Potato Protests and Fast Food Crowns - Letter to the kids

 Dear Sam and girls, 

While you’re out bettering the world in your own unique ways, we’ve simply been holding down the fort. 

I briefly ventured into the realm of fast food and had an interview with McDonald's! They graciously offered me a managerial crown, but with a catch—I had to commit to four full days a week. Apparently, the Golden Arches are too exclusive for teachers who only want a job for 5-20 days. Who knew? Sitting at that table, being interviewed while people dined around me was one of the more humbling moments in my life. But fear not, I've channeled my inner Cinderella, trading the manager's headset for a mop and bucket instead. I've lined up a few jobs for this week, and thankfully, Dad is continuing with much steadier work.

John, Nate, and I got lost with the youth at the Lethbridge corn maze. Finding our way out felt like an accomplishment!

Now, on to Alberta's strike saga. Our premier's suggestion to be "creative" with funds, using potato metaphors no less, inspired 38,000 to converge on the legislature in Edmonton. Picture this: educators, potatoes in hand, and a premier peeping from behind her office curtain.  Later that day, she promised that the teachers would be forcibly returned to classrooms. My reaction? Sign me up for the forced return, please!

And now, for a great surprise: Jessica drove home unexpectedly on Saturday! After losing on Friday and then winning against the Edmonton Kings on Saturday, she called me and said her bags were packed and she was all ready to come home for a day or two. (Uh…green light to that idea!) She surprised Nate, John, Radar, and Grayson, which was quite cute.  Abby and Jess are currently deep in the trenches of midterms, so feel free to send extra prayers their way!

That’s all my news for now! Keep up the good work, stay safe, and remember, this world is one big corn maze—we just need to keep helping each other find the way out.

Much love and potatoes,

Mom

P.S. If you ever miss home, just close your eyes and imagine me trying to manage a McDonald's. That’s got to be good for a couple laughs.

Signs along the way and the healing power of Paisley's muffins - Weekly Letter

 Dear Sam and girls,

This week has been one for the books. I start every message that way. What can I say - we live in exciting times;) 

1. Jessica & Abby the Runaways
On Monday, Jess and Abby betrayed us yet again and returned to Edmonton. To add salt to the wound, Jessica had the audacity to declare she had to "get home” for practice. Excuse me? Silly rabbit, THIS is home. I’ll remind her of that every chance I get. 

2. Long Walks with Radar (and Signs from Heaven… maybe)
I’ve been coping with my own unemployment by taking long, dramatic walks with Radar. This week, we met a blue heron by the bridge. Did you know that this "sensitive species" (not quite endangered) symbolizes patience, self-reliance, wisdom, and good fortune! Uh...ok. It was obviously a sign. Naturally, I cried right there on the trail like some sort of Hallmark movie extra. Was it a sign that better days are ahead… or proof that I’ve lost my mind? Time will tell. 

3. Jessica, our Rookie of the Year
Jess hit it big on Friday—getting PLAYER OF THE GAME against Red Deer! I was so proud (and suffering such extreme FOMO as I watched online) that I drove 3.5 hours north the next day to see her play in Olds. Though I spent the 1st quarter trying to eat my Wendys salad and clap at the same time, I spent the remaining 3 quarters trying to hold back tears. There is nothing sweeter than watching your kids find and create their own happiness. Also, shoutout to Abby, MVP of Sisterhood, for picking Jess up at 1 a.m. like the champ she is. 

4. Paisley + Pumpkin Zucchini Muffins = Heaven
Paisley graced us with her presence this week before attending the temple, muffins in tow—pumpkin zucchini with brown butter icing, no less. I mean… HELLO, Paisley. HELLO, fall. HELLO, heaven! She even helped me pull off a light croissant dinner, which we all enjoyed together, proving once again she is basically part angel. 

5. Dad the Builder
Dad is now two weeks into Blackcard Construction. Gord’s heart surgery went well (thank heavens), but recovery will be slow. In the meantime, we are SO grateful for steady work—rest assured, rent is covered. Abby and Jess, when choosing a man someday, look for one who knows how to work, is willing to learn new skills, and will not falter when handed a scary construction tool. Trust me, it pays off. 

6. Election Madness
By tomorrow night, Cardston will have a shiny new mayor (spoiler: Paula Brown), six new councillors, and two new school trustees. Will chickens be legalized? Will a rec center ever rise from the ashes? Will the promised golf club solve every problem the town has ever had? Big questions, folks. 

7. Nate on the Move
Nate keeps us laughing. His driver’s test is officially booked for November 6. That gives me 18 more days of chauffeuring him to McDonald's, Lethbridge, and work. I plan to savor every French fry-filled trip. Important side note: only 37 days until Elder Hardy’s Alberta homecoming! (In case you weren't counting.) 

8. Finding Peace
I’ll be honest—my heart’s been heavy. Losing political battles stings, and discouragement sneaks in daily. But the scriptures have been my anchor: “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul.” That’s been my balm this week. (Listen to the song attached if you want to etch those words into your heart.)  

