The Hardley's

Sawyer's Day - "It's great to be eight"

2009-08-27T09:27:00.003-05:00

August 15 was actually the day of my 20 year high school reunion. I have to admit that I was pretty bummed we couldn't head out to UT for the event. However, I couldn't have asked for a more special day.
Instead of flying out to UT and visiting with old friends and family, I got to watch my oldest son baptize his little brother. It was a awesome! The spirit was strong and we were grateful to the friends and family who joined us for the special day.

Facing Fears

2009-07-18T09:32:00.002-05:00

We went to Georgia the week of the 4th. It was fun to spend some time with the family, just wish more of them could have been there. We're a crazy bunch and it's never boring when we get together. On the 3rd, we took the kids to 6 Flags. Probably not the best idea doing it the day before the 4th of July especially considering many people got the 3rd off since the 4th was on a Saturday. The lines were long! The kids had a lot of fun anyway.
That morning before we left, I actually suggested leaving Sawyer home. Rides, not really his thing. There tend to be a lot of tears, even at water parks. Mike insisted that we take him anyway.
The day played out mostly like I thought, Sawyer sitting on the sidelines of the majority of the rides. He did ride a couple. As our little group made it's way toward the "American Scream Machine", Sawyer decides he wants to go. I ask him if he's sure, and he insists that he does in fact want to ride it. I think it may have been with a lot of encouragement from his cousins Will and Sam. These boys are fearless! Below is an excerpt of a description of the ride of Sawyer's choice.

"Experience the terror of timber. Considered one of the greatest rides in existence, The Great American Scream Machine is still one of the world's longest and tallest wooden roller coasters. Rocket along the banks of the Chattahoochee and manufacture some screams of your own."

So, as we proceed through the long lines, different conversations going between all of us, I look down to see Sawyer. My son is in tears. His face is red, crying, hands covering his face. I ask him, "Sawyer, what's wrong? Are you okay?".
"Mom, I'm so scared."
I reply, "Buddy, you don't have to ride it. It's your choice. We can get out of line right now.".
My son looks up at me with tears streaming down his face, "But Mom, I want to face my fears.".
The poor kid looked so pathetic, but it was one of those proud parental moments. So, when it came time to ride I went with him. He continued the crying, which turned into screaming for his life, for the entire ride. I held his hand, I tried to talk him through, he was oblivious to me. I just started to laugh. Nothing in my parental experience had ever been similar.
When the ride of terror ended, and we had come to a complete stop, the biggest smile came across his face. I asked, "Did you like it?". He vigorously shakes his head no. "No way! But I'm so proud of myself!"
My heart was about to burst! If you really know Sawyer, you will know that he is a very timid kid. He is not a thrill seeker. He stood in a line for over 30 minutes terrified of the unknown, of what was to come, but he faced it head on. Tears and all.
What a kid!
(We did get a picture after the ride was over with him in front of the roller coaster, but the camera is still in GA with Taylor. As soon as he gets home, I'll post it.)

The High School Graduate

2009-06-18T15:36:00.003-05:00

Congratulations Taylor!

Okay, granted it is a little late. I need to be a bit better about this blogging thing, won't argue that. On May 30th, 2009, Taylor graduated from Kingwood High School. Where has time gone? Seems like just yesterday I was graduating. We are so proud of him.

Times are changing...

2009-05-27T11:03:00.004-05:00

We have a lot of changes happening with kids as far as school goes. On Saturday, Taylor will be graduating from High School. Arghhhh!!! I am not ready for it. I just graduated 20 years ago. Landon is finishing up his final year of middle school and will be heading off to HS in the fall. No break for Mike for the early morning seminary, Taylor's done, but Landon gets to enjoy the blessings. Emma is finishing up elementary school and it's off to middle school for her. This, I am really not ready for.
Emma. You just have to say her name, and anyone who knows her will smile, shake their head, and say, "That Emma, I love her!" She is silly, talks constantly (& loudly), giggles over nothing and everything, smiley, sweet, dramatic, totally social, yet happy to be by herself, loves & hugs everyone, and drives me absolutely batty. I love her more than words can say.
I am not ready for her to grow up, yet excited at the prospects of who she's going to become. I know that this lil' caterpillar is going to become a beautiful butterfly!

The Beach

2009-03-26T16:58:00.004-05:00

Some of my most favorite memories growing up were the summer vacations in San Clemente California with our CA cousins, with some of our other family joining us too. We would stay in a condo just a stones throw from the beach, (actually down some mega stairs, across the street, and under the railroad tracks). We would lay in the sand, body surf, swim, you know, all the things one does at the beach. In my mind, the parents laid on the beach reading their books, and we just did our thing. Played in the ocean, went to the little store, back to the beach for more H2O time, up to the condo to watch movies, back to the beach. Good times! Although there was the one year we watched JAWS, and I think the majority of us chose to just stay out of the water for the remainder of the time. Who thought to throw that movie into the box? Good one, Uncle Stanley!
Anyway, this past weekend we took the kids to Rockport and met up with some of Mike's family. It's no San Clemente, but it was fun. It sure took me back to the good 'ol days, but this time I was the parent with the book. :)

2009 Bluebonnets

2009-03-16T21:37:00.002-05:00

It's hard to believe that it's been just a month shy of a year since we did this the last time. We took our sunny spring drive today and took pictures of the kids in the bluebonnet fields. There was a lot less yelling and crying this year. Mike really held himself together this time :) JK! I love being able to just get in the car and drive. Somehow, it all turns out good. At the beginning of the morning, I was wondering. Taylor and Landon were fighting, Sawyer was whining, things were not looking good. However, it turned out to be a great day! I know that the time is drawing near when we won't all be on our little "Hardy Adventures" anymore. For now, I'll cherish every moment.

