Hardy Fun

We enjoyed meeting together today with the extended Hardy family here in town. Purnell's came from Edmonton and Harrison's joined us from Idaho. We are missing the rest of the family who are unable to attend.

Soups and salads at lunch warmed our bellies as the temperatures outside hovered at -27. Brrrr.

Pictures of the luncheon from the 4 corners of the social hall. 

We planned to go to Taber after lunch to go swimming, but when Jeff arrived home from an early morning trip from Lethbridge, because of training, he strongly cautioned against going back out on the roads. We had a family council to decide whether we would go or stay here in Raymond.

It was decided to stay put. The cultural hall gym got booked for the afternoon and so we moved from the social hall over to the big gym.

I phoned Myrna Sopal and asked if we could borrow some of the Parent Link supplies to provide activities for the many children. She was so so so accommodating. Maren, Esther and I braved the cold and went over to meet her at the school. We were able to bring back hoolahoops, jump ropes, balls, beach balls, big feet (similar to tin can stilts), and pool noodle horses. The hit was definitely the parachute. We played several many rounds of sharks and lifeguards.

It was hilarious to watch the big feet races. Everyone were good sports for participating.

Basketball games of "horse" were ongoing for the older boys and teens.

We enjoyed card games and board games thanks to Landon and Brenna.

Devin's device entertained a few smaller cousins until he fell asleep on the couch.

Snacks help relieve afternoon hunger pains.

The girls were delighted to hold their newest cousin Emri.

I didn't take many pictures as I was too busy helping with activities for the children.

Thank you to those who did! I totally added their photos to this blog entry..

The family had such a good afternoon together!

As disappointing as it was to not get to go swimming, the children were excited to look forward to the activity being postponed until Tuesday when better weather is coming.

You know the time spent together was fantastic when nobody wants to leave but everyone must because the supper hour has arrived.

Maren, Evan and I postponed our cleaning day until Monday evening in favour of preparing for the Sabbath.

Temple time

When you don't even remember the last time you attended the temple, it's time to refocus the priorities and make a trip to the temple.

Jeff and I travelled to Cardston today and attended the 1:00pm session. We barely made it in time for the session. We left in plenty of time to get there but it was slow going on very wintery roads.

I was so grateful for the peace of the temple. I felt it as soon as I entered the building.

It was a small session.

At the veil of the temple, I got somewhat emotional and had a difficult time speaking. The worker thought I was stumbling on the words and prompted me with the correct wording, but when she realized that I was overcome with emotion too much to speak or continue, I felt her gently put her arm around me and rub my back a few times. I was grateful for her simple, loving gesture.

Once I was able to compose myself, I was able to continue. The compassionate look from the brother at the veil also warmed me as I entered the celestial room.

There wasn't time before we entered inside for pictures. But we did see, as we hurried inside, a wedding party getting pictures taken outside in this freezing weather. Brrr.

I'm grateful for my summer anniversary!

After, Jeff went outside before me to bring the van up to the entrance. (So nice) So we weren't able to get a frosty winter picture together in front of the temple. 

The beautiful Nativity. Jesus is our Savior. 


A place of beauty

The distribution center here in Cardston has been recently renovated. It is now possible to select your own temple clothing and garments like you can in distribution centers in other areas of the world- like Utah. They still also have some church materials.

After we arrived back in Raymond, we stopped at the bank before closing. Then headed home. I changed my clothes and began preparing supper before I had to leave. I left the heating of potato soup I made to Jeff.

Cara and I met at the office for our weekly clean. We were happy to notice our cleaning times are improving. It's taking less and less time each week to do all the necessary jobs. It's still a lot of time should we do it ourself, but we enjoy working together, so happily we share the responsibility.

Devin and Brandon spent the day skiing at Castle Mountain. They took the car. It was very cold skiing but the boys said they enjoyed all the fresh powder. They arrived home and then each prepared themselves for their respective New Years dances.

Brandon drove the car in to Lethbridge to the young single adult dance. Jared and Sheralee took their van filled with a bunch of cousins and friends to the youth dance in Lethbridge. I was grateful Devin and Aaren were travelling under adult supervision. It wasn't the best of conditions to be out travelling on the roads. 

Sugar Bowl 2017

Tuesday, December 26, 2017

Cheering for the Comets at Sugar Bowl. 

Go Devin!

Home team bench. 



Our favourite Comet!!

After the game, Evan collected as many pop bottles and cans as 2 garbage bags would allow. 

He ended up with 2 big bags full. He's pretty excited to go to the depot and get the refund.

Wednesday, December 27, 2017.

Warm ups for game 2. 


Half of the packed gymnasium. 

Much to the disappointment of many, Devin only played just over 1 minute of ball in all of the three games his team had. I was pretty disappointed. The Comets won their first game which took them to the Semi finals. They lost that game. They played for 3rd place but lost it too. The Comets placed 4th in the tournament. 

