Christmas Adam, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day

We knew that Christmas would be a little bit different without Sam and Abby, but we were determined to maintain as many traditions as we could. We did manage to embrace a few surprising twists and changes. 

First, we gathered with my family on Dec 22nd for a quick supper together (bacon and tomato sandwiches, soups, etc) and gingerbread house making. Nate first made a Nativity scene, which I thought was awesome. Then, he took another stab at it, which he called "Bears Gym." Picture a bunch of gummy bears working out in a gingerbread weight room. Good grief!

Christmas Eve was spent with John's Dad and his sister and her family. The Stevens family always bring yummy food and fun, when they come. My family usually insist on doing Christmas Eve alone, but this year we were glad to have the extra company, filling spaces around our table. 

Christmas day was spent eating breakfast pizza, living in our jammies, playing games, AND....something new...jumping in the icy cold waters of Waterton Lakes National Park! 

That's right, our very first Polar Dip!  

Born out of the need to do something different this year, we decided to channel our inner "Wim Hoff" and give it a try. It actually felt really good (after the fact) and was definitely memorable. 

You saw it here first- the birth of a new Christmas tradition. 

Most importantly, it would not have been Christmas without hearing from our two missionaries. 

We spoke with each of them individually and then for a few minutes, we were able to catch them both together. 

How grateful I am for their services, for their daily reminders to us of the Savior, His atonement and Gospel, and for the real reason for this Christmas season. 

 

Life with Two Missionaries - A December update

It's been an exciting couple of months as we have adjusted to life with two missionaries. 

I live for Sunday evening and Monday evening, when I get to hear from both Sora Hardy and Elder Hardy, respectively. For the most part, they both seem to be doing well and I am so grateful for that! 

Sam's mission companion is Elder Assissi, who is from Tonga. Sam speaks highly of him and seems to really admire him. I have been grateful for sisters in Sam's ward who send me pictures and updates of Sam when he visits their homes. What a nice thing to do! I've gotten a few texts now, and each one is like mana from heaven! Sam is currently serving in Yuma, AZ, which is right near the Mexico border. Sam said that there is a "wall" erected in the town to keep illegal immigrants away from the line. He says that that the people there are very kind and that he is well taken care of. His mission president is President Michael Phelps. He and his wife seem to be amazing people. 

Sora Hardy has been transferred to Iasi (pronounced Yosh), and she seems to be adjusting to the change. She has noticed some new challenges and has seemed worried that her motivation is dwindling, as a result of those difficulties. Romania is a difficult country to serve in. There isn't a stake in the entire country, which tells you how established the church is there. Abby has a lot of faith and so much to offer. Every day I pray that she will feel comfortable with the hard parts and that she will see the potential in herself that I know her Father in Heaven sees. She is so very capable. 

Here at home, we are just trying to keep up with our missionary people. 

Jessica had an entry in the school art show. As a "foods" student, she made a gingerbread house/"UP" recreation and that was entered as a piece in the show. Jessica showed up long enough to let me take her picture and then she was out of there!

I completed a six week practicum in Mountain View, Alberta. 

I was more difficult than I could ever convey, but I was grateful to be placed in a school with supportive staff and leadership. It's a charming little place, with excellent students, a remarkable AG program, and a beautiful view of Chief Mountain, just outside my classroom window.  A large part of my practicum was spent watching the students and staff prepare for the Christmas concert/play titled "A Pirate's Christmas." 

It was a great way to kick off a Christmas break!

Tempe Bound!

Well, it finally happened. 

The family event that we had been anticipating for months, came and went, and it was every bit as hard as I expected it would be. 

On November 19th, Sam was set apart as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We had Brent and Rachel over for dinner, and then President Ferguson came over later that evening to make it official. For a little over a week, we enjoyed having Sam home, as a missionary, while he experienced home MTC. Because of American thanksgiving, Sam was given an extra day off, during his week, which seemed difficult for Sam. He definitely preferred to be kept busy. 

On Sunday November 26th, Sam spoke in the 5th ward and gave a phenomenal talk about sacrifice. I was incredibly proud of him and touched by his testimony. He had grown SO much over that initial week as a missionary, it was hard to deny that this mission would be amazing for him. 

We had a small luncheon afterwards for family and friends. 

It was a wonderful day, celebrating this remarkable man. 

