Hardy's in the little house on the prairie

2010-05-27T15:46:00.009-06:00

Savanna

My favorite picture!

One of her new dresses

Looks like she is ready to defend herself

Bathing in the roasting pan

Her beautiful blue dress

Here are some of my favorite pictures of Savanna.

She is such a sweet baby and we all love her. Evan is getting better at loving her much more softly. For starting out so little she is growing quickly and changing daily. Savanna has strawberry blond hair and big blue eyes. We love this girl to bits!!!!!

P.S. Sherilyn, I posted these pictures just for you!!

2010-05-26T12:40:00.016-06:00

NO, Not a fight, just Road Rash!

Cream from the hospital all over the injury! May 25, 2010

After a soothing shower- the scrapes on his forehead, eye, cheekbone, jaw, neck, collarbone and shoulder! He also has somewhat of a fat lip. May 26, 2010

resting- May 26, 2010

Swollen eye and just plain miserable!- May 26, 2010

OUCH!!!!

So this is Aaren's new look for the next couple of weeks.

What happened?

Last evening Aaren was racing his scooter around the yard and was coming down the driveway to the backyard when he missed the jump he was taking from the pavement to the concrete and crashed on the concrete on the north side of our house. I was at the stove making supper (Haystacks) and Savanna was in my front baby carrier. The kids came in to tell me that Aaren was bleeding and when I got outside, he was bent over crying and holding his forehead. That was where most of the blood was coming from. Devin came back outside with a handful of paper napkins and I pressed several of them to Aaren's forehead. I directed Aaren inside to the bathroom and had Jeff undo the carrier and take Savanna off me. For a second I stood there wondering where to start cleaning him up. One of the girls brought me a clean washcloth. He had dirt and tiny rocks in the skin and didn't want me to touch him. He also had a cut on his collarbone, shoulder and two tiny scrapes on his forearm and back of his hand. Because the cleanup seemed overwhelming and all the kids were standing at the bathroom door watching, I decided to take Aaren up to the hospital and have them take care of him. I figured that Aaren wouldn't resist a nurse as much as he would me. I phoned to Mom & Dad Hardy's to ask for one of the girls to come and help. Brandon was asked to finish dinner preparations and Devin put on the baby carrier to hold Savanna. Then I guided Aaren out to the van and we left. At the hospital we were admitted right away because it wasn't busy at all. Aaren laid down on the bed and the nurse immediately went to work on cleaning Aaren up. The nurse gave him a hot blanket too because he seemed a little cold. (Shock perhaps?) She washed all of his scrapes and took great care of him. She asked how he was feeling and if any of his teeth felt loose. (He does have one loose tooth but he can't blame it on the crash. Aaren has been working on pulling it out for several days now.) She also asked him if he was wearing his helmet. I wonder if the outcome might have been different if he had, but we will never know. This could have easily happened with a helmet on. Once he was cleaned up, she slathered ointment all over the scrapes and gave me a pamphlet on head injuries and a sticker for Aaren. She also gave me the rest of the tube of ointment that she had slathered on him. Then we were able to leave. We were at the hospital for just over 1/2 hour. Once we arrived home, the kids all wanted to see how Aaren looked. It wasn't that pretty with the white ointment all over but he got a lot of sympathy from everyone. Kayleen had arrived to help out while I was gone. She was holding Savanna and working on supper. THANK YOU!!! She left so she could go to the Jr High play and I got the kids to the table. With the kids still at the table and eating at 7:00pm, Brandon and I left to the church for mutual and I stayed just for opening exercises. I wanted to stay for the activity but with Jeff unable to watch the kids, and Aaren as banged up as he was, I decided that I was needed at home. When I arrived back home, Aaren said that he had a headache. I gave him Tylenol but a short time later he threw up in his bucket. I am confident that he also sustained a very mild concussion. After resting on the couch for the remainder of the evening, he fell asleep on the couch. That was where he spent the night too because he didn't want to move to his bed when I asked him just before I went to bed. It was a busy evening and I know that Aaren wishes that it never happened.

I let him stay home from school today because the swelling is so bad that it has changed his appearance. The scrapes are oozing and really red. It also looks like he will have some sweet bruises all over the right side of his face. They are already starting to show up. He had chicken noodle soup for this morning for breakfast and lots of apple juice. It's just the food to help the healing!!! He will definitely be scabbed over for a few weeks while his face heals!

We love you Aaren. We hope you feel better soon!

2010-03-23T13:13:00.002-06:00

Don't you just hate it when your computer crashes? Well ours did and after a long wait to get it back, our computer is working again! YEAH!! I just don't like having to reset all the programs to the way that we had them before. (you know, font sizes, pull downs and passwords) The one thing that I wish that I did before we let the computer go and get debugged was to make a copy of all my favorite websites! The list is gone! All gone! I had so many fun craft sites and great sites for year round fun.
So if your computer crashes, don't forget to save a copy of your favorite sites. I wish I had.

2010-02-21T19:46:00.002-07:00

I am considering a new approach to my journaling. I have so many papers that I hold on to but are not in any organized order. Things like notes and drawings from the kids, cards, and other things that I want to make a history out of. I don’t want to start scrapbooking……OK I do but there isn’t’ the time or the space in this home, but I need to do something. The rest of my journal is saved on the computer so I am trying to figure out how to merge the two. The one problem that I have with printing out my journal is that often I will go back to an entry and add more detail. I wish I just knew how to go about it? Any suggestions?

2010-01-01T11:27:00.004-07:00

Family Fun Fest in Lethbridge 2009

Happy New Year 2010!!!!!

Cassandra's horse ballon

Devin's horse balloon

Maren's teddy bear

The girls getting their face painted

finally finished (after waiting for 1 1/2 hrs!)

Maren chose flowers

Cassandra's butterfly (I'm partial to hers the most!)

Aaren's deer

Brandon's tiger

Devin's flames (he wore his hair in a mohawk all day long)

All the painted faces!

We took the kids to KFC for supper and then spent the evening with the kids at the Lethbridge Exhibition for the family fun fest. At 10:30 pm we watched the fireworks in the parking lot. The kids stood and watched outside for a few minutes and then went into the van and watched out the back of the double doors. (I definately think I like watching fireworks on July 1st when it warm rather than at -20 in the winter!) We came home and had hot chocolate and cookies and then watched the countdown on TV. All the kids stayed up til midnight except for Evan. Welcome 2010!

2009-12-11T19:42:00.010-07:00

Evan's Christmas Cast!

These are pictures of Evan with his left arm in a Christmas cast. He broke his ulna (one of the bones in the elbow) this afternoon. I thought that he dislocated his arm by the way he was favoring it but after x rays at the hospital, the doctor at the clinic told me that it was indeed a fracture and would need a cast. Evan will now be sporting this cast for the next three weeks. If you know Evan at all, this makes it even more dangerous for small children to be around him. I even heard Aaren call it a club! Anyway, Evan seems to be taking it all in stride. He has only tried to remove it a few times. It does make climbing trickier and has already fallen off the girls bunk bed ladder. (He loves to climb and play with Maren on the top of her bunk.) I am sure thought that it won't be long before he figures out how to get to the top. He has been so good about the whole incident. We just hope and pray now that his bone heals properly.

A plastic bag on it, to try and keep it clean at dinner.

He doesn't seem too sad about the cast.

Maybe we should wait until the tylenol wears off!

2009-10-14T13:13:00.006-06:00

The Hardy Family at the Calgary Corn Maze on Saturday, September 26, 2009.

It was great fun and hot. We had so much fun with our extended family there. Our family spent over 7 hours at the maze. (No, nobody got lost in the maze and we spent that long looking for them.) There was so much to do there that none of the kids wanted to go home! We are already planning to go back next year!

2009-10-14T08:51:00.011-06:00

Big Hill Springs Provincial Park (west of Calgary)

Friday September 25, the kids had a great time with their cousins exploring the streams and woods as we walked along the paths in the park. Thanks goes to Krista for the great pictures.

2009-06-14T20:11:00.005-06:00

Question?

Does anyone else see the little screwdriver and wrench on the right side of my blog by all of the pictures. They drive me crazy. I don't see them on anyone else's blog. How do I get rid of them? If you don't see them then maybe I am going crazy!

Someone please help!

2009-06-14T19:39:00.006-06:00

School gets out in a few weeks. The kids are counting the days until they don't have to go to school. I am counting the days until I get them home ALL DAY LONG! Who do you think will be happier?

I thought that I would post a few random pictures. Life has been busy and sometimes it seems that there really isn't anything momentous to write about.

Two sisters who really do love each other!

Dallin and Aaren playing soccer.

Evan climbing the dirt pile in the back yard.

Maren content to play by herself!

A picture taken by Brandon of Brandon!

Devin eating Breakfast---did he eat the cake or the cereal?

The kids at the firehall on the last day of Preschool.

The cousins who went to Preschool together! (sitting in the rescue boat at the firehall)

Maren in her glasses. She found these sunglasses and was wearing them for a time with one lens missing. I took out the lens and now she wears them all the time. Does she like glasses that much?

Our soon to be Kindergarten student

Just makes you want to smile!

2009-06-14T19:36:00.003-06:00

2009-05-28T19:33:00.000-06:00

It is time for an update!!!

2009-04-23T08:21:00.003-06:00

No school! It's a snow day. Uggh!!!
Can you tell that I'm really excited to be home with all the kids today? We have so much snow out that it is ridiculous. All outside activities are cancelled including soccer. Oh well, I guess it will be a good day to get our box cars ready for the Primary activity in a few weeks! Should probably get some pictures just to have proof of the snow in late April.

2009-02-14T17:03:00.002-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

2009-02-11T16:18:00.016-07:00

I'm posting pictures that I took especially for my siblings during my trip to.......
Las Vegas
I hope you all enjoy your picture. (I really was thinking of you all while I was gone.)

Dad, did you know that Elvis is alive. He lives in Vegas!

Krista this picture is for you. Notice that I am standing in front of the Temple! Ya, that's me! It is a beautiful building and I loved seeing the palm trees all around the grounds.

Karla this is your picture, Yes I wish that I bought something from Prada. My bag is actually from..........Target! (Much more affordable) Woo, hoo

This picture was taken for Jason. How cool to have a Harley exploding out of the building. There is also a shrub shaped like a bike out in the front flower bed. It is the shell of a motorcycle and the shrubs are growing. It has been pruned into the shape of a Harley!

Sherilyn, yours was a toss up. This is me in front of the Krispy Kreme donut store on Fremont Street. The sad thing is that that they don't give out free samples! I even got the hat. The donut was yummy!

Justin, this guy was amazing. Definitely had artistic talent and was a real sidewalk street performer on Fremont Street. This was the finished picture that he did. He only used cans of Spray paint, newspaper, paper towels, cardboard and a putty knife. There must have been about 20 layers of paint on the paper. It was so cool to watch. He is the kind of person that could graffiti up a train car or a building in no time!

(the close up)
Grandma Selman we found you in Vegas! (Imagine finding my Grandma in that huge city!) Actually this isn't my Grandma, but in the washroom- pardon me, the restroom at the Paris- Las Vegas Hotel they have dedicated the women's washroom to Mae West. There were lots of different pictures of her hanging on the walls but this the picture that you first see as you walk inside!

This is for all the nieces and nephews! Yum.........chocolate in your favorite color! We hope you all enjoyed your treats! My color is the blue---what was yours?

2009-02-07T10:08:00.005-07:00

Brandon, Nolan, Kaden

Brandon was one of the star preformers for his Grade 5 school play NO STRINGS ATTACHED. It was the story of Pinocchio. His part included Act 1 & 2. He also had a solo called "Star Light" and sang "A Real Live Boy" with the cricket and the purple fairy.
He did an AWESOME job!

Watch for more pictures of his play and for pictures of my trip to Vegas!

2008-10-02T12:49:00.003-06:00

Jeff and I are still working on setting up a new computer system for our family. We were having a lot of trouble with our old laptop and it took so long to go from one process to another that it wasn't worth our time to try and do anything at the computer. With a new one up and running I thought that it might be time to update the blog. I'll keep ya posted on new family updates. Until then, have a great day!
(We still have to iron out camera drivers and other missing programs! Pictures will come later....)

2008-06-17T22:18:00.001-06:00

Evan's Blessing Day

Evan was blessed by Jeff this past Sunday- Father's Day! It was a really nice blessing. I am blessed to have a husband who honors his Priesthood and and because of it is able to bless our family. I am grateful for the important part that it is in our family.

We were so happy to have so much family be there to share in the occasion with us. Thank you all for coming and for contributing to the meal afterward. I always love it when family gets together.

