first. Families Can Be Together Forever. It was sung with a lot of love!!! Dallin talked about death and burial. His words were comforting.

Jeff dedicated grave. He gave a beautiful prayer. It is so hard to know that dad is not with us in body anymore. But we get great comfort to know he is well and happy with his parents and many other great people waiting and working to help others come to know God's plan before Jesus Christ comes to the earth again. That knowledge brings comfort and peace. Dad is not in pain. Dad has passed his mortal test and now watches over us, encouraging us to live in goodness so that we can join him. He is preparing the way for us. I'm also happy to think of the reunion in heaven that he would have had with our little Lyman Jeffry. I volunteer Grandpa to babysit.... (Perhaps he isn't so little anymore.)

We sang as a family, We Are Marching On To Glory (Hymn 225). That is the David and Rita Hardy family theme song.

1. We are marching on to glory;

We are working for our crown.

We will make our armor brighter

And never lay it down.

We are marching, marching homeward

To that bright land afar.

We work for life eternal;

It is our guiding star.

2. Then day by day we are marching;

To heaven we are bound.

Each good act brings us nearer

That home where we’ll be crowned.

We are marching, marching homeward

To that bright land afar.

We work for life eternal;

It is our guiding star.

3. Then, with the ransomed children

That throng the starry throne,

We will praise our Lord and Savior,

His pow’r and mercy own.

We are marching, marching homeward

To that bright land afar.

We work for life eternal;

It is our guiding star.

I wanted to get a family photo of Jeff and I and our kids. It didn't turn out great. Sherilyn did her best with what she had to work with. But with so many people around and Devin feeling pressed to get to the field, it was kind of a flop. But it was a picture. Thank you Sherilyn.

I am grateful for so many pictures from this day. I have so many that it is hard to narrow it down to just a few to share here. 

As the extended family left, Devin was rushed off to the football field. Thanks to his chauffeurs- Krista and James!!

Cory and Joseph took some time to brand Dad's casket with the Hardy brand. It was a special touch before the casket was buried.

The immediate family stayed to watch the funeral directors lower the casket into the vault. Then the town crew brought the lid for the vault and put it on.

The loader with a bucket full of dirt was brought over to the hole and each family member who wanted to do so, had a turn to shovel a mound of dirt into the grave site. It took some time for everyone to have a turn. Shelyse took pictures. (She still has mine.) Everyone that wanted, was able to have a turn (or a few).

Jeff and Jared

The children (and adults) will remember it for many years to come. It may seem to some as a rather terrible part to the funeral but everyone grieves differently. The Hardy family has always been a family of action and we felt like this helped in saying goodbye. Besides, dad always encouraged us to dig in the dirt!

It was so difficult to leave and so hard to say goodbye.

The plot marker.

I snuck away for a few minutes to visit Lyman's grave. It's been a while since we have been out there. The flowers look sad and neglected. We need to rectify that. We also need a headstone. Sigh.

Once we loaded everyone into the van, we met back at the church for a family meal. There was a huge amount of people to feed. It was like a ward party! THANKYOU to those who generously donated food. You know, I seldom think about how appreciated the donated food is appreciated until you are on the receiving end of it. It was so nice to just get a dish and have food to eat. Thanks for all those who prepared and served it. It means a lot. 

Jeff was able to tune into the football game over his phone. Brandon too. Mine won't catch the feed. The Comets were doing ok at half. They were winning! We wished we were there.

Jeff and I decided to go to the field and watch at least some of the game. We didn't have enough time to change so we went in our dress clothes. It took a lot of time to gather the kids. It's a lot of work trying to find them all over the building. Some didn't want to come so we left them with family and cousins at the church.

We got to the field with 10 minutes left in the game. There was enough room to sit with my family. Shelyse met us there also. She really wanted to watch Devin play. Justin and Heather's kids were there too. Little chilly but warm sitting in group. I was grateful for blankets to keep my legs warm.

The game ended not in the Comets favor. They hoped for a win but lost. The team fell apart in the last quarter of the game. Devin was not happy but he had no tears left to cry at the loss. He was pretty dejected.  

I waited for Devin to come from dressing room so I could take him home. The team took a long time in the locker room. Jeff went to mom and dad's to have a family picture taken.

My family went back to the church to prepare a birthday cake for Brandon.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRANDON (We didn't forget his birthday.) Sherilyn made a cake. Black Forest. Yum!!

Happy Birthday to these two. The oldest and youngest siblings with birthdays 1 day apart. They love each other!

We sang to him and then he blew out his imaginary candles. The Leishman's gave Brandon a candy bar card.

I could hardly believe what else she gave him. I even started to cry when I saw it. Story: When Brandon was born Sherilyn was a teenager. She decided that she would give Brandon money every birthday year. The amount that he was turning in age until his 18th birthday. After a few years it got too difficult. And she stopped. This year, she felt like she needed to pay out her promise so she gave him the amount of 18 years worth of birthday money. I told her she had already paid some years. She said couldn't remember so she just started again. Wow. I get emotional thinking of her love. I told Brandon it can be the greatest start ever to his mission fund!!

After our little impromptu party, we said goodbye to our Calgary family who travelled to Raymond to be with us this day. 

We took our kids home to get them to bed. While Jeff saw to the bedtimes, I went off to deliver meals for dinner tomorrow. I separated out the leftover Friday night meal provided by Nutratek to as many families as I could. (Sorry to those who didn't get any.)

I put in wash and then a did a little Sunday prep for the Primary presentation tomorrow. Then it was off to bed. So extremely tired from the long, difficult and beautiful day. 

I am thankful for my family!!