Friends

You know those friends in your life that you've had for (what seems like) ever?  I have a couple of those.  We only see each other all together about twice a year now.  But, it doesn't take long to get into our old rhythm.  The three of us couldn't be more different now.  Married, single, in relationships.  College and graduate degree's, different states, jobs, circle of friends -different lives completely.  They think I'm better than I am, and I probably think higher of them then they think of themselves.  I think that's what good friends are for.  Neither of them read my blog, but if they did, I'd tell them that I'm glad they're still in my life, and hope they always will be.

*This is where I'd put a picture of the three of us -if I could access any of my pictures.  Hopefully soon.

2011 Recap -without pictures.

We had a small (hopefully) problem with our media drive that houses ALL of our pictures.  It crashed.  I know we should have backed them up, and believe me, when it is finally returned to us (and we are $200-$1,000 poorer) I will do just that.  So, for now, I'm going to do my traditional year end review without pictures.  I have to re-find all of the pictures anyway when I make our printed books, so I suppose I'll just leave it like this on the blog.

January
Our blog went private -so I felt like I could share a few more personal things.  Mostly things about Justin.  Since he has more than a few jobs and other ventures he was always afraid of putting too much on here that was available for everyone.  He actually accepted his commission for the Navy the month before, but by January  it was official and he had his first drill weekend as a Naval Officer in the Reserves.

We had our first mini family vacation with Kate.  It was a Hardcastle family snowmobile trip.  The first night was great.  The full day we were there was a different story.  Grandma Hardcastle's machine ran into Justin's.  A first-responder snowmobile, ambulance ride to the hospital, then a ride to McKay Dee hospital with me and Kate, and finally emergency surgery ended that first day.  My dad had to settle up with the resort (that wasn't a pretty site) but got to the hospital right after my mom went into surgery.  She still hasn't recovered 100%, and might not -too much nerve damage.  It definitely took a second seat to her issues later this year though.

February
Kate's blessing and pneumonia for Hyrum.  Justin and I celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary.  I'm not sure if we truly celebrated, a new born and a sick 2 year old probably kept it a little low-key.

March
I turned 31.  Gulp, no hiding the fact that I'm in my thirties.  (Now I'm nearly 32).  Hyrum said goodbye to Buddy.  It was pretty rough for a while, but now he doesn't even remember his best friend.  It was warm enough for a few trips to the park and zoo.

April
Kate became somewhat mobile -started rolling.  We started toilet training with Hyrum.

May
Jodi and Trevor got married.  Kate started eating solid food and Hyrum had the time of his life meeting the REAL Thomas the Train and going for a ride.

June
Family pictures.  Sometimes I wonder if I give my friend Terra too much credit from Magnifique Photography.  Then I have another session with her, and I realize I don't.  She's amazing.
It was finally summer.  We couldn't get enough time this summer, our little back yard, parks, the zoo, anything to get outside during the day.

July
Zoo, sprinklers, fishing, camping, Lagoon, digging in the dirt, and airplanes.  It was a little boy's dream.  We took full advantage of the summer.

August
More camping.  A visitor from Brazil.  More trips to the zoo, the park, and singing in front of a Senator for Harvest Days.  Grandpa Hardcastle was called to be the bishop, and Justin was missing for 2 weeks.  He happened to be in Rhode Island during Hurricane Irene, which just so happened to go through Rhode Island.  A few days without power but they survived, and so did we -without dad.

September
Kate's crawling -and just like her brother- she doesn't stop for anything.  She also figured out how to climb. Oh, how I wished for a baby that was content to stay on the ground for a few minutes!
Mom had her weekend off -going to Swiss Days with the girls.  We had a weekend vacation with the Gough's in Park City and another weekend in Jackson Hole with the Hardcastles.

October
We had our annual Hardcastle Pumpkin carving contest.  Dad won again.  Wonder what he'll come up with next year.  Hyrum dressed up as a train -or a train conductor since he couldn't carry the train around for long.  Kate was a fairy princess.  They both got WAY too much candy at Mimi's work and Grandma and Grandpa's ward trunk and treat.  Luckily most of it ended up in my piano candy bowl.

November
It's a wild ride from November until after Christmas every year.  Kate started walking.  Hyrum turned 3. Both kids slept over at Grandma and Grandpa Lafeen's for the first time while dad and I went out with the Goughs to a nice steak house.

I received my Young Women's in Excellence award (as a leader) and was released from the Young Women's presidency later in the month.

We had a new nephew born (on 11/11/11), Konner Marley Gough.  We got a free dinner on Veterens' Day.  Two Thanksgiving Dinner's and a birthday for Justin.

My mom had a scheduled back surgery to repair and remove a few disc's which proved far from routine 2 weeks later.

December
My mom ended up back in the hospital with an infection at the incision site. She ended up with spinal meningitis, had another surgery to clean out the infection and stayed in the hospital for nearly a week.  After all the antibiotics, not eating or drinking because she felt so sick and some anti-inflammatory's for pain, she ended up back in the hospital because of impaired kidney functioning.  She was out after another week and seems to finally be on the mend.

Justin had to be in California for a couple of days for work, and at the last minute I decided to go and meet him there -for one evening.  Bryan and Haley stayed with the kids, and I flew out at 10am one day and was home by 2 pm the next.  I spent most of the day in Disneyland (by myself) but met Justin there for a few rides and fireworks.

Little Miss turned ONE!  With the help of a couple of friends and 3 nights work we had a great cake.  Thanks to technology my mom 'attended' the party via facetime on my parents new iPad's.