I was looking through my old photos (I was sending along pictures to Todd---Hint, hint all you Moxley's) and came across one that looked like Evan so I thought that I would post it. The picture is me! It was taken in March 1974. Does anyone else see the resemblance? My little children thought that it really was Evan.

This is also me on my blessing day. The other little one in yellow (and all the hair) is Jeremy Beck- my cousin. Mom, do you still have the dress? I'd love to see it sometime!

Our visit to the Fire Station

2008-05-16T10:56:00.002-06:00

Look at me, I'm driving

This helmet is so heavy!

Ready to go--------

Cousins- Skaidrite & Esther

Up on the rescue truck

Monday morning, May 12, was the last day of Parent Preschool. It was the fire station visit. We were able see all of the emergency vehicles at the Raymond Fire Station. The girls loved climbing into the big trucks and pretending that they were firemen(?- women). Cassandra wanted to have her picture taken in nearly every place that she went. The girls tried on a helmet and had a hard time keeping their heads up because of the heaviness of it. The fireman that was there was sure patient especially in watching 15 little kids touching knobs and dials in all of the various vehicles. He said that he would have to go through all the vehicles after we had left to make sure that they would all be ready for an emergency.

After the field trip, the moms and the kids all went back to the Parent Link Center where we all brought potluck treats to share. I stopped at home on my way back, to pick up my finger jello. Only one of the three pans that I had made were set so instead we stopped at the Merc and bought vanilla wafers. Cassandra and I were disappointed that we couldn't take the jello. It was red, yellow and blue too. (We ate it for supper instead). While we were home. Brandon phoned and asked if I could make him a lunch and bring it to him. He found out that it was houseleague day and he didn't want to miss it. I said I would because I was going back to the school anyway. (Lucky boy)

We will miss Preschool. Good thing there is still Stay & Play!!!

2008-05-01T13:46:00.003-06:00

More pictures of the rest of the family!

Cassandra- what a beautiful smile

Maren- our happy helper

Tuesday, April 22, 2008.
This is Devin & Brandon just after Devin was invested into Wolf cubs.
Both boys are excited to be able to go to cubs together.

Aaren & Cassandra making cookies at Deanne Hancock's home(Primary President). She took them (& Maren too) on Tuesday afternoon , let them make cookies with her while I rested with Evan. The kids had so much fun and didn't want to leave. They often talk of going back again to play.

Finished cookies!(most were taken to Cardston for the Primary / Ward Temple activity)

2008-05-01T12:24:00.003-06:00

For those that have yet to see Evan in person, here are more photos. We hope that they will do for now!

Just a quick update-- He now weighs over 7 lbs 10 oz and is doing well. He sleeps alot which is heavenly for this mother of 6. All the kids love him and the girls (especially Cassandra) love him too much. We have to watch Cassandra closely with him. He is a very content baby. I hope he stays that way. He also loves to snuggle and cuddle.

2008-04-19T11:23:00.006-06:00

IT'S A BOY!!!!!!!!!!!

We welcome our newest addition -Evan Lloyd Hardy- Born April 16, 2008. He weighed 7 lbs 1 oz and is 20 inches long. Mom and baby are doing fine. Evan looks just like the other kids!

2008-04-09T12:23:00.004-06:00

SPRING (?) Family Hot dog roast

For weeks the older boys have been bugging us to have fire and roast hot dogs. We finally gave in and had one. These are pictures of the fun.............

Aaren

Brandon & Devin jumping on the trampoline

Maren showing off her roasted marshmallow

KIm with just weeks left (hopefully)

Cassandra and her potato chip

Aaren and Jeff roasting marshmallows

2008-04-09T12:21:00.001-06:00

Here are pictures of Devin on his baptism day.

I'm Trying to be like Jesus!

Devin celebrated his 8th birthday in March. On the 29th, he was able to be baptized. Our stake holds Stake Baptisms on the last Saturday of the month at 4:00 pm. There were 6 children baptized this month. Boyd Brooks, Spencer Strong, Devin Hardy, Olivia Allred, Briggs Ralph and Peter Smith. Briggs 1, Peter 2, Devin 3, Olivia 4, Boyd 5, Spencer 6. Devin and Olivia were able to be baptized in the same group so that many family could watch them both. Jeff and Olivia are cousins. Actually, Kerry Allred and I were in the Raymond Hospital at the same time. Olivia was born March 16 and Devin was born March 17. It was nice to participate in their baptisms together too. Jeff baptized Devin and James and Dallin acted as witnesses. Dallin commented after Devin was immersed that he hoped that Jeff said the prayer right because he usually only heard it in Spanish on his mission. Uncle Dallin Hardy returned from his mission in Toronto Canada- Spanish speaking- on Friday afternoon [the day before] and gave the talk on the Holy Ghost. He gave a great demonstration on how to stay away from the sins of the world. Devin was then confirmed by Jeff. Those in the circle: Jeff, Trevor Coates (2nd counselor in Bishopric) David Hardy, James Larson, Landon Hardy, Jared Hardy, Dallin Hardy, Lowyn Hardy, Justin Moxley. For the closing song we sang A Child's Prayer lead by Janae and Kayleen and Grandpa David Hardy said the closing prayer.

After the baptism we went over to the Taylor Street Chapel for a family dinner. Those that needed to go the General Young women's broadcast ate quickly and then left. The rest stayed for a yummy supper of BBQ'd hamburgers and salads, and ice cream. [Thanks again to all those that brought salads to share! We really appreciated it.] After eating, the kids played in the gym for a little while and most were adjusted by Uncle Darrel! Thank you so much Darrel!

Welcome Home Elder Dallin Hardy!

2008-04-09T12:20:00.003-06:00

2008-04-09T10:36:00.008-06:00

Easter Fun

Just pictures of the fun we had over the Easter Weekend

Decorating Eggs

Rolling them down the hill in Calgary

Museum of the Regiments- Calgary (for the boys and the two little girls Maren & Mckenna)

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST- THEATRE CALGARY (for all the girls- sorry you couldn't make it Heather & Kalia)

This was an awesome production which we all loved!

Thanks so much Mom for the tickets. A great memory!

2008-03-19T23:00:00.004-06:00

Devin is 8!
I made cupcakes for Devin to take to his class at school. It was a "rainbow bits" cake mix and of course we had to ice the cupcakes green! I used pieces of airheads belts candies for the rainbow and a Werthers Original hard candy with a caramel center for the pot of gold. Brandon suggested to pipe black icing around the candies and it was a great idea IN THEORY but after I got started on a few of them, I wished that I hadn't even started. But I had, so I needed to finish the rest! Note to self-------never do that again! They turned out really cute though.

[Aaren also took green jello blocks with a little rainbow piece on top to his kindergarten class.]

Devin requested a black forest cake- Like I always get on my birthday. I didn't want it too be just like mine so on one of the inside layers I tinted the cream green! I also hid some Werthers soft caramels inside. I arranged them so that when I cut the cake each of the kids would get one. The top I decorated in St. Patrick's day theme. Devin loved it. I did think that he imagined his cake to look just like mine though. I gave Devin the first piece of cake and then as he was eating, passed everyone else a piece. Soon Devin found his surprise! He loved finding the hidden gold treasure. Then all the other kids were looking for something in their cake too. Each were happy to find something in their piece!

Devin's birthday gifts included a new fish hook, cub shirt/sash/book, a model snowmobile kit (to work on for a cub badge!) a flashlight from Grandma Moxley and a backpack lock from Brandon. His gift highlight was a pair of adjustable Rollerblades-- just like Brandon's.

Just before supper Shelyse phoned over to wish Happy birthday to Devin. I asked Devin after if he wished Shelyse happy birthday too. He said that he hadn't. After we sang to Devin, we phoned over to sing to Shelyse. It was quite different to not celebrate their birthdays together. We've done it for the past seven years! Anyway it was fun to talk to her too. After we ate our cake and the party was over, I took Devin over to see Shelyse. We gave her a piece of Devin's cake - we made sure that it had a treasure hidden inside too- and one of the leftover school cupcakes. They gave each other a big hug. Shelyse also let Devin choose a gift out of a bag of things that she had for gifts. He chose a pair of binoculars. He is excited to use them on a cub hike next week!

We love you, Devin- HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Happy Birthday Shelyse!

2008-03-17T22:12:00.003-06:00

Just a quick note to let all know that Jeff bought me the right aida cloth to start a new cross stitch. I am anxious to start and will hopefully get some time tomorrow. The weekend has been really busy with no time for extra projects. I aim to get as much as I can done on one for Maren before the baby comes. Wish me luck-----------and plenty of spare time!!!!!!!!!!

Ps. I will post pictures of Devin's birthday when I find some more extra time too!

Have a great day everyone!

2008-03-15T11:28:00.009-06:00

Cross stitch # 5 is finally done!

Late last night I finally finished this cross-stitch for Cassandra. It has taken me several months of non- stop work to complete. Cassandra was so excited to have it finished this morning. As you can see, I have one one for all of the boys and I plan to start one for Maren (and this next baby) as soon as I can get some more aida cloth. I was in Lethbridge yesterday and picked up 2 new packages but it turned out to be the wrong size so I will just have to wait! UGGGH I altered the pattern a little to make it more girly. The boys are mostly the same and the girls will also be mostly the same. As for what to do with them, well I'm not too sure. I thought to frame them all but I've also considered saving them til I'm old and grey and make a quilt/ wall hanging out of them!

2008-03-06T09:40:00.009-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO AAREN!

[March 5, 2002.]

This is one of the cupcakes that Aaren took to his school class. So simple and very cute!
One of the leftovers!
I bought a cake idea book with a gift certificate that I got from the school last year. Aaren saw the treasure chest cake in the book and that was what he really wanted his cake to look like. It was a lot of work and there was not nearly as many treasures inside as the picture, but it turned out nice. The rest of the kids helped to decorate it with me while Aaren was in Lethbridge with Jeff. He was really happy when he saw the cake!
With SIX candles!
This was the most exciting part of Aaren's birthday. He finally got an MP3 player. His is black. Brandon and Devin have had theirs since Christmas and then Cassandra got hers at her birthday. It was very difficult for Aaren to wait for his birthday to get one too. He can't wait for school to finish today to listen to it.

While in Lethbridge, Jeff went to House of Tools. They were at the checkout and Jeff stopped to look at a huge skil saw- the kind for log home building and the cashier started talking to Aaren. Jeff mentioned that it was Aaren's birthday and so the lady went over to another desk and brought back two white carpenters pencils and gave them to him . Jeff said that he could only stand there and smile, he was so happy. Aaren also got a nice book [Froggy Goes to School] from his teacher at school along with a birthday crown, a birthday certificate and a ring pop. Aaren enjoyed his ring pop [which turned his whole mouth blue-green] until he left with Jeff and then put in his special drawer. Later in the afternoon I found Maren eating the rest of it. Brandon and Devin saved the day and went to Town Pump where they bought Aaren another one [Mom's money]. Ammon gave Aaren a great coloring book. Thank you! He also got a new fish hook, small magnetic dog and a farm tractor. Thank you Grandma Moxley for the mini flashlight and Grandpa Hardy for the toonie!
Aaren was sitting on his bed and just before family prayer, he said to me that he sure was spoiled. I'm glad that he felt that he had a great day!
We sure Love Aaren!

2008-02-27T10:50:00.005-07:00

Brandon's Kub Kar Rally

Near the end of January, Brandon was handed his Kub Kar kit and given instructions from Akela that he was to do all (or most) of the work himself. So after the deciding on a design, he was ready to begin. Jeff cut out the shape and then he gave Brandon some sandpaper and set him to work. Brandon sanded and sanded and sanded. (Mom and Dad kept making him sand to their standards, not Brandon's.) Then when we felt it was ready to paint, Brandon got out my craft paints and painted away. I'm sorry to say that neither Jeff or I was impressed with his job- we both felt that he could have done better. We also felt that he rushed through it in his excitement to just get it done. [ I didn't want Brandon to regret his job years later.] Anyway, the next week, Jeff saw Jordan's car at the center and felt that Brandon should see it. Jeff took Brandon down to the center and after seeing the car, felt like he wanted to make his better so Jeff set him up to sand off all the paint that he had put on. (Jeff left Brandon at the center SANDING for approximately 2 hours, while he did some snow removal.) They also reshaped the car to make it a little different from last years design, which also resulted in more sanding. Then a new paint job was applied and the end the result was a shiny, awesome looking race car. I was very impressed! They added a little weight to the undercarriage and lubed up the wheels and Brandon was ready to race.
Races in Raymond are done by wards and our ward had races on Friday afternoon, February 15 at 2:00pm. I was a little disappointed in the lack of structure that the cub leaders had but the boys had fun letting their vehicles race down the track. (The lack of structure helped so that nobody felt that their car was better than another.) Everyone was smiling and having a good time. Each of the boys were given a certificate for their car's achievement. Brandon was awarded the certificate for the shinest car! He was proud of his car and the work that it took him to make his kub kar. Way to go Brandon!!!!!!