On Tuesday November 28th, we loaded Sam and his three suitcases into the truck and headed for the Calgary airport. There was a tangible knot in the pit of my stomach, one that I had not felt since we dropped off Abby, months before. It hurt my heart to consider the nervousness Sam surely felt. He didn't express that much, but I saw little signs. He hadn't slept much that night before. There was now an eagerness and concern to get to the airport in time. When we stopped to grab breakfast, he ordered something to eat, but never did take a bite. He reassured me several times to just have confidence in him. 

Yes, he was nervous, but was determined to be brave. 

I wish I could have adequately conveyed to him that I felt completely confident in him, I just didn't know what life would look like for us- without him! I was sad. So very sad. 

When the time came for us to say our goodbyes, Sam pulled us all into a family huddle and told us all that he felt very calm. He expressed that he wasn't afraid, in that moment. Then he looked at us all, said, "Well, I'm going to go figure this all out," and he walked away. 

He didn't look back. 

He didn't turn and wave again.

He moved ahead, through the line, and after awhile - out of sight. 

My heart skipped a beat or two as we walked out of that airport, in the moment. Half of my family gone on missions. Jess and Nate had heavy hearts too, I could tell. When we reached the parkade, we found a note he had written John and I, resting on the drivers seat. We would later find that he had thoughtfully left a note and gift for Nate and Jess, at home. 

Nothing like personal gifts to get the tears flowing again. 

It took a few days to adjust to a home without Sam in it. 

A week later, we were thrilled to finally get to hear from him. 

That first messenger call will forever be one of my favorite memories of Sam's mission. What a relief to see a smile on the other end of the conversation, to hear confidence in Sam's voice, and to witness even more growth. He is changing, right before our eyes!

Sam's first companion was Elder Thedell, and Sam really hit it off with him. I was grateful for this friendship right out of the gate as I am sure that made a big difference for Sam in those first days of the mission. He would often report that his MTC district had gotten really close and that there were friends he'd made there that he will always be grateful for. 

So, that is that. 

Elder Hardy is taking on Tempe, AZ and is off to a great start!

 

And so it begins... {Basketball}

The kids are a month into a new sport season and both Jessica and Nate seem to be enjoying basketball, yet again. This year, Uncle Kendall is Nate's coach. Nate has had a few opportunities to learn how to be a better leader, and for that I am grateful. He also got to play in a tournament that his cousin Deacon was also playing in! Jessica is playing on the varsity team this year and seems to be enjoying it a lot.  It is SO much nicer having only two kids playing. John and I can actually make it to their games to watch!

John has been in heaven, making it to as many of the kids' games as possible, filming every minute of their time on the floor. I think he likes' not being tied down to his own volleyball team and the coach in him loves being able to consult with the kids after every game.  Coach Hardy, always and forever;)

The Day we almost caught the first snowfall

Every fall, when the days start to shorten and the leaves have almost all fallen, Jessica and I begin watching the sky...and the forecast. 

We have had a couple of lucky experiences together, driving the Waterton to Glacier highway, searching for and catching the first snowflakes of the year. It's a little bit magical to get up to higher elevations (when you know snow is coming your way) and meet winter where it is at. 

This year, we had the same goal. 

We waited for a day when both the forecast called for snow and Jessica's schedule permitted a drive and we crossed the border, hopefully that we would, once again, find fresh falling flakes along the way. 

Unfortunately, just as we passed into the US, the clouds parted and the sun began shining. Our hopes of finding snow were diminished, but we did find a lot to feel joyful about. (This larch tree, for example!)

Wouldn't you know it, later that evening, the snow did begin to fall. We were just a few hours late in our attempt. Snowfall or not, I'll never turn down a chance to enjoy a drive with Jessica. 

 

The fall that just kept on

For years to come, I will remember Sept and Oct 2023 as the most perfect autumn months we've ever seen. I mean, truly perfect!

What a treat it was to enjoy the fall colors clear through to November, almost. 

We got extra time in our backyard and I even managed to squeeze in a fall photo shoot with family.

Sam spent the month working for Blackcard Construction. He learned a lot from Gord Oliver and his crew and got to develop some new skills. In his off time (when he wasn't at work or at the temple) he plugged away on mission prep.  I think his bags were loosely paced early in October!