Kids, we love you. We trust you. Keep choosing happiness, keep choosing faith, and for heaven’s sake, don’t forget that this messy, muffin-filled, heron-sighting, construction-filled, noisy home - is your home.

Love,
Mom (& Dad, & Radar, who is still offended the blue heron ignored him)

Strikes, Stuffing and Smash battles - Thanksgiving recap

 Dear Kids,

Well, this week has been something else. 

1. The Strike:
The teachers’ strike started Monday, and by Thursday, the government pulled out their “secret weapon”—the dreaded lockout. Translation: they hold the keys, and we’re stuck outside until they say otherwise. Dad and I haven’t felt this vulnerable since Abby was four weeks old and we realized babies don’t come with an instruction manual. (Turns out neither do governments.)

2. Dad’s Fence Adventures:
After four days of trying to line up fencing jobs, Dad called Gord Oliver who was beyond kind and willing to employ Dad for as long as needed. I am beyond grateful I married a man whose skills go beyond the classroom. This strike may have knocked us down, but Dad landed us a lifeline.

3. My Job Hunt:
Meanwhile, I’m testing the waters myself: hospital, A&W, and (deep breath) McDonald’s. I have an interview there later today, but every time I talk about it with one of the kids, I burst into tears. Humbling doesn’t even begin to cover it. Still, I have a plan up my sleeve for a family trip, so I’m trying to keep our earning power afloat. Pray with me that this strike ends yesterday.

4. Hiking Misadventures:
On Thursday, Amanda Shaw and I decided to conquer Upper Rowe Lake to see the golden larches (a.k.a. tamarack, a.k.a. “nature’s fireworks”). The last half hour was pure snowpack/ice and pure terror. We slipped, slid, and basically turned into a two-person avalanche—but at least we laughed hysterically the whole way down. 

5. Decking the Halls:
Friday, Amanda and I helped some elderly volunteers set up the town’s Christmas displays. Look for the Nativity scenes when the lights come on, November 21st—that’s our handiwork. Fingers crossed they don’t blow over in the first chinook.

6. Thanksgiving Bliss:
The best part of the week? Jessica and Abby came home. Thanksgiving became less about the turkey dinners and more about gratitude, which is exactly what we needed. Highlights included:

• Late-night chats.

• Dad bravely battling the flu, one gyoza at a time. ;) 
  

• A Thanksgiving-themed “Dirty Soda” station, here at home.

• Freezer meals and breakfast burritos for the girls.

• A feast fit for kings. (Nate lit the candles with our kitchen blowtorch)

• A cutthroat Smash Bros battle where the loser had to dodge flying eggs, thrown by everyone else. Did I deserve to be the loser? No (Nate!)

• A Waterton trip in the snow.

• Dinner with the Hardy clan (all the cousins!).

• Movies, laughter, and sweet time with the girls and Grayson.

So yes, it’s been a week of tears, prayers, hard knocks, and huge gratitude. Through it all, one truth has held steady: I absolutely love this family of mine.I am thankful for a God that put us together, for a plan that promises comfort and guidance, and for the assurance of heavenly watchful care. I pray that you all feel that in your lives. Dad and I pray for you daily!

Love,
Mom

Subject: The Hardy Weekly Round-Up (With Cookies, Jet Planes, and Soapboxes)

 Dear Kids,

Well, it’s been another week in the Hardy household, and boy do we have updates. Buckle up.

1. Nate the Great (and Almost Political Activist)
Nate battled it out on the volleyball court this week in a quad against Medicine Hat. It was a nail-biter—down to the very last set, losing by just two points. Heartbreak!  

2. Jessica the Jet Setter
Jess decided “school” was a bit too ordinary and took her talents (and her sneakers) to British Columbia with the Ooks. Basketball games, bike rides along the coast, wild jumps into the ocean—I mean, seriously, whose life is this? Next thing we know, she’ll be on the cover of Travel & Leisure.

3. The Adults Go on Strike
Friday was heavy. Dad and I said goodbye to our students, packed up our classrooms, locked our doors, and joined the ranks of the unemployed. The strike starts tomorrow, and no one knows for how long. Word on the street is the government won’t order us back until at least October 27th. In the meantime, they’ve announced they’ll pay $20 million a day to help families with the “inconvenience.” Which, let me say, is funny money that could have funded support for classroom complexities and—oh look, I’ve found my soapbox again. I’ll climb down now.

4. Mom vs. The Flu
After that sad day of work, I promptly came home and collapsed into a flu-ridden heap. Most of the weekend was a blur, though today I can finally keep food down. I had promised “Super Bowl-level snacks” for General Conference, but alas, the offerings looked more like “Sad Potluck Thursday.” At least Elder Brown’s talk swooped in and saved the weekend—it was hands-down the best talk of the whole conference!  Dad (who may not be the dating/romancing type) stepped up as he always does and took care of things when I couldn't. HE EVEN FED RADAR!  Oh, and Nate?  Nate’s cookie skills saved the day. He truly bakes the best cookies in the world. (Medicine)

5. Countdown to Thanksgiving
Big news: Abby and Jess are coming home next weekend! Cue the parade, roll out the red carpet, break out the good chocolate—we are beyond excited.