2008-02-26T16:04:00.013-07:00

Wow

Amazing

It's about time!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CASSANDRA

Cassandra had her birthday yesterday. She turned 4. She was so excited for her birthday. Her gifts included a paint set from the HARDY BOYS cousins (thanks) and a new pair of white princess gloves. She also got a new coloring book, a Little Bear magnet set from Grandma Moxley, a purple birthstone bear and the highlight of all gifts--- a pink MP3 player. It is just like Brandon & Devin's except that it has more capacity which has really made Brandon mad! Yep, she's four! She loves to listen to the music that we added to it this morning. Cassandra loved her cake. I made a princess cake for her. The hardest part of decorating it was making sure that I didn't ice the hair.

A princess cake for a princess!

So excited to see the cake!

The 4 year old birthday girl!

We were going to have cousins over to celebrate with us, but after noticing sores on Maren's mouth, we decided that Maren had come down with some form of Impetego (spread from cousins last week) and that she might be contagious. Cara opted out of having her family celebrate with us. Sorry guys! We saw the doctor this afternoon and he says that she doesn't have Impetego. --- Too many sores INSIDE her mouth. He doesn't believe that she is contagious but did give her a cream to help the mouth sores around her lips heal faster.

2007-09-14T09:29:00.000-06:00

2 THINGS ALL MOM'S SHOULD KNOW !

Since I have learned this, I felt that it is most important to share this information. Somehow it got left out of the "What Mom's Need to Know" handbook. So here it is:

#1: vinegar- did you know that this wonderful pantry staple is the only real cure for wasp/ hornet stings? When our family went to Waterton for the September long weekend and several of the kids got stung (mine 8 times in one event) one MOM got out the vinegar and after I applied it to the wounds with a q-tip, the crying and hysteria instantly and magically disappeared. Who knew? Well not me, but now I do. It also just so happens that I had just picked up my kindergartner from school this week and pulled up at the local post office to get my mail. I hear a small child screaming in terror. It just so happened to be my little nephew and he had just been stung in his ear by a wasp. He was not a happy boy. I rushed back to my van and came back with some nearly empty vinegar packets (they were still in my van from the long weekend but somebody dumped them over.) There was just enough vinegar left to apply to his ear and in seconds he stopped crying. Amazing. Now I have never actually tried this on myself, but if a little kid will stop crying that quickly, it has to work. One thing though, if you apply too much , the skin can get rashy and sensitive to the stuff and it then all itchy. (oops sorry Devin)

#2: So last Friday, I was getting ready to go to Calgary with my sister-in-law for Time Out For Women (yeah) and child number 3 & 4 were outside playing. They came into the house with the old bean and pea plants for the garden that we didn't harvest. They were having fun picking the seeds from the pods so in my motherly ways I said- great! kids playing. carry on packing! Several hours later, child # 5 is fussy and ready for her nap. OK, take a few minutes, get her to sleep and keep on working. As I pick her up and lay her in my arms and head off to the bedroom I notice the runny nose. Gross! Gotta get that cleaned up before it ends up on my shirt!!!!! So I grab a tissue and am just about to wipe her up and notice that nope it's not a runny nose but a pea stuck up her right nostril! No Way. Two hours to go before the ride comes, still have to pack and have some chores left to do. So Mom (that's me) thinks I'll just get the tweezers and pick it out myself right. Dumb idea. What if it gets pushed up farther? Besides she won't let me anywhere near her nose anyway. Would you if your nostril just doubled in size? So I pack child # 3, 4 & 5, take 3 & 4 to my mother in law who already had # 2 and told #1 to stay out of trouble at home! Off I got to the medical clinic and announce that # 5 has a pea up her nose, it's starting to swell and she can't breathe that great. She sounded like she had a real bad cold you know the stuffy nose kind. Oh ya, her nose must have know that something was wrong, because it kept running but that just made the dried pea start to swell even more. (Should have tried black pepper before I left, maybe she would have sneezed it out!) So I sitting at the clinic waiting for hours (Oops 45 minutes) and then we are called to a room. Finally a nurse comes and asks for info. She tells me that she wants me to help get the pea from the offending nostril. Sure I'll help keep my baby calm while you suction it out I'm thinking. But hurry up I still have to pack!!!!! "No she tells me, lay her on the table, I (the nurse) will plug the open nostril and you breathe into her mouth, like CPR (sort of). If it doesn't work, we'll try something else". Once we started, Child #5 starts to wail. Great, open mouth breathe! Unfortunately it didn't work so we tried again. All the time I'm wiping baby slobber from my own mouth. Nothing. So on the third time, I gave my greatest blow yet and the little thing popped right to the edge of the nostril. Yeah. Now just plug the top of the nostril so it can't go back up and gently press down and it should come it out. Wallah, out it popped right into her open wailing mouth!!!!!!!!! Instantly she starts gagging as it goes down into her throat blocking her airway there! Both the nurse and I fly into action, swing her off her back and onto her front and smack her on her back to force the pea now from her throat. [It would have been a great gymnastics tumbling routine.] From CPR to Heimlich in seconds! She finally got it out and relief was given by all. We waited for a few more minutes for the doctor to check out child # 5 and then we were off. To mom's to pick up #2,3 & 4 and check on #1. Crisis Over. So----------------- here is the need to know part: If your child puts something up their nose, try this trick to get it out yourself. Plug the open nostril and blow into the mouth, hard. It may save you tons of time. But make sure that someone is there to help you when it pops out and goes down their throat!!!!!!!!!

If anyone else has some of the information that was left out of the Mom's Need to Know Handbook. Pass it along............ I Need to Know!

Despite our two left feet, we went anyway!

2007-09-04T16:48:00.000-06:00

(Jeff is standing up on the left side of the balcony)

As part of an anonymous gift that Jeff and I received at Christmas last year, we got two tickets for dinner and dance at the Great Canadian Barn Dance in Hillspring. We made reservations and booked a babysitter (Janae/ Shelyse) and went August 24, 2007. It was great fun. The roast beef/ fried chicken dinner complete with baked potato, coleslaw, baked, beans, and roll was fabulous. For dessert we were served apple crisp in little jam canning jars. It was quaint. We also went on a horse drawn wagon ride around the lake. Unfortunately we also missed the dance lessons which would have really helped us on the dance floor. (Note to self: don't ever miss free dance lessons) Jeff and I had a good evening despite our somewhat clumsy attempts at dancing. We stayed til the bitter end when there was only a less than a dozen couples left on the dance floor the band finished playing. We got home about 12:15am. Thanks to Janae and Shelyse for Babysitting. Thanks to those who gave us the tickets!!!!!

2007-09-04T16:36:00.000-06:00

Brandon and Devin completed another level in swimming- August 13- 23, 07 at the Raymond pool. They are the proud owners of Level 4 Red Cross Swim badges. Good job boys!

2007-09-04T15:36:00.000-06:00

This is just a glimpse of the fun that we had on our family holiday this summer. I wish that I had taken more of just being together at the Harrison's but........... for those that did, I'd love copies! I hope to make more of a written travel log later. Maybe it will get posted, we'll see.

2007-09-04T14:13:00.000-06:00

I've been told that I haven't updated in a while. It has been a busy summer and I've been trying to keep the computer from crashing by not using it. Today, I gave in and made a slideshow of our summer holiday! ENJOY

2007-07-15T16:10:00.000-06:00

You gotta see it to believe it!

We have been going swimming to the community outdoor pool as a family now for several weeks. Maren hasn't liked to wear a life jacket or float in the baby float, so we have just been holding her or watching her very closely while she plays on the edge. She screams and throws a tantrum when we try to put a life jacket on her. On Thursday evening I saw a friend whose daughter was about a year older than Maren. The daughter was wearing water wings. (We see water wings on kids all the time but would I put them on my kids….well I hadn’t thought about it.) I asked the mom when they started with the wings and she told me that her daughter was just like Maren. I thought that maybe Maren would like them too. We tried the little girls’ water wings on briefly and thought that if Maren had pair of her own, it wouldn't take long to figure out how to transfer her weight in the water and then she could swim on her own. So we borrowed a pair of water wings from Mom Hardy for swimming on Friday and now...........................Maren swims just like the big kids.
It is fun to watch her as she moves all by herself in the water. I take her out into the middle of the pool and she will kick her little legs and get herself over to the edge and out onto the deck. She often takes in mouthfuls of water as the water splashes and swells around her, but she loves her new found freedom in the water.
You don't believe it? Well, it’s true! So if you want find us, try the pool. We will be spending a whole lot more time there now that it will be fun for all of us!

2007-07-13T11:44:00.000-06:00

Swimming Lessons

The kids finished their summer swimming lessons this morning. They were so excited for their lessons. All four kids had 9 lessons Monday - Friday from 10- 10:30 am each morning. They started on July 3.

Cassandra & Aaren were in the same lesson and passed the SEA TURTLE level of the Red Cross Swim Preschool Program. Both are enjoying jumping off the lower diving board by themselves and being able to move about in the water by themselves (OK- with a life jacket on!) Cassandra loves to wear goggles and has quite the look when she places them on her head. Just picture the goggles suctioned crookedly to her eyes and her hair poking out wildly from under the band. Yikes!!!!!!!

Devin & Brandon passed LEVEL 3 of the Red Cross Swim Kids Program. Both boys are becoming super swimmers although Devin is still cautious in the water. Brandon loves to dive to the "vent" at the bottom of the deep end and then pop up again. Devin loves to explore under water with the goggles in the shallow end.

It has been so fun to watch the lessons and see the progress of the kids as they learn new skills in the water. ( I think that I may place Brandon in level 4 at the end of August to catch him up to the kids his age. I think that he could be ready to pass level 4.)

2007-07-08T16:02:00.000-06:00

HAPPY CANADA DAY

We have attended the Raymond Parade on July 1st, every year since I was little. I don't think that I have missed one. Each year the pictures look somewhat the same. Years change, we grow older, people come and go but the event remains the same. This year, instead of the annual parade pictures, I thought that I would post just the one of Jeff and I. During the weekend, my cousin Amanda told of the numbers of pictures that she has of her parents together. I realized that Jeff and I have very few of us together since the kids have come into our lives. Most of our pictures include the kids with one of us. When our kids get older and look back at the many family pictures, I want them to see lots of pictures of their parents together.

We aim to do better. How about you? Thanks Amanda for the reminder to strengthen the family ties!

Family Fun in Stirling

2007-07-07T14:11:00.000-06:00

Grandpa Lyman Hardy

Grandma Mildred Hardy

Grandma Hardy in front of all of the leftover Chinese food

These are some of the pictures from the Hardy Reunion held in Stirling on Saturday, June 30. We went swimming at the Stirling pool at 11:00 am. We thought that we would have a cold swim but after we were there for a little while the sun broke from behind the clouds and it turned warmer. Our van arrived first to the pool (The kids to miss any time swimming!) and Brandon was excited to be the first one in the pool. At noon, after the swim was over, we went to the church and had all-we-could-eat Chinese food. The food multiplied faster than the Hardy family itself!!!!!!!!! Later, after the cleanup at the church, any remaining family went over to Grandpa & Grandpa Hardy's house for a few games and a rope making event. They also had a hot dog roast at supper time. ( We missed the rope making -which really disappointed us all- and the hot dog roast due to a baptism.) Despite the busy schedule, it was so fun to meet up with many of Jeff's cousins and see their growing families. I used to know who everyone was but..........now is a different story. It was good to reconnect those family ties!

School's out!

2007-07-07T13:43:00.000-06:00

The school year has officially ended and classes are done. Devin is sad to see it end. He wishes school could keep going. Brandon on the other hand is happy to be on summer holidays and glad to be done with Math! Both are glad to spend all day playing with their siblings. This is a picture of them with their teacher.

Devin & Mrs. Janay Smith (Grade 1)

Brandon & Mr. Darcy Ralph (Grade 3)

The kids were able to meet their next year teacher at the orientation that was held the day after school was out. They are excited to be going to the next grade. As Devin, Brandon and I walked up the sidewalk to the orientation, Devin kept chanting, "I'm going to grade 2, I'm going to grade 2, I'm going to grade 2." Devin's new teacher will be Mrs. Sue Fowler and Brandon will be taught by Mrs. Lil Turner. I am happy with the placement of both of the boys and look forward to another exciting school year in the fall. We are still waiting to hear who Aaren's teacher will be. We won't find out until the end of August.

