Hardman Family Reunion

Family property rock.

This past weekend was the Hardman family reunion. Every year we pack our buns up and head down to (Hot) Hannah to spend a weekend with the family on the family property. This is my 3rd year attending and sadly every year it get smaller and smaller. This year was no exception for one it was fathers day and 2 the weather just did not want to cooperate.

The family property is actually the same land that Bryce's grandpa Archie was born and raised on along with Bryce's dad. There are many black and white pictures that I have seen of the 'rock', house, and outhouse (yes they have an outhouse that is still standing and sadly I did not get a picture of it)

This is the house that Bryce's grandfather was born in along with his 7 brothers and sisters. yes I said 7. This structure is 2 very small rooms. The trailer behind the 2nd picture is a 23 foot trailer that was longer than this house. No electricity, no stove, no bathroom, no carpet. Just the dirt and room. this is the original structure. Amazing, although I think these would look better black and white

The side view

I hate to admit when I say that we did not get any pictures of ourselves. Most of these pictures were taken on Sunday right before we left. It rained the entire time, Hard! It was a good thing we all packed extra clothes because we could not stay dry and spent the entire time under the awning or in the trailer. Bryce and I were in charge of the kid games and due to the rain and lack of interest (ok so they aren't so little anymore, they are all technically 'teenagers') We didn't do anything but our ring toss. Here is about the only good picture I got.

It is always sad to leave that place with your memories. It was even harder knowing that Grandma Thelma wasn't there with us. Overall It was a fun weekend despite the rain, but the rain brought us a beautiful sunset

Look close there is a second rainbow. It looks far away but I have NEVER had a rainbow so close to me before. I felt like I could reach out and touch it!

Another pic of the rainbow, close up

The sky, right before Dusk. I thought this looked cool

This is a pic of the second 'house' that was built after Archie and Thelma got married. I believe Bryce's dad was raised in this partciulare house

3 years ago they put in a 'real' bathroom that has flushable toilets and shower. 2 years ago they decided to make this place the Hardman homestead and bring back their upbringing.

I look forward to seeing all the family next year!

p.s I posted another Yummy recipe below. I have had this one for a while, I got it from my sister in law when I lived with them. Mmmmmm

CBC Angel Hair Pasta

1 pound of chicken - cubed
1 small bad of Carrots (at some stores they have carrot sticks, get those)
1 bag frozen Broccoli
1 Can of Chicken Broth
3 cloves of garlic, minced
Angel Hair pasta - cooked and drained
Parmesan Cheese

Take garlic, chicken and 1/4 cup of your broth put in heated pan. Cook until chicken is almost done. Add in carrots, broccoli and rest of broth. Cook until carrots are semi-tender and broccoli is heated. Serve over pasta ( I suggest in a bowl) Make sure to add a little bit of the broth to the pasta or it will taste very very bland. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over top. Yum!

My Dad

Me and My dad, May 2006

This is my dad, Darrel. He is an inspiration to me.

I have always been a daddy's girl. When my brothers want something they would send me to ask him, because they knew he wouldn't turn me down. He can laugh with the rest of us but also had a serious side. He has worked very hard everyday of his life to support me and my 7 brothers and sister, and yes I am the youngest. I never saw him call in sick a day in my life until I was 14. He got really sick with diabetic myopahthy. He took over 6 months off work to gain back his strength. I have never seen my dad weak, this was his weak point. They didn't know what he had or what to diagnose him with. 6 months after he started falling down stairs, falling when he went on his daily walk, losing over 100 pounds in matter of a month and just not being able to take care of himself they finally figured it out.

I love my dad and I don't spend near enough time with him. It is a hard situation. When I do spend time with him I cherish it. He is a wise man and can tell you story after story after story. If you have 10 minutes he will tell you an hour story. He loves to talk with any stranger/friend/relative that you bring over. He has a laughter that can fill a house that I don't think I ever heard from anyone else before.

He looks like his father. I have never met his father for he died shortly after my first birthday but he keeps his father alive in me. I know many stories of his dad. Did I mention he loves to tell stories?

He love his grandchildren. He has 15. He willingly takes care of the 'kids' so my sisters can go out for a girls night out. He takes them out in the backyard to jump on the tramp or play in the pool. He loves to garden and let the kids get in the dirt with him. His garage is FULL of tools and other toys he like to tinker with although he can not see them. Yes my dad is blind.

