July - School, Family, Camping, and...the Call!

 

This pot is going to contain one MASSIVE recap.  

July 2023 was one for the books!

Abby is well into her 2nd transfer in Romania. She is happy, full of life and excited to be serving. 

We get to hear from her most Sunday nights (her Monday mornings) and we always look forward to that. 

Sam received his mission call early in July. It was humbling to watch him receive his call to serve in Tempe Arizona, starting on November 20th. Sam has so much grit and determination, and I think he would be the first to admit that his original hope had been to serve somewhere foreign, where he could learn a language. When I heard him read his call, however, I had a distinct, confirming feeling that God has a great plan for this young man. Oh, I am oh so proud of him!

For months and months, I had noticed our toilet (in our ensuite) was looking a little slanted. I'd mention it to John every now and then, but it never really garnered much concern. One July morning though, I had had enough and I begged John to just pull up the floor and make sure things were okay.  You know, just to put my mind at ease;)

Long story short. Things were not okay. Floorboards were rotten. A massive hole was made. Repair man was called. A big bill was paid. 

A week later - hopefully all was fixed. Sigh....

I spent two weeks in Calgary, early in July, finishing my last semester of summer school! 

I started this education journey in 2019 and since then, each summer has been spent, at least in part, with school work. I am SO happy that this is the last summer in Calgary. 

I tried to enjoy it, as best as I could. 

I attended the Calgary Stampede with my sister in law, Sarah. We tried dill pickle cookies with spicy Cheetoh frosting, ketchup & mustard flavoured ice cream, and peanut butter, pickle wrapped hotdogs. 

All interesting...one time...tries;)

My friend and schoolmate (Kasey) and I rented a VRBO during our time in Calgary. We attended the temple together, went on evening walks, spent hours doing homework and pretty much stuck together during the whole ordeal. I was grateful to have a friend! I also LOVED running into my niece Ella, who was on campus working as an FSY counsellor that same week too. 

When I arrived home, there was already a Hardy Party going on, as John's brother Jordan and his family were up visiting from Utah. We enjoyed days in Waterton, doing all of the things we always do when family comes to town. (Perhaps they get bored of the same ol' stuff?)

I know I don't!

After our family went home, John and I packed up our camping gear and headed out to Waterton for a two night stint of camping. Unlike years past, none of our kids could easily join us. It isn't easy securing spots now though, so when you manage to snag some, you stick to the plan, you know? 

John and I camped alone the first night, hiked to bertha falls, fished a little and just relaxed. 

On day two, Jessica and Nate actually made my day and came out to join us! We had a taco dinner, sampled all of the flavors of pie (from Welches) and had smores before bed. Sam was even able to join us after his shift. Then he and radar went back to town for the night. 

John, Jess, Nate and I resolved to wake up as early as possible to hike up Bears Hump and watch the sun rise. We set our phone alarm for 4:30 am. I'll admit, I wasn't entirely sure we would want to see this plan through, but when we awoke the next am to a perfectly still, calm black sky, I knew I wouldn't regret it. 

So...off we went. It was probably 4:50 am by the time we started climbing. It was such a cool experience to walk the trail without actually seeing the trail. We could hear rocks sliding around us, but couldn't see them. We reached the top, just as a crack of light began peaking over the horizon. We had a lot of fun taking pictures as we watched it rise higher and higher into the morning sky. 

It really was an experience we were all glad to have had and the perfect way to wrap up a really remarkable month!

Ploiesti, Romania

The following pictures were sent to us by Abby and show her first transfer. 

It has brought us so much joy to know that she is well, and happy, and finding purpose each day. 

God is good!

Father's Day

For Father's Day this year, I had excitedly purchased him a portable tub for ice bathing. I could not wait to give it to him, certain that he would be able to take his hobby (ice bathing) to new heights, thanks to my intuitive gift giving. Little did I know that he wouldn't actually like the gift. (Something about sitting in it and getting stuck, made it less enticing to him. Go figure!)

But hey, at least Jess showed up with a snazzy dazzy candy card like no other!

We sure love ya!

 

Sam's Grad Weekend

Grad weekend is always a busy time. 

Sports are wrapping up. 

School work is piling up. 

Finals loom. 

And yet...it is always important to pause for a bit and just celebrate the accomplishment that is these young people. I LOVE that Sam and his cousin Brooke have gotten to walk this journey through school together. What good friends they have become!

Jewel and I got to serve on the decorating committee. What a joy that was! haha. 

I think we started at 9 am the morning of and finished around 4 pm that day.  We had just enough time to get home and change before the banquet!

Sam's graduation celebration lasted the span of two days, with his banquet being one day and the ceremony (cap and gown) being another. It was fun to watch Sam and his friends. 

His girlfriend, Paisley came to support him, which was a lot of fun, too. 

There is always so much relief, happiness and possibility in the air. it's palpable!