We survived another Christmas.  This one was just as busy, but I managed to enjoy it and not get too stressed out by all of the places we needed to be and people we were meant to be with.  Hyrum really enjoyed being with his family and didn't mind all the new presents either.

New Years Eve?  Well, the day was spent trying to organize and clean (we're trying to make a dent in our basement so we can work on getting it finished this year).  And tonight Justin and I are on separate computers, mostly watching a movie, and with any luck will be asleep by 10:30.

Here's to 2012!

Christmas 2011

I believe our Christmas will always be pretty hectic and busy, but this year there was far less stress than I've felt in past years, so we must be getting the hang of it.  We don't get to see everyone, and we'd like to spend more time with each family, but we manage to spread our holiday cheer the best we can!

We made Christmas sugar cookies for Santa earlier in the day, since we weren't going to have any time later in the day.  Hyrum had me write the letter, and every time we asked him what he wanted to say, he kept saying he wanted to say Happy Birthday.  

This year we started at Grandma Colleens with Scott's family.  We had a yummy dinner and a lot of play time with Grandpa Lafeen.  Colleen managed to save just about every toy any of her kids ever played with, and since they were built and made in the 60's (when they had sharp corners -gasp) they are still in great shape!  It's quite the collection.  

After Colleens we headed up to spend time with the Goughs at Cindy and Lon's.  More cousins and toys -the kids favorite.  The adults enjoyed a delicious prime rib dinner, one of them was smoked for who knows how long, it was amazing.  We stayed as long as Kate could handle and then came home and put the kids to bed.  No nap and a TON of playing by Hyrum worked well for our bedtime routine.  Hyrum laid down and didn't stir even once.  

Christmas morning came and we had our little family's Christmas.  Santa brought the kids camping chairs and water bottles.  Along with a few small toys for each of them and Diesel train for Hyrum.  He put in a last minute request for that one that he must have got in time. Hyrum got a movie and a MP3 player from us and Kate got a new book, which she loves.  That girl loves having books read to her.  

Dad got a t shirt and a dress shirt with a tie.  Not very fancy, but, it matched what I wore that day to church.  So, the real present was the fact that I let me match me for the day.  

Mom got a Nook tablet.  I didn't think I wanted one, but it's pretty cool.  I think I will get a lot of use from it.  Justin also got me a gift certificate for a couple of mani and pedi's.  

There was a family gift that had been on our 'get after Christmas list' that Justin got a day earlier.  A new TV -that replaced the one that a certain 3 year old broke- and a wall mount.  To hopefully prevent the same fate for the new one.  Even better, we finally figured out how to get an HD picture on our HD tv.  Man, everyone looks a lot older!  

We needed help at church since I was playing for all the musical numbers and Justin was narrating the program so we invited Scott, Denise, and April to come along.  We did presents and a quick breakfast before church.  Hyrum was (of course) spoiled by Grandma and Grandpa Lafeen.  A couple of Thomas the Train sets and a Car's 2 set.  Along with a few more cars/trucks and a few PJ's.  Kate wasn't left out, a doll and little people van, along with a playskool walk/ride and some cute clothes.  

In all the hustle and bustle of the morning, I misplaced my memory card -so the rest of Christmas day is without a lot of pictures.  

We went to Dave and Lisa's right after church for brunch with the Goughs.  We had a yummy meal and did a few presents.  We also did gifts at Mimi and Papa's after the extended family left.  We're all going to California in February for our christmas gift, and we're all super excited!  A stop over in Las Vegas on the way down and back, a day in Disneyland and the Living Desert with a few extra days of hanging out in Palm Desert and the pool.  Very exciting.  

From there we headed over to the Hardcastles.  We did presents with them, the kids got toys and clothes and a few games and Thomas dvd.  Hyrum and Kate got Woody and Jessie pj's.  Hyrum had to put on the Woody shirt immediately and wore it the rest of the night.  Justin and I finally got our own sleeping bags (so we can stop borrowing my parents every summer), new sheets, some warm gloves, new clothes (that I had on) and an emergency flashlight and lantern.  We all chipped in and got my mom a canvas picture of the Temple and my dad got a couple of dumbbells and a new case for his iPad.  My parents 'gave each other' iPad's a month ago for their official Christmas gift.  But, as usual, my dad surprised my mom as well.  The two of them will be going to Vegas in February to see Celine Dion in concert.  

From there most of us went to Sally and Greg's for dinner.  Kate had had enough, so Justin volunteered to stay home so she could sleep.  Gordon and Matt couldn't make it, but the rest of us went for a delicious dinner and presents from Grandma Hardcastle.  She made all the little kids their own personalized quiet book, which were really nice.  

  

We slept over at the Hardcastles and Justin and I even got to go to a movie with friends while my parents watched the kids on Monday.  It was a very busy but fun holiday weekend.  It hasn't changed much in the last few years and I don't expect it to change in the next few either.  We never seem to get to spend enough time with family, but we do our best to get to everyone.  Plus, I think the kids love seeing everyone, so I'm sure we'll keep it up!  

Twas the week before Christmas

Twas the week before Christmas and nothing went right.

Ummm, I was going to attempt a clever little rhyme, but it's not happening, so I'll just tell you.  