Happy Birthday Sara!

2009-03-08T21:02:00.004-05:00

Hard to believe it's been a year. Sara turned one on Saturday. She is a stinker but the light of all of our lives. She's changing so fast, every day there's something new. She's now has 5 teeth, has a few words, and is really trying to walk. Okay, not really walk, run. I have a feeling we are in for a ride.

"Show Me Your Virtue"

2009-02-27T22:40:00.007-06:00

You need to check this out! One of the most entertaining things I've seen in a while.
Enjoy!
Elder Moon, Man What Will You Do? (Show Me Your Virtue)

Reflections on 2008

2009-01-09T22:17:00.003-06:00

What a year! Saying we have experienced highs and lows would be an understatement. I reflect on the biggies.
In March, Sara joined our family. How grateful we are to have been blessed to have her. She is such a joy to all of us. What a joy it has been to see how the older kids have responded to her. I love watching them dote over her. She adores them all and responds in squeals to each of them when she sees them.
Just weeks after Sara's arrival my Grandma Felt passed away. Sara and I were able to fly out to Utah to be there to honor her life with the rest of my family. She was an amazing woman. I feel blessed to have been touched by her life. She was so kind, patient, giving, and unconditional. What an amazing example she was to me.
Early fall, Ike hit and knocked us on our rear. We were blessed in many ways;
food and water - 72 hour kits and food storage
no damage to our home or property
a generator that Mike's uncle was gladly willing to lend us (went 10 days with out power), he also brought gas cans full of gas, when gas was very hard to come by
old fashioned family time, really helped to bring us together - it's amazing how much interaction there is when there is no tv or computer
wonderful giving neighbors
We never realized how much Ike would really affect us. We made it through, unscathed, and with a stronger testimony of the importance of following the counsel of the prophets.
With the passing of 2008, I am indeed filled with gratitude. Gratitude for the highs and the lows. For the things I was able to learn about myself and my little family, for the blessings that I have had in my life.
So, here's to the roller coaster ride of 2009...
Keep your arms and legs in the ride at all times,
Hold on tight,
and Have Fun!

Snow in Houston

2008-12-14T01:17:00.005-06:00

On Wednesday, while I was at work, Mike called me (from Canada). "It's snowing." To which I replied, "Well, you are in Canada.". He laughed and told me that no, it was actually snowing in Houston. I drove home as big beautiful fluffy snowflakes were falling. The trees were coated. It reminded me of home. Oh, and the smell. There's nothing better than the smell in the air when snow is falling. It was like Christmas came early. When I got home, I discovered Emma had left me a little present on the car. A little snowman. Thanks Emma, I loved it! :)

18 Crazy, Amazing, Stressfull, Beautiful Years - The best of my life

2008-11-20T23:54:00.008-06:00

I've had 3 major, deep crushes;
the cowboy,
the soccer player,
the piano guy.
You know, the kind. The kind that you doodle their name on anything and everything. The kind that you make a complete fool out of yourself over and over again. The kind that if they asked you to do anything, no matter how crazy, you would do it. The kind of crushes that they write movies about, only in the movies, at the end they wind up together. The kind that lasts for years, (the cowboy crush began when I was four - he promised to buy me a pink pony). The kind that even if you had a boyfriend, and they came a long and asked you to be theirs, you would dump the boyfriend without a thought. They were the kind of crushes that were felt deep. I cried a lot about those boys, and I actually thought I could never be happy in life if I wasn't with "him".
Then I met Mike. with him, I felt calm. There was no sense of insecurity, no sense of inadequacy, no confusion, no questions period. When he put his arm over me for the first time when we were coming home from the YSA Guadalupe tubing trip, all the chaos in my head stopped. It was quiet, I felt peace. I know that sounds so strange, but there's no other way to describe it. It was right.
18 years ago today, we got married. I have never looked back, I have never wondered, "what if", I have never questioned my choice. Don't get me wrong, it hasn't always been easy. We've yelled, cried and laughed. We've had good times and bad, but we've gotten through, together.
So honey, thanks for the past 18 years. You are truly the love of my life, my very best friend. Thank you for putting up with me. Thank you for letting me be who I need to be. Thank you for loving me unconditionally. After all these years, you still are, "my sun, my moon, my stars," and I still "dwell in darkness without you.". Happy 18th Anniversary!