October definitely consisted of a lot of Volleyball. 

Nathan's team took first in zones, bringing home the banner. I was proud of Nate. He was a great player!

Jessica really played well too. She had a great team that she loved playing with and got to attend her first LSL tournament, which the kids always seem to enjoy. 

I see that I included a repeat photo of Sam in this collage. That's okay. It just gives us another opportunity to admire what a hard worker he is. In other news- October marks the month in which I retired from work as an Educational Assistant. I started as an EA back in 2015 and for the past several years have been at the Cardston High School. I had to end my employment as it is time to shift gears and focus on my student teaching practicums that will last from now until the end of April. It has been a fun, hard, rewarding, stretching opportunity to work at CHS. I will miss it very much. 

These picture of our home gym don't really belong at this point in our journal/recap as it wasn't really established until Sam left for his mission, but alas - here it is. Maybe I'll circle back to this and explain it in a later entry, but just know that when Sam left, I grieved by turning our now spare room into a gym, sauna and all. (Workout therapy is better than retail therapy, I hear.)

The High School's Sadie's dance came and went, this past fall. Jessica and Grayson have an ongoing joke that Jessica (who is a few months older than Grayson) is his cougar." When it came time for Jess to invite Grayson to the dance, it only made sense that she would play on that joke. So, Jess had Nate and Merick (Grayson's brother) dress up in the school cougar costumes and deliver an invite to Grayson while he helped score keep Jessica's game. Well, those two brothers did such a good job at it, that when it came time for Grayson to respond, he drew on them for assistance again. 

Would you know- after all of this effort, inviting and replying, these two little turkeys ended up not even going to the dance! Sillies!

Halloween was fun, if you like rushed days, frantic searches for costumes, unpredictable birthday celebrations and late nights. Nate and John ended up being the only two to dress up. I'll admit, I felt a little useless having to help only two family members. Thankfully, Radar complied and allowed me to get him a Halloween costume as well. 

John turned 48, on this day, and celebrated in the usual chaotic way - snarfing down ghost cake amidst the ringing of the doorbell. John actually seems to really enjoy handing out candy to the trick or treaters. He's always a lot of fun to watch. Jess and Grayson took a few turns of it too. 

And finally...my missionary. Oh how I love this girl. 

I love her updates, her smile, and her willing heart. 

I pray that she will continue to learn and grow as she serves the people of Romania. 

That time we almost spent Thanksgiving alone.

In keeping with the theme for this year, John and I found ourselves spending a large part of our thanksgiving weekend- alone. Sam and Jess were both still working long hours and Nate had a newfound autumn schedule of his own. Determined not to let the stunning fall weather pass us by, John and I both resolved to make the best of it and visit both Waterton and Glacier, over the span of two days. 

While in Waterton, we walked the trails around the Prince of Whales Hotel. We had Radar with us and couldn't go far, but it was fun to see these shades throughout the park.

Glacier National Park was a lot of fun to visit, in part because it had been years since we had really ventured into the park. Not since COVID had we thought to brave the crowds and the difficult permit/ticket process for entrance. We learned that the requirement to have a day permit had ended the weekend before. That, combined with the great forecast, convinced us that this was the perfect time to head a few minutes south and reconnect with a place we used to come often. 

The day could not have been more lovely!

We drove the Going to the Sun Road, checked out Sunrift Gorge, walked to Baring Falls, lunched at Lunch Creek, and hiked a portion of the Garden Wall Trail. In short, we tried to squeeze in every part of the park we've always loved. We didn't have the kids with us, this time, but we carried memories of hikes past and laughed about some of those as we walked. 

Oh, Glacier was good to us, this day!

On day three of our Thanksgiving break, I simply stayed close to home, walking Radar along the nature trail close to our house. I was equally in awe and filled with gratitude that this autumn season had treated us so kindly. What a beautiful world we live in! 

Of course, it wouldn't be Thanksgiving, without a dinner with family. Thankfully, John and I didn't spend the entire weekend alone, enjoying nature. We did mange to gather for a turkey dinner, or two, with those we love most!

Turkey, stuffing, and all the trimmings? 

It was the perfect way to end a stunning weekend!

 

What September brought us...

Oh so much to catch up on, from September. 

