Go, Hardy’s go.

Today has been a crazy whirlwind day!

I received an early morning text on my phone from Heather as I was getting ready for the day. She was desperately hoping I could help with Alden. She and Dallin were so tired and needed to sleep. I offered to take Alden with me to preschool if she could get him ready for 9am.

I messaged Deborah and asked if she would be ok if I brought the lunch meal at noon and the supper meal at about 4:30pm. She went further to say bring it all in the afternoon and Joy would eat leftovers at lunch.

Before I left the house I was able to get a load of dishes into the dishwasher. I also started a load of laundry. I barely had time for breakfast but squeezed in the most important meal of the day.

Rebekka was so excited to have Alden come to preschool with us. We picked up Alden and encouraged Heather and Dallin to sleep. Today was our last day of preschool. There wasn’t a farm visit this year. Rebekka only has 2 more preschool semesters before we are finished with the Parent Link facility.

Tysyn was so excited to see Alden at kindergarten pickup. We came home to our house and the cousins played for a bit. I message Heather and offered to keep Alden for the rest of the day. The kids were having so much fun together. They played so well that I was able to make supper and FHE treat.

Rebekka quiet for some time and I began to wonder where she was. We searched all over the house and the yard before I found her asleep under blankets on my bed. I usually make my bed in the morning. If I had of done so today, she probably would have been easier to find!

The school kids were delighted to see Alden when they got home in the afternoon. Kids home from school. They had such fun playing with him. Alden is the perfect step after Rebekka. If we had another child after Rebekka, it would have been just like having Alden at our house full time. Exactly the right age. Anyone passing by would assume he is ours, because he fits right in. The towhead locks blend right in. When Heather and Dallin came to pick Alden up, he didn’t want to leave. I had to put him in and buckle his car seat for him to leave happily. Heather was looking and feeling better. It’s amazing what sleep can do to a tired soul. The first weeks of a newborn and small children are rough. I remember well. 

Cassandra and Jeff went off to training in Lethbridge.

I sent Aaren off to the soccer field I thought he had lines. It turned out he didn’t. So he went all the way for nothing. Oops. He’s mad. My bad!

Evan had a soccer game in Stirling. The kids and I scrambled to get ready to go after Alden left. Sheralee phoned asking if Spencer could catch a ride. She brought him over.

I delivered the days meals before we left town. I love the flexibility I have with these ladies. They are great women.

Before we could go to Stirling, we had to get gas in the van. We stopped at Garners to fuel up. Gasoline is crazy expensive. I put 99 litres in the tank at 133.9 cents a litre. It is so so so terribly expensive and getting higher. I hate driving anywhere. I remember when I was in high school and bought my blue Honda Civic. Gasoline prices were only about 39.9 cents/litre. They have gone up steadily over the years. 

The boys were a little late for their soccer game. Evan ended up playing goalie in the second half. I think he quite likes it. Unfortunately he let in 2 goals. The team lost. He was pretty disappointed. I reminded him after the game that the defense are also supposed to keep the ball away from the net. And when it gets past them, you can only do your best to keep the ball out.

Evan in net wearing the white jersey. Spencer in midfield wearing the purple jersey and green shorts. 

When we arrived back in town, we dropped Spencer off at Vic Park soccer fields to meet his family.

I took the children home and left Maren to help the children get supper that had been waiting in the oven.

I drove Aaren and Devin to the soccer fields. Aaren had a game and Devin was reffing a game (not Aaren’s). I ate supper after I dropped them off.

Tonight Brandon sawed off the muffler from the car. He made it so he has the option to drive with or without the muffler. With it off, the car is extremely loud. Brandon loves it. I’m extremely not impressed. We paid good money to have that fixed. The neighbours won’t be too impressed to hear it roaring through the neighbourhood.

Jeff and Cassandra ate when they got home. Because a Jeff was home, Maren, Evan and I went out to Keelers to clean. This was our last time, this month, to clean. Jeff put the kids to bed while I was gone. It’s daddy’s routine. Often Tysyn has a meltdown if I end up being beside them.