2007-06-15T14:17:00.000-06:00

Wildflower Girl

Mrs. Kirkham, our 90+ year old neighbor just moved into the seniors' lodge here in town. She has a great big patch of wildflowers in her garden. (OK-It used to be a garden!) Cassandra had fun walking through the patch and I had fun taking tons of pictures of her. We also have several vases full of the flowers adorning the table because once someone picks them, all follows suit.

2007-06-15T12:41:00.000-06:00

Our Garden of weed'en

Hardy, Hardy, how does your garden grow?
With potatoes, tomatoes and corn all in a row!

So here is the work in progress. Yep, the garden is as big as it looks! Last week we enjoyed some yummy rhubarb crisp. We have two huge plants to pick from. I have seen most of our garden plants and we are almost able to see complete rows. We still have to watch Maren carefully though as she doesn't realize that the tiny plants DIE if stepped on! Wouldn't it be nice if it worked that way with weeds. I'd be out there getting a lot of exercise if you could make 'em die that way. Instead I use a very old-fashioned weeder. It works great to weed between the rows. If I continue to use the weeder all season long, I will truly have some amazing upper arm muscles! (The first time I used it I thought my arms would fall off- they hurt so bad.)

Another week

2007-06-03T21:46:00.001-06:00

It has been a long time since I have spent time at this old computer. The kids are all in bed and asleep. There is a little free time until I need to crash too. I thought I would write about the latest happenings at our house even thought they might be completely boring to you.

Our garden is mostly planted. We have a big one again this year. It is about 20 feet wide by 50 feet long. Our planting results- 9 1/2 rows potatoes, 2 rows carrots, 1 row beans, 1 row peas, 3 rows corn (for Justin and Heather mostly), 3 hills squash, 2 hills pumpkins, 12 tomato plants, 1 cherry tomato plant, 4 green pepper plants, 1 sweet banana pepper, 1 jalapeño. Hopefully this week I can plant some onions, swiss chard, cucumbers and a few beets.
I am well past the official planting deadline and the tomatoes are still not surrounded by the plastic frame but all is growing and seeming to do well. There are many sunflowers volunteering throughout the garden and we plan to leave a couple to make the garden look pretty besides functional!
I took a quick trip through the garden this evening to see how the squash were fairing that Brandon and I planted last night. Most of them are up and Brandon was so excited to see the little leaves poking through. We also noticed the corn starting to appear! A few more veggies to notice and Brandon can mark of a requirement for another cub badge. (Any guesses on the badge?- Yep, the gardener badge. Wait until I make him weed it!!!!!!!!!!!)

The weather has been so nice lately. Almost a little too nice. Most of the kids and I are already sporting our farmer tans. They would be perfect if we really were farmers!
Thursday and Friday were the days for the Division 1 endurance run and sports day. The boys had so much fun and the rest of us enjoyed watching the fun. Aaren and Cassandra can't wait for their turns.

Endurance Run

Devin- 3/4 way around the track

at the starting line

Brandon- 2 times around the track
Tavin, Brandon & Logan at the finish

Sports Day

Devin's 100 metre run

Brandon & his friends at the ball throw

Devin & his friends at the sack race

This week the kids will be moving to the new school. (They are suppose to. We have heard rumors around town that it might not happen but, we'll see.) They will walk their desk belongings to the school on Wednesday and then school will be out on Thursday and Friday so that the desks can be moved. We are all looking forward to the new changes. I've had the privilege of touring the school already while it was still under construction. It was one of the perks of being on the school parent council. I love it. It will be great to have the Hub/Parent Link Center there too.

The boys are looking forward to the fathers and son's camp out this weekend at Spring Glen Park. So am I! I think that the girls and I will plan a little activity too. I plan to send the camera with Jeff. We'll see if they come home with any photos. Last year at the same camp out, Jeff and his brother Landon killed a porcupine that his other brother Jared and son Ammon stumbled upon. Jeff and Landon at least weren't senseless in their slaughter. They ate it for breakfast!!!!! The highlight for the my little boys was in bringing the quills, and the claws, home to show off. Oh the joys of boys! I hope that this year won't be quite as eventful.

Well, the time is past for me to quit. I need to retire or the kids will be up for school and I'll still be asleep as Maren eats cereal out of the box while sitting on the table. The school boys will find all the "hidden snacks" and take a few for recess and Aaren and Cassandra will have half the Lego bucket dumped before they even get dressed!

Have a great week everyone!!!!!!!!!!!

Red Foxes

2007-05-22T09:44:00.000-06:00

The cropped photo result!

No closer than the fence!

Cropped again!

We saw this kit on the other side of the road.

Out near the Village of Stirling there is a Red Fox den. We have gone over to watch the foxes several times. On Sunday May 20, we were able to get some pictures.
One den that we saw is located about 25 feet from the fence line- on the inside! We were able to slowly walk to the fence and stand there to watch without scaring the three fox kits into their den. That's amazing since there were six of us by the fence (Maren was asleep in the van). There is another den located across the road and we have seen 1 kit there. Jeff pointed out the path worn in the tall grass connecting the two den's. We also saw a lot of holes; indicating that they have many exits/ entrances to their dens. Around the holes we have also seen many white chicken feathers and a couple of pheasant feathers. Any guesses as to what they might have eaten?
The kits are not very old. Probably born sometime this year. On previous trips we have seen 4 at one time. They are very cute looking. Don't they remind you of Tod in the Disney video The Fox and the Hound?
Brandon kept asking if he could just go over the fence, up to the den and try and catch one. He told us that he was surely fast enough and that he really could catch one. I was sorry to disappoint him but......................................he wasn't allowed! WONDER WHY?
We all are looking forward to Thursday when we will be going back to Stirling, to watch Brandon play soccer AND TO HOPEFULLY WATCH THE FOXES!

Water

2007-05-18T10:26:00.001-06:00

Oh, so tall

Watching the water flow

He's the lucky one to play in the mud

Wishing it would flow faster!
Last week we were able to watch the big machinery drill for water out on the lot. Jeff, Aaren, Cassandra, Maren and I went out and watched the drilling with dad Hardy. Just as school got out I went and got Brandon and Devin so that they could see it too. The drilling was almost done as we got back. The drill was incredibly tall and went many feet/ meters into the ground. It created a big puddle of blue-grey mud. Not a lot of water came out and it isn't even close to drinkable (dad says it will take a lot to clean it up) but,......... at least there is water! Brandon and Devin really only watched for a few (seconds?) before they were off to explore out on the property. We all then walked through the land looking for Golf Balls!
(that is the kids favorite thing to do) We found 15 in total. 13 white and 2 yellow. Jackpot!!!!!

Soccer

2007-05-17T19:40:00.000-06:00

Soccer season is here! I am a soccer mom through and through. I provide snacks(mostly for my kids)and encouragement for the team.I even commend the other teams on a good game.
Brandon and Devin have been doing great. Each is a good runner and works hard. Both have had several scoring opportunities.
Devin plays on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:00-5:00 pm. He is the red & white striped team and his coaches are: Porcha West, Sunder West, and Brooke Dudley. He loves to play and is probably the strongest boy on the team. The other players are Brim West, Nathan Steed, Kora Schmale, Spencer Strong, Marci Chamberlain, and Devin.

Brandon plays on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30-5:30 pm. His team is also white (called the Hawks) and he is coached by Uncle Cory Rasmussen. Jordan is also on the team. Brandon advanced to a higher soccer category. He now plays the entire regulation field whereas Devin plays on half of a regulation field. Brandon also has the required number of players on his team. Devin only has 6. Brandon’s team members are Jordan Rasmussen, Brandon & Allie Reeder, Keeshia Holt, Dillon Roberts, Sam Rompain, Dayton & Riley Kaupp, Chloe Turner, Abby Maxwell, Kyree Thompson, Jacey Smith, Harrison __________ .

We had a scary incident a few weeks ago. This is what I wrote in my journal:

We were in the van just leaving the soccer fields. I was backing out if the parking lot when Cassandra called out from her chair in the back of the van. “Mom, a small bb went up my nose!” I slammed on the brakes and looked in the rearview mirror, asking Cassandra what on earth she was talking about. She repeated the same thing again and so I drove back into the spot I was coming out of. I kept checking the rearview mirror to see that she was OK and told her to blow it out. She kept snorting it back up. I parked the van and jumped out, ran around to the side door and got in. I asked Cassandra which nostril it was in. I tilted her head up to look up her nose and then asked her to blow it out again. I could see it and was reaching to see if I could press it down and out when suddenly it popped right out! Whew-------- I was glad to see it come out on its own.. I was glad not to have to take to her to the hospital, where who knows how simple or hard it would have been to remove it. I was glad that it wasn’t lodged and that a crisis was averted! I’m pretty sure that Cassandra won’t do that again. EVER! She looked pretty concerned until it came out.

We're Moving!

2007-05-17T19:25:00.001-06:00

back
front
side

When we went to Calgary a couple of weeks ago, we drove past this house. Our dream house! We stopped on the way home- to take a couple dozen pictures of it and drool as we stopped near the driveway. The kids were asking why we couldn't move there.
1-It has to be for Sale first and it's not! 2- It is nowhere close to where we would want to live but.........We told them that someday we would live in this house out on the lot!
Someday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cara & Cory------We saw it first!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Killdeer

2007-05-17T15:41:00.000-06:00

These are the parents!

Their babies!

These four eggs are Killdeer eggs that the boys found while walking out in the compound at the Truehope Center. Their nest right on the ground trying to blend into the rocks, twigs and weeds. Devin was the finder! The kids have loved visiting their find and are waiting and hoping that the eggs will hatch. The killdeer parents really do their best to keep us from going up to the nest. This bird trys to draw us away by coming close to us and then acting injured so that we will try to go to it instead!

Later...........................................
The other day, we went to the center and found that 2 of the 4 eggs have hatched. The baby birds are so tiny. No bigger than a small chicken egg! They are so cute and also blend very well into their surroundings. We hope that the other two will hatch! Can you see them?

Can't go camping in this!

2007-05-17T15:30:00.000-06:00

Look at him ride.

Look at me!

OK, everyone, here are the pictures of our Fifth wheel trailer. Notice the "fifth wheel" that Aaren is riding on. Aaren loves to go riding and now that we have it , bicycling has never been so much fun and such a workout at the same the time!

Sorry to mislead all those that thought we got a camping fifth wheel. I was laughing the whole time I was writing the post!

It's Mother's Day!

2007-05-13T17:33:00.000-06:00

Today is Mother's Day and so I thought that a few out there might appreciate these thoughts!

Mean Moms
We had the meanest mother in the whole world! While other kids ate candy for breakfast, we had to have cereal, eggs, and toast. When others had a Pepsi and a Twinkie for lunch, we had to eat sandwiches. And you can guess our mother fixed us a dinner that was different from what other kids had, too. Mother insisted on knowing where we were at all times. You'd think we were convicts in a prison. She had to know who our friends were, and what we were doing with them. She insisted that if we said we would be gone for an hour, we would be gone for an hour or less.

We were ashamed to admit it, but she had the nerve to break the Child Labor Laws by making us work. We had to wash the dishes, make the beds, learn to cook, vacuum the floor, do laundry, and all sorts of cruel jobs. I think she would lie awake at night thinking of more things for us to do.

She always insisted on us telling the truth the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. By the time we were teenagers, she could read our minds. Then, life was really tough! Mother wouldn't let our friends just honk the horn when they drove up. They had to come up to the door so she could meet them. While everyone else could date when they were 12 or 13, we had to wait until we were 16.

Because of our mother we missed out on lots of things other kids experienced. None of us have ever been caught shoplifting, vandalizing other's property or ever arrested for any crime. It was all her fault. We never got drunk, took up smoking, stayed out all night, or a million other things other kids did.

Now that we have left home, we are all educated, honest adults. We are doing our best to be mean parents just like Mom was. I think that is what's wrong with the world today. It just doesn't have enough mean moms anymore.

and another...............