Late night rambling

2008-11-15T23:43:00.007-06:00

It's late. I've had a lot on my mind, and it tends to be therapeutic for me to put my thoughts down. Please forgive my rambling, but I need to get it out.
I've been faced with a lot of different challenges lately. It's been interesting to find out how many people that I care about seem to be struggling with different things too. Each of us seem to be going through our own things, be it financial, health, marital, family issues, internal struggles, etc. Some are even having to deal with multiple issues.
I believe that when I choose to come to earth, I knew that it would be hard. I knew that I would hurt, cry, feel pain, and suffer losses and that there would be days that would make me question my choices. I've had those days. My dad used to tell me, "Life isn't for sissy's.", and I think that's truly an understatement. It's hard! Sometimes it just plain sucks, and I wonder if I'm even going to make it through to the next day. There's even been a time when I didn't want to make it through, a time when I was ready to throw in the towel, and call it quits. Somehow, I made it through. I owe it to a good friend, a guardian angel here on earth.
Looking back, it's always been a good friend that's helped me get through those dark times. I've been blessed with many angels along this path of life. Good friends who've helped me in one way or another, more than I can count. I know the Lord truly knows me as an individual and that he knows what I would need in my life to help me through, besides my family & the Gospel. He knew that I would need earthly guardian angels.
I know there have been times that I've probably hurt some of these people, taken them for granted,or let them down. It's easy to look back and see it, but at times I've tended to get all caught up in myself, and been blind to it. I have a lot of regrets, because it's been these angels that I've been blessed to have crossed my path, that have been my balm, and I don't think I've really ever expressed my gratitude. There's been many, I would hope that you would know who you are. Thank you for blessing my life with your love and friendship. Thank you for your example, thank you for helping me to stay on the straight and narrow. Thank you for letting me be part of your family. Thank you for loving me in spite of my shortcomings. Thank you for accepting me even though I was so caught up in myself and seemed oblivious to your feelings. Thank you for forgiving me and being there when I needed you most.
There are those out there, who are quick to judge. Ready to make assumptions as to why we have made the choices we have made in our life. Those who will question the choices that we have made. Those who criticize what we have done, and are quick to tell us their thoughts as to why we may be suffering. I hope I'm not one of those. I hope I can be as unconditional in my love to my angels, as they have been to me. I hope you know that here, with me, you can find peace and solace. Calm in the storm. I will not judge. I will not criticize. I love you. I pray for you. I cry with you. Know that my heart is full of love and compassion because of all you have given to me. My prayer tonight is that we can all be better, that we can be an earthly guardian angel for someone who really needs us.
I feel compelled to leave some words of comfort, but not mine. Some of my darkest times, when I've turned inside of myself and away from everyone, I've been led to His words and been able to feel His love. I share with you my favorite scripture;

D&C 121: 7-8 ... peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;
And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.

The truth is, sometimes we need to cry. Sometimes we're going to hurt. Sometimes we will feel despair and darkness. But, it will be because of these times that we will come to truly appreciate the joy that is life. As for me, it's a life that is so much better because of my earthly angels.

She's 8 months old

2008-11-08T20:55:00.004-06:00

I can't believe how quickly Sara is growing. It makes me so sad. I guess because I know she's our last and I've really cherished every moment. As sad as I am to see her changing, I love this time as she begins to really start showing her personality, when every day brings something new. The look on her face as she figures out each new little thing. Every day is an adventure. She is truly a joy to all of us. I think the most common thing said in our house is, "I love her!" She makes us smile, she makes us laugh, she warms each of our hearts. Her goofy little grin, how can you not love the little stinker?

Here are a few of the changes this past month;
1. She began the month up on her hands and knees rocking, now she's "army crawling" all over the place. She'll occasionally crawl a bit on her hands and knees. This also means we have to be very aware of what's on the floor. More than once we've found her with a pine needle sticking out of her mouth.
2. She got her two bottom teeth, which also means she's been introduced to cheerios. She loves 'em. She loves any kind of big people food. She does not like peas or green beans (baby food).
3. She drinks out of a water bottle & can drink out of a sippy cup. Although now, you can't drink in front of her, she gets angry, she thinks it's hers.
4. She can clap her hands & will clap when you sing "patty cake". So cute!
5. She started pulling herself up in her crib & is now trying to pull herself up anywhere she can. She just did this for the first time a few days ago. She was so proud of herself. She started bouncing and jabbering. I wish I could have caught it on film.

I look forward to everyday, and try to imagine seeing the world through her eyes as she discovers everything around her. There's something about these little people so fresh from God. The curiosity, the excitement, the frustration of their limitations. It truly amazes me.

Happy Birthday LanDaMan!

2008-10-13T23:12:00.006-05:00

So, my guy's 14 today. Mike and I took him to dinner tonight and when the wait staff asked how old he was, in my mind I was really thinking 13. I swear it was just yesterday he was walking around our aparment at the U of U in his walker pulling rib bones out of the trash to gnaw on. My how time has flown. From the beginning, Landon has been the one that has made us laugh. He was such a goofy looking kid. Ever read the comic Marvin?It was fairly new when he was born, and he reminded us so much of him we actually called him "Marvin". Chubby cheeks, blond hair flying all over the place. Landon was my best laugher as a baby, and as he's grown he's proven to be the comic of the family. We can always count on him to make us laugh. He's so goofy, but doesn't take himself to seriously. I really hope this isn't something that he'll outgrow. He's a great kid, I couldn't be more proud.

