Happy Birthday Aunt Amy!

Happy birthday to my little sister, Amy! For the past 7-8 years, she and Casey have always come to St. George for New Year's and we've been able to celebrate her birthday with her. So, we were glad that we were still in Salt Lake with her this year. We love you Am! You're the BEST!

Welcome C.J.

My newest newphew was born today! Cody Jonathan Thurston was born on at 9:53 a.m. to my youngest brother Jon and his cute wife Brittany. I could hardly wait to get my hands on him. He's so tiny and already very handsome! I am already looking forward to my next trip to Salt Lake so I can give him more loves from his Auntie Jill.

Our first sledding excursion

What a fun day! The day after Christmas we went sledding for the 1st time with DeDee, Zoe and Noah. The kids had a FABULOUS time and I had fun with my new camera! (Thanks Santa!) What a fun memory! We're hoping to make this a tradition! Love you guys and thanks for the fun time!

Christmas Day 2007

It has finally arrived ... CHRISTMAS DAY! It was certainly a day of fun, relaxation, excitement and joy! We spent the day with my family at the home I grew up in and thanks to my mom, it feels like HOME to everyone who comes there.

The day began with the kids coming down to see what Santa had left. We took our time and let them open and play with everything. Then we let them open their presents from Mom and Dad. After a while, they noticed that there was new snow outside. So while Greg shoveled the walks, they enjoyed a Winter Wonderland on Christmas! What could be better?

That afternoon my siblings and grandparents arrived and we enjoyed more presents, lots of good food and the fun of being together. We even opened the kids' new Twister game and had fun with that until all the grown ups couldn't move anymore. Then the evening got even more exciting when my youngest brother and his wife (Jon and Britt) headed to the hospital to deliver their first baby boy, C.J. He's adorable! Check out my next post for pictures of my newest nephew.

All in all, it was a VERY Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve - Part 2

After we partied all day with the Hardman Family, we jumped in our sleigh (it was snowing pretty hard - a great Christmas touch) and headed back to Nana's house (aka my mom). We decided to start a new tradition this year and let the kids open one present which was pajamas for everyone. YAHOO! Then we watch "The Nativity" DVD and put out some snacks for the "Big Man." Surprisingly enough, the kids were IN BED by 8:15 and we never heard another peep from them. It was a festivous miracle and a very relaxing evening for all the adults.

Christmas Eve with the Hardmans

We made our annual journey to Salt Lake to celebrate Christmas ... something we look forward to every year! Greg's family always has a big party on Christmas Eve to celebrate. This year we had a delicious brunch, played games and just enjoyed spending time together. It really started our vacation off right!

Merry Christmas!

Just a quick note to say ... MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR! I was VERY slow in getting my cards out this year, but hey, at least they're out, right? I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season! Thanks for being such a special part of my life!

Nutcracker

Sadly (and happily, too) the Nutcracker ballet season is over! Katelyn has been SO excited and worked SO hard since August and we couldn't have been prouder. I mean it when I say my heart swelled with pride when I saw her on the stage. At night she may be dreaming of what Santa is going to bring her, but mom is dreaming of seeing her little girl as Clara or possibly even ... THE SUGAR PLUM FAIRY! I have to admit, I'm living my fantasy of being a beautiful ballerina through her. Thankfully it's her dream, too!

She has performed 3 times in the last 5 days and has LOVED every minute of it! She's also loved all the attention she's gotten. The first night Greg and I went along with my dad and her Primary President and her husband. Then on Saturday night her Nana drove 300 miles to see her and her aunt and cousin came, too! And finally, on closing night, our neighbors (her adopted St. George grandparents) The Pratts came, her school teacher, Miss Lamb, came, and a group of her friends surprised her and came! (Thanks Loralee!) I wish I could have captured the look on her face when she saw everyone there ... flowers in hand and cheering for her! It was PRICELESS! Thank you to everyone who has given her so much encouragement and praise. She has worked really hard practicing 2 times a week for 4 months and never complained once! She's amazing!