Somebody said it takes about six weeks to get back to normal after you've had a baby ...somebody doesn't know that once you're a mother,"normal", is history.
Somebody said you learn how to be a mother by instinct ...somebody never took a three-year-old shopping.
Somebody said being a mother is boring ...somebody never rode in a car driven by a teenager with a driver's permit.
Somebody said if you're a "good" mother, your child will "turn out good"...somebody thinks a child comes with directions and a guarantee.
Somebody said "good" mothers never raise their voices ....somebody never came out the back door just in time to see her child hit a golf ball through the neighbor's kitchen window.
Somebody said you don't need an education to be a mother ...somebody never helped a fourth grader with his math.
Somebody said you can't love the fifth child as much as you love the first ...somebody doesn't have five children.
Somebody said a mother can find all the answers to her child-rearing questions in the books ...somebody never had a child stuff beans up his nose or in his ears.
Somebody said the hardest part of being a mother is labor and delivery..somebody never watched her "baby" get on the bus for the first day of kindergarten ... or on a plane headed for military "boot camp."
Somebody said a mother can do her job with her eyes closed and one hand tied behind her back ...somebody never organized seven giggling Brownies to sell cookies.
Somebody said a mother can stop worrying after her child gets married..somebody doesn't know that marriage adds a new son or daughter-in-law to a mother's heartstrings.
Somebody said a mother's job is done when her last child leaves home..somebody never had grandchildren.

Happy Mother's Day to all the awesome women and Mother's that I know. I hope that you enjoyed the day that is set aside to honor you and the wonderful qualities that you have.

A new trailer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-04-30T18:07:00.000-06:00

We just got a Fifth wheel! Yep that's right. It is so cool. Now we can go places that we couldn't go before. Aaren loves it! We shopped around and got a great deal. I'll take pictures of it tomorrow and post them as soon as I can! We hope that we don't make you all too jealous. (And no, we are not trying to keep up with Karla & Cyril.)

2007-04-29T18:40:00.000-06:00

All about Maren!

As you can see by the slide show, Maren continues to keep us busy. She has no fears about getting dirty and loves the feeling of things squishy and slimy running through her fingers. Uck. The messy spot on the dining room floor is around Maren's chair. She loves to put food on her head and often dunks food into her cup before eating it- like Cassandra used to do. I wonder if she would eat differently if she was sitting in front of the mirror watching herself?
I am convinced that Maren should have been born a monkey. She climbs everything. Her favorite is being on top of the table. Chairs near anything are never safe for Maren will be on them in an instant and reaching for things that she can see. Maren is very agile, flexible and strong. "WHAT A MONKEY!"
She loves to be outside. Not really doing anything, but wandering in the yard and following the other kids. Actually the road is what draws her attention. What is it with small children and the magnetic attraction to the dangerous roadway?
Maren still uses limited speech to let us know what she wants. Usually it is just pointing until we get it right. The one phrase that she does use frequently is "good girl". She even knows when she has used it correctly. Her smile will let you know what she thinks! For a limited vocabulary, Maren is certainly loud. Her screams of frustration around the other kids is loud enough to hurt the ears at times. The boys and Cassandra are quickly learning that when Maren screams, you are doing something that she doesn't like. Maren is one tough sister and can hold her own among her older siblings.
Despite the fact that our baby is growing up, she still lays claim to her soother and her blanket. Comforting her isn't the same without them.
We love our little Maren muffin and are grateful to have her as part of our family.

This is a note to let everyone know that the reason why Maren's cake is isn't decorated fancily is because it was a LEFTOVER CAKE! I attended a church meeting the previous evening and came home with the cake I took. The kids were in bed when I got home and Jeff and I weren't eating it ourselves so we saved it and had it for Maren's birthday the next day. Strawberry shortcake was the unanimous decision for the birthday party! We loved it. Next year we will make a fancy cake for Maren. Promise!

2007-04-25T13:13:00.000-06:00

All about Cassandra!

So I am down to child number 4.
Cassandra, like most of the other kids, celebrated a birthday at the beginning of the year. She turned 3 on the 25th of February and now thinks she knows everything. It is funny to hear her call Aaren her little brother. Technically he is older than her by two years but she is nearly the same size as him. so..........little or big, she chooses.
We celebrated her birthday with Mom & Dad Hardy and the kids still at home. It was a quiet party but the kids had fun. She really loved her butterfly cake, although the boys thought that she definitely needed a couple of cars on it. I axed that idea! Cassandra got a couple of new coloring books and some new necklaces. (I deleted those pictures by accident- Sorry Kayleen, but thanks for your efforts!), and a doll whose wings light up from Aunt Krista & girls. (The inspiration for the winged cake).
We have had so many people tell us that lately Cassandra has really gotten older. We can't decide if it is the hair (she lets me do it now) or her height, or just that fact that she talks so maturely. Just yesterday someone at church commented on her change. Cassandra really isn't our toddler anymore. Our focus has shifted to the preschool years. This Thursday, Cassandra is going for the Ages & Stages preschool screening. It is to she what her skill level is in the gross motor, fine motor, speech, function, comprehension, etc. areas. Last month we attempted to go to the screening but found that I had written it a month too early on the calendar. We go this month instead. In preparing Aaren to just play quietly by himself and not get into trouble while focused entirely on Cassandra, I told them that we were going because Cassandra needed to have a little test to see if she would be ready to go to the big school. That answer seemed satisfactory for the both of them so for the next month, Cassandra would ask me: "when do we go for my test?" I also heard her say lots "Aaren, you can't come to my test- it's only for me!" I'm glad to hear that she is so excited for a test. Bring on High School!
We continue to be amazed at the fact that Cassandra is consistently dry at night while all three of the boys are the opposite. In tracking though, Brandon is finally showing a glimmer of progress.
This is something cute that Cassandra said:
March 28, 2007
Cassandra was in the living room at the table looking at Brandon's school agenda that was open to a world map. The map had pictures many animals that the student was to match to where the animal lived in the world. Cassandra kept asking me- "where do camels live?" I would answer "the desert", "I don't know", or any of the other usual answers. She just kept asking. Because I was busy fixing Devin's agenda, I wasn't paying much attention to Cassandra. I finally just agreed to whatever Cassandra was saying. She then stopped and said "NO MOM! Camels lives at Baby Jesus!"
Sorry sisty, you're right again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-04-19T10:57:00.001-06:00

I think that this computer is really fixed! For some reason or another, when I used internet explorer, the font, text sizes and all the other buttons to create interesting posts disappear! But today, they are back! Yahoo..........

Swimming at the YMCA

Our primary president (Deanne Hancock) gave me several coupons a few months ago. One was for Free swimming for up to six people at the YMCA (Maren got in free too) and a couple more were for pizzas in Lethbridge. The coupons expired May 1st so I thought it to be a good idea to take the kids swimming during the Easter break (we weren't going to be doing anything else fun otherwise).

We left Raymond at 4:00pm on Wednesday, April 11, 2007 and headed to Lethbridge. We made a brief stop at Wal-Mart to look for a new swimming suit for Cassandra. (She doesn't have a suit that fits.) Wal-Mart didn't have any that I liked so we just headed to the Y. (For those that are wondering, Cassandra wore a suit that I borrowed earlier in the afternoon from a little girl in Aaren's primary class- so she did get to go swimming!) The open swim started at 5:00pm and ended at 7:30pm. We used the family change room and all were changed and ready to swim right at 5. Thank goodness for family change rooms. How we ever got along without them is a wonder!

For about 45 minutes we were the only people in the pool. Then slowly more people started to trickle in. The water was not especially warm, and so before too long, most of the kids were quite cold. Maren's lips and extremities were blue too. I would take the kids to the hot tub and let them sit until they warmed up. Cassandra really liked the hot tub but didn't like the taste of the yucky water that she took in when she slipped and got a mouthful. She also thought that she was drowning. Maren's favorite part of the hot tub was touching the bottom. You see, a small infant never touches the bottom of the pool when swimming in the big pool so she enjoyed the things that she could do for herself in the hot tub. The two stairs were just her thing. (They don't have a children's pool at this Y.) After the kids were warm, I had to make them get out of the tub and go back into the pool. Going back into the pool is FREEZING!!!!! But then you get used to it and pretty soon you are back to shivering and turning purple again. And then another round at the hot tub. (the cycle continues..............)

None of the kids wanted to play on the rope swing or go down the tunnel slide (even with life jackets- they were in the deep end). They did use the smaller blue slide and the baby orange slide (shallow end) but otherwise they were content just to be in the water. The footballs, the small balls, and mats to float on were a big hit.

In all we spent 2 1/2 hours at the YMCA. We all spent considerable time in the very warm showers after we were called out of the pool. When we all were dressed and ready to go, it was after 8:00pm. We told the kids that we would take them out for pizza after swimming. We went to Vern's Pizza (north Lethbridge) and spent 20 minutes waiting for our food. The kids were starving. Together we polished off one package of Arrowroot biscuits and I found a Froot Loop Winder (just 1) in my coat so we shared it among 7 and that helped. We opted to eat at the restaurant because all of the kids would be asleep before we even got home. After eating our fill, we took our leftovers and left. It was a quiet drive home. Aaren was the first to fall, them Maren, Cassandra, Devin and Brandon. All went easily to their beds after arriving home around 10:00pm. Jeff and I tidied up and went to bed shortly after the kids.

The kids still talk of the fun that they had and daily someone asks when we can go back to the YMCA to go swimming. I think that maybe we will try another of the Lethbridge pools first though, to see if any are warmer than the YMCA!

Here are the Pictures of the fun that we had

2007-04-17T09:03:00.002-06:00

All about Aaren!

So here is a few pictures of Aaren. I am afraid to say that like Seth, it seems as thought Aaren has been "squeezed" in the middle. While trying to create a slide show of the boy for all to enjoy, I found that I had very few pictures of him in different settings. Sorry Aaren. I pledge to do better!
Aaren celebrated his fifth birthday at the beginning of March. Aaren was lucky enough to have two birthday parties this year. Aunt Karla was thoughtful to include him in a family party for Jaidyn held near the end of February. Aaren loved the attention. Thanks! We took the posters that they made for Aaren home from Calgary and used them the next week when we celebrated on his actual day. Some how nearly all of the gifts that Aaren received from generous family members all followed a car of truck theme. Considering that I created a race track for the cake and placed micro machines (mini cars)on top to decorate. Aaren looked on in amazement and delight as we presented him the cake. He received so many gifts that it would be hard to imagine what it would have been like had we invited friends to celebrate with him. When I would take the kids shopping with me in weeks previous to Aaren's birthday, nearly every toy that Aaren saw he would exclaim that he wanted it for his birthday. Jeff made the final decision during one trip to Lethbridge and bought him a car carrier just like Grandpa Moxley's truck. The trailer was loaded with cars and Aaren loved it. Aaren received a new booster seat for the van. We hope that it would make it easier for him to do up his own seatbelt. Alas, it hasn't made that chore any easier but he can get it undone by himself. (I will celebrate the day when we won't have any carseats in the van! Right now we have three!!!!)
Aaren will wait another season to play soccer. The other boys played when the were in their kindergarten year so Aaren will have to wait too. I'm sure that I will hear many complaints from the boy as we watch Brandon and Devin's games but I hope to have Aaren pretend to be the coach for Cassandra and Maren and he can teach them all he knows!
Aaren and Cassandra are good friends- most of the time. It is so fun to watch them as the play way out in the back of the yard. The look as thought they are going on a safari adventure and I often wonder what they talk about.
I am trying to encourage Aaren to learn how to ride a two wheeler. The bike that is his size for riding is without training wheels and I really don't want to put them back on. I want him to learn to ride a big bike so that we can go for bike rides. Three kids just don't fit in the trailer. Aaren refuses to try to learn to ride. He won't even let me hold the seat while I hold him up and he peddles. He just won't peddle- and I won't run behind him pushing the bike! If anyone has any suggestions before I finally give in and put the training wheels back on, let me know!
Aaren is looking forward to kindergarten in the fall. It is amazing what he has learned (by osmosis). He recognizes most of the alphabet letters and numbers. He can count past ten and can spell his name. I think that he knows our phone number and recognizes the route to and from our house and the school. I have done very little to help him (feeling guilty now) but he has picked up so much from watching and learning along with the other boys. I have tried to incorporate learning in almost all the things that we do together. The other day we stopped to count the number of quads on a trailer parked up town. There were three red and three yellow- six in all. Simple things like that that will help make his learning fun and camouflaged!
Anyway I'm out of time. The changes in Aaren are evident and it is sad to see him grow out of the toddler image I have of him. I am excited to see the growth and development that will come as he goes to school. For now we have the spring and summer to play and continue learning in fun ways together.

2007-04-17T09:03:00.001-06:00

All about Devin!