Happy Birthday! Even though you're getting older, stay true to who you are. Every family needs a weirdo, that's why we have you!

(Sorry dude, this may be a year old, but it's better than the "Hitler" stash!)

Tagged

2008-10-10T21:46:00.004-05:00

Okay, so Krisann tagged me. I'm supposed to find the 4th picture in the 4th folder.

Oh how I wish it could have been a different photo. You are looking at the Allman girls doing the "Angels"pose. Every time we get together, we have to take at least one. We've gotten much better since then. This was towards the end of the summer in 2006 at Stone Mountain in Atlanta, GA.
Okay, I tag Kim, Tami, Shanna, & Jen :)

Count 'em, 14 pairs

2008-10-07T23:27:00.005-05:00

As I was picking up tonight, I kept finding more and more shoes. In a moment of frustration, I just threw them all into a pile. Seriously? Does anyone ever put their freaking shoes away? Kim and I talked last night on the phone for a minute about sometimes wanting to blog things for theraputic reasons, but not feeling like you really should. So, tonight it's therapy. I'm so tired of picking up shoes, socks, pants, and underwear (yes, you read that right, underwear), downstairs. There aren't even bedrooms downstairs. As I'm sitting here, I turn to my left and look in the living room I see a pair of jeans on the floor by the couch. That's the first room you see when you walk in the house. Again, seriously? Mike has these shoes we call his "slipper shoes". He loves them. They've split on the bottom and are falling apart. I hate them. He actually asked me tonight if I'd thrown them away. Although I've wanted to, I haven't. He should probably check the closet. No one ever looks there for their shoes, I guess you can see why.

What shoe am I???

2008-10-03T00:01:00.004-05:00

Okay, so I saw this quiz on one of my friend's blogs and took it just for kicks with no plan of posting it. That was until I saw the results. Totally cracks me up! Sadly, it's mostly true. Though mom, you must admit, I've gotten much better about embracing the big "R".

You Are Flip Flops

You are laid back and very friendly.

Cheery and sunny in disposition, you usually have something to smile about.

Style is important to you, as long as you can stay casual.

It takes a lot to get you to dress up!

You are a loyal and true person, though you can be a bit of a flake.

You tend to “play hooky” and blow off responsibilities a lot more than most people.

You should live: By the beach

You should work: At a casual up and coming company

What Kind of Shoe Are You?

Things are starting to return to normal (Click to see pics of "Life of Ike")

2008-09-28T16:59:00.011-05:00

Ike hit 15 days ago, and I'm grateful to say we made it through unscathed. We were very lucky. We suffered no damage, no downed trees, and even our fence survived. Although, during the height of the storm, it did rip off some of the boards on our windows, (Mike used 2 inch wood screws to attach the boards, 3 on each side), yes, it was pretty scarey. We feel very lucky.
We lost power Friday night at about 8 pm. Mike and I had just gotten out the 72 hour kits, getting all the flashlights ready with batteries, and strategically placing them through out the house. Taylor and Landon brought mattresses downstairs to set up our "sleeping area". We'd just sent Sawyer up to take a shower and were getting ready to make grilled cheese sandwiches. The wind was barley blowing and we were starting to get some scattered showers when the power cut out. Mike turns to me and says, "I guess no grilled cheese tonight.". I was bummed. I really wanted one. Next we hear a blood curdling scream. Emma and I each grab a flash light and ran for the stairs. Emma instantly squeals and covers her eyes. There stands Soy, dripping wet, buck naked, with soap all over him. The kid is terrified of the dark. Landon, being the great big brother that he is, went and took care of Sawyer. After that, the rest of the evening is a blur, at least up until 3:30 am. I don't remember waking up, it may have been Sawyer saying every 5 minutes, "Anyone awake? I'm scared.". I tried my best to soothe him, then went to look out the window on the backdoor. Taylor was awake watching the wind whip the trees around in the backyard. The wind sounded like a freight train. I sat there watching the trees, knowing they were all going to come down. I don't know how they didn't. We sat watching together in complete fear and awe of the power of Ike. At some point, we both fell asleep. After the rain and wind subsided in the early afternoon on Saturday, Mike and I went to asses the damage. We were so surprised to see our yard so clear of debris. It was amazing, especially after just driving down our street. There were so many, who were not so lucky.
After 10 days, almost to the hour, our electricity was restored. You have know idea how grateful we were, and how guilty we felt, (there are still many out there waiting). The kids just went back to school on Thursday, September 25th, (Happy Birthday Tami). So, for the most part, things are returning to normal. Mike's company gave him the the whole week off after the storm, all except that Wednesday, when he went in and worked half day to assess the damage of the research center. As for me, I went back to work the day before, and worked 9 days straight. Our store suffered extensive water damage, and will be closed at least through January. I've spent the last 12 days inventorying and then transferring all the merchandise out of the store. They've already begun demoing around us. I'm grateful to still have a job. Once we're done emptying out the store completely I will be deployed to one of the other Macy's in Houston until we are able to get back in the building. It's been stressful and emotionally draining, although there are many others who have suffered so much more. I'm very grateful for the prayers of friends and family, and acknowledge the Lord's hand, I know without a doubt, that he was watching over us. We love you all!

