Family Day Week

Family Day is one of my most loved holidays as it usually kicks off a week long break from school. 

Part way through February, with spring on the horizon, I'm usually feeling antsy and ready for some down time. This year was no exception. 

With just Jess and Nate at home, I tried to be extra intentional about how we spent this time. We weren't travelling anywhere exotic, which is always a hard pill to swallow, so the challenge was to find a way to still make it a great break for the kids. 

There are only so many walks along the Beazer road that we can do. Somehow, Jess acts like she loves it, every time. 

We had the Sister Missionaries over for dinner, one evening. I'm trying to be better at having the missionaries over, as that is exactly what I am hoping others are doing for my kids. 

This was actually a really lovely evening. 

Jess turned 17 during the break and I desperately wanted to make it a momentous event, so part way through the week, we planned an impromptu road trip to Kalispell. The goal - birthday dinner at HuHot! 

Of course, we went early enough to -

....do a little bit of shopping....

...have lunch at Chic Filet...

...shop some more...

and finally, gather for our celebratory supper at Jess' favorite American restaurant. 

This moment was to be the climax of our trip, the piece de resistance, our very reason for travelling down here. Imagine my dissapointment, when after spending the day waiting...WAITING for this moment, we arrived at HuHot to learn that they were closed for the day, due to unforeseen circumstances. 

WHAT?!!!!

If I had been in a better frame of mind, we would have just found the next best place to go eat and continued celebrating. Instead, I cried, while the family took a vote. Everyone was tired and bored, and a little bit deflated about all that Kalispell did not have to offer us that week, so the choice was made to just head home, which we did. We got back to town around 8:00 pm, got Ming's take-out and watched a movie.  

How's that for an epic birthday celebration? 

A few days later, Jess received this package from Sam, which made up for my lack-luster efforts.

 She'd been missing her older siblings a ton, so it was the perfect birthday week surprise. 

I started the year determined to accomplish the Iron Bear Challenge, which requires that you hike Bears Hump (in Waterton) every month of the year. I set my heart on this, because there was nothing I wanted more than to be able to wear the T-shirt that is awarded only to successful hikers. 

It was an icy hike up, which made for slippery ride down, but the view at the top was stunning.

 It was no trip to Mexico, but overall, I feel satisfied that we tried our best to enjoy this time off together. 

Let the countdown to summer begin!

Letter to Sora and Elder Hardy

 Sora Hardy and Elder Hardy- it's been an entertaining week, to say the least. I'll try to update you quickly because I know that your time matters:

Dad- continues to balance work/bishop life remarkably well. It is almost as though God has been building his stamina and preparing him for this very time in his life. The Bible phrase "for such a time as this" (Esther 4:14) comes to me often when I think of Dad. 

Jessica- came down with the flu from "H-E-Double Hockey Sticks" this week. I don't think I have ever seen one of you as weak as she was. I woke up around 3:30 am on Tuesday am to the sound of her puking, only to find out that she'd already puked 16 times before that. It was so bad that she'd moved a pillow and blanket into the bathtub and tried to sleep there. Around 6 am she tried going downstairs and literally couldn't make it. She passed out, right there on one of the middle steps, eventually coming to and moving back up to my bed. It was hard to watch her be so unwell. She tried her best to recover during the week and on Thursday she left for a 3-day tournament (Western Canada) in Calgary. They lost their games on Thursday and Friday thankfully, the girls won their last match AND Jess got "Player of the Game," so ...her week ended better than it started!  

Nate-  This guy cracks me up. He joined the Junior High this past week on a ski trip. I'm amazed at how you all can go months and years without skiing and then just go pick it up like it's no big deal. Sam, you would be proud of how diligent he is with his working out. He hates missing a day and has yet to be thrown out of the Blue & White Fitness Center. So far, so good. He had a party here last night (Friday night) and within minutes of everyone arriving, they had the razor out and were taking turns BUZZING Nate's head! John and I were up in our room, watching a movie, when a bunch of Nate's friends came knocking on the door asking us to come fix him. He no longer looks like Flynn Rider, and instead resembles a cross between Zac Low & Ryan Zemp. I actually think it looks really good! Nate and I got up at 5 am this morning and went to Calgary to watch Jessica's final game. (Nate drove the whole time!) It was cute to see Jess smile when we walked into the gym. She and her teammates were just really digging Nate's cut.