Devin celebrated his 7th birthday in March. Of course we celebrated with Shelyse again this year. Would it be their birthdays without each other? We had a family party out at Rasmussen's (thanks for hosting us!!!!) Devin's big gift was a set of double 15's Dominoes so I iced the cake to look like a dominoes game. [My secret to creating a fun birthday cake is to pattern it after one of the gifts that the person is getting or the theme of the party.]
He was also allowed a "friends" birthday party this year. He invited Avery Beckstrand (Jeff Ball's son), Spencer Strong, Boyd Brooks and Joseph Hardy. We celebrated with a bicycle theme and had all the kids bring their bikes (and helmets of course). Devin handed out wheel invitations and I piped a bicycle on the birthday cake. Devin, his friends and siblings made & participated in an obstacle course with their bikes out on the driveway. It was a gorgeous afternoon- perfect for a bunch of lively kids to be outside playing. I handed out homemade ribbons that said "Your a winner!" along with a gold chocolate coin to each of the kids for participating. Everyone was given a checkered flag party bag to take their small treats home in. I thought the party was a success. All seemed to have a good time. One boy, Spencer noticed all of our Lego and really wanted to play with it. Nobody else wanted play with him while they had some free play time so I offered to play with him. He thought it was quite funny that Devin's mom was playing Lego with him. Pretty soon nearly all the kids were in the bedroom creating something out of Lego.
At the school concert "Spring Fling" on the 22nd of March, Devin shined literally as the sun. The school has never really put on a performance like that in a while. It was fun to see Devin participate and have fun doing it. Look out show choir, here he comes! (We hope to get a copy of the whole evening from the school-for anyone interested watching later.)
With the winter weather on it's way out, the boys have been spending a lot of time outdoors. Jeff rototilled the garden last week which make it off limits. Brandon and Devin were using it for a dirt bike track (not the motorized kind) but now that they can't play there, they have taken to creating skid marks in the lawn. We now have so many brown spots in the backyard, it makes me want to just dig it all up so that it will all look the same at least! Soccer is another outside activity that Devin is anxious to start. He says that he doesn't want to be in goal. He says that he is a better defense player! We haven't been notified of team placements and game times and days, but all are welcome to come and watch. It is great entertainment!

Devin's letter to Elder Hardy

2007-04-16T16:39:00.000-06:00

Monday, April 16, 2007

Dear Dallin I hope you are doing good. Because I am. We had a fun

Time at Easter did you. We are goaing to showchoir.

Last Wensday we went swimming. FROM . Devin.

2007-04-10T15:03:00.000-06:00

All about Brandon!

Brandon has been pretty busy lately. He now has piano lessons, with Grandma Hardy as his teacher. He has a good ear for the notes and prefers to find the note on the piano by sound, rather then following music notes. He is getting better and because he can play a song or two, he is starting to enjoy playing.
Brandon worked hard on his own cub kar. The ward had a rally near the beginning of February. Mom and Dad did minimal work on it. Brandon hated hearing us tell him to "keep sanding". Brandon chose the colors red and yellow for his car. He hoped to have the fastest car but it wasn't this year. It looked really nice and ran OK. Next year we will work on a car with speed! The certificate that Brandon received was for Judge's Favorite Car.
During the months of January and February, the Grade 3's went skating to the ice arena (for gym class). Brandon really loved the ice time. I went several times to watch. Brandon is getting much better at staying on his feet and actually skating. He claims to be nearly as good as the hockey kids! Anyway he was fun to watch but it was hard to take a good picture of a moving skater!
The school put on a Spring Fling concert in March. Each grade had a part on the program. Brandon took part in the Grade 3's Jamaican folk song. He wore a Jamaican style shirt, shorts, sunglasses and hat. We were sitting so far away to get a good view but enjoyed watching him preform.
Brandon is really excited for soccer to start in a couple of weeks. This year he will play in Raymond, Stirling and Magrath. I hope that he gets a good team and coach. The last couple of years he hasn't had a lot of dedicated coaching.
Watch for more updates about Brandon.

2007-04-10T13:36:00.000-06:00

It's a miracle!!!!!!!!!!
I know -A real post! No I am not sick! (The computer is feeling better)
For some reason or another the computer seems to be working a little faster than usual so I took advantage of it and posted an update. Because so much has happened over the last few months, I plan to post an update for each one of the kids. Watch for latest post!

2007-03-08T16:19:00.000-07:00

I have a couple of stories to share about the kids. This one is from Devin.

I was sitting in the living room on the couch. In the other room, the computer was trying to scan the computer for viruses and Devin wanted to use the computer to play games. I told him that the computer wasn't available. So Devin went looking in the pantry for an after-school snack. He couldn't find what he was looking for and so he came to me and asked, "Is the computer still looking for allergies?" I said- "You mean viruses, Devin?" "Yah, that."
I couldn't help from laughing and then explained the difference between the two!

Cassandra's turn! We had been reading in the Book of Mormon some time ago about Alma and Amulek, so I assumed the conversation would be about them. It is amazing what kids can hear and remember when you think that they aren't listening.

MOM- Where do Heavenly Father and Jesus live?
CASSANDRA- In heaven. And who else?
MOM- All the people who have died and all those that are waiting to come to earth.
CASSANDRA- The guy in the scriptures- he died.
MOM- Who Alma and Amulek? They didn't die but the other people did.
CASSANDRA- No- in the fire
MOM- You mean Abinadi?
CASSANDRA- Yes and the fire burned him up.

Well we are now into the month of March. Aaren’s 5th birthday was a few days ago. He was five on the 5th! He was super excited. He talked of all the things or gifts that he wanted. Over the last couple of weeks shopping he would see something and “really want it for his birthday”. I asked him one time how he would feel if he didn’t get them. He said that he would be sad. I reminded him that if the gifts that he wanted didn’t come, he can always wait and ask Santa for them. It’s only 10 1/2 months away right?
Aaren really did get plenty for his birthday. Thanks to those who gave him gifts! What was really funny was that most of his gifts involved a "Car" theme. His cake was a car racetrack and his gifts were: A new "CARS" booster seat for the van, a large truck, coloring book and Bdamon, a car carrier (like Grandpa Moxley's), pencil, race car sticker and happy face ball, rattlesnake eggs and helicopter with micromachines! A delighted 5 year old!

I think that the extended family will be happy to know that Jeff purchased a CPAP machine on Friday evening. He got it used, through an ad in the Lethbridge Herald. Buying it used was so much incredibly cheaper than new. The lady selling it wanted a smaller machine so that she and her husband could go traveling in England. It didn’t come with a mask but he bought one from one of the home/ health care stores in Lethbridge. Jeff would like to see this really help him and so would I. (All I do know is that it can be quite noisy and so sometimes I am the one not sleeping well at night.)
We took the kids with us when we went on to Lethbridge to get it. After the purchase, we went to Canadian Tire so that Jeff could pay a bill owing there. As I pulled out of the parking lot (I was driving) I turned to go opposite the direction that Jeff supposed we would be going. He asked if we had another stop and I told him to wait and see. I headed west to Tim Horton’s. The kids were all super excited when I drove into the parking lot and pulled into the drive through. I pulled up to the speaker and told the kids to all be quiet as I rolled the window down. The girl asked what we wanted to order, and so I asked for a large box of 40 Timbits (donut holes). Suddenly I could hear Devin calling from the seat behind me- “I’ll have a sandwich, I’ll have a sandwich!” He didn’t say it loud enough for the girl to actually hear him and place the order, but the kids, Jeff and I could hear him and suddenly the van filled with giggles. When we pulled up to the window to pick up the order, I smiled and the girl asked if we needed anything else. I told her that if she was giving away free sandwiches, one of the kids in the back of the van would take one. I looked back at Devin and grinned. Devin ducked his head in embarrassment. It was funny!!!!! All the way home to Raymond from Lethbridge, we passed the box around and munched on donut holes. 2 each, then 2 more, then 1 more until they were nearly gone! (Don’t do the math because Jeff and I snuck a few extra here and there!) We were down to one more each and suddenly I glanced back at Devin and saw that he had 3 in his hands. I told Devin that it was only 1 each not three! He told me that he had been saving his and that he just took his last one. In the end, when everyone was else’s were gone, Devin still had 3. He saved them till he got home and into his pajamas. I told him that he was just like Aunt Sherilyn. She always saved her treats and had them for days after everyone else’s were gone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-03-06T11:32:00.000-07:00

To My Child
Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.
Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.
Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.
Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.
Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.
Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.
Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.
Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.
Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.
Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.
Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.
Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.
I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.
And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day...........

2007-02-19T09:02:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of Maren taken throughout her first year of life. We love her so much. She has been such a blessing to us and our family.

2007-01-30T15:32:00.000-07:00

Maren is 1 !

I have been so excited to post pictures of Maren 's first birthday and now this (*#@*&@%**&^#) computer is not letting me post any pictures. I am sure that if I spend all day at the computer, I can copy and paste them here, but not being able to add them with the "picture" button is ridiculous. If anyone has any suggestions, let me know.

On Sunday evening we had supper with Grandma & Grandpa Hardy, Janae, Shelyse and Joseph and enjoyed a birthday celebration with Maren, at their house.
Maren had a rather uneventful birthday today. We had birthday cake with just our immediate family. It was angel food cake with strawberries and cream for our little angel. Devin wanted the candle to be in the middles of the cake but alas, the cake had no middle. I feel a little guilty for not having a nicely decorated cake for her but, I attended an "8 is Great" primary meeting on Sunday evening and brought back one of the two cakes that I had made for it. Because we had a whole cake leftover, I couldn't help but take the easier way out! (I"ll make it up to her on her next birthday.)
Maren loved the lighted candle and really wanted to touch it. She had no comprehension of blowing it out so one of the boys did it for her. Maren was also very possessive of her few presents. Of course all the kids thought that she needed help, so I not sure who really opened her presents. She really defended the card that she received from Grandma Moxley (loved the pink envelope) and disliked sharing the book from Ammon, Seth and Lorrin. (Thanks boys!) Maren also received some new soothers and a darling pink pants and shirt set. For Family Home Evening we all said something that we loved about Maren. She loved the attention.
Maren still has no teeth!!!! Nope not one. I was hoping that she might get a few for her birthday but...........they are still hiding!
So now my baby isn't much of a baby any more. It is hard to see the days pass so quickly, yet we live in exciting times and it has been fun to see Maren grow and change. Maren does so much to keep up with the other kids that sometimes you can only tell that she is little because of her body!

Just also want to wish a Happy Birthday to Aunt Karla. Hope you had a great day. Sorry it is late :0(

2007-01-23T10:42:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the effects the cold weather can have in our lives!

Like everyone else, we feel sad that the potatoes and carrots got frozen but we find gratitude in the fact that our home hasn't received damage, our children are safe and we still have healthy bodies. Our family has really been focusing on preparing ourselves for any emergency. This wasn't quite what we were thinking, but we plan to make the best of our situation. Thus the kids enjoyed sorting through the carrots and looking for the most frozen carrot that they could find. The pictures are some of the best ones. (Actually I'm glad that now nobody has to suffer through peeling our miserably scabby potatoes) That is my blessing through the situation.
I'm sure now, that we will appreciate this coming planting season and will likely enjoy planting potatoes this year!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bring on Spring! Cassandra wanted to plant radishes today. (We planted "radish seeds" of Faith a couple of weeks ago in Primary and they are getting pretty big. Maybe if we add some more soil to the cups, they might actually amount to something big enough to eat.)
We hope that all can find some measure of peace throughout this unfortunate freezing. It will be fun to hear of who makes the most interesting meals with these two frozen veggies. Send on the recipes!

2007-01-09T15:09:00.000-07:00

Stay and Play at the Parent Link Center- January 3, 2007

storytime

under the parachute

painting pictures

criss cross apple sauce- in a line!

pipe cleaner fun

mom and me

2007-01-08T14:13:00.000-07:00

Making and Baking yummy cinnamon rolls with the cousins!
January 2,2007

dough rising and rolling dough

spreading butter (with our hands!) and slices from the roll

more rolls ready and sampling a finished one!

rolling out the dough and spreading the butter

adding raisins and cutting slices

cutting off a slice and licking the flour

placing slices on the pan and flour on the nose!

rolling another batch of dough and spreading butter

cutting slices and a pan full ready to rise

Look what we made. They sure are good!!!!!!!!!

2007-01-07T17:38:00.000-07:00

Does anyone know what Jeff got for Christmas? Kim got Jeff a new razor. And yes, he used it this week!