When we got home, I went straight to my room. I’m so tired and I’m ready to go to bed too.

New Cell phone.

Saturday morning cleaning at the office has become a routine. Half the time, I don’t think anyone misses me at home.

After I finished, the older girls and I dashed off to Lethbridge. It was going to be a quick trip but it ended up being anything but. We shopped at the Craft Store and Micheal’s for grad flower supplies. I’m making Devin’s boutineer and corsage. I’m excited to craft!

After getting and paying for groceries, I stopped at the mobile shoppe and inquired about a new cell phone. After listening to the salesman’s spiel, and after a lengthy deliberation (like really long), I decided to get a new cell phone. iPhone 6 32g. I was with Rogers phone company for over 14 years!! I just switched to Fido. I hope it works out for me!!! I’m so excited for a camera that doesn’t have spots on my pictures!! Fortunately my costs didn’t change much but now I’m locked into a two year plan. I’m praying this was a good decision. I’m also hoping the phone data transfer will go smoothly!

At home after all the groceries were put away, I tried to fix bikes for both Savanna and Tysyn. I’m not very good at it. Savanna’s will need more help than I can give it because I can’t remember how to put it back together. Sigh. 

Jeff hasn’t been feeling good all day so when I was reminded/asked by a neighbour an hour before it started if I was going to the ward adult party, Jeff declined to go with me. Brandon didn’t want to go with me either. He went back to Lowyn’s to work on the garage roof. 

Devin and Aaren were supposed to serve at the party so they rushed home from Lowyn’s where they had spent the day roofing. They both showered and changed quick! We all just made it on time.

While I was at the party, I let Devin take the van. He got an answer to his promposal, sending him on a scavenger hunt, for the answer. Later in the evening, he told me, and then re- told the info to Jeff, about being pulled over by the RCMP at the park by Grandma’s. Devin said the officer thought it was rather suspicious that he was at the park. His ID was checked and Devin was even asked to get out of the vehicle and the van was checked. Devin doesn’t really know what they were looking for. He was by himself. Once Devin explained that he was on a scavenger hunt, he was sent on his way. Devin was a little cheesed off at the incident.

At the ward party, they had a speaker come and talk about wills. Jeff and I do not have a will. We need to have a will. The most stressing thing to me is who would take 7 children should anything happen to Jeff and I. And who do we want responsible for them. It is so stressful to me!! But I know we need to take care of this matter. And soon. If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear, or cause problems for yourself and family...

I ported all my phone info over to my new phone tonight. I’m super excited!!

Submitted!! And a fitting.

See this????  I just dropped off the personal info for the 217 income taxes for Jeff, Kim, Brandon and Devin!!

And did you notice the date?? There are still 5 days before the April 30 deadline.

I have friends who tell me theirs have been done for awhile, but taxes are always a big deal around here. Big stress and big headache! So to have them done is amazing!

Update: each of us gets a refund. With Brandon getting the most. Yay us!

Sunday to Monday

At church, our ward had a change in YM's presidency due to the change in Elders Quorum. Sheldon Anderson was released as YM president and called as Elders Quorum president. Phil Merrill was also changed from YM to Elders Quorum. Our boys have loved these men! I'm excited for their continued influence over the boys through the higher offices of the priesthood. Kurt Heggie was called as YM president.

Yesterday, Devin was sweet to his littlest sister and walked home from church with her. She loved the attention.

While we were at the table eating supper, Devin started being goofy by saying lines that started with "tell you what...." It got everyone laughing at the table. Then each one of the kids did their best to try and say something better than the other. Everyone got very quiet and listened with anticipation when Rebekka insisted she had one. This was what Rebekka said: "Brandon. Tell you what, if you eat all these, I'll be impressed."

Everyone erupted in hilarious laughter. Not because it was especially funny. But that it made sense and it came from Rebekka in all seriousness. (I'm not even sure what she was referring to eating.)
It ended up being so hilarious.

