Snow day ... in the desert!

I keep hearing all about global warming. But I'm confused because ... it snowed in the desert ... and enough that they cancelled school! Now, please don't laugh. I realize to most this seems absolutely ridiculous, especially given the fact that most of it was melted by the next morning. However, how many mornings did you sit hopefully by the TV, praying to hear those magical words, "SCHOOL HAS BEEN CANCELLED!" To say that the kids were filled with pure joy would be a minor understatement.

We hurried and had breakfast and then donned our "snow" clothes. Again, no laughing. We looked like complete hillbillies, but we didn't care. We made snow angels, attempted to build "frosty" and even walked to the park to go "sledding." Thankfully there were others there who actually "own" a "real" sled. What can I say? We're desert dwellers! Then we headed home to get warm by the fire and sip some hot cocoa! It was a fun and memorable day!

My baby turns six!

I can't believe it ... my baby turned six years old today! It makes me SO sad that he's growing up SO fast and yet, he's tons of fun and such a sweet boy!



There are lots of things that I love about Josh - His excitement about life, his very tender heart, the way he adores his big sister and can't wait to spend time with his dad. But as his mom, the thing that I love most about him is how he tells me at least 10-15 times a day, "Mom, I love you!" No lie! He'll be busy playing and just come running to wherever I am and say, "Mom." "Yes, Josh." "I love you!" Such a sweetheart!

We cannot imagine our lives or our family without him. I know without a doubt that he was meant to be a part of our family. What a blessing he has been and continues to be.

We love you buddy! Happy 6th birthday! We are so proud of you and hope you will ALWAYS know how much mom, dad and Kate love you!

Our Family Celebration

Since we had Josh's birthday party last week, we decided to celebrate as a family this weekend. His only requests were: 1. He wanted breakfast in bed on Saturday morning (our church starts too early); 2. He wanted to go to Red Robin for dinner on Saturday night as a family; and 3. For his special birthday dinner ...


Pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, syrup and hot chocolate!

Does it get any easier than that? I kept asking him, "Are you sure you don't want something like chicken or at the very least spaghetti?" NOPE! Breakfast! So, his wish was granted!


Look at this face! Could you tell him "No?" Trust me, it's very hard! Happy birthday buddy!

Celebrating "J-Dog's" Birthday at the bowling alley!

So, since Josh's birthday is so close to Christmas, we usually celebrate with his friends about a week or two before. This year he decided that he wanted to go bowling, which was perfect! Hosting 15 little boys at my house seemed a little daunting right before Christmas. So, off we went to the bowling alley for pizza, presents and a lot of partying! It was a riot! Thankfully, Greg, my sister-in-law and two friends came along to help! Here's a little look at the fun we had!

Fun month of December

I know, I know ... I'm WAY behind on my blogging! I guess there's lots of reasons why - I've been staying up late trying to get my "LIST" done, running here and there purchasing this and that, attending and hosting parties, etc. But along the way we've been trying to have some fun and enjoy the season, too.

We started out the month with Greg's work Christmas party. Santa always makes a visit to see who's been naughty and nice and trust me, he's the REAL thing, so you better watch out! Check out the kids' faces! Too fun!



We carried on our annual tradition of making gingerbread houses. I wish I could say that I actually made the gingerbread, but why would I when I can buy a perfectly put together kit from Costco. THANK YOU COSTCO! The kits just get better every year, making it even more enjoyable for moms across the country! Now we just have to worry about the dentist bills that we're racking up because the kids love to nibble away at the candy every day. Oh well!


One of the highlights this month for me was when Kate and I went on a "date" to see the Nutcracker! We had such a great time! Like most mother-daughter dates we went out to lunch, did a little shopping and then went to the ballet. Thanks K-bug for being my date and my little buddy! I love you!


We also had Josh's birthday party (post to come), went to neighborhood and ward parties, delivered neighbor gifts, wrote Christmas cards, shopped a ton and much, much more! I'm exhausted just thinking about it! And guess what ... the fun's not over yet so I'm off to bed!

Thanksgiving Weekend

It seems like it's been a million years, but in reality Thanksgiving was just a few weeks ago. We made the trip north to be with our families for a fun-packed weekend. We spent Thanksgiving Day with Greg's family and can you believe it ... the only picture I took was of Josh and Noah at the end of the day, chillin' out in bed watching a movie!


That weekend we also had my extended family Christmas Party. Every year for as long as I can remember we have gotten together and done, what I'm sure many of you also do. We all pitch in our "pennies" and shop for a needy family. It is truly one of the highlights of the holiday season for me.