Hurricane Ike - (click here for the latest Ike info)

2008-09-12T01:00:00.007-05:00

It's one in the morning and I find myself still up. Why? Too much to do with a storm coming up on us. We've been through this before with Rita, but by now the storm had already turned and we avoided a direct hit. This time, every projected path gets closer to us (on the dirty side), but don't worry, "If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear.". So, to all our friends and family who may be worrying about us, know that we are prepared. I'm so grateful that we've followed the counsel of prophets and have food storage and our 72 hour kits. Taylor, Landon, & I made a "treat" run to the grocery store, and the cupboards there are bare. We've heard of people fighting over the bottled water & canned goods. Rest assured, we are set for food & water. Gas is becoming harder to find, but our tanks are full on both our cars (plus we've got 10 gallons of gas in our gas cans). The garage is cleaned out so that we can actually park the cars in it (any of you who've visited know that this was no small feat). In the morning when Mike gets up we'll reevaluate our situation and if needed, will board up the windows (already have the plywood, saved and numbered from Rita). My cousin Chelon graciously offered her home in Austin to us as shelter if we felt we needed to evacuate. Chelon, you are so sweet and appreciate it so much. I know we would have a ball. However, we aren't in the evacuation zone and feel that we need to follow the counsel of city officials to stay put. We need to keep the roads clear for those who really need to get north. We're going to bunker down and have our second "Hardy Hurricane Party". Regardless of whether or not the storm hits or makes a last minute turn, we are at peace and are ready. Schools are closed, Merichem is boarded up, and belive it or not Macy's is closed till futher notice, so for now we'll get as much computer time :), laundry, cleaning, etc., done as possible. I will update as soon as I can. Keep us in your prayers though, it couldn't hurt.
See you on the other side of the storm.
XOXO t
PS My only worry is that I'm going to lose all my fish that we caught and had shipped back from Alaska. If all comes to all, we party Hardy style; cook it all up and share with our friends and neighbors.

9/12 - An update
It looks like it's going to be a direct hit. We've boarded up and are ready to go.

Mike and Landon working on the project together

Taylor making some last minute adjustments

Alright Ike, bring it! We're ready to go.

Alaskan Cruise

2008-09-10T11:50:00.001-05:00

Here's to overcoming fears

2008-09-08T11:02:00.010-05:00

Last week Mike and I were able to join a bunch of my family on an Alaskan cruise. My sister Kim flew out to stay with the kids. Before we left Taylor imposed a "No call" rule. Meaning, I was not allowed to call and check in on them and he would not call us. Right after we had returned to the ship after porting in Sitka Alaska, I got a call from Taylor;

"You're breaking the no call rule.", I said.
"You don't realize I've just had to overcome some of my worst fears!", he says.
"Who'd you kiss?"
"Mom! I didn't kiss anyone. I played my guitar and sang at the talent show (ym/yw quad ward activity)."
"Did you do good?", I ask.
"I dunno. I guess. Everyone says I did."
"I'm so proud of you! I wish I could have been there."
"We recorded it. I can't believe I actually did it."

I was blown away. Taylor is not one to stand up in front of crowds, even to stand up in a crowd. I was so bummed I missed it. I had told him earlier in the month that he was going to need to get up on stage, and he told me, "no way!' I'm so proud of him. I can imagine the fear of having to get up in front of your peers (and the girl you are "crushin" on), and then to have to perform. He's such an awesome kid!
So, here's to overcoming the things that freak us out, the things we think are impossible, the things we think we just can't do. Make the choice to just... DO!

PS I later got a text - "I WON!"
He ended up taking first place. You go Tay!

There's no one in town I know You gave us some place to go.
I never said thank you for that I thought I might get one more chance.
What would you think of me now, so lucky, so strong, so proud?
I never said thank you for that, now I'll never have a chance
May angels lead you in. Hear you me my friends.
On sleepless roads the sleepless go. May angels lead you in.
May angels lead you in. May angels lead you in.
May angels lead you in. May angels lead you in.
And if you were with me tonight, I'd sing to you just one more time.
A song for a heart so big, God wouldn't let it live.
May angels lead you in. Hear you me my friends.
On sleepless roads the sleepless go May angels lead you in.

And just like that...

2008-08-25T08:43:00.019-05:00

Taylor's 1st day of school - Senior Year

(Taken after school, didn't want to get up at 5 am to do it, [early morning seminary]. Thanks for humoring me Tay!)

Landon's first day of school - 8th grade
(Annoyed that I would force him to take his picture. He is "too old for this crap".)

