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!