When I was little he had a 'work room' downstairs that he always hung out in when he got home from work. That is where he did all of his bills and made plans for the future. I would always go down there and hang out with him. He was good at math, I passed all my math classes because of him. He always had pictures of monkeys around. I love monkeys! Did I mention my dad also built our home by his bare hands. Yep he did and he did the majority (Like 95%) by himself. Our house was never complete. He had 4 kids under the age of 6 with one more on the way when he built our house. He also found out his 2nd child had cancer the day before his 5th child was born, still working on the house and the day after all of this his parent announced they were going on a mission. WOW! He made it a great home!

With that said I love my dad. We get many chances to talk about life, whats to come, and of course death. He wont live very much longer in which we both know. My last chance to talk to him one on one I was doing hair for a wedding. He had mention how his baby wasn't much of a baby anymore (that's me!!!) but how I was still his baby no matter what. He even told me he looks forward to the day he get to give me away. I really think that is what he is hanging on for. He even said he would show up in a tux!!! he is a character (I responded with.. "well dad you will be about the only one in Vegas in a tux".. for he told all of us girls he would pay us if we eloped. I plan to hold my end of the deal, and make him hold his too!) I love my dad!

If you look at this closely you can see my brother (in law) mike sticking his finger in my dad's ear, and my dad of course just laughing it off.

My family: Jen, Will, Bryce, Me, Mike, Amber and Emi, Ruth, Chad, taylor, Bob, Aimee, Greg Janelle, mason, Lynn, Alisha, Kaylee, Rob, Abbi, My mom, Lolly, My Dad, Cameron, Parker, Garrett, Jayce and Jerron (wow that is alot, we are missing Josh, allie and Kaleb)

A Nice Suprise

This week has been one busy week, oh and we are only 2 days in! Every day I have payroll I do for my company. Mondays are not my days. Our poor rug guy here at work says I am never excited to see him, I told him to come in on Fridays. Every Monday we close pay period week, Every other Monday we close pay period ending and can I tell you how annoying it is that everyone waits til the last minute to turn in all their time cards???? Wow, I am a patient one.

There is a point to this stay with me.

Yesterday Was pay period ending. There was lots of mess ups, no one putting their time to the correct job so on and so forth, typical closing Monday. At the end of the day I was told.. or asked to help with our company's audit. We have several of these a year, long story. My first 6 months here I helped with 3 of them. They asked me to start on this particular one immediate, of course I have my normal job that I have to maintain. I told them I needed until wednesday so I could wrap up a few things.

Today I got my work wrapped up a little bit earlier than planned and marched right back to one of the supervisors office and declared that I am good to go. While the supervisor was instructing on how he wanted things done a cute girl here at the office walked up (who is also helping with the audit) with this...

I am SOOOOOOO excited! This is a fruit tart from Normindie Cafe and gosh dang-it it will be the best you will ever taste in your entire life! I screamed for joy. Oh ladies I understand this is against our code of the the sisterhood but it was SOOOO worth it and I will totally kick butt at kickboxing tonight. If you ever get a chance stroll on up to Normindie, It is a cute little cafe with great food and oh so devilish desserts. And if you don't want to go by yourself, give me a call, it might take some talking into (ok maybe not) but you might be able to drag my butt up there (visa versa is more like it).

Thanks Camille, it was a great surprise and brightened up my day.

In other news, we are still working on the deck. It has been a long hard process, the weather has been anything but cooperating with us. Hopefully tonight we will have the flooring done and start working on the railing and stairway.

This weekend we will be going to Bryce's reunion. I am hoping to have a few pics but we are in charge of the little rugrats/ankle bitters and the game (oh joy!) oh and This week I am going to post a yummy recipe that I LOVE that I got from my great sister - Alisha when I lived with her. I hope you will all try it, it is very yummy and very healthy.

As for right now, I am going to devour my heavenly tart.

P.S. Rie I sent you an email!

... Bring on the Rain...

This week I have seen tons of headers 'rain rain go away' can I just say I LOVE the rain. remember when you were a fearless kid, always out playing in the rain even during lightning storms?? ok maybe not but I do! I have to be honest and say I don't mind the rain. Maybe if I didn't work or I was a stay at home mom I would mind it a bit more with being stuck indoors. but for right now, bring it on.

This year has been one of the slowest starting years I can remember in Utah. I don't think I ever remember a June starting off without 100 degree weather and I am LOVING it. The heat doesn't not bring me joy. I love summer but I get sick really easy with the heat. For those who don't live in Utah that are reading this, it has rained everyday for the last 5 days here. It is AMAZING. The grass is green, the trees are lively, the flowers are LOVIN IT! We cant forget the garden. My plants have tripled in size in the last 7 days because it has been so cool and wet.