Neighbor gifts this year were found on Pinterest.  The 'black coal' rice krispies wouldn't get dark enough, despite using half a bottle of Wilton black color. The first batch would not get anything darker than a dark purple.  It was a very nice purple, but didn't look at all like coal.  And the 2nd try?  I burnt the marshmallows on the bottom of the pan when I walked away to see what Hyrum was doing.  Luckily I caught it just as it started to smell like smore's.  Had to throw it out.  

Our fireplace hearth, on the other hand, did take the color very well the next day when Hyrum climbed up on the counter and stole the food coloring.  Along with his shirt and a few rags we tried to scrub the black off the stone.  

Sunday night we had a different color show up in Hyrum's eye. Technically it was red, but more commonly known as pink eye.  Luckily we started antibiotic drops the next day, so he's good to go by now.  But, that left us pretty much quarantined since Sunday, good thing I was done Christmas shopping.  

Kate's teething.  Which, really isn't too bad this time around.  Just makes her a little more whiny and clingy, making it hard to get this house clean.  

And finally?  Although I haven't had much to complain about with our current cable service (our 3rd one in 3 years and by far the best service and customer service we've had thus far), but I do now.  I've been told by a few different representatives that the technology these guys use is pretty archaic, compared to what's out there now.  The box often freezes and needs to be restarted, and will sometimes freeze at night, when no one is around and we miss recordings.  Not a huge deal.  This week it quit responding to the remote.  Yes, I change the batteries.  Even though I knew it wasn't the batteries, it still worked with the tv.  Even trying to change the channels on the unit itself wouldn't work.  

I called the customer service line around 4pm on Monday.  I got their after hours service. I asked what their hours were, and was told they were open until 5, but they must have a large call volume.  I left a message and was told they would call me back shortly.  I'm not sure what they consider 'shortly' but about 20 hours later I called back, still unable to use the cable box.  (Thank goodness for netflix) I left another message, and exaggerated a bit and told them it was the 3rd (not 2nd) time I had called.  This time I did get a call back a few hours later.  We tried an update and she tried resetting the unit remotely (losing all of our recordings), with no luck.  She did feel the need to mention no less than 5 times that I should make sure the cable button had been pushed on the remote.  I know there are people out there that need to be told that, but seriously?  I've called you twice, went without service for a couple days, AND the box doesn't even respond when I use the  buttons on it.  It's not that simple.  

So today, the first day all week where Hyrum isn't contagious and we could get out of this house, we're waiting around for someone to bring us a refurbished DVR.  With a new remote.  And hope that we get to use the service we pay for.  

In other, less ornery news, Christmas is almost here, and we're all getting pretty excited around here!  

Elf on the Shelf

Thanks to Pinterest (a lovely site that is now responsible for nearly all of our dinner recipes and a great many crafty ideas) I learned about the Elf on the Shelf.  There is a book and a movie, but I'm not sure which came first.  Basically, we adopt an elf, give him (or her) a name and the elf hangs out somewhere in your home during the day -keeping an eye on all the little ones around, and at night, fly's back to the North Pole (magic is involved, of course) to report on the the kids naughty or nice status.

I have decided that our elf will start visiting us after we are done celebrating Kate's birthday every year, so he doesn't get the earlier start that many other families have.  We read the book and chose a name for Family Home Evening this week.

When we asked Hyrum what our elf's name was, he replied, "Hmmm, I don't know, what is his name?" This was his answer several times.  He then started talking a bit of jibberish and something sounded like Hatter.  Justin and I looked at each other, and decided that was his name.  Hatter the Elf.  (Hey, it's better than some of the suggestions in the book, and we were convinced he would share a name with a certain number 1 engine).

So, Hatter has been sneaking in every morning and we've managed to get a few pictures of the sometimes strange places he likes to place himself...

 Day 1 -hiding out in the Christmas Tree

 Day 2 -Having himself a seat on the L from Lafeen

Day 3- This one was on top of the blinds on our french doors. 

Day 4- Trying to fit in with the Little People.

Observations

Within a few texts and phone calls you can rope your child-less brother and sister-in-law to come stay with your kids for a day.

27 hours still counts as a vacation.  No kids.  Weather was warmer.  Free breakfast at the hotel.  Oh, and Disneyland.

After the sun goes down it's cold in December in California.  Colder than I remembered from when I was there 5 years ago at the same time.

Don't trust your husband when he says your flight is around 11.  It might be at 10:20.  Approximately 20 minutes after you arrive at the airport.

Theme park's aren't too bad by yourself.  For a couple of hours.  Then it get's a little boring.

Even getting fewer hours of sleep in a hotel is still more refreshing than a full 8 hours with kids.

You might come home after being gone for 27 hours and your daughter wants to stay with her aunt, not  you.  I don't actually mind, I'm glad she had fun.

People dress if full marathon gear and run in the Salt Lake International Airport.  Maybe not people, but one lady did.

You can listen to almost an entire (900 page) audio book while walking around Disneyland by yourself.

If the airport shuttle only has you in it, the non-english speaking driver will wait until more people come.  A long time.  And then finally decide they have to just take you.

Sometimes those GREAT online deals work.  1 day park hopper pass for $45!

You miss your kids after being gone a day and will really look forward to seeing them.  Everything goes back to normal within an hour or two.  And you're ready for another vacation!

Spontaneous

This is not one of my strong suits.  I like schedules and routines.  I get anxious when things don't go to plan -even small things.  I remember a spur of the moment trip over spring break when I turned 21.  A friend was going to St. George and Las Vegas -and it was going to be a super cheap trip.  Vegas on your 21st birthday?  Even for a non-drinker I didn't want to pass that up.  I got rid of my extra shifts at work and left.  It was an awesome week.