Me- I turned in my LAST assignment and attended my last Zoom class EVER this week. It was thrilling to consider that 4.5 years of assignments have come to an end. The only thing I have left to do is an 8-week practicum. Still a challenge that scares me, but it felt good to see an end in sight. 

Other News-

-Lucy Nunn's farewell is tomorrow. Nate, Jess, and I will attend their meeting to hear her speak, and then they invited us to stay for the luncheon. 

-We are also cooking up a storm, prepping a lot of food to take to the Stevens' to eat while watching the Superbowl. Basically, we will all be 10 pounds heavier when we talk with you next. 

- I am getting ready to FILE taxes! (One of my favorite times of the year!) Hopefully, your T4 slips all make it here. Abby- It may help if you message your former roomies and ask them to bring any of your mail to me!

-Radar and I have been enjoying the progress that Blackcard Construction is making on the new condos they are building in town. You will be happy to know that Radar's hair is thankfully growing back!

Okay, this letter ran long. I hope you were able to read it all! Tell me if you want me to go back to the old method of weekly updates. 

We love you so much. We think of you several times throughout every day. We pray for you morning and night, and every time we eat - (AKA...constantly!) We are SO proud of you and SO thankful for all that you teach us!

Here if you need me, 

Mom 

Letter to My Missionaries

Sora Hardy and Elder Hardy,

I hope that you both are well. It has been an interesting week here as Dad and Jess started a new semester. They've both got full loads this time around, but thankfully there are many extensive breaks this term that will hopefully soften the blow. 

I don't know if we experiencing side effects of El Nino or Global Warming, but it has been unseasonably warm and dry. Aside from the week of -40 degrees we had recently, it has been a mild winter. This past week, Nate broke out the moped and started taking that to and from school. Who drives a moped in February? It's been good for him to be able to use it. Radar has been in heaven, getting to go on longer walks and enjoying all the muddy places. Birds are out and flowers are budding out of the unfrozen ground. No joke. Last week we had a day when it was 15 degrees and people were wearing T-shirts and shorts. You would think it was spring already! It's a little concerning actually as water tables are low and everybody worries that farmers and ranchers won't have enough moisture when they need it this spring and summer. It rained all day today and another winter storm is supposed to roll through tonight, so hopefully that helps. 

Dad performed his first civil marriage today. He was a little bit excited about that and did a phenomenal job!

Jessica had a tournament in Calgary this weekend and brought home the Tournament MVP award. (Yay, Jess!) On Wednesday, there was no school so Jessica and I headed out to Waterton. The Kilmorey Lodge has introduced a year-long challenge called "The IronBear Challenge." Those who join the challenge have to climb Bear's Hump every month for 12 months and post pictures on the Kilmorey Facebook page as proof. Once you have completed your 12 consecutive hikes- you get a T-shirt. Jess and I are all in and hiked Month #1 on the last day of January. After the hike, Jess took an unintentional dip in Emerald Bay, which we will gracefully call "another polar dip." Even in Waterton, the snow levels are low and the grass is turning green. 

I'll sign off now and leave you a few pictures. We think of you both every day. I know you hear me say that often, but we do. I am teaching Nate's Sunday School class tomorrow and we will be discussing 1 Nephi 16-18. It's past midnight (Jess is late again) and here I am crying as I read about Nephi and the challenges that he faced as he and his family obeyed the Lord. I know that our lives are full of hard feelings and hard moments, but God has promised to help us and guide us and He always keeps His promises. (1 Nephi 17:13).  WE LOVE YOU!!!  

Here if you need me,

Mom

 

Pranks, Allowance, and more

This past week has brought final exams for Jessica. She has set up shop at our kitchen table, that is now covered in stacks and piles of study notes. It’s okay though, we have grown accustomed to eating on the floor.

Grayson has joined her for a few study sessions this week. They obviously squeeze in a moment to take care of Nathan’s room. They are a thoughtful couple.