For starters, Abby got a new Mission President. His wife does an amazing job posting pictures of "their missonaries" and I always love catching a glimpse of Abby. Abby also conquered one fo the mountains that she has been determined to climb over there. I forget the name, but it took her and her companion friends two attempts. Yay!

On Labor Day weekend, we resolved to try cliff jumping at Castle Falls. We'd heard that it was a good spot to go and we weren't disappointed. Mind you, it was raining on us most of the time, but we had hot dogs (cooked over a fire), good cliffs, and my family was together for the first time in months. 

I won't ever complain about that! What a beautiful place!

September brought us a return to routine. 

The kids started school. We looked forward to Sunday chats with Abby. Jessica and I stole away one day for a walk to Blackiston Falls, and we got to see the northern lights out our front window. 

September also brought the end of Sam and Paisley's relationship. They broke up so that Sam could focus on mission preparation. I know that this was hard for Sam. It was hard for us to watch him go through it. He is such an intentional and deliberate young man, though. I really admire him. 

Jessica and Nate started their volleyball seasons. 

They're both exceptional players and we love watching them!

Finally, September brought us one of the most spectacular autumn seasons that I think I have enjoyed in a long time. It lasted for weeks and weeks. The colors were grand. The daily walks were inspiring and the season, as a whole, left me completely filled up with love and gratitude for this beautiful world that is ours to learn and grow in.

September brought me reminders that God is so, so good.

 

August - Chickens, Temples, Barbie and more...

What would an August recap be without an update from our missionary in Romania!

She sent home tons of photos and appeared to be happy and loving life. 

I know that each mission carries with it challenges and trials, but Abby has met each experience with excitement and positivity. For that, I am so proud of her. 

          We attended the rodeo during Heritage week, and I actually think I spent so much time at the agridome that my body responded to the hay, or something in the air. I had itchy eyes for days after!                         It was fun to be there though and watch an evening concert with Trevor Panczak. One of his band members is Paisley's dad. (Paisley and Sam have been dating since February.)

The garden really took off this year. I could not have asked for a better crop/growing season. 

Of course, I wish that I had been home more to enjoy it, but still. It was lovely.

I will never forget how, during my busiest times with school, I would sometimes steal outside early in the morning and just snack on a raspberry or two, before the day really got going. 

It was a summer for simple pleasures, that is for sure. 

Nate participated in a couple of basketball camps.

Sam really thrived at work in Waterton. (He cleaned campgrounds and worked in the visitor center.)

Jessica spent a lot of days at work and with her boyfriend Grayson. In her spare time, she soaked up the sun!

We celebrated Sam's 18th birthday, in Augst!

John, Sam, Jess and Nate hiked Vimy together and then they returned home in time for us to enjoy a Chinese food dinner. 

As soon as we were done, Sam loaded up and headed to Stirling to see Paisley. He ended up camping in the Stirling campground that night. I got a kick out of these pictures that Paisley sent me. 

John and I have had to adjust our expectations this summer. It has been less common for the kids to have time to do things, and John and I have both resolved to keep doing the things that we have always done. Kids or no kids. 

I will admit, we definitely enjoy the kids' company, but we were blessed with occasional moments of beauty, to remind us that growing old isn't all bad. This particular evening in Waterton was just such a moment. Clear, windless skies, still waters, beautiful sunsets. 

It was all just too perfect. 

We got one evening down in Claresholm. 

We gathered for brisket dinner at Chad's place and were introduced to the newest members of his family. 

Like, could those little chickens be any cuter? 

Sam entered the temple and took out his personal endowments, back in August. It was a special thing to be able to attend a session with him and I was so very grateful for that privilege. 

Sam is growing into an amazing young man and I just can't believe how he is changing, right before our eyes. He served as a temple worker for a couple of months, until he entered the mission field. 

His service in the temple inspired John and I to attend more often. 

At the end of August, Jessica took part in a skills camp at NAIT, working with other potential college ball athletes. For three days she trained and played. She said she enjoyed the experience but felt inadequate most of the time. I would give anything to have the skills this girl has. I never know what to say to her in those moments when her confidence is rattled, but I was so very proud of her for going and trying!

While Jessica played ball, Nate and I kept ourselves busy shopping, bowling, walking around the legislature grounds, and going to the Barbie movie. I think that Nate has decided it is not much fun, travelling with mom. I enjoyed it though;)