But, usually I'm much more responsible and a bit slow to make decisions.

Except for yesterday.

Justin found out earlier in the week he needed to go on a 2 day training next week in California.  While making travel arrangements he realized he'd be 5 minutes from Disneyland.  A short discussion later and I was texting (and even facebooking) to find someone to watch the kids for a day.  Literally, one day.  We found a flight where I'll leave at 11am and get home the next day at 1pm.  Haley and Bryan are going to 'play house' and stay with the kids for about 24 hours.  With a little help Tuesday morning from Shondel.  I'm getting pretty excited.  The kids will get to stay at their own house -which helps, and I get a full 24 hours away.  In Disneyland.  Where the high will be 68 degrees.

Maybe I should be spontaneous more often.

Reflection

I'm not sure how many years I've attempted to participate in NaBloPoMo (National Blog Posting Month) where you post at least once a day every day.  I've never made it 100%.  Until the year that I never really mentioned it, and just started posting every day.  30 posts, on 3 different blogs -which counts, since I'm writing all of them.  I really should do this a few times a year, it makes me write about things other than birthdays and holidays.

Sometimes there doesn't seem to be much change in my life in 30 days, but I probably can't say that for this November.  Hyrum turned 3.  Justin turned 31.  Thanksgiving.  Kate finally decided that walking was easier and faster than crawling -or midget walking (on her knees) and started really saying "mama", "dada", "no, no, no" and "bye, bye".

My mom had a back surgery, and then two weeks later she was back in with meningitis and a wound infection (hopefully leaving tomorrow).  We had friends move from the ward into their new home, and he lost his job a day afterwards.

We had a nephew born, who we STILL haven't even seen.  Between holidays and sick kids, and traveling out to Tooele, we haven't been very good cousins.

I was released from my church calling with the Young Women's and went to Relief Society for the first time in who knows how long.

We voted and I earned and received my Young Women's medallion.  We were all sick (at least once) but managed to stay away from the doctors.  Although, she was nice enough to call in an antibiotic for me for a sinus infection.

It's been a good and busy month, and I suspect I'll say the same for December.    

THANKFUL

I saw something mention something like this on facebook yesterday.  Thought I'd give it a go.

100 Things I'm Thankful For 

(in no particular order)

1- I can play the piano (and organ)

2- We have affordable health insurance that allows me to see doctors I trust and go to facilities I feel comfortable at. 

3- I've been to New Zealand. It is just that beautiful. 

4- I like to exercise.  

5- Central heating.  That goes back to New Zealand.  Most people don't have it there, and the missionaries certainly didn't.  

6- Our new Dyson.  It's awesome.  And and I'm equally grateful we didn't pay full price for it.  

7- Friends.  Past and present.  

8- I have a hair dresser who does a great job with my hair and color and understands that I don't ever get to her when I should.  

9- The Red Sox.  I like watching them play and I like having 'a team'. 

10- Humidifier's.  Both for my kids and for me.  Even though I hardly ever get one in my room.  I guess we need three of them. 

11- A husband who works hard and makes wise financial choices -for the short and long term. 

12- Laptops.  Oh, I hope never again have to rely on a desktop.  

13- My Christmas tree.  I loved it last year and can't wait to put it up again.  I just need to convince Justin it's time.  

14- My kids.  

15- I like to read.  I've enjoyed being in a book club this last year or so and reading a lot of books I wouldn't have otherwise.  

16- Online shopping.  It's convenient, cheap, and I get to open boxes for weeks to see what I've got.  Even though it's not for me.  

17- We live close to family. 

18- We don't have to do yard work.  We have to pay for other people to do it, but it's nice to not do it. 

19- I have a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

20- I graduated from college.  

21- Google reader. 

22- Radio from Hell and podcasts.  

23- Lasik eye surgery.  

24- Season passes to local attractions.  It's so nice to have a few places in the valley that we can as often as we want and for a short amount of time.  

25- This blog.  It's an awesome way to journal and track our lives.  I love the books I make each year too.  

26- Our cars.  They're not fancy, we need a bigger one, but they're reliable and paid for.  Those are the best kind.  

27- Justin's job(s). 

28- Good parents (including Justin's) that can offer support, advice, and a free dinner every now and then.  

29- My kids aunts and uncles.  

30- We live close to mountains.  

31- Our right and ability to vote for our elected officials. 

32- Those Wilton cake classes that Justin convinced me to take with Erin.  I didn't want to do it at first, but I'm glad that I did.  

33- Cake (and other kids of baking) blogs.  So I can make frosting that tastes better than the Wilton cake decorating frosting.  

34- My iPhone.

35- My kids have their own bedroom. 

36- My gym membership. 

37- My health.  

38- I'm an Aggie.  

39- I'm a morning person.  

40- DVR

41- My sister. 

42- Being able to stay in touch with friends and family with technology -facebook, emails, and blogs.  