All the children were very silly.

Monday---

The kids didn't go to school today.

We pulled them out for the International Sex Ed sit out to protest the clearly insidious intentions of Alberta Public Education to indoctrinate and sexualize our children with their twisted idea of ethics and sexuality.

It was an extremely hard decision. I wondered if the sit out would be effective. I knew all the kids would be missing a lot in their classes. But I wanted to somehow stand up for my voice. We have wonderful teachers in our school and division who really care for our kids.

But I want to support those working to stop governments efforts to take so much control of parental rights in education and teaching content that is appropriate. 

Fortunately our school division has an opt out clause already in place, but many areas do not. It's a scary thing when your rights are threatened. As part of the protest, I also wrote letters to many of our elected government leaders in Alberta and Canada.

The youngest 4 children and Aaren spent lots of time playing and working outside today. The 3 youngest have some rosy cheeks and arms. Aaren got a lot of sun working on his projects in the yard. 

There was a major casualty of the Daytona today. Brandon was loading the car backwards on to the trailer, so he and Jeff could take it to Lethbridge. The car needs a new radiator. After loading, the ramps were put up and Brandon was in the process of tying the car down to the trailer, when one of the braces on the ramp fell off. The very heavy ramp fell into the front of the car. Right into the headlamp. It busted it up. Fortunately the bumper and hood of the car survived. Brandon was furious.

It was an unfortunate accident. And what is worse, the lights are hard to replace. They can only be found at a wrecker. If anyone can find some, buy them!! I'll even come get them and reimburse you!!

The car is in Lethbridge for several days until it can be fixed, so Brandon is mostly housebound.

Show Choir Matinee

This afternoon, Mom, Krista, Karen and I went to the final show choir performance. Krista took pictures and videos for me.

The boys and their grandma's. 

Another part in Devin's swing dance. 

Devin invited Krista to go up on stage to dance with him while he sang to her, in his part of Somebody to Love.

Krista dancing on stage. Love it!

Thank you mom and sister for coming to support the boys!!

Picture at home

We love you!!

Full PD day.

Cassandra babysat for Heather all morning. On the days there isn't school she has morning classes.

Devin went in this morning to aerial yoga. I came in a bit later with Aaren, Maren, Evan and Rebekka.

Picked up the part to the Bosch bowl. Lethbridge Devin calls for a ride tell him to get off the bus or he'll go back to Raymond gets off the bus and collected to tell me that it was here already drawn away from the yoga studio couldn't find him on the map didn't make sense finally figured out that he was the passenger in the way then he got off the bus he was black wondering many blocks away from where I thought he was.

Left Aaren and Evan at mall. Hope ok. No way to tell them it was taking longer than expected.

Just a little freaked out that my grown son is missing in Lethbridge. Good thing it was a really nice day today.

Tysyn and Savanna went to play with Bennett's again today. They were with them for a good portion of the day. 9:30am-2:00pm. Justyn sent me this picture of them walking to the park. Adorable!!

We stopped. At Centre Optical for Devin to pick out spectacles. Yep, Devin needs some too. He had a really difficult choice choosing but was finally able to narrow it down to one pair. It was a huge ordeal.

Rebekka really liked this pair (notice the posing).

He finally made a decision and we left to go get groceries they said they would be ready in an hour. After our shopping was done we went back to pick up his new frames and lenses. He looks pretty sharp!

Rebekka fell asleep in Lethbridge. Maren put a treat in her mouth.

Evan fell asleep on the way home. This is what he looked like when we got to the house.

Brandon worked out at the feedlot today. He came home after work sporting a nice rosy sunburn on his face, neck and arms.

Jeff was at the office for part of the day installing the new room doors. I'm pretty excited to see them hanging. 

We attended show choir tonight as a family. It was really fun to watch the boys, their cousins and friends perform. It's sad to see it coming to an end.