That’s the Hardy update: sports heartbreak, coastal adventures, strikes, flu germs, and a cookie hero. Life’s a little messy right now, but at least it’s never boring. Oh, and it snowed this morning. Yes, snowed. I’m taking it as a heavenly memo that all will soon be right in the world again. I am praying for all of you that you feel peace and protection where you are. 

Love,
Mom

PS: Nate almost came with me to a teacher rally. He booked work off for it and everything. I was designing my protest sign, but then the flu tackled me before the rally could. Here are some of the things I was considering writing on my sign. Sharing just for kicks;) 

1: "Alberta: #1 in oil, dead last in kids." 

2: "Teachers want pencils, not platitudes." 

3: "Lowest funded in Canada! Congrats, Alberta, you did it!" (With a gold star sticker.) 

4: "If only kids were pipelines..."

5: "Education isn't expensive. Ignorance is." 

6: "Our classrooms are full, but our wallets are empty." (okay, not this one?)

7: "No more bandaid solutions; fix our classrooms!"

8: "Our schools have seen better days - literally, the 80's."

Floating, Firesides and Family - A letter to the kids

 My dear children,

This week has been hard. I’ve felt a sorrow in my bones, and a heaviness in my heart.

We heard the terrible news about Charlie Kirk’s murder. I’ve known of tragedies before, of loss and of suffering, but it has been a long time since a world event has affected me this much. Charlie Kirk (though not a member of our church) was someone who stood for things that matter: for truth, for faith, for courage. He spoke to young people—college students—he challenged them to think, to know the Bible, to respect the Constitution, and to live with conviction. 

Dad and I have both gone down a rabbit hole this week, watching videos of him, feeling inspired by his testimony, and feeling grateful to have light in this dark world. My takeaways this week:

1. Courage matters
   In a world that is growing darker in many ways, courage becomes more and more necessary. Not just loud courage, but quiet courage: living out truth even when it’s unpopular, standing up for what is right even when there is cost. 

2. Faith gives perspective
   When you are on the side of what is good, what is just, what God has called us to, you have to remember that death is not the end. "All death can do to the believer is deliver him to Jesus."

3. Love and humanity, even in conflict
   Sometimes the hardest thing isn’t speaking truth—that can be difficult—but speaking it with love, with respect, with compassion, without bitterness. We can be strong and bold without becoming hateful or cruel.

In other news, I had a rare treat this week — a visit from Grayson AND his little sister, two days in a row! It felt like old times, for a moment, and my heart needed it. (Jess, I did my best to give Grayson as many hypothetical questions as possible.) Thank goodness for the people who wander into our lives at just the right moment to fill the little voids we didn’t even realize were gaping.

Nate is officially floating with the varsity volleyball team. They did great — and Nate’s been “floating” like it’s his part-time job.

Today, John and I headed over to Raymond for a big Rausch family dinner at the Arcus’ house. Picture lots of food, lots of stories, and lots of people talking over each other (yes, it’s our brand). It was great to reconnect with my family.

We also attended our first Moroni’s Quest Fireside in preparation for Quest this summer. I’m genuinely excited to go this year as the bishop’s wife. (It’s wild to think back to past Quests and remember all that “load”… now I get to shoulder it with a little more experience and a lot more gratitude.)

Love you three like crazy,
Mom

Abby shared this picture of her week. Her and her friends attended Comic-Con in the city. 

Abby is so good at the costumes. I just love her!

Crosses to Bear, Urine to Spare, and Other Family Updates

This week has been a bit of a blur as Dad, Nate, and I adjusted to the new school rhythm. I’m tackling large class sizes (107 students over four classes) without an EA, which means I’ve been hopping around like a caffeinated rabbit. Dad, on the other hand, is basically living the teacher dream—one spare, one class with only three students, one physics 30 class, and a student teacher covering his other class. (Though, let’s be real, letting a student teacher “do his thing” is its own kind of trial for Dad.) Add volleyball season to the mix, and he’s carrying his cross. We all are. ;)

Speaking of challenges, Nate is learning the art of living solo. I love him. I admire him. He’s poured his heart into the grey car, and I think it’s safe to say he and that car will be very happy together. Volleyball kicked off this week, too—Dad coaching, Nate playing, and even floating with the Varsity team. He’s doing his best to keep busy and, in true Nate fashion, involve me in his life. Case in point: the day he hand-delivered me a cup of his own urine. Why? No explanation. Just… a gift of sorts. 

Life at home looks a little different now. The house is cleaner, my makeup hasn’t gone missing once since Jess left, and we’re all tucked into bed by 10:30. But, oh, how we miss you three. The quiet lingers as a constant reminder that our family isn’t quite complete without all of you.

Love you more than clean counters and full makeup bags,
Mom