43- I am willing to try new things to eat.  There aren't a whole lot of things that I refuse to eat -or tried once, never to try again.  I think it really limits you if you made up your mind about food when you were 13.
44- Credit cards.  As long as you're smart they're awesome.  It also allows you to buy things online, which is also awesome.
45- Texting.  Sometimes you don't need to have a conversation.
46- Good oral hygiene.  I hate going to the dentist now, so I'm glad that I don't have a lot of problems in this area.
47- I don't work outside the home.  This is a double edge sword, as well as a topic that seems always up for discussion lately, but I'm glad it hasn't been a necessity so we can have food on the table.
48- Good surgeons.  My mom is waiting in pre-op as I write this, so hopefully he's a good one.
49- Jan.  She's my esthetician. I love talking to her and she keeps my eyebrows looking great.
50- Our video monitor.  Oh, it's awesome.  We got it as a gift, so I can easily say this, but it really is worth the money.
51-  I married someone who likes to travel.  I didn't know I liked to really travel until my trip to Boston and New York.  Turned out I loved it.  We'll go places again -once our kids our a bit older.
52- Google.  Isn't great when you don't know the answer to something and can just 'Google It"?
53- Tall sizes.  Especially in jeans.
54- Frozen dinners.  Either ones I've made myself or bought from the store.  Sometimes I just don't feel like making dinner.
55- Cell phones in general.  What did we do without them?
56- My mom is crafty.  I'm really not, but sometimes I need crafty stuff at my house.  So I'm glad that my mom likes it and can help.
57- My christmas movie, Love Actually.  It just makes me happy, especially the Portuguese proposal scene.  So does watching Reverse the Curse of the Bambino.
58- Sleep.  It makes everything better.
59- Children's books.  I have quite a collection, and I even let my kids read a few of them.
60- An unstressful holiday season.  It's taken a few years of marriage, but I think we have come to a few compromises and since my shopping is done, it should be relaxing.
61- A dishwasher.
62- Clorox wipes.
63- Massages.  I only get a few a year, but they're heavenly.
64- Our trip to New York in May and California in February.
65- Smart and healthy kids.
66- The four seasons.  It might get a little too hot in the summer and a little too cold in the winter, but I like the variety.
67- Digital camera's.  It makes documenting your life and your children's so much more convenient.
68- My crock pot and crock pot meals.    
69- GPS on my phone.
70- The men and women who have sacrificed and chosen to serve our country in the military at some point in their lives.
71- The gigantic marshmallows you can get for the campfire.  They're awesome because you can eat the toasted, caramelized part over and over again as you re-toast it.  And one is enough for the whole night.
72- Naps.  The ones my kids usually take and the occasional one I get.
73- I live in a warm home, have access to clean water and have never gone hungry because I didn't have food available.
74- I wanted to and was able to deliver both of my kids without an epidural.
75- Public libraries.
76- Indoor plumbing, central heat and air, washing machines, electricity and most every other modern day convenience
77- My callings in church.  Mostly.  I really like teaching, so I'm glad I'm still doing that.  And it will be nice to not have the weekly obligation with the youth, but I miss the young women.
78- All of the people over the years who have served me in the church, especially my youth leaders and my bishoprics in my student and single wards.
79- The unknown.  I don't think I would like knowing everything that is going to happen and when.
80- Going to the gym in the morning, it's my favorite time to go.
81- My big shower and garden tub.
82- Camera's on cell phones.
83- Direct flights.
84- Words with Friends and Hanging with Friends.  Especially Hanging with Friends, because I can actually win that one.
85- My kitchen-aid mixer.
86- My Toms shoes finally got comfortable.  I thought I was the only person on the planet that didn't like them, it just took a week or so of wearing them in.  Now I love them.
87- Locally owned stores.  I feel good when I shop from them.
88- Close parks.
89- Double strollers.  Well, this is more of a love/hate relationship, but I would have been lost for the first 6 or 9 months without it.
90- Ibuprofen
91- Happy kids.  Most of the time.
92- I have a testimony of the gospel and enjoy serving in the church.
93- The iPad. Mostly for Hryum.
94- The smell of melting butter, roasting garlic, and any umber of yummy things baking.
95- Scarves.
96- Schedules and routines.  It reduces anxiety.
97- Good movies with good acting, writing and directing.  They are few and far between, and often do not make much money.
98- Christmas music.
99- My husband works from home often.  It allows me to run to the store during naps or do other quick errands during his lunch sometimes.  It sort of makes up for all the time he's away from home.
100-I could come up with 100 things I am thankful for.  It's quite an accomplishment for a pessimist like me.  

Thirty-one

He has a mortgage, 2 kids, a retirement plan, and life insurance.

He owns businesses, has an MBA, and student loans.

He travels for business, pleasure, and on active military orders (no baggage fee's on that one).

He takes meds for high cholesterol and plays basketball once a week.

And at 31, I think it's safe to say he's finally an adult (and he's caught up to me).

Happy Birthday, honey.  We love you!

Out to dinner

Tonight we're headed to Ruth's Chris Steak House for dinner with Justin's family.  Just the adults.  Hyrum and Kate are going to sleep over at Scott and Denise's -which will be a first for them.  And my mom and dad are waiting in pre-op.  (For the 2nd time in 2 weeks).

I bet we end up having the best food tonight.

Happy THANKSgiving

I haven't mentioned much about Thanksgiving this year.  The kids and I attended the Richmond Thanksgiving last Saturday.  Denise's family usually gets together the Saturday before the big day for their feast.  Justin had a drill weekend, but we went anyway.  It was a nice dinner and Hyrum spent the entire afternoon playing with Grandpa Lafeen, so he was in heaven.

Justin's mom was in California -their tradition on their 'off' years and we went to Greg and Sally's for the Hardcastle dinner.  I had to bring a salad of sorts -I decided to step outside the box (at least for the Hardcastle's) and roasted brussel sprouts -along with onion and bacon.  Lisa makes it a lot but I think it was a little strange for most everyone there.  Hyrum once again played almost the whole afternoon.  He may have worn out Nacole and Paige, but they were good sports about it.