I remember when I was little how slowly time seemed to move. It always seemed to drag. Now, time is flying by! Years pass in what seems like a blink of an eye. Why this reflection? Today marks the start to a new school year. My very first baby is now a senior. I swear I just graduated. It can't be almost 20 years ago, can it? I still feel like a teenager, (clearly from some of my previous blogs). Well, in my mind I still feel like a teenager, long gone are the days where I can get by on little or no sleep & eat anything I want with no consequences, also I must mention the fine lines, gray hairs, aches and pains. Although there is some sorrow in lost youth, in all honesty, I wouldn't go back for anything. The last 20 years I've lived, laughed, loved & cried more than I would have thought possible. I have experienced life at it's finest & made it through some pretty rough storms. I truly have much to be grateful for. The best things in my life, the things I'm most proud of, the things that are worth more to me than anything have happened in these past 20 years.

Another school year begins, and time continues to fly. Taylor starts his senior year. Landon, starts 8th grade which will be his last before starting high school. Emma, starts 5th and her last in elementary school, (now I'm freaking myself out a bit), & Sawyer starts 2nd grade. Seriously, where has time gone?
If you ask Sawyer what the rule is in our house, he'll answer with a big goofy smile, "No growing up!" My kids never listen. :)

Emma's first day of school - 5th grade
(Arghh... She's now accessorising.)

Sawyer's first day of school - 2nd grade

Summer Happenings

2008-08-14T22:32:00.019-05:00

Okay, I know it's been a while. Summer is drawing quickly to an end. Here's some of what's been happening.
After months (I'm not exagerating here. We are talking over 6 months.). Sawyer finally lost his 2 front teeth. Landon did have to pin him down to pull them out. We bribed him with $, video games, treats. The teeth would have stayed in forever had it not been for Landon's intervention.

My teenage boys (Taylor, Landon, & my "other kid" Talyn), have been in a "vandalism war" with some of the girls in our ward. I have lost a lot of sleep because of this. It's not my baby daughter getting me up in the middle of the night, she's been sleeping through the night since she was 2 weeks old (sorry Tami), it's the 16, 15 & almost 14 year old. It has been kind of fun reliving my teen years. They've made me proud. They have not made their father proud. We've been driving him crazy. He was finally able to tell them "I told you so.", when the boys and girls teamed up in an attempt to get another girl. Her parents did not find it as entertaining as the rest of us had and called the parents of one of the girls who proceeded to drag all the girls over at 6am to clean up their work. Sadly, the boys slept through the phone calls from the girls and so they did not join in the clean up efforts. This did not endear them to said parents or the girls. Boys will be boys.
Here are some of the fruits of their labors.

The girls than retaliated in kind.

Basically they cleaned up their yard, and dumped it on ours. I give them points for recycling. They also saran wrapped our porch, which gave the boys the idea when they went and got Shantel. They did such a great job. They pretty much made a 5 foot saran wrap wall on her porch. Unfortunately no pics were captured. I'd left the memory card plugged into the computer. My bad! Shantel refused to take pictures for Taylor. Her dad made her get up at 5 am to clean it up so he could pull out of the driveway to get to work. Her comment when Taylor asked for photo's was "Take them yourself, you should have brought your own camera.". When Taylor explained why the moment hadn't been captured, her response, "So sad.". After some sleep, she did admit they'd done a good job. It was a proud moment for a retired vandal to see the work of my boys. It's a shame there are no photos. (Before anyone judges, all parents who had been involved previous to the one fiasco, have enjoyed the "war". I have not been the only parent to drive the getaway car. It's been a blast for most everyone!)
Last but not least, we have been able to welcome 2 new neices into the Hardy clan. Julia Avalon Hardy was born on June 25th to Matt and Holly. They are living in South Dakota and unfortunately we've only been able to see pictures. She's a cutie! We hope to see them at Thanksgiving.
Megan Anne Hardy was born on Sunday, August 10th to Paul and Shauna. It's been a tough road for Shauna who came down with Bells Palsy a week or two ago. I know both she and Paul are thrilled to finally have a little girl (they have 3 boys), even though it may take some adjusting to all the pink. :)

Emma and Megan & Megan and Sara (Sara seems so big!)

Last but not least, Shauna and her new baby girl. Can you believe all the hair?

Very soon we will be welcoming a new nephew. Brian and Cynthia will be having their little boy in the next few weeks. We can't wait to see him. Poor guy will have to deal with a bunch of girl cousins his age, (I'm sure Chad can relate.). And then just like that, the fun days of summer will soon be coming to an end. Me, I think like most parents, are looking forward to it. Mostly, so I can get a little sleep. :P
PS Landon did call the parents of the girl they got who weren't so happy and apologized for not coming and helping clean up. He said it was all meant in fun and not mean spirited in any way. He offered to do yard work. The mother, I think, was blown away. What a great kid!

ARGH!!!