The other night after her first performance she and I were driving home and I was asking her how she enjoyed being on stage. She was telling me that she was a little nervous, but how much fun it was. Then she said, in typical Kate fashion, "You know mom, I'm a little like Hannah Montana. During the day I go to school like a normal kid, but at night I'm on the stage." How cute is that? I love her SO much! She has such a great attitude about life AND herself. She's very comfortable in her own skin and doesn't let what others think bother her too much! I'm so incredibly grateful for her and love her to pieces! Great job Kate!

My Star Wars Boy

I can't believe it, but my baby is turning 5 on Friday! He has been counting down the days until he could have his Star Wars party! We were suppose to have it last Saturday, but he came down with strep throat. (Oh, the joys of winter and elementary school.)


What a riot to have 10 little boys all in one room a week before Christmas! Look at the calm before the ... I don't want to use the word storm, but ... let's say before the fun began. I felt bad because I didn't get a picture of Josh with all of his buddies. So, sorry to anyone who's little guy isn't on here. But once they all got to the party, all hope of a group picture was gone!


We colored Star Wars pictures, played Star Wars bingo, and had a contest to see who could keep the meteors (balloons) in the air the longest. Great job Teague! But the best part was when I gave all the boys their homemade lightsabers and let them battle Darth Vader (aka Greg). It was GREAT!


I'm so glad that Josh has such great friends! They are all really cute boys and I loved having them here. I just don't know how Josh got to be 5 already. He's such a sweetheart and I cannot imagine our family without him!

He's the real thing!

Monday night was Greg's firm family Christmas party. Every year they have the same Santa come and bring the kids a little surprise and the adults socialize and eat. It's very fun! But the best part is the Santa! I swear he's the REAL thing! Before we open presents, he gives the kids a chance to ask whatever questions they want and it's amazing! Everything from his beard to his laugh ... IT'S REAL! It makes even the most doubting adults BELIEVE! Hey Santa, if you read this ... I DO believe!

I had to share this picture of the kids because of the pure joy and excitement on their faces! How can you help but be excited for Christmas when you look at these little faces! MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Gingerbread with Nana

What a fun Sunday morning! Nana (aka ... my mom) was here for the weekend and we had such a great time! She helped me get so much done and we had a super fun time in the process! Thanks Mom! You're the BEST!

One of our family traditions is we make gingerbread houses every year. I usually have a party with friends, but this year has been kind of crazy. (Sorry guys!) So, we decided to create our sugary creations while Nana was here. The funnest part is listening to the kids decide how they will decorate their "masterpiece."

Hey Santa!

Last night was our ward Christmas party and for the kids, the highlight of the evening was "a special visitor." As soon as the closing prayer was done, we heard jingle bells and the laugh of a jolly old man. I thought Josh was going to jump out of his skin. It was one of those moments in life that I wish I could have captured and bottled up forever! It was priceless!

He and Kate ran up to the stage and were almost the first ones in line. Oh, to be a kid again! It's so much to see how excited they are and remember back to my childhood days. I can vividly remember the anticipation I felt as I dreamt every night of what Santa might bring me. This is truly a magical time of year!

Right after the party, I took Kate to exchange some shoes that I had bought for her. While we were there, I couldn't help but try on (and buy) a new pair of shoes for myself. When I tried one particular pair on, Kate said to me, "Those make you look younger mom!" WOW! Was that a compliment or not? I guess I've entered that stage in parenthood when you start accepting fashion advice from your daughter.

To all my blogging friends ... I hope you are enjoying the holiday season! Good luck in getting the Christmas cards done, shopping completed, gift wrapping, decorating, party planning, party attending, delivering of neighbor gifts, etc., etc., etc. done ... all while trying to maintain some level of sanity, good health and a little joy. Remember ... it's the most wonderful time of the year! Love ya!

Oh the joy ...