I was horrible with my camera both nights, sorry, no pictures.  Plus, I'm working on a 'thankful' post, so hopefully I'll get that done soon.

Happy Veteran's Day

Late in posting, but we celebrated Veteran's day by getting a free meal.  There were a few options to choose from, we went with TGI Fridays this year.  I dressed the kids up in their Navy gear.

Release

My mom helped me make one last craft/gift for the Young Women this past week.  I've known for a few weeks, but I was released from the Young Women's presidency today.  Our whole presidency was released.  A couple of months ago I met with our Bishop to let him know a few concerns of mine.  I was in Young Womens, just got called to teach Gospel Principals, and found out the only other person in the ward that could play the organ just bought a house -out of the ward.  On top of Justin's new job where he will be traveling a couple of weeks a month -which makes me pretty useless on the week's he is gone.  I made it clear that I wasn't asking to be released, but thought he should know.  He already knew there were changes on the horizon with the Young Womens, which made me feel better, I guess.

It's been bitter sweet, mostly bitter, but now a little sweet.  It will be nice to not have the Tuesday night activities, but I'll miss the girls and miss the women I served with terribly.  I thought I would have a really hard time getting through the day, but it turns out when you're busy for the entire 3 hours of church (I taught in Young Women's, taught in Gospel Principals, spoke in sacrament meeting and played the organ) you can hold it together pretty well.

Plus, you know that feeling you get when you're released from a calling?  Kind of calm, because you don't currently have any responsibilities, a little excited and perhaps anxious, wondering what and when you're next calling will be.  I don't even get that.  I'm just going from 3 to 2.  But, I guess I'll take what I can.

You will be missed

I haven't posted much about the Red Sox this year.  Really bad start to the season, decent run, and then a sad goodbye to Terry.  Not much I wanted to remember on the old blog I guess.

And now, this guy?  Papelbon may have been a little on the crazy side, but man, he could close a game.  I got to seem him pitch in 2005, which he won.  Sad.  Maybe baseball isn't my sport.  I get too attached to the players.

Great day to be born

That's what my new nephew thought anyway.  His mom had a scheduled C-section for 1pm this afternoon, but he wasn't taking any chances.  Marime's water broke at 3 am and he arrived shortly after.  Welcome Konner Marley Gough!  I'll post a picture when I get one.

Recognition

I've been in the Young Women's presidency since we moved into our ward, about 3 1/2 years ago.  We have a pretty small ward (where everyone has 2-3 callings) so we pretty much just have a presidency -no advisers or teachers and we've had a few different personal progress leaders that have come and gone.  It's not like we have a lot of girls either... right now we have 5 or 6 that come regularly, which is the most we've had the whole time I've been with them.  

It seems like every time we've been in between personal progress leaders I've tried to take the lead, and in the process, I had completed about half of the leaders requirements to earn their medallion. (Sorry, this post is full of 'mormon lingo' so it might not make much sense to people not involved in the church.)  When our last personal progress leader had her baby a few months ago I took a look at my book and decided that I wanted to earn my Young Women's Medallion by completing all of the requirements.  

I did it a hundred years ago when I was a youth, and received not one, but 4 different necklaces because the program was set up differently back then.  The final medallion looked like this

This past Tuesday (unbeknownst to me) at our Stake's Young Women's in Excellence (yes, we do it on a stake level, most of the wards in the area are as small as ours) I was awarded this medallion for completing the new Young Women's program.  

I loved Young Women's as a youth growing up.  I loved my leaders, the lessons, the weekly activities, Girls camp and the activities we had with the Stake and Young Men.  Most of those experiences along with attending seminary, definitely laid the foundation for my testimony of the gospel and our church.  I have loved working the the girls, and the leaders.  I don't think I had ever been apart of a presidency before, and I absolutely loved the association with the women I have worked with over the years.  

We have to speak (the Young Women's presidency) in church this Sunday and I've been reading and re-reading the theme that we recite each week.  

WE ARE DAUGHTERS of our Heavenly Father, who loves us, and we love Him. WE WILL “STAND as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places” (Mosiah 18:9) as we strive to live the Young Women values, which are:

Faith • Divine Nature • Individual Worth • Knowledge • Choice and Accountability • Good Works • Integrity • and Virtue

WE BELIEVE as we come to accept and act upon these values, WE WILL BE PREPARED to strengthen home and family, make and keep sacred covenants, receive the ordinances of the temple, and enjoy the blessings of exaltation.

What an awesome thing for our Young Women to believe in.  I shared this on Kate's blog, but one of the first weeks I had her in class with me and we were standing together as women reciting this theme, I was overcome with emotion and the knowledge that I was holding a daughter of God.  I hope that Kate develops a love of the Young Women's program and it will also lay a strong foundation for her testimony which I hope will be strong enough to keep her close to the Lord and happy the rest of her life.  

Vote

It's Election Day!  Here in Midvale, Utah we only have two issues on our ballot.  Board of trustees (I personally know on of the guys running, and he's a good one) and City Council.  We had an earlier election to narrow the the council race, the guy I voted for didn't make it.  So, it's sort of a choice between two not so great candidates in my opinion.  But, at least it's a choice.

For all of those who like to complain about the current state of affairs and those running the show please go and vote.  It will take 5 minutes to at least mildly educate yourselves on the candidates and make an informed decision.