So that I could take advantage of a whole day of the kids out of school, I did meals this morning instead of tomorrow. Tomorrow is a PD Day. 

This afternoon, Show Choir had a performance for the high school. Devin arranged to be able to use one of the songs he has a solo in, to ask Taia Bohne to grad. Last night I asked Devin to see if he could get someone to video it. But this morning, I decided to sneak in the back of the theatre and watch it live for myself. In the number Somebody to Love, Devin drew her up on stage and started dancing with her. Up in the balcony, Aaren and another choir member held the poster/sign Devin made late last night. Another choir member, stood behind Devin holding the candy bouquet, he also made last night. The crowd loved it and I'm sure she was completely embarrassed and thrilled. Devin said she said yes to be his date.

Around noon, someone posted on the Facebook Raymond swap and buy that they were getting rid of a non working lawn tractor and just wanted it gone. I spoke for it so Aaren could use it for parts. After school, Aaren and I went to get it. It took a lot of effort to get it into the trailer. It's a fantastic looking tractor.

He is pretty excited to start tinkering. It's so new looking that he is going to see if he can get it running. We hope that he can!!! It's going to be a great summer project! After we got it home, I told Aaren it was all his. I didn't get it for me, I got it for him. He was quite disbelieving that I was actually giving it to him. I'm hoping he can get it running. Then maybe he can start a little/ bigger lawn mowing business this summer. If he gets it running, he has to mow our lawn this summer!!

Funny. The brand is Ariens. He noticed that if you say it fast, it sounds like his name!

How cool is that. Good luck with this project Aaren!

Tonight the Parent Link held a Kindness Rocks activity for families. The children Cassandra and younger, all came with me to the Center. We had a fun time painting rocks.

My geode rocks.

I only like the blue one. I just need to think of a good saying to write on it. Suggestions anyone?

Cassandra drove the van to the Parent Link and home again. She really wanted to go cruising to get some driving time in, but we went home instead.

This evening as I was going off to a Stake RS meeting at the Stake Center with the sisters who meet in the Stake Center, I backed up the van and as I got to the end of the driveway, I felt something behind the van and heard a crunch. What on earth??

My very first panicked thought was- I just ran over one of the kids!!!!!

I immediately put the van in park and got out. On the right rear side, was Savanna's mangled bike. I totally ran it over. But there wasn't a kid in sight! Deep breath!

She came out of the house just as I moved it onto the lawn. I was pretty upset. She was pretty sad. I gave her a pretty stern talking to. Don't ever leave your bike on the road or the driveway!!

I'm so disappointed. In myself for not noticing it, and Savanna for leaving it in the wrong place.

The bike was just starting to fit her. Last year she tried riding it to school but it was just too big. She can ride it well now. It was a good bike without any problems. Sigh. Now she will be back to walking.

The Stake meeting was lovely. 

Some of the wonderful RS sisters in the Stake. 

Happy Cake Day.

Evan said his classmates sang to him at school today. But, he had to be standing on a chair before they would sing Happy Birthday. Haha

We had birthday cake after dinner. Evan wanted Black Forest cake. And he wanted red icing. The red food colouring went kinda pink once it mixed with the white whipped cream. I was trying for a marbled look but it didn't work so well. It tastes fantastic!! (But I'm biased towards Black Forest cake.)

Rebekka loved helping place the chocolate chips on the top. 

Oops, one girlfriend!!

Happy Birthday

This sweet boy has a birthday today. Happy Birthday Evan!! He is now is in the double digits. 10 years old. And his birthday concludes the birthday season!

Jeff dashed out of bed this morning after a reminder phone call from a Chamber committee member, that they were in the process of taking down the temporary wall at the ice arena. Off to Arena he went to get stuff loaded on to the trailer. I noticed that Jeff left his cell phone at home, so I stopped at the arena before going to preschool, to give him his phone. I wanted him to have it before he left town and went to the city. 

The predicted snow arrived. It was so slushy and sloppy. (The view from the dental clinic.) 