Oh the joy of a new soccer trophy! Without a doubt, Josh's soccer trophy from last year has been his most valued treasure ... until Thursday night ... when he received his 2007 trophy! Can you tell how excited he was? What a riot! Seven 5-year-old boys, at The Pizza Factory, celebrating the end of another fun soccer year ... can you feel the energy? It was so much fun! I have loved watching them this year and look forward to basketball season after the holidays!

Update

Alright ... I must apologize to my fellow bloggers. It drives me crazy when people don't update their blogs and here I am ... an offender of my own pet peeve.

I can't believe that Thanksgiving has already come and gone and that it's December already. The past 3-4 weeks have been WILD! My mom had thyroid surgery, so I spent a few days in SLC with her. Then Josh got the flu the weekend before Thanksgiving. YUCK! And in the midst of all this, we thought we had an adoption match, but it didn't work out. I can honestly say I know it was for the best though.

Then it was off to SLC for Thanksgiving at my mom's house. Aaahhh! Thanksgiving dinner! Need I say more? It was so much fun and as usual, we ate WAY too much. But that's what it's all about, right? And THEN, my sister, sister-in-law, mom and I decided to get up early - like 5:00 a.m. early - to go shopping. What a rush! We aren't the early kind of shoppers as in waiting in line all night and knocking people over. We showed up after that was all over and I've got to tell you, it's a different kind of crowd that time of morning. Pajamas, mascara still under the eyes, bed head. WOW! But it was really fun and we got lots done.

Then exhaustion set in and guess who got the flu? That's right! ME! In bed...all day on Saturday...at my mom's house...missed a baby shower. NOT FUN! The only bright spot in having the flu...I actually think I lost a couple pounds. I figure I'm just a few bouts of flu away from my goal weight. Not worth it though.

Now we're back home and in the thick of holiday preparations. We put up our tree earlier this week and still have Christmas boxes spread out everywhere. Hopefully we'll get that finished up today so I can start on the Christmas cards, neighbor gifts, planning Josh's birthday party, wrapping of presents, etc., etc., etc. But I've got to admit that I love this time of year, even if it is busy.

I am so incredibly thankful for everything that I have been blessed with! I have an amazing husband, two adorable kids, an awesome family and friends too numerous to count. I love you all and hope you know how very much you mean to me. Chow for now!

My little Ballerina

Who says you can't live vicariously through your kids? I wish I was a beautiful ballerina with Ballet West. But, I'm not! Thankfully, however, Kate LOVES ballet and if I may brag, is rather good at it. So, I will live my ballet dreams through her. This is her 5th year taking ballet lessons AND she's going to be in the St. George Ballet Company's Nutcracker this year! Although I will be glad when Nutcracker practices are over, it's worth it because she is SO excited! She has invited everyone to come and see the Nutcracker ... the babysitter, her teachers, anyone who comes to our door, and who knows who else. Oh well! Her enthusiasm is awesome!

Tagged by Ashley

Okay, Ashley ... sorry it took me so long to respond, but here goes ...