Also... and this is just a little pet peeve of mine, if you don't vote AND you're not involved in your community -keep your opinions to yourself!  Yes, the constitution gives you the right to voice your (uneducated) opinion, but I just hate hearing it.  Do something about it.  There are clubs, organizations and even political offices that you can get involved in.  Take it from someone who knows, it doesn't take too much time to get involved.

Not so hard

I have 42 (not including neighbors) people on my shopping list from the end of September to the middle of January.  We have A LOT of birthdays in the winter months, and 3 of those are my  kids and husband (which not only requires extra gifts but then you have to also include a party (or two) along with it.)

That's kind of a lot.  And, I'll brag for a moment and say that I'm pretty much done. I have to finish getting a couple of things for 2 people and place one more order online for a couple more.

Justin?  He has one person on his list.

Me.

Why is that so difficult?  Justin tends to wait until the last minute to purchase gifts and overspend on said gifts.  I've loved a lot of gifts (new palm pilot when I was working, trip to see Kathy in Arizona) but I have to stay in a budget and buy dozens of gifts, and I do it.

This year I told Justin that I DID want a gift to open on Christmas morning (he learned that the hard way one year) and he could only spend $20.

To help him out, I created a 'board' on pinterest.com for gifts under $30 that I wouldn't mind receiving.  Any one else is welcome to use this board as well.  (And even start your own -but don't expect to get anything from it from me this year, I'm finished shopping).

Reasons to stay married

For those of you who really know me, you know I'm not much of a romantic.  I don't like sappy movies or books, I'm not much for mushy loves songs or poems.  Not that I don't love my husband and I know that he loves me, but I probably will never be the one displaying excess amounts of public affection.

But, there are a lot of practical reasons why once you're married -you should stay that way.  Especially once you have kids.

Church is definitely a big one.  This week I'm a single mom.  We were sick all weekend, but woke up feeling fine and I know that no one else would be there to play the organ.  (An alterntaive title to this post might be 'Reasons to not pay for piano lessons for your child").  I wanted to be there for Young Womens, (the first hour) and I was pretty sure someone was expecting me to teach during the second hour (they did) and I had to play the organ during the third hour.  Luckily a friend offered to take Kate during my lesson, because Hyurm uncharacteristically refused to go back to nursery, and attended Sunday School with me.  Where he provided more than his fair share of distraction for me and the class.  Another few friends luckily offered to take my kids while I played the organ too, so we somehow survived.  And the best things is?  I get to do the exact same thing in two weeks.  Yay.

Money.  I don't know about you, but we're barely making it as it is.  I mean, we're not struggling to put food on the table or make our mortgage payment, but between our savings, paying of school loans, insurance, long term planning and putting gas in the car, there isn't a lot of wiggle room.  How in the world do you people pay for all of that AND another apartment.  Crazy.

Sanity.  Seriously, to all of you single parents out there (for whatever reason) you have my admiration.  I find my sanity shaken to the core when I have nothing to do or anyone else to talk to except for kids.  all. day. long.  This isn't really the case usually, it was just because we've been sick and I didn't want to risk anyone ELSE getting sick, I didn't even open my door on Saturday.  It was just me and the kids all day long.  At one point I thought I was nearly out of diapers and was going to call someone to bring me some.  Then I realized that would never actually happen, looked in the laundry room and found a couple (hundred) more.    We were safe, and I didn't have to leave the house.  Don't worry, this coming week I have at least one or two babysitters coming and I'm planning on taking the three of us to the gym a few times too.   I'm sure once the snow melts I'll even go to the grocery store -not that I really cook much when Justin's gone.  But I'm sure we'll be out of the banana's I bought on Thursday sometime later tonight.

That's all.  That's a short list of my practical, not-so-romantic reason's why I'll stay married to Justin.

Oh, and I sorta like the guy too!

A rough start

Justin is out of town for a week.  He's spending the weekend in Michigan working for the Navy and then heading to Toronto until Friday for Oracle.

We celebrated by staying up all night Thursday with Hyrum throwing up every 20 minutes or so.  Friday morning was a blur and then I started feeling sick that afternoon.  By the time we dropped Justin off at the airport I knew it wasn't going to be pretty.  I had the misguided notion that a shake would calm down my stomach (I hadn't eaten anything except for some greek yogurt at breakfast).  I was wrong.  It came back up later that night.

So far, we seem to be on the upswing and luckily Kate is still doing great.  Which is good, I suppose if she starts throwing up we won't be long from the ER.  As for Justin, he's currently feeling very sick on a Navy base in Battlecreek.  I warned him not to eat anything... but it didn't sound like he believed me.

It's been a rough start for our week without our dad.

What we've been up to

I've thought a few times about November -and the challenge many bloggers take up to blog every day.  I'm barely making two posts a month (on three blogs), I don't know if I'll even attempt it this year, but who knows, maybe I'll change my mind.

I usually only blog after mini vacations or photo-ops.  I should probably add more of an actual update.

Melanie
I'm now in the Young Women's presidency, teaching in Gospel Principals, and will be the only one in the ward who plays the organ in about 2 weeks.  You'd think we were in a branch!  I've spoken with the bishop and time will tell, but I believe there may be some changes on the horizon with my church callings.  I'm only a few value experiences away from earning my Young Women's medallion (as a leader) so I've tried to bump up my efforts to get in sooner rather than later.