Kim and her sister Krista and all the kids went to the Parent Link Center (aka. Family Hub) on Wednesday afternoon, Jan 3, 2007 to play. After the playing they went to Grandma Selman's to make supper. Kim stopped briefly at home to gather a few ingredients and to her surprise she saw that Jeff had shaved off all of his facial hair. Anyway she was super happy and glad that he put the razor to good use. Kim was disappointed to not get a good before picture but... she likes the after picture. Kim then went to Selman's but didn't tell any of the kids about Jeff's new look. Jeff came later for supper (we had it with Grandma) and when Jeff arrived, Cassandra went running to greet Daddy. Well she nearly fell over backward trying to back away from the "stranger" at the door. The look of disbelief/shock/confusion was all over her face and would have been picture perfect-- if we only had the camera!! It took Cassandra several minutes to warm up to Jeff. The other kids came when they heard of Jeff's arrival and all they too could hardly believe that Dad finally shaved. Brandon's comment was that he thought that Dad looked better before he shaved. Jeff said that Dad Hardy nearly fell off of our doorstep when he saw Jeff earlier that afternoon.

The funniest part of the whole incident was later that evening. We were in the process of getting the kids ready for bed here at home when Grandma Hardy (Jeff's mom) stopped by. It was made know that as Jeff started to grow out his facial hair that his family (especially his mom) didn't approve. So, Jeff answered the door and was chatting with his mom for quite some time. I was in the kitchen with the older boys and they kept trying to tell Grandma to notice that Jeff had shaved. I kept shushing them so that we could see how long it would be before she said anything. Well she finally left without saying a thing! We cut up laughing because she didn't even notice! Sorry Mom, but it was funny!

On Thursday evening we went to Rasmussen's for a Hardy family games night. That evening is when Jeff's mom noticed the change! Jeff thinks that either Mom was getting used to the look or that finally OK with the look.

Before and After:

So Lowyn, it is out of sight!

2007-01-05T21:13:00.000-07:00

Well here I am after a couple of weeks of hiding. Actually I wasn't hiding, but it sure feels like it. The kids are still out of school due to Christmas holidays but I was ready to send them back on Monday. It has been a hectic few weeks. I thought holidays were supposed to be, you know, Holidays!!!!!! Anyway between the preparation for the holidays, the day itself, and then the company and usual daily matters after Christmas, I have yet to find sufficient time to post. I hope to have something of real interest next week when life should(!!!!) be normal. So for now, just know that I plan to be back!
On ya, Happy New Year 2007!

2006-12-21T22:07:00.000-07:00

I thought that I would write a quick update. One- because I don't have much time and two- Christmas may come and go before I get another done! So MERRY CHRISTMAS to all of our dear family and friends. We wish you all the best and much joy and happiness during this holiday season. Having said that I want to update quickly on the last few weeks.

The kids and I headed to Calgary two weeks ago to visit with family before Christmas. We stopped at Uncle Darrel's to get adjusted and Devin ended up hurting himself on their mini trampoline. Darrel guessed a badly sprained ankle and so Devin hobbled along for the rest of the weekend. We enjoyed a beautiful Saturday at Heritage Park. Devin had the luxury of being pulled around in the wagon. The highlight for the kids was the horse-drawn wagon ride but we all had fun playing in the maze, touring the old village, playing in the hay and watching the electric trains drive along the tracks. I enjoyed the old homes decorated in Christmas fashion. Jeff was unable to come because he was working in Waterton.
Later that evening, the families got together to decorate gingerbread houses. OK- so it wasn't gingerbread but graham crackers. We had a great time. Everyone won for the effort that they made. The trip seemed too short but we were glad to be home.

This past Tuesday, Jeff went out tobogganing with the young men of the ward. Jeff came home with a sore hand that has been swelling progressively since. Does this sound familiar James? Anyway Jeff went to the doctor this morning and then went to the hospital for an x-ray. NO broken bones but the tendon/muscle/ligaments (I don't know which ) is torn and Jeff will be going into Lethbridge Regional tomorrow for emergency surgery. They will have to pull down the tendon/muscle/ligaments(?) and sew it back in place. Yep, Just in time for Christmas!!!!!!!!!!! Oh well, at least he was already planning holidays. We imagine that he will have to have a cast but we won't know until tomorrow.

It was Pizza day at school today. My position on the parent council is chair of the pizza day committee. I had arranged on Monday morning to have our 463 6inch personal pizzas delivered to the school at 11:15am--------like every month. This morning as 11:15am came AND WENT ---I began to get a little nervous. At about 11:40am I phoned Pizza Hut. The response to my question about the pizza's being late was "What pizza's?" So we had lunch in 15 minutes and no pizzas for nearly 475 people. Great!
Well Pizza hut wasn't able to provide the individual servings but they did agree to make large pizzas and we could at least feed the kids. Everyone ended up getting two slices to start and then another when all received their "firsts" In the end lunch was served at nearly 2:00pm and the kids got to eat their dessert first.! Some day. It was a nightmare that I wished that I was asleep for. I was just glad that I wasn't the one who "dropped the ball" but it was pretty nerve racking to hear the complaining despite the council from the principal for all to just be patient. I was finally able to pick up the three little kids at Jared and Sheralee's at nearly 3:00pm. A gigantic thankyou to Sheralee (and Jared) for watching the kids- way longer than I asked for!!!! Thankyou thankyou thankyou.....................

Am I ready for Christmas? No not this year. But Christmas will come and the kids will get all that they need, and then some.

So..........Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

2006-12-04T17:15:00.001-07:00

Deer #1- Brandon's hunting trip!

Deer #2- Nov. 25 th

Deer #3- Jeff & Jared Hardy
(sorry to those who are grossed out.)

HUNTING SEASON IS OVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You have no idea how glad I am that Jeff can't go out anymore. We have enough work ahead of us. This year, Jeff was able to get three tags. (They look like ski lift tags and are attached to the animal.) He went out enough that he "filled" the three tags. Guess who will get to prepare the three deer for the freezer. You guessed it -----ME!!!!!! OK, Jeff will help but I’m not sure when. He is still working hard and is as busy as ever. Even in this cold weather! His boss/co-worker has been quite put out because of the time Jeff spent away from the job. We are all glad to see the month of December arrive.
When Jeff came home from his trip with Brandon, Cassandra started crying when she saw the little doe, dead in the truck. She is OK with them now.
The boys are fascinated with them. Brandon has had several friends (and family) over so that he can show them off.
The first deer, a small doe, the second a large doe and the last deer that Jeff brought home was a buck. It was missing one antler. Aaren commented that now we have a family of deer. There’s a buck, a doe and a baby. Aren’t we lucky?!!!!!!

The Town of Raymond had its annual Christmas celebration on Friday night. I fed the kids fairly early (leftover pizza I bought from school pizza day) and then we dressed in our winter clothes to go. I enlisted the help of Shelyse and she came with me to help with the kids. Each of the kids got a small prize from the “fish pond” at the Clarica Insurance office. We received hot chocolate and donuts from the fire department and the kids decorated sugar cookies at Lam’s Restaurant (they serve Chinese.)
We also saw Santa at the Treasury Branch bank. The kids got their picture take with him. Brandon and Shelyse walked down to Video Cinema while we were waiting for Santa and got a small bunch of cotton candy. Brandon loved it and ate it in one big mouthful.
The Elementary school sang for Santa but we got there too late for Brandon and Devin to be able to participate.
The boys got their face painted at the family Hub. All the kids got balloons animals there too. This year we missed the hay rides and so it has been decided that we will do that first next year.
Brandon, Maren and I had a glass of sparkling cider and looked at the sparkly rocks at American Creek Resources while Shelyse and the other kids enjoyed the bonfire in the parking lot. Maren made the sourest face that I have ever seen her make, after tasting the cider. It was so funny.
It was fun to be out among the town members and enjoy the festivities. It has helped me get into the Christmas spirit. I enjoyed seeing the delight in the kids’ faces in the various activities of the evening.

Our ward Christmas party was Saturday night. I took pictures of the kids in their Sunday best, right when we got there so that I wouldn’t have to worry about food stains on their clothes. I was disappointed not to get a family picture. Early Friday morning Jeff left with Kevin Wert to a job up near Calgary. They stayed overnight to work more on the job (hence me needing Shelyse to help on Friday night). Jeff was not able to get back in time for the party either. I brought back a plate of food for him. The party was well attended. The food- delicious! A very nice program was put forth but the kids had a really hard time wanting to sit at the table and listen. I explained to the kids that although it looked like fun to run through the gym like most of the other kids in their Primary classes, we would listen to the program. I asked the kids how they would feel if they were performing and nobody was listening to them. The boys were obedient and stayed with me to listen to the program. Cassandra had missed her afternoon nap and was quite grumpy. I also struggled with Maren. She wanted to nurse but because I didn’t want to leave the kids by themselves she wasn’t too happy. I felt so frustrated by the whole ordeal and a few times even questioned why I was even there. I was grateful when Cassandra finally fell asleep in my arms and I could lay her in Maren’s car seat and continue to hold Maren.
The ward had a Christmas tree that held tags on it. Families were asked to take a few tags to help make someone else’s Christmas better. I was pleased at the kids desire to help but had to put back about ten tags that the boys had chosen. In the end I selected $35.00 worth of tags to donate to the ward. The boys probably had about $100.00 worth!!!!!!!!!
As I was getting the kids into coats and getting ready to leave, Elder/ Brother/ Dr. Terry Smith came up to me. He mentioned that his wife saw that I was at the party without Jeff and pointed out to him that that was how it was when they (The Smith’s) had small children and he was on call or at the church (as bishop). He said that Sister Rita Smith recognized my struggles and it got him into trouble!
I received a lot of help out to the van by various ward members and was grateful for the help. I was glad to be able to go home.
After Primary on Sunday, Brother Ralph Layton (2^nd counselor in the Bishopric) came up to me in the Primary room. I was putting away my papers and things from Sharing time and the boys were standing at the pulpit. He wanted to thank and commend the kids on how well they did at the party. He watched them sit (and look so handsome in their white shirts and ties) and was grateful for the example that they set while watching the program. He wished that some of the other families could have been more like our family. I was grateful for his words. It lifted me to know that someone saw my efforts and appreciated them.

The Christmas tree is decorated but it has also been undecorated and decorated and undecorated etc……………. Maren loves the ornaments. The kids received a new “playable” Nativity this year. They have really enjoyed it.
BUT………………….I have resigned myself to the fact the string of beads will never hang in little loops and the ornaments will never be placed nicely around the tree. The beads will always be pulled into a line and hang in clumps. The ornaments will all be stuck together on two or three branches and the Nativity will never be on the table. The floor seems to be the favored choice!

Yet, the Christmas season is upon us and I have seen the love and mercy of my Savior Jesus Christ in my daily life: --to the help from a ward member in starting the van while Jeff was out of town-- to feeling peace with the kids when I really want to tear my hair out.
I know that my Heavenly Father loves me and can feel that love when I turn to him.

This week will be busy with many more preparations for Christmas. We are excited to see family during the coming weekend. We hope all have a safe and happy week.

2006-12-04T15:45:00.000-07:00

Dear Elder Hardy, I will leave this on the blog so that you can see it whenever you like. You won't have to worry about it printing it and reading it later. You can read it next P day if you like.

I just wanted to let you know that we are thinking of you. Most especially Aaren. He always prays for you. He prays for you more than anything else. He prays that you will be safe and teach the gospel and that you will help others. Just know, that you are a great example to the kids and they look up to you (more than you realize). We hope that you have a great week.
Both Brandon and Aaren gave talks in November. These are their talks:

Aaren Hardy--------------------
Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have given us wonderful promises. They promise that we can be with our families forever. They promise us that we can live again after we die. We can also live with them again and have eternal life. If we keep the commandments and be obedient, we can receive that great gift. My Uncle Dallin is serving a mission in Toronto. He is telling the Spanish people about the church. Sometimes they listen and sometimes they don’t. He feels sad when they don’t want to hear his message. Uncle Dallin still tries to help the people see that Heavenly Father and Jesus love us and want us to be happy. I want to be a missionary like my Uncle Dallin. I am trying to keep the commandments, and do what is right so that I can be happy. I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ keep their promises.

Brandon Hardy------------------
One of my favorite stories in the book of Mormon is of Ammon.

Ammon went to teach the gospel to the Lamanites. The Lamanites tied him up and took him to see King Lamoni. Ammon told the king that he wanted to stay and live with Lamoni’s people. Ammon was freed and sent to be a servant to the king and tend the king’s flocks.

Ammon worked for the king for three days and then he and the other servants took the flocks to drink at the waters of Sebus. Other Lamanites scattered the king’s flocks. The king’s servants were afraid that they would be put to death for losing the flocks.

Ammon and the other servants worked quickly to gather the flocks again to the place of water. Once again the Lamanites came to scatter the flocks. The servants surrounded the flocks and kept them together while Ammon fought the Lamanites.