4 Jobs I've Had (and still have):

1. ZCMI (and met my hubby there)

2. Omnium Worldwide in Omaha

3. Mom to Kate and Josh

4. Wife to Greg


4 Movies I can Watch Over and Over:

1. The Holiday

2. How to Lose a Guy in 10 days

3. Sleepless in Seattle

4. I actually like a lot of the kids' movies ... Shrek 2, Cars


4 Places I've Lived:

1. Germany (yes, when I was a baby)

2. Riverton, UT

3. Omaha, NE

4. St. George, UT


4 Guilty Pleasures:

1. Diet Coke, Diet Coke, Diet Coke

2. Digital Scrapbooking

3. Shopping

4. Cookie Dough


4 Favorite TV Shows:

1. ER ... I've watched it for so long now, I can't give it up

2. CSI Miami

3. Life on Wednesday nights ... Greg and I are both hooked on this

4. Reality TV! Survivor, The Bachelor, Amazing Race ... can't believe I'm admitting this


4 Favorite Places I've been on Vacation:

1. California

2. California ... I love it there! That's why I've listed it twice.

3. Washington, DC

4. Arizona


4 Favorite Foods:

1. Anything Italian

2. Salad Bar and Pizza from the Pizza Factory

3. Pork Burritoes Enchilada style from Cafe Rio

4. Anything sweet


4 Places I'd Rather Be Right Now:

1. Italy

2. Hawaii

3. Shopping with my mom and sister

4. Anywhere on vacation with my family


4 Websites I Visit Daily:

1. Email

2. My blog

3. All of my family and friends' blogs

4. Adoption website


4 Authors I Love:

1. John Grisham

2. I've started to read "Twilight" by Stephanie Meyer ... we'll see

3. I've also started to read "I'm Chocolate, You're Vanilla." So far it's great! It's about raising African American kids.

4. Don't know ... can't think right now.


4 Things I would Like to Know How to Do:

1. Professional Photography

2. Wish I could sing ... have you heard me? Not good!

3. I wish I liked to run ... but I really don't.

4. Dance ... I'm with you Ashley. I would love to take a ballroom dance class with Greg. Maybe we could be on "Dancing with the Stars" together.


4 Happy Moments:

1. Seeing my husband and children happy

2. Fun times with family during the holidays

3. Good times with good friends

4. At night when it's quiet and I know everyone is safe and sound asleep


4 Things I Want to Do Next Year:

1. Adopt baby #3

2. Be a better mom/wife

3. Go on vacation somewhere

4. Exercise more


I'm tagging: My little sister Amy

Kids Say the Darndest Things ...

Sometimes Kate and Josh really crack me up and today was one of those days. I think they both knew I could use a good laugh. At breakfast this morning I must have said something about being frustrated. Without hestitation, Josh piped in and said, "You know mom, when you're frustrated, you just need to stop, take a deep breath and think things through." Alrighty then. Thanks for the info bud. Then this afternoon as I was driving Josh and Kate and 3 of Josh's friends home from preschool, I heard my "oh so mature and knowledgeable" almost 8 year old give some rather good advice to these "silly young boys." I didn't hear whatever must have been said prior, but this is what I heard Kate say: "You boys just need to stop talking about kissing. You won't be able to date until you're 16 and that's a LONG time. So, you have plenty of time to make a list of good and bad people you want to date." WOW! First of all, the thought of my little boy talking about kissing gives one pause to think. And secondly, since when did Kate become so wise? Hmmm ... I think I'll remind her of this sage advice in the coming years.

Wacky Hair Day

This week at the Elementary School it has been Red Ribbon Week (aka "Say No To Drugs" week). Each day the kids got to do something fun such as wear a hat or wear their school t-shirt. Today was the day that Katelyn has been looking forward to ... Wacky Hair Day! She could hardly wait and has been talking about how we should do her hair all week. So, this is what we came up with ... a pony on one side, a braid in the back and a bun on the other side, all with different colored ribbons. And off she marched to school ... proudly displaying her "wacky" hair. That's one of the things that I really admire about Kate - she isn't afraid of what others think and she feels good in her own skin. Plus, she looks adorable no matter what. IMHO

A little "Tricking" from our "Friends"

Okay ... so Halloween continued into the night with a little "tricking" from some of our "friends." As you can see, they decided to toilet paper our house and our friends next door, as well as three other houses in the neighborhood. We were quickly able to figure out who did it because 1. They left us a note with a garbage sack, 2. One of the culprits/friends had already told me that she loves to go toilet papering with her girls on Halloween, and 3. They left their own pumpkins lined up in our front yards. Plus the fact that their 3 houses were left untouched kind of gave it away. We had a good laugh and the kids are already conjuring up a plan of how to retaliate. Thanks for the fun girls and remember the old saying ... Paybacks are, well ... you get my point! :)

Happy Halloween!

H ... A ... double L ... O ... W ... double E ... N! What does that spell? A day full of sugar (and fun!) But I've got to admit, I am totally exhausted and could really use a diet coke. However, I think I'll opt for heading straight to bed. With class parties, trick or treating, costumes and somewhere in there dinner and baths, too, we've had a long and full day.