Nate is broke. He has a balance of $4 in his account and most places don’t seem to be hiring right now. Jessica snapped this first picture during our most recent heart to heart, which involved Nate making all sorts of promises for an allowance of $75. (haha) He’s on the brink of new independence. All he needs is a job and good weather for moped driving. 

Vivian was baptized yesterday. It was a great service. Dad officiated, which was sweet. It’s moments like this when the absence of Abby and Sam is especially noticed but it was still nice to be together.

After the baptism, Jess and Nate rushed into Lethbridge for an afternoon of shopping (hence the cash advance) and came home with supplies for Jessica’s fish tank and a gift for Lexi Shaw. Sigh…

I met up with a former student, this past week and took her out for lunch. I worked with Raquel five years ago and it was her (and a group of six others) who made me want to go back to school to become a teacher. It was really fun to catch up with her and hear how she is doing and see how she has grown and changed. 

 

A cold snap and the best sandwich ever!

The cold snap that engulfed Alberta last week, continued into Sunday. We all enjoyed a Friday off of school and on Sunday- church was cancelled too!  Dad gave the sacrament meeting talk and then I led the family in a Sunday School lesson. (1st Nephi 1-5)  It’s been a harsh and bitterly cold week, but it has been nice to circle the wagons (so to speak) and hunker down. #covidvibes

The cold snap continued this week, but this past weekend brought some warmth. It was almost magical, getting to take radar for a walk again. I could hear the sound of melting snow and little birds out in the sun.

Aren’t we lucky to have seasons?!

You guys, I did it. I finally made the most delicious sandwich ever. John said it was “restaurant good.” And…it was. Here’s what you do:

1: Toast a yummy kind of bun. Chef’s choice.

2: Spread a layer of Herb and Garlic seasoned cream cheese.

3: Place a layer of ham, a layer of pastrami, on a bun. Add pickles and a slice of tomato. 

4:Put a pile of brown sugared onions on, and place cheese on top of that. 

5: Add lettuce and your top bun. 

CHEF’S KISS!

Nate and Jessica both had basketball tournaments this weekend. Neither of them won but it's fun to watch them both work hard.

As you can see, Nate continues to make us extra proud.

We got an email from the Wolff's, who are down in Arizona. (Lucky snowbirds!) Apparently they are in YUMA and heard Sam speak in sacrament meeting. How fun to get this picture and a note about how well Sam is doing. I am just so proud of the guy!

Last Monday, he reached out (PD chat) to inquire about what he should do about a pain he had in his leg. He began to wonder if it was a blood clot again, as symptoms seemed similar to his experience a year ago. After some phone calls to our insurance company, he was advised to go in. Thankfully, he did go in, because it turned out that it was a series of blood clots in his leg.

He was immediately given blood thinners and began a course of treatment. I am just so grateful that he was able to get this taken care of. It was pricey, but I am hoping to be reimbursed by our travel insurance. And really, nothing matters more than his being safe. I keep reminding myself of that. 

I feel sorry when I think of this Factor 5 condition that will always be a part of his life, but I know and trust that he is capable of managing it safely throughout his whole life. 

I am in awe that Sam's mission call was to a place that would be able to address his need so quickly and efficiently. I am grateful that we are still in the same time zone so that we could talk together throughout that day at the hospital. I am just so thankful that Sam listened to the feelings of concern that he had.

I am so grateful to God and his loving, protective care over my family!

Barbed Wire fences and Arctic Temps

First things first, the car! Jessica and I had an experience this past week, while driving home from Calgary that was quire scary. At one point, Jessica, who was driving, hit a patchy strip of ice and lost control of the vehicle. At first, things seemed manageable, but as Jess tried to remedy the situation, we found ourselves fishtailing and almost spinning down Highway 2. Eventually, w did hit the ditch and came to a crashing stop when we landed in a farmer's barb wire fence. The fence was toast, it's post wedged between our door and front fender. Luckily, I could untangle the stray strands of barb wire and was able to back us out, around the broken post and up onto the road again. We continued (slowly) home, feeling very thankful for how things turned out.

Our local mechanic was willing to just bend the front fender back into shape, just enough to allow us to open the driver door. Worked like a charm and only cost $160! 