The Lord preserved Ammon because the Lord promised Mosiah that his sons would be protected. Six attackers were killed with a stone from Ammon’s sling. The other Lamanites attackers tried to kill Ammon with stones but they could not hit him. Then they came at him with clubs. Every time a Lamanite attacker lifted his club to kill Ammon, Ammon cut off the man’s arm with his sword. The rest of the Lamanites soon fled in fear.

The flocks were able to be watered in peace and were returned to the king’s pasture. Ammon left to feed the horses and look after the chariots. The other servants carried the arms that Ammon had cut off, to the king and told him what had happened.

King Lamoni was amazed and thought that Ammon was a God. He asked where Ammon was. The servants told the king that Ammon was feeding the horses as he had been told to do. After Ammon was done, he went to the king. The king could not speak. The Holy Ghost helped Ammon know the thoughts of the king. King Lamoni wondered how Ammon knew of his thoughts and asked Ammon if he was the Great Spirit. Ammon taught King Lamoni about Heavenly Father and the plan of Salvation. The king believed all Ammon’s words and repented and prayed to the Lord.

Ammon was a great missionary. He was obedient and always tried to do what was right. I can be like Ammon by doing what is right and helping around the house. When I do what is asked of me, the best I can, I know my family and friends will trust me more and Heavenly Father will bless and protect me. He keeps his promises when I do my part to obey. I hope we can all do our part to obey and receive His blessings and protection.

Wonderful Christmas Time: Raymond High School Show Choir 2006

2006-11-26T17:15:00.000-07:00

Here is a few pictures of Show Choir. Enjoy! I wish I had more. If anyone has any others that I could add, especially of Lorrin, (as Baby Jesus) let me know.

2006-11-20T16:32:00.000-07:00

Brandon had a Birthday! He turned 9 on the 19th of November. Wow, the years pass so quickly.

Brandon really wanted to go hunting with his dad for a birthday activity. Jeff and Brandon got up really early on Saturday morning (5:00 am, Nov 18) and headed out. We hadn't had snow yet this year, so the weather was great to be outside. They were able to bring home a whitetail doe. Brandon was so excited to share the news with everyone and loved showing off the kill. Jeff wasn't so excited to show it off. It was much smaller than what he wanted to bring home. We had cake and ice cream with some of the Hardy family at Grandma& Grandpa's on Sunday night. (Sorry to those that weren't there!) Brandon got a new bicycle helmet (to replace the one he broke) and some new pants.

This is Brandon's story of the deer that they shot together this year and this is Dad and the deer!

What Brandon wants to say about his hunting trip is that they saw 1 coyote, 2 jackrabbits and LOTS of deer.
We were walking through a big patch of trees when all of a sudden these three deer came over the hill and into a dip. Dad told me to get down because he knew that he would be able to get one. I was trying to hide while I was lying on the ground. When dad shot the gun and hit the deer I got so scared because of the echo. Dad usually told me when he was going to shoot but this time he didn't, because he was so excited to hit it. After he shot, he only saw two deer run away. I knew that dad had hit one because I could see a black and brown leg in the grass kicking furiously. We then both ran up the hill and there she was lying on the ground, shot through the back. And after we moved her from where she had been shot, there was a gigantic patch of blood. I wasn't grossed out until dad pulled out the insides!
By Brandon

2006-11-18T17:56:00.000-07:00

Where is winter? The last couple of days have been sooooooo windy. It is no wonder why there is no snow. The wind is blowing it all away. We also see very little snow in the mountains. I don't mind the cold weather staying away, but...............it makes it hard to get into the spirit of Christmas.

I purchased a few gifts this past week (and no I am not telling who they are for!!!!). With that purchase done I may be close to 1/4 finished. Just for the record, as of today there are only 36 days left before Christmas.

Mom helped me make 3 batches of fondant over the Rememberance Day weekend. [Actually Mom made 3 batches of fondant for me.] I plan to attempt dipping chocolates this year. It has probably been about five years since I have dipped any. I'm ready for the challenge!

2006-11-16T14:55:00.000-07:00

Here is some of the many pictures that
we have of Maren standing or walking.

Maren is now 9 1/2 months and already she is standing and walking on her own. She was standing by 9 months and taking a few steps then. We are amazed at how sturdy and fast she is getting. Such a big girl for her little body! She weighs just over 15 lbs.

2006-11-10T14:35:00.000-07:00

Cassandra is toilet trained! The most amazing part of the whole thing is that she looks like she will be night-time trained too! The last two nights she has woken up and needed to go. (The boys struggle with this still.)
I still have to run with her to the bathroom to "give her encouragement" but we are past the stage of wearing diapers all day long. She is doing quite good in public too. She has accidents (at least one daily) but it is because she waits too long or won't go without me. I see the toilet training phase passing soon!
Maren is walking. If I am a far distance from her, she will crawl most of the way and then stop, get up on her feet unassisted and then walk the rest of the way. It is too late to stop the walking phase and everyone usually encouages her when she starts to walk. She loves the attention!
Maren doesn't have any teeth yet though. She really missed the minced food stage of eating. She handles whole foods really well and eats what we are eating. USUALLY. She must have some tough gums.

Brandon and Devin have spent a lot of time in school last week on the subject of Rememberance Day. Brandon came home one day and asked if Great-Grandpa Selman had any medals. I told him that he probably had service medals but that I wasn't sure. He then said that maybe he could ask to see them. Devin piped up and reminded Brandon that Grandpa wasn't around to ask. He forgot. Brandon suggested that he ask Grandma Selman. The boys were sure exited to see Grandpa's medals on Saturday. We were at the Cenotaph and then went to Selman's for lunch. Brandon asked Grandma if they could see Grandpa's medals. Grandma brought out Grandpa's suit coat and showed the kids (Rebecca's kids too)the medals. I could see it in the kids eyes, that they thought a lot of Grandpa for receiving medals because of the war. We all sure miss him.

2006-11-03T20:42:00.000-07:00

Here are the pictures of the kids on Halloween.
The older boys both dressed up as Indians for the school party and parade. They both went in warmer costumes for the "trick or treat." Aaren's idea of a Crayon was entirely his own. (Even the choosing of the color.) It took a lot of thinking and one trial to create his costume. It turned out well. Cassandra wanted to be a witch -which she never actually was. We have the funniest video of her playing Peek-a-boo in her hair. If I can figure out how to post it, it may arrive before Christmas! Cassandra opted for the warmer lion costume in the evening. Oh, well. Maren never even saw a Halloween costume on Halloween (she was dressed though). She stayed home with dad and handed out treats.
Each of the kids carved their own pumpkin. We have 2 pumpkin carving knives [pieces of bandsaw blades stuck into wooden handles] that Jeff and I made years ago. They are much safer than a knife, so each of the kids carved their own pumpkin.
OK, Cassandra drew her face with a marker and the boys helped her. Aaren had his mouth cut tiny and then he kept carving until I had to stop him because it was getting so big. I found my design on a pumpkin carving website and enjoyed the challenge of getting my pumpkin to look like theirs (without the pattern). Cassandra LOVED playing in the slimy pumpkin seeds. She played for over 15 minutes in the bucket, letting them run through her fingers.
Next year we probably won't be going "trick or treating." There are actually a lot of families here in town that take their kids for dinner and an activity to avoid the sweets. I'd like to start that too.
The candy is dwindling quickly and I will be happy when it is gone. (Maybe the kids will be happier too!!!!!!!)

Get Your Own! | View Slideshow

2006-10-31T12:15:00.000-07:00

Hello Everybody! Just wanted to tell all out there that if you still haven't carved your halloween pumpkin, I found an amazing site that will give you great ideas and patterns if you care to pay for them. We did the pirate "Shiver Me Timbers" pumpkin this year (and no, I did not pay for the pattern!!!!!! ) The site is spookmaster.com. We wish all a safe and Happy Halloween.
I'll send pictures of the pumpkin later!
Kim

2006-10-27T10:55:00.000-06:00

(Grandpa's truck is better than the monkeybars!)

(Walking on the ramps)

(Mom is up on the truck trailer too!)

(Grandpa and the kids)

Grandpa Moxley (and Ian Gainor) stopped by on Thursday. They called to say that they had to pick up a load of vehicles at the border that wouldn't be ready until the next morning. They had time to spare and they wanted to take us out for supper. They took all of us out for Chinese food (buffet) at the new restaurant that opened earlier this week. We had a lot of fun. The kids loved the fish that were swimming in the large tank (in the wall) right by our table. (We will have to get Grandpa to send us those pictures.) Brandon ate an unbelievable amount of ginger beef! The highlight of the evening was being able to walk and play on the car ramps and in the sleeper of Grandpa's truck. None of the kids are afraid of heights apparently! Justin and Heather were also in town and came over. We loved their visit too! The kids got to bed super late (for a school night) but they have memories to last a lifetime.
Thanks for coming Grandpa!!!!!!!

2006-10-24T14:22:00.000-06:00

I think that I need a lot of help or a few basic tutorials for "blogging." I spent way too long the other day trying to finish that one blog! I also wonder how to add other favorite family blogs to my site. Any suggestions anyone? I hope that all were able to see the blog the way I wanted it to be seen. Sorry if it wasn't. Such is the life of the computer illiterate!

2006-10-23T23:37:00.000-06:00

Our family is doing fine.

Maren, our baby, is 9 months next week and nearly walking. She takes a few steps but only when the other kids aren't around. She's a smart girl because if she tries to walk with the kids around, someone usually knocks her over! Maren's hair is also changing to the "Hardy blonde" color!

Cassandra- she's 2 1/2- and still potty training. I really dislike this part of growing up! She attempted to cut her hair the other day. I thought that she hadn't done much damage until I put her hair in a pony tail for church yesterday. I found out where the scissors landed!

Aaren is 4 and a great help at coaching the potty training. Aaren also has a great little smile and a dark patch on the front of his hair right by his cowlick. It makes him so adorable.

Devin loves school. Yes, he is 6 and loves to learn! He wants to be a "motorbike racer" for Halloween. It's a great idea but the costume is the hard part. Devin also loves the Lego. Here is one of his creations.

Brandon turns 9 next month. He will probably be an Indian this year; again. OK, maybe a hunter. He hasn't decided. He is looking forward to the school costume parade. We have been looking at the badges that he can receive in the Cub scout program. He just got two more badges last week. His total is now five!

I am doing good. I keep busy here at home, take the younger kids to the Stay and Play program (where you play with your kids) and serve as a member of the parent council for the Elementary school. I am a counselor in the Primary, in our ward.

Jeff works for the major contractor here in town. That keeps him busy and we never know where he will be next. He likes being outside but sometimes the work is harder and more rigorous than he would like. We really miss the "routine and monotony" of his old job. He is a counsellor in the Young men's Presidency in our ward.

Well now that we have updated you all on our latest, we will wait to hear of yours! We hope that all our family and friends are well and happy. We think of you often.
Love the Hardy's :0)

2006-10-12T13:09:00.000-06:00

The Harvest and canning season is nearly coming to an end. We are almost done all of our tomatoes and will be sad to have to eat "store-bought" tomatoes once our garden fresh ones are gone. I still have some apples to juice and have considered bottling some too, but I may just end up putting the sauce into buckets to freeze- as usual. We have done pickles, corn, salsa, tomatoes, beans, squash, potatoes, peaches, pears, apples, saskatoons, cherry juice, chokecherries and potatoes (we still have to dig a few rows). We plan to help the rest of the family with carrots too. We are certainly grateful for the abundant harvest this year, and for the ability to put up all that we have received! The shelves are filled and I know that we will enjoy the products of our labors over the winter. Here is a look at some of our efforts. Aren't they pretty?

2006-09-26T13:36:00.000-06:00

This my latest attempt at adding a photo to my new Blog! Did it work? Only you can tell! We hope to get a new family picture soon but until then, this is us! Except, a few of us have changed. (Jeff now sports a full mustache and beard, Brandon lost his two front teeth, Maren is months older and Cassandra's hair is getting longer!

2006-09-20T14:08:00.000-06:00

School is back in for Brandon and Devin. Official picture day is Sept. 27. These are pictures of the boys on their first day of school. Both are enjoying their classes and their teachers. Brandon says that Mr. Ralph gives too much Homework though. Devin is surviving the "all day" schedule and likes having two recesses. He asks for three snacks each day though! (He thinks that gym class is recess too.)

2006-09-20T13:56:00.000-06:00

Well I guess that we are finally in. It took a while. I hope to be able to add occasionally and I bet that the more I use it the easier it will get. (Set up was a nightmare)
Thanks Jay for the encouragement. I'm glad that you won't write about our family. I'd be nervous for what you might say.................
Anyway, hope all are doing well. If I can figure out how to add pictures, I will add some too.