Devin participated in a shooting competition during the half time of a couple of games. I was pretty stoked that he and his team made it to the finals. They competed at half time at the last game of the tournament. Devin's team consisting of Brandon Kiehl-Grif, and Boston Harker, got the three point shot first so Devin's team won the shooting competition. He and his teammates each got a pretty sweet pair of socks.

It was exciting to be at Sugar Bowl. Grandpa Selman would have loved to have watched Devin play. While he was alive and physically able, he would go to every Sugar Bowl tournament and watch all the games. He was a huge supporter of Comets basketball. I bet he's watching and proud of Devin's efforts. 

It's been fun to be together with family, watching the ball games. There is a huge spirit of camaraderie and community. I love this town! This is the Comets 51st sugar bowl tournament. 

After Devin's third game, a lady Lady sitting beside me leaned over and asked me if my boy was Comet #4. I replied yes. She then said to me that she noticed how he always was there to congratulate his team mates and really support and encourage them when they went on and off the cour. Even when he wasn't playing. She was impressed at his sportsmanship. She also told me he looked like a nice young man and that she was sure I was raising him right.

I thanked her for her kind words. Devin is a great kid!

This is a huge poster hanging in the athletic showcase in the foyer. Devin is on the front row. 

Boys and girls posters and rosters in the Comets showcase. 

This morning we worked hard to get the house in order and ready for family to visit. Cassandra took on the task of clearing the island of its massive pile of junk. It was a little  stressful to just let her go at it but after telling her to put all things she wanted to throw away in a pile and I would go through to be sure nothing was needed, I let her work away.

She cleared the entire counter and it looks fantastic. She is proud of her efforts and so am I. She commented later that she wished she had a before and after picture.

Mom, Krista and the girls arrived followed by Sherilyn and her family. Everyone came do the high school basketball tournament Devin as playing in. Sugar Bowl!!!

Those with tickets attended the evening games. The opening ceremonies were great fun!

Huge Thank you to Aaren for watching the younger cousins at home so the adults could go to the ball games!!

This afternoon Savanna borrowed Tysyn's dry erase board to colour on. She made a pretty cute picture.

Christmas Day 2017

Christmas morning 2017

Looks like Santa filled all the stockings.

Opening stockings on our bed. King size isn't very big anymore!

Aunt Camilla posted a picture of her kids lining up in the stairs. We attempted to make one of our own. I think I took about 20 photo attempts to get 3 decent ones.

Tysyn wasn't in the picture because he was mad at the older boys. He wasn't happy at where they wanted him to lay. When Tysyn was ready to come join us, none of the kids wanted to do it again. But they did consent to a picture with all the kids sitting on the stairs before going to open gifts. 

Savanna was so excited for her gift. Puppy Surprise. It was as close to a real dog as she going to get while living here!

Aaren got a new pair of glasses.

Mate got new glasses too.

Brandon got some new Carhartt pants.

That a pretty big contrast!

And the red car arrived home in time for Christmas. 

Devin was over the moon with a new Comets jacket. This gift was given to Devin from a generous donor. I was the only one that knew that it was coming. I picked it up from a teacher at the school several days before Christmas.

Cassandra received a pretty sweet pair of Bluetooth headphones. I doubt they will come off her head much.

Rebekka also got a puppy surprise. She loves the 3 baby dogs and the mom. 

Tysyn was pleased with 8 markers and a whiteboard.

Evan got several Stik Bots. He's had fun playing with them.

I don't have pictures of either of these boys.

The family received an Autoharp. It's just like the one Great Grandpa Lyman Hardy had and would play when we would get together. It's been so nice to hear the kids trying to play it. Cassandra has picked up playing it the quickest. (Probably because of her band classes.) The music of the autoharp has brought on lots of tender memories. Here Devin is taking a turn playing it. 

Evan and Tysyn watching siblings open gifts. 

After the gifts were opened, I started thinking about dinner. And remembered that I hadn't put the turkey in the oven!! Dang it!! I quickly got it ready and put it in. Then I got a shower and started on meal prep.

I enjoyed the FaceTime visit with extended family in Calgary but it brought tears to my eyes seeing everyone gathered together and being unable to celebrate with them. It's hard to live away and miss occasions of gathering together.

Mom H. and Joseph stopped by for a short visit. Her message let us know that she is doing ok and that there is peace in righteous doing. How grateful we are for Jesus Christ. 

Christmas dinner was enjoyed by all.

Something funny:

Rebekka has been carrying around a story book of Little Red Riding Hood for the last few days. Today I had this conversation with her.

R: I want to take this to music class.

K: Aunt Heather (F.H.) isn't here. There isn't a music class. She is still away visiting family.

R: Is she seeing these kids? (Pointing to a picture on the fridge of Audrey and Preston Erb.)

K: Yes, and her mom and dad.

R: Is Czech Republic Far?

K: Yes, very far. You either need to go on a big plane or a big boat to get there.

R: THEY SHOULD LIVE CLOSER TO THE EARTH!

R: They should live closer to the birds.

So Aunt Shelyse, Rebekka thinks you are very far indeed! Heather, Rebekka will delighted when you get back to earth!

We love you and miss you all. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS to those we love!