2008-06-21T23:24:00.004-05:00

Taylor was in a mood today, I think it's because Landon came home for all of 10 hours before he was on a plane to Atlanta for the next 2 weeks. They really are good buds, (which I love by the way). So in attempt to cheer the both of us up we headed to the movies to see "The Hulk". We headed out and bought tickets for the 9:20pm show. We got our popcorn and icee, went in and selected our seats, then settled in to enjoy the show. Before the previews even started, a mob of kids came in noisily. They were talking loud, running up and down the stairs. Both Taylor and I looked at each other. Sometimes you just know it's going to be one of those movie going experiences. To make a long story short, cops were in and out at least 5 times. A manager came in, the lights came on. Kids in and out, and in and out again. The clincher was when the guy sitting next to me stood up and yelled at them all. Of course, they yelled back. He went out of theater and was back in within a couple of minutes. When he came back in he yells, "What? Quiet now you little $*@#holes? I'm gonna get you all thrown out of here." It was at this point that Taylor and I just gave up. We got up, asked for our money back and left. We did pass the cops, 5 of them, on our way out. Part of me wishes we would have stuck around to see if anything was actually done this time. It was a complete circus! I guess the lesson learned is don't go to the mall at night to see a flick on a weekend. I'm so ticked! I really wanted to see it. I guess I can always wait till it comes out on video.
PS Tami, I sure wish I had your theater room set up. Tonight I'm truly coveting. Thank goodness church is tomorrow. :P

Teenagers

2008-06-19T00:12:00.013-05:00

I felt the need to say how much I enjoy my teenage boys. Don't get me wrong, there are challenges; skipping school, sneaking out the window for the late night toilet paper escapades, breaking curfew, roaming the neighborhood with "the gang", the call in the middle of the night saying, "can you come and get us? Mr. police officer would like to talk to you.", just to name a few, (these are the experiences I've had with my boys). It's like reliving the past. Dad, I can hear you laughing now and remember you often saying, "I hope when you
have kids they're just like you." I often find myself apologizing to Mike when he's frustrated, saying, "I don't know where they get it from!" Unfortunately I do, it's me. So the question is, are we the abnormal ones or is it Mike? (JK honey, you know I love you.) Anyway, maybe that's why I enjoy them so much. They take me back to the good 'ol days. I get to relive the good times through them and lend a sympathetic shoulder through the bad. I love that their friends come and hang out at our house, and eat our food. I always said I wanted my home to be just like the Soelberg's. The place where everyone chills. Monday night when I came home from work I almost didn't know what to do with myself. Landon had left for scout camp early that morning, and Taylor was spending the night at a friend's house. I was so sad. I've become accustomed to sitting and talking to them while they play video games until the wee hours of the morning. You'd think I'd cherish the sleep, but I really missed 'em. Those are some of my favorite times. I guess I realize that this time is precious, and they're not going to want me hanging around forever. It won't be long before they clue in that it's just not cool to hang out with their dumb 'ol embarrassing mom. For now, they still hug me in public, let me be in the same room when their friends are around, and will still accompany me on errands. My boys rock, (quite literally)!

Nothin' like it...

2008-06-13T00:03:00.003-05:00

When my days aren't going so great, this is the picture I look at. I love all my kids, but there's just something about a babies smile. She's just so dang cute!

It's not just another video game

2008-05-22T12:08:00.003-05:00

Forget Rock Band! No offense to those of you who routinely enjoy "touring". I'm not a video game person. It takes a lot to convince me to even pick up a controller. Rock band included. Call me a party pooper. I am what I am. That is until Wii came out with Wii Fit. Holy Cats! Whoever thought that one up is brilliant! Basically, if you haven't heard of it, it's an exercise game. You've got Yoga, strength training, balance, training, aerobics. It tracks your progress and the more you do, the more "games" it unlocks. Talk about getting you off the couch. Mike, Taylor, Landon, and I stayed up most of the night competing. Probably not the best idea since the kids are still in school. Taylor came home from early morning seminary and instead of going back to bed like he usually does on Thursday, he "played". As for me, instead of cleaning and doing the things I should be doing on my day off, I've spent the last hour trying to beat my kids scores. I'm getting a work out. Trust me, I'm sweating, (and it's not because it's 95 degrees at 65% humidity). Who would have thought it would be a video game that would get me jogging?
It's a lot of fun. You've got to check this out!

One Proud Mom

2008-04-23T22:53:00.005-05:00

Tonight Emma participated in a talent show for activity days. When she left the house she thought it was just a practice. I asked her what she was going to do, and she said she was going to sing. Well, me being the parent that I am, one with little talent especially when singing, suggested she take some of her art, (also not a talent that I have). She said, "No, I love singing, I'm going to sing." With apprehension in my heart, not for her abilities, but for my own, she headed off to the church. 25 minutes later I got a panicked call from my daughter, "Mom! I was wrong, the talent show is tonight." I quickly gathered up the baby and all her supplies and headed off to the church. Keep in mind, Emma hadn't picked a song and hadn't practiced. Her concern was me missing her performance, not her lack of preparation. She had decided to sing a primary song and when her turn came, she froze. She totally forgot the words, I was trying to sing for her. Thank the world for some wonderful leaders who led her over to the piano so that she could read the words and start again, and start again she did. She sang very quietly, but she did it. She didn't let her fear control her, she didn't quit or give up. She sang her song and I couldn't be more proud!