I filled my runners with water trying to get over a puddle in front of the Merc. The have been hanging out on a furnace vent. I hope they'll be dry by tomorrow. By the evening, the snow on the roads and sidewalks have completely melted away. 

Couple of pictures from parent preschool this morning. Rebekka showing off her arrangement. What a poser. 

Momma and Rebekka.

These two boys at lunch time were trying to see who could best each other. Cassandra snapped these pictures. Careful boys, this isn't a gymnasium!

Rebekka had one last dental appointment. They are finally done her work. I'm committing to be more diligent in teeth care. She had the front 4 teeth worked on. Here's hoping they will last. 

Pizza for supper. 5 pans of homemade pizza. Won't be long before it's gone.

I didn't get a birthday cake made today. Sorry Evan. My day was just too busy. I didn't have enough time. Tomorrow!!

We did give him some gifts that Jeff purchase this afternoon while in Lethbridge.

Evan is a fantastic kid. He is so smart. Math is his thing. None of the others kids could do math like he can do when they were this same age. I'm thinking he could have a good career in engineering or accounting. Anything math oriented. Evan loves computers. He loves playing video games. I love his tender heart. Evan is a good helper to those that nurture his eagerness to please. Evan loves high adventure and has a nature similar to Devin's. He loves sports and being active. Happy 10th birthday Evan.

Priesthood

Aaren was ordained a priest last Sunday after our block of church meetings. Jeff did the ordination. Bishop Wayne Smith along with Devin and Brandon stood in the circle. It thrills my heart to see the boys honourably maturing and acting in the priesthood.
Aaren had his first chance to bless the sacrament today since being ordained a priest. Devin sat beside him behind the table. Devin gave the first sacramental prayer on the bread. Aaren gave the prayer on the water. It wasn't easy for Aaren. He caught himself saying it wrong so he had to start over. But I'm so proud of my boys.

After meetings, Devin and Aaren took the sacrament to the shut-ins.

Following that, they were off to Carol Dahl's young men's choir group.

When choir was over, the boys joined us for dinner. It was brief because Devin was eager to attend mission prep. Devin thought Sunday morning mission prep was hard. Getting up early was hard. Now he thinks Sunday evening will be harder. Good/better/best conflicts of schedule will determine how frequently he goes. Aaren attended, for the first time, with Devin.

The weather forecast predicts snow again tonight. And a fair bit too!

Trade show

The Raymond Chamber trade show is today. Jeff had a booth showcasing the tractor and its attachments. In exchange for his help with the Chamber, he got his booth free of charge.

(I'm a terrible selfie taker, but I wanted to put a picture of me up, seeing that I'm hardly ever in any pictures because I'm always taking them.)

One of the local hair salons was doing hair and nails. The girls all got their hair done. Maren- two Dutch braids. Cassandra- two Dutch braids with pink hair paint on top. Rebekka- curled and pink spray on top.

This girl has gorgeous hair. 

Savanna- curled and 1 blue and 2 pink streaks.

Savanna and Tysyn getting their picture taken with Ray Knight.

Cassandra and some friends.

I won $20.00 trade show bucks. They had to be spent at the show, so I purchased a part for the Bosch. A spur gear. It's a gear for the top of the white bowl. I can pick it up next week in Lethbridge. Now I will have two have plastic bowls. Sweet.

I won a fancy new water bottle, and some samples of the keto supplements that Lynette Martin is selling. Devin wants the bottle. 

I also won $50.00 movie gift card from Mike Jensen- mortgage consultant. Sweet. Thanks!!!

This afternoon was the Show choir dress rehearsal. Only Cassandra and Maren wanted to come with me. The littles stayed at the ice arena with Jeff. It was a fun show. 

It's Not a good picture, but all the singers are seniors. 

After dinner, Maren, Evan and I went cleaning out at Keeler's. Jeff was also out, so Cassandra was asked to put the 3 youngest littles to bed. She told them superhero stories as they were going to sleep.