Later that same day my siblings and their families headed back to mom's to decorate her amazing Christmas tree. The reason why it's so amazing is because it is decorated with HUNDREDS of decorations from throughout our lifetime - things we made in school, ornaments from other countries and ones that represent fun things that we've done throughout the year. Take her latest ornament as an example: We have added 3 new babies to our family this year, bringing her total number of grandkids to 8. So, we purchased a cute little ornament with all their names on it. (A lengthy description, I know, but you get my point.) ANYWAY ... that night we "attempted" to snap a picture of 6 of the 8 kids (we missed you Madi and Gunnar!) and here they are! Pretty adorable, huh?


Drew, Nolan, Olivia, Josh, Kate and CJ

Some football fun!

To all of my BYU friends and family ... this is NOT a post where I'm trying to pour salt in your wounds. It's simply a post for our family scrapbook. So, I apologize if this brings you any additional pain.

Two Saturdays ago was the BIG rivalry game between Utah and BYU. Although I was raised a "Cougar" I attended the "U" with my hubby. So, yes, we cheer for both teams EXCEPT when they play each other and then our allegiance to our alma mater comes out.

We decided to have a little fun that day and dress in red and black. However, our son has decided that he's a "Cougar" because 1. His best friend, Jake, is a HUGE BYU fan; 2. Because he's going to go there someday; and 3. He wanted to make his uncles Ryan and Jon happy.

So, here you have it ... at look at the Hardman Household Rivalry on game day!

Another soccer season is over!

Well, another soccer season has come and gone! To celebrate, we had a pizza party and passed out the long anticipated trophies. What a cute group of boys! Way to go Bulldogs! We'll see you next year!

My Ballerina

Anyone who knows me well knows that I love ballet and wish that I had been a ballerina with Ballet West ... but no! So, I'm living vicariously through Kate. She has been in ballet at Westside Studio since she was 3 years old and is becoming quite the ballerina, but then I may be a little biased.

You're beautiful sis and whether or not you continue taking ballet ... I am proud of you!

Daddy Daughter Date

Way back on November 4th, Kate and Greg got to go to their first Daddy Daughter function. Kate's amazing Activity Day Leaders, Sister Egbert and Sister Todd, organized a "Powder Puff Derby" for the girls and it was the event of the year!

Greg helped Kate paint her race car and get it all "dazzled" up for it's big racing debut. When all was said and done, "Pink Pazzaz" took 7th place!

Just one thing to say ...

I have just one thing to say today ....

Feeling Grateful

I LOVE this time of year! I love the colors as the leaves change. I love the temperature (especially here!). I love the food. I love the feeling that's in the air. I love the thoughts of home and family. I love it all! But I particularly love the way that it causes me to stop and think about what I'm truly thankful for. So, allow me to list a few things:

* My awesome husband and two amazing kids
* Our extended families
* The gospel of Jesus Christ
* The long awaited joy of being a mom (and a wife)
* Good health for me and my loved ones
* Greg's good job that allows me to stay home
* A nice home with carpet, heat/AC, water, and electricity
* Plenty of food to feed my family
* Many, many great friends
* Good school and teachers for my kids to attend
* Freedom and being a United States citizen
* A wonderful neighborhood and ward to raise my kids in
* A safe place to live
* Two cars (we had 1 car for the first 13 years of our marriage)
* A nice soft and warm bed to lay my head each night
* Being close enough to family to visit often
* Modern conveniences of cell phones, computers, etc., etc.

Although this year has certainly had its ups and downs for us as a family, I am extremely grateful and happy. It doesn't take long to realize how truly fortunate I am and I hope that I can somehow instill a feeling of gratitude in Kate and Josh, especially at this time of year.

Talented Loved Ones

When I stop and look around, I realize how many truly talented friends and family I have. I am in awe of each person's unique talents. Thank goodness we can all find our niche. That's what makes the world go round, right?

I want to send a shout out for two of my talented loved ones. First, my little sister. I may have mentioned before, but she is starting a photography business. This past weekend we were fortunate enough to have her take our pictures. I LOVE them and as soon as I get them back I'll post a few. Thanks Am! You're the best! If you're interested in having family pictures taken, check our her blog at: amytwittyphotography.blogspot.com.

I also have a very dear friend who is amazing at digital design. She's very humble and doesn't like a lot made of her incredible talent. But Ashley ... you are great and I'm so glad you've started a design business! If you're looking for some adorable Christmas cards or any type of card really, check out her blog: allthatilovedesign.blogspot.com.

One thing I love about my kids

There are LOTS of things that I love about Kate and Josh, but one thing that I really admire about both of them is their self confidence. Neither one of them really gives a hoot about what anyone thinks and in some ways, I wish I was more like that.