Kate and Josh wanted to be something together this year. They thought about many options, but finally decided upon a Jazz Basketball player and cheerleader, since all Josh talks about is playing for the Jazz someday. We had a good day and Kate told me that this was one of her best days. Hmmm, well, we must have done something right today then. I think I'll call it a day on that note. Happy Hallween all!

Kara's Pumpkin Party

My friend Kara just hosted another successful Pumpkin Carving Party! She's made it an annual tradition and it's one that we all look forward to. She always does way more than she needs to, but we love it! We enjoyed yummy food, good friends and can check pumpkin carving off of our Halloween "to do" list. Thanks Kara!








Here are just a few pictures from the festivities. This is my friend Amy and her cute little guy, Hudson.


My friend Sandi and her daughter, Whitney, looking very cool!


To everyone else ... You either escaped my picture taking frenzy or you were spared from being posted on my blog. (OR the truth is, I know you'll kill me if I put your picture on here.) Love you all!

Cousin Time

We've had such a fun few days! Greg's brother, Chris, and his family came to St. George for their annual visit during UEA. We had such a great time and the kids LOVED spending some quality time with Zoe, Noah and Jonah. We carved pumpkins, went to our ward Trunk or Treat and just "hung out." We can hardly wait for their next visit. Love you guys!

Pumpkin Patch

Ahhh...it's that time of year again...my most favorite time of the year...FALL! I love EVERYTHING about it...the colors of the leaves changing, the smell of anything pumpkin cooking and yes, the cooler weather. Perhaps only those who have endured 117 degree summers can truly appreciate (and LOVE) the cooler weather. And I have to admit, I even enjoy the fact that it's football season. Who doesn't love a good college football game now and again?


Two weekends ago, all of my family came to St. George to visit and Nana, Aunt Debbie and I decided to take Kate, Josh and Nolan to the pumpkin patch.


Picture in your mind, a beautiful fall Saturday afternoon. The temperature is ideal. Wouldn't you agree that this would be THE perfect time to take three children to the pumpkin patch to search for the perfect pumpkin?


Well, from the pictures you can't tell because, well, the hurricane had not arrived yet. But all of a sudden a huge wind storm kicked up. Of course, as fate would have it, it came right when we were in line and headed out into a field of pumpkins, where, as you might imagine, there is a fair amount of dust. So, to put it lightly, our pumpkin excursion was very quick. The kids practically hopped off the tracker, ran to the first pumpkin they could find and called it good. Oh well, it's all about the experience and we had a terrific time!

Cheer Camp

A few weeks ago, Kate and some of her friends went to the cheer camp at the high school. What a week! They performed at THE BIG football game (2 local rivals) and had an awesome time! Now the entire family knows every word and action to all the latest cheers and chants.

Kate and her friend from our ward and neighborhood doing a little dance before their big performance.

These are Kate's teachers and two of her most favorite people in the world! Miss Lamb (her teacher this year) is in the black and Miss Webster (last year's teacher) is in the blue. Katelyn LOVES them both and invites them to everything. They are the cutest teachers ever and even brought her a flower to congratulate her.

Sharks ... on to victory!

It's soccer season again and so far, the Sharks are off to a winning season! Josh and 6 other little boys from our neighborhood are all together on one team and it's a riot. Before his first game, Josh said, "I don't think I'll make any goals." So, Greg in all his wisdom, decided to offer him $1 for each goal. My mom (aka Nana), who was visiting that weekend, decided to match dad's offer. Who says that money isn't a good motivator? He scored 5 goals and made $10 in that first game! He is so much fun to watch and he absolutely loves playing soccer with "his boys!" He runs around the field with a smile on his face and cheers his teammates on from the sidelines. And his excitement turns to total jubilation when he's able to score a goal for the team. Go Sharks!

Blogging

I've decided that blogging is THE newest way to communicate with family and friends. Hopefully this will keep everyone up to date on the Hardman family happenings. Please keep in touch and let me know if you create your own blog.