Yesterday I went to go get my massage. It was heaven. and this is what I came home to. It hasn't down poared this hard in a while. I was soaking wet running the 50 feet from my car to the front door. I had 2 showers in less than 2 hours.

rain coming out of our rain gutter cause it was so full

the rain coming off of our roof, look at the gutter

Our backyard, looking into the neighbors

Our garbage can sliding away, if you look you can see the water all around it carrying it away.

'.. I'm thirsty anyways, so bring on the rain!!'

A Natural Mother

This weekend found me pretty dang busy. Well at least up until now. Let's start with Friday. Yes I was counting down to the minute I left work. I am glad hell week is over. I am being very optimistic that it isn't rolling over into this fresh new week (please oh please) even then, Tues night my sorrows will melt away with my massage. Oh the joys, I am excited!

Oh yeah back to Friday..

I got off work and spent some time shopping, I love shopping.. for this moment. I don't care for shopping but the last 3 weeks I have found myself just wanting to spend. I haven't, I have refrained. I had a good reason this week.. that in a minute. I also went home to cook dinner for 5 hungry people. we tried buffalo wings, they were good but not flavorful enough. I rather have under flavor than over flavor. Oh well, we know next time.. just order from wings n things! After dinner and clean-up.. more shopping. I blew enough money!

Sat. I woke up semi early to get a heads start on my day. Our poor house hasn't been cleaned clean in 3 weeks. I do dishes everyday, laundry once a week, vacuum and mop once a week sweep as often as I can. the bathroom was horrendous and the kitchen floor could use a mop and the vacuum is collecting dust.. no in but ON.. We are not messy people at all, no kids no pets but still the thought... augh! I got the bathroom all cleaned up (its a good thing, it was driving me crazy! and the laundry started. not completed but started. Bryce bought breakfast burritos.. yum and shower time! I had a party to go to! Put on my hair, do the hair package is wrapped all cute and pink. I love giving gifts

this weekend I was invited to Brittanys sister, dezi, bridal shower. She is a cute girl. They have an awesome family! I got her a 'sexy night in' full of fun things for her and her soon to be hubby. It was good food, fun games and laughter the entire time! brit did a good job on putting together the shower. I also got to see beckah there. Her cute little daughter London was there. the most mellow baby I have ever seen. I swear that kid doesn't cry! I got to cuddle with her most of the time, it was nap time.. I could even feel it! Beckah told me that I was a 'natural mother'! I thought I would never hear that in my life. I panic when they start screaming! oh and of course I got to give her chocolate. yum. (that is what I do best, spoil and send them home)

I did unfortunately have to leave early for I had a scentsy party. I spent a butt load of money, but hey our house will be smelling all fresh and clean especially when I neglect the house like I have. I came home from that to one hecka cute dog!

Apollo

He is so dang cute! oh and the boys.. need I say more..

Bryce

Eddie

I guess eddie didn't want to join in on the underwear decorating fun at the bridal shower and opted to come over and 'help' with the deck. Thanks brit for letting us steal Eddie and Apollo for the majority of the day! we are still working on the deck. It has been quite the project. Ok nothing has gone right on it. the good new is that the flooring is getting put down on it as we speak (brit, can we steal eddie again????) I will have pics up as soon as it is done. it may still be a while but it is a massive deck!

Today I have spent the day lounging around. I will take credit for the 'better than sex cake' in the fridge that bryce requested.. gluten free style. I also made a yummy dinner. Tomorrow I will be making some more monkey bread (chocolate, better than sex cake, monkey bread.. oh I am so screwed!) for a guy at work who is having surgery, a pre-get well party). As of right now, while my oh so ever sexy guy is outside pounding is heart away I have this waiting...

No more needs to be said.

The countdown begins

I thought about calling in today.

I am a person who loves my job. Really. betcha most people wouldnt say that. I have great hours, great bosses, ok benifits, great pay. What more could I ask for.. right? Wrong.

This week has been the week from hell!

My tension headaches are out the roof. Not even alieve will touch them. I schedules a massage. Tuesday..

That is 4 days away. ok that is more than I can handle. so I start with the small stuff. lets count down to the weekend. Hell it beats being here at work. yep that is right.. 1 hour and 18 minutes.. wait 17 minutes..

The countdown begins.