Two weeks ago it was "Red Ribbon Week" at school, aka "Say No To Drugs" week. On one of the days it was mismatched clothes day. Kate and Josh both wanted to go all out! They weren't satisfied with just a shirt worn wrong side out or things that didn't matched! That was much too conservative for them. So, here's what they came up with ....


The next day it was crazy hair day. So, we gave Josh a mohawk and put ponytails all over Kate's head with all sorts of ribbons. Unfortunately we didn't capture a single picture because we spent so much time worrying about getting it "CrAzY" enough.

Thanks Kate and Josh for teaching me every day that it's GREAT to be me and for loving your mom for all her wackiness! You're the best!

Reconsidering

I think I'm going to reconsider my "going private" status after talking with a couple of people who have. They've told me it's a pain. So, for the moment ... enjoy reading my "non-private" ramblings!

Guess what?

Okay ... guess what? After a year of debating with myself, I've decided to go private. I know, I know ... why? Like lots of you, I saw a special on the news about blogging and although I enjoy "blog-surfing" as much as the next person, I'll feel better.

So, please, PLEASE, if you would like to be "invited" to view my blog (even if you're a friend of a friend of a friend), leave me a comment with your email address.

Halloween 2008

Halloween has come and gone and I, like most mothers, am exhausted! However, we had a great day and we've got lots of cute pictures to prove it.

Wednesday night we carved pumpkins, which is always fun. About two weeks ago we went to the pumpkin patch and bought our "original" pumpkins. However, by Monday night they were already rotting. SO, I headed to Walmart to hunt down a few more and thankfully I was successful.




Then came the big day - Halloween! Josh woke up at 6:00 a.m. and said, "Mom, do you know what day it is?" And in my groggy morning voice I said, "Yes, it's Easter! Happy Easter buddy!" He was not amused. We then bolted out of bed, ate breakfast, and put on their costumes before heading out the door for class parties and costume parades at 8:45. Both kids' parties were fun and it's always exciting to be around the little kids on such an exciting day!

After school we had our traditional dinner in a pumpkin and then headed to our ward's Trunk or Treat and did a little door-to-door Trick or Treating. It was a fun-packed, sugar filled, exhausting, exciting day!

A Day for the Boys

Some of you may know that I was raised as a BYU Cougar fan and when I say Cougar fan, I mean a SERIOUS fan. I was totally in love with Steve Young when I was younger and thought that I'd someday marry him. (glad I didn't honey!) When they won the National Championship, my dad took my brothers and I to the airport, in the middle of the night, to welcome the team home. So, when Greg and I got married and ended up attending "that other school," (aka U of U) I was almost disowned and my name forgotten forever. As a little joke for our first Christmas, we gave my parents a picture of us in Utah sweatshirts. According to my family, it was like pouring salt in an open wound. However, we have always maintained a love for the Cougars ... just not when they play the Utes. I know, I know ... you can't cheer for them both, BUT WE DO!

Well, Josh has become a HUGE Cougar fan, much to the delight of my brothers. So, when Greg was able to get tickets to a football game this past weekend, we jumped at the chance for them to go. It was one of those moments that I hope will stay with Josh forever because I know it will for Greg. Josh has now informed us that he's going to go to "BYU College" someday ... and frankly, we would LOVE that!

Thanks for being such a great dad Greg! You really are amazing! Josh ... you look great in blue! We love you buddy! And Ryan and Nolan ... thanks for letting our Ute fans cheer for the Y with you!

UEA Weekend - Hurray!

Every year during fall break (aka UEA), Greg's brother, Chris, and his family come down to visit us and we LOVE it! This has become something that we all look forward to. They have 3 adorable kids - Zoe, who is 6 months older than Kate; Noah, who is 9 months older than Josh; and Jonah, (2 1/2) who entertained us the entire weekend! I know what you're thinking ... we couldn't have planned those ages better if we had tried. It's wonderful and the kids get along PERFECTLY! We had such a great time and we are already looking forward to their next visit.

We started off by introducing them to Jumpin' Jacks. However, I wasn't thinking that there would also be lots of older kids there that day. Needless to say, we didn't stay a long time, just long enough to wear the kids out. Then on Friday we hit the pumpkin patch where the smell was awful and it was a tad bit warm, but that didn't stop us "city folk" from havin' a rip roarin' time! Saturday we took the kids "window shopping" at Target so they could start making their Christmas lists. Then somehow we (the parents) were talked into going to see "Beverly Hills Chihuahuas." Surprisingly it wasn't too bad. It could have been much worse, plus with some buttered popcorn and licorice you can endure almost anything. Sunday we went to church and then they headed back home.