A couple of weeks ago I went to the gym on a Saturday morning... and came home about $1100 poorer.  I let a trainer give me my free session (I've only been going there 6 or more years, I guess it was time).  After negotiating the price and options, I will be meeting with a trainer every week for the first month or two, and then every other week after that for a year.  At least.  I'm trying to follow their recommended diet and exercise plan so I hope to see good results soon.  After the 1st two session I can say I've never been more sore. I didn't know your body could feel like one giant bruise for three and half days following a work out.  Every week.  I am now meeting with my regular trainer and I think he has a more balanced approach which was nice.  Wish me luck!

I'm doing nothing else really.  Reading a lot.  My night table is full of books for book club, parenting boys how-to's and how to get my kid to start sleeping through the night again.  I try to help Justin out with some of his many responsibilities and make dinner.  Trying to find yummy dinners that have more protein than carbs has become my obsession lately.

Justin
Have I ever listed the things Justin is involved in?  Besides work, he is now employed by two separate universities teaching online and on ground classes.  He has accepted a new position in a new department at work, that will have him traveling more.  The nice thing is he actually get's paid some overtime hours when he travels, so I guess we'll see some added benefits there.  He often does extra work for the Navy every couple of months, in addition to his weekend drills.  His next 2 week training isn't until next spring.  He was made head of the Midvale Planning Commission, and I believe he is still president of the local Kiwanis club.  He also had a talk with the bishop recently because he is over Employment, Welfare, the Ward Choir and is the Sunday School President.  He asked that the bishop narrow his role a little and let me know what he is supposed to be working on.  The auto business in Orem recently moved locations, which was a big headache, but will hopefully be better in the long run.  Henstrom and Belements are running normally.

I'm sure I left something out.  I always do.

Hyrum
Well, you can read his blog for all the details.  He's a month away from being three years old, fully potty trained (will most likely start tackling naps and bedtime on the beginning of the year), and still as loud as ever.  For those of you who haven't had the pleasure of hearing him whistle (or his trains whistle as he insists), it's can be quite piercing.  He's having issues sleeping -waking up at 5, or in the middle of the night, or sometimes taking a couple of hours to fall asleep at night and fighting me during naps.  I'm hoping we've just hit a rough patch and it will go away quickly.  He's always been such a good sleeper that this is quite unnerving.

Kate
I'm sure labeling your kids (wild child or mellow child) is frowned upon, but she's my mellow little girl.  She can be quite vocal when her brother makes her made or pushes her, and when she's hungry and tired, but in between all of those times she is so content.  It's so refreshing.  I'm sure some of that is because she's a girl, and some of it because she's the 2nd child.  I've noticed they are often (but not always) a little more forgiving than the first.  She's close to walking, but in the meantime is a speed demon while crawling.  She waves bye-bye and claps has such as cute (and toothy) smile.  She had a few mornings where she wanted to wake up before 5, but typically she's a great sleeper.  Oh, and have I mentioned that her hair is staying red, and we all just love it?

That's about it.  For those of you who made it til the end, thanks for reading, but I'm a little surprised.  Don't you have anything better to look at online?

3rd annual

It was our 3rd annual Hardcastle Pumpkin Carving Contest.

The reigning champion took home the grand prize again.  Well, technically, everyone got the same prize, but Justin's jack-o-lantern got the most votes.

Jenny's owl took 2nd place.

And Jessica's 'owl in tree' took 3rd.

Hyrum's favorite was Thomas the Train (thanks mom).

Jodi got a pity vote from somebody for her "F" (and the boys showed great restraint by not carving a heart next to it)

Matt would probably would have been a contender, with his Mummy done with a dremel, but he didn't have time or want to hollow it out.

Mine was sort of Jack from Nightmare before Christmas, pretty sure my husband gave me a vote and one other person.

Gordon was pre-occupied with trying to transfer files from his iPod and left his intact.

Dozens (and dozens) of cupcakes.

This weekend I made this for Hyrum.

And then I made a LOT more.

If I never pick up a pair of scissors again, especially to cut felt, I'd be a happy mom.

It's part of a 'busy-bag' swap a mom I know put together.  We each made 12 activities, or 24, I also made 12 batches of homemade moon-sand.  We'll get together this week and exchange so we'll end up with a lot of new games and activities for our kids this winter.

Jackson Hole 2011

Another September means another trip to Jackson Hole with the Hardcastles.  We missed the couple of years my grandparents were on a mission and I guess we missed last year for some reason, but other than that, we've been going up for at least 10 years now.

This year our little (big) family had a 5 bedroom house -which still seemed a little small with 2 little kids that normally have their own room.

Hyrum saw Elk, birds, a little snake and a black bear.  He told his uncles he was going to see monkey's and elephants as well, but I think they must have stayed away.  He had so much fun with all of his family and friends and was very disappointed when most of them left a day before us.  He loved all of the time outside and playing with the younger kids.  Naps were nearly non-existent and he went to bed late every night.  I never knew it could take ALL DAY LONG to get home from Jackson, but it sure took us all day on Monday to get home.

 Hiding in the bear cupboard.

 A boat Justin made for the kids.

 Breakfast of champions.

 The awesome little snake on our walk.  Hyrum followed it around trying to touch it for a while.

 Ringing a bell with Grandpa Hardcastle

Kate did much better on the nap front and loved being around her aunt and uncles that would always hold her when she wanted to.

 Kate listening to the Elk bugle.  We didn't hear it either, baby girl.

 Hyrum really wanted to go to a museum.  Lucky for us we found one.

For those of you who stuck through this entire post... here's a little 'treat' for you.  Can you believe someone would MOON our truck on the way up??? Crazy!