We also asked him to look at the muffler system. Apparently a certain (beloved) missionary of ours cruised over a massive pothole before leaving which has caused the car to sound like a combine ever since. It’s all well. The part has been ordered and soon, that too will be fixed.

It is much too tiny to sound so loud.

John seems happy and fulfilled as he adjusts to this new role. 

It was well after midnight, on Monday night, before he came home from a meeting! He didn't seem exhausted though, rather he seemed enthused and inspired. John would deny this, but I think “meetings” are his love language. 

Maybe it is just that he finds joy in serving. At any rate - he seems happy.

You know that wonderfully mild winter we have been having?  It’s gone. 

This week we have been braving arctic temps, with nighttime lows and windchills reaching -46 degrees celsius! 

Radar won’t go outside to pee. 

When I try to walk him, even just for a minute or two, he HOPS! Haha.

School and all sporting events have been cancelled for today (Friday) and it is expected that things will start improving on Monday. Yikes!

Last night, or rather this morning, seeing as it was 1 am, Jessica and I decided to take advantage of the -46 degree temp and see how quickly we could freeze our hair. We quickly ran our hair under the faucet and raced outside where we bent over, upside down, only long enough to allow our hair to stand on end. We feel happy with this use of time. Just livin’ the troll life!

 

Nate and I are spending some quality time in front of the TV. He was letting me play video games with him but he says I slow him down. He lets me sit beside him though, tea in hand, and watch. I marvel at his skill and bring him popcorn and  he tolerates my presence.

It’s a symbiotic thing we have going on here. I'll take it.

Finally, just a pic from my two missionaries.

They are well.

Both working hard. Both feeling inadequate in their own ways. Both being led.

We are blessed.

A life changing start to 2024

 New Year’s Eve was spent eating WAY too much food, reading predictions from last year and playing games. Brent and Rachel’s families joined us. We did an early countdown, which wasn’t bad, either!

On New Year’s day, John, Jess and I set out to hike in to Crandall Lake. Just as we were approaching the crest of the hill, we came across a family, experiencing difficulty. The mother had fallen and broken her ankle. Dad and Jess stayed with them and tried to stabilize her foot. I took their two young daughters, and their dog, Diva, and we hiked down to the vehicles.We drove to the townsite and called 911. For the next 3.5 hours, the girls and I ran point in communication, driving up and down the mountain relaying information. Around 4:45 pm, we were finally able to help paramedics remove her from the trail. She ended up needing surgery. We will meet up with them next week!

Grayson has joined us for border games, a few times, this holiday and it has been SO much fun getting to know him better and seeing him relax more. 

One day, Grayson, Jessica, John and I all came home at the same time to find that Nathan had done some work to Jessica’s room.  Note to Self: Never leave Nathan unattended.

Our Lord of The Rings marathon has come and gone. 

We had an AWESOME holiday. We struck a balance between eating, resting, exercising, watching movies, and missing Sam and Abby!

Yesterday (Thursday), we made a plan to drive out to Waterton and walk into Cameron Lake, together. We spent a good chunk of time convincing Nate to come with us. We got to the Cameron Lake trailhead only to find that Nate was dressed in nothing but a hoody. (Gah!) Not wanting to deal with the blustery wind, when underdressed, we revised our plan, and instead settled for a walk around Linnet Lake and hot dogs at WoW. As you can see, it was a pleasant, peace-filled stroll. 

Finally, John and I were called down to the Stake offices on Friday morning and notified that the Stake Presidency has had to make a change in the 3rd ward and they needed to make it soon. After a tearful meeting, John was extended the invitation to become the next Bishop of Cardston 3rd Ward. We are trying to process this. John has such trust. He will always do what God needs Him to do. We feel so unbelievably blessed as we consider our lives and our family and we pray often that we might know how to serve God, with gratitude. It feels as though supporting John in this work he has been asked to do is how I am to best serve my Father in Heaven.

I’m not sure if this picture adequately conveys our trepidation, but alas, this is the picture we took immediately after the call. I look more scared for John, which is par for the course.

God is good and I will trust in Him.