Thanks you guys for a fun, fun weekend! Hope you know how much we love you!

Raptor Romp '08

It's been a very exciting week at our house with the countdown until the "Raptor Romp" at the school.


Every fall the PTA puts on this highly anticipated event where the entire school and their families are invited to come, have dinner and watch dances put on by each grade. Josh has been waiting for this day ever since he saw his sister do the same dance when she was in Kindergarten. And Kate has been talking about "The Electric Slide" for weeks. Great job guys! You were awesome!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

I LOVE Josh's face during his "performance!" This kid has got MOVES and as you can tell, thoroughly loves to "jam out!" Nice job buddy! Thanks for making me smile!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

My sweet Katie bug also loves to dance. You can see the concentration on her face ... always wanting to do everything just perfect! You're my "GREAT KATE" and I love you sis!

Conference weekend

I'm sure I'm not the only one who LOVES General Conference weekend, and this weekend was no exception! (And not just because we got to sleep in and stay in our PJs all day, although that was VERY nice, too!) The weather was rainy and cool so it made it all that more enjoyable to sit in comfy clothes and relax. Then, to make it even better, my mom came down. Thanks Nana ... we LOVED having you here!

I think that everyone was really looking to our church leaders for some encouragement and advice in these troubling times. There were so many awesome talks, stories and testimonies, but these were a few of my favorites.

I loved Elder L. Tom Perry's talk about a "simplified life." Really, when it comes right down to it, there's very little that we NEED.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf shared this thought: "Hope has the power to fill our lives with happiness."

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin shared this saying that his mother told him as a boy: "Come what may and LOVE it!" I am going to try to live this way.

Of course, my favorite talk of all was Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's talk about angels. He had so many awesome things to say and with such emotion, but I particularly loved the reminder that "GOD NEVER LEAVES US."

Elder M. Russell Ballard gave a wonderful talk on missionary work and shared this idea: "The Lord isn't asking us to die a martyr's death, but live a disciples life."

And finally, our sweet prophet, President Thomas S. Monson had so many great things to say, but ended conference with these encouraging words: "This is our one and only chance at mortal life. Find joy in the NOW!"

I'M A NEW AUNT!

I can hardly contain myself, but ...

I'M A NEW AUNT!

My little sister and her husband have been waiting for this day for 7 years! They tried for a long time and then decided to go the adoption route. It's been a long and difficult process for them, but I think that they'd agree that "BABES" is very much worth the wait! She is INCREDIBLY gorgeous and sweet and I can hardly get enough of her! I just want to eat her up!

She came home to her mommy and daddy on Friday night. I gave serious thought to jumping in the car right then and there, but decided I should probably wait til morning. So, the kids and I jetted up on Saturday afternoon and I loved her the whole weekend. I just wish she (and her mom and dad) lived LOTS closer ... like right down the street.

We feel SO incredibly blessed as a family! She fits right in and we already love her beyond words. She is one lucky girl because she has two of the greatest people I know as parents! We love you Am and Cas! Good luck and know that we are praying for you and your sweet "BABES!"

If by some remote chance I haven't already emailed you pictures (which I can't imagine), leave me a comment and I'll email you some.

Getting caught up with life

As you can imagine, the past 2 weeks have been very emotional for us. We're doing lots better, due in large part to all of the love and support from our family and friends. I have also gained an even greater appreciation for my wonderful husband. Greg ... you are my best friend and without a doubt, my rock. I love you beyond words! Thanks for being by my side, through the good times and the bad. And Kate and Josh ... you are the loves of my life! Thanks for making me smile and for helping me to remember how great life is.

Thankfully we've had alot going on the past few weeks. As I mentioned before, we had our annual family camping trip to Wasatch State Park. For as long as I can remember, every fall my entire family has gone camping together. This includes brothers, sisters, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and occasionally a pet or two. There's always lots of food, golf, crafts, a few scraped knees, and tons of laughter. Some of my greatest memories have been made while in the mountains with my family. And although this year was a little different for everyone, we had a fun time and were able to make some more memories.

Also with the coming of fall means another season of soccer! Josh has been so excited for his first game, especially since his dad is the coach this year. We're already off to a great start with 2 wins, but the best part is watching the boys' faces. Go Bulldogs!

Finally, St. George's big Rodeo was this weekend. So, Josh's Kindergarten celebrated by having "Rodeo Days" on Thursday and Friday Night our ward had a Western Hoe Down Party. As you can tell, we aren't all that "western" at our house, but we sure tried.