Remember the Alamo!

2008-04-21T19:35:00.003-05:00

We decided it was time for another Hardy "adventure" this weekend. Friday afternoon we packed up the van and the kids and headed to San Antonio. The weather was gorgeous! It was low 80's with no humidity, (it is San Antone after all). We had a great time. Day one we spent at Sea World. What a cool place! If you haven't been, I highly recommend it. Do plan on spending a lot of money and on getting very wet (you don't want to be wearing jeans, trust me on this one).
Day two we went to The Alamo. Mike and I both learned more about it in 20 minutes than we ever did in school. It just goes to show what you can learn when someone tells you something as a story. We then headed to the Riverwalk for lunch and ate at the Rainforest Cafe. It was a little costly, but the food was good and the atmosphere was very cool. All in all it was a very good weekend. Here are a few things that I've been reminded of;

1. No matter how late it is, kids are always bouncing off the walls after spending a few hours in the car.
2. Even though you request a crib for your hotel room days before, there is a very good chance you won't be getting one.
3. You can never make everyone (kids) happy with car seating arrangements or hotel sleeping arrangements.
4. Food at theme parks are always way overpriced and crappy.
5. It's when you don't take an extra outfit that the baby explodes out of the diaper.
6. There is always at least 1 spill when you take the family to a resteraunt.
7. No matter what, when the family is together there is more laughing than crying, (even when Landon got his fingers closed in the van door).
8. "Adventures" are always worth every penny spent!

Kids, got to love em'!

2008-04-13T21:16:00.005-05:00

I had forgotten until today how difficult it is to get a kids to cooperate for photos. We went for a drive in search of the bluebonnets. It seems to be the thing, the photo with the kids sitting in the wildflowers. It was another beautiful day, and we all love going for a drive together (although, looking behind me I see one kid with headphones on, one reading, and 2 others playing game boys). Not a whole lot of interaction, but we're together, right? We find a huge field full of wildflowers and quite literally a minimum of a hundred other people. Mike searches for the "perfect spot", and proceeds to arrange the children. My 16 year old is rolling his eyes, my 13 year old is hiding in tall grass being goofy as usual. The 9 & 6 year old are trying to follow Dad's instructions, but are getting confused. They don't know for sure who he's talking to, they're not rolling their eyes or acting "stupid". Finally! We get ready to take the picture, but the 6 year old refuses to smile. We (the parents), are starting to lose our patience and get angry. He starts to cry. I believe at this point there's some sort of threatening. He decides to cooperate, then the baby starts to scream. Well, there's always next year. :)

Ahhhh... The weekend

2008-04-12T18:56:00.005-05:00

There's nothing better than a beautiful, sunny Saturday. It's days like today that make me happy to be living in Southern Texas. Blue skies, slight breeze, low 70's. Texas in the spring is amazing! The wildflowers are blooming and generally the humidity is low. Would have been a great day for a drive to view the vibrant colors. Instead we spent the day at home. Mike had to clean out the garage, (yes, this was an all day task & sadly it's still not completed). I did take both Emma and Sawyer for haircuts, which were desperately needed. Hopefully there will be a couple more Saturdays like today before the sweltering heat and humidity hit. One can hope, right?

How did this happen?

2008-04-07T15:50:00.000-05:00

So, I'm sitting in Tami's living room while she and Joanna discuss some novels by Stephanie Meyer. What are they getting so excited about? Edward? Seriously, some teenage vampire love story. Where's the appeal? I don't get it. Silently I'm laughing in my head. I'm an avid reader. I love to read, but I do have standards. I can't understand the appeal, but I keep my opinion to myself. I'm just now meeting Joanna, I don't want to offend. She seems pretty sharp, seems to make my big bro pretty happy. I'm just going to keep my mouth shut and pretend like I'm interested. A nod here, a small comment there. Nope, just doesn't interest me.
Wednesday night Tami drops the book "Twilight", into my lap. "You have to read it." She has to work tomorrow. I can at least kill some time, right? It's a New York Times Bestseller?
Holy Cats! Finished the book Thursday, and started reading "New Moon". Tami refuses to let me borrow it because she says she doesn't trust me with her hard back copy. How rude! I'll send it back, (okay, maybe I'm not the best about getting stuff in the mail). Sure Mom and Dad's Christmas presents are still sitting on my front entry table, but I'll get around to it when I get a little more time. I'm still on maternity leave for another 4 weeks. I make Tami take me to Barnes and Noble. I can't wait. Finished it Saturday night. Dying to read "Eclipse". It's Sunday, can this be considered as the "ox in the mire"? What's one more day?
It's Monday morning. Book store opens at what time? Sawyer runs in my room, "Mom, I think I'm going to throw up." Would I be a horrible mother if I took my sick kid out? I'll give him a bowl for in the car. I think I'm obsessed. I can wait.
Thank Heavens Taylor gets home at 3.