more than the eye can see

what do you see in this picture?  rope?  that's what i saw at first too.  then i was reminded what i had asked for for christmas...a yoga mat carrier. 

pretty creative.  it's handmade and everything.

although this gift was great, i am happy jodi had a back-up gift for me (which also happened to be a yoga mat carrier).  trevor didn't think he needed a back-up.  i bet the other siblings can't wait to draw names next year.  i'm sure they were all jealous of trevor's gift for me this year.

christmas.

christmas was wonderful.  a very long day, but a day spent with our loved ones so it was worth it.  lots of smiles.  lots of laughter.  lots of love.

Dear Family,

I love this time of year; when all of the world's thoughts and actions are focused on our Savior, Jesus Christ.

I want you to know that I know.

I know that He was born of Mary in Bethlehem.


He was sent to our Savior, my Savior, to redeem us all.


I know that He died for me.


And I know that He was resurrected and that He lives!


I know that He loves me and you.


I know that the plan of salvation is real.  And that families can be together forever because of this plan and because of His sacrifice.


I know that Joseph Smith is a true prophet that restored the true gospel of Jesus Christ to this earth in these latter days.


I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the only true church.


I know that the Book of Mormon is a true book and has all the answers to life's questions.


I know that my Heavenly Father hears and answers my prayers.


I believe and I know.


I love you all so much and I never want you to doubt that I have a testimony of these things.


Merry Christmas!

the silent strong type

Gordon's Grandpa, Donald L. Hardcastle, passed away unexpectedly Sunday evening.  The services celebrating his life were held yesterday and today.

Many memories were shared.  What a strong heritage Gordon has.  And how bless I am to be apart of it too.

"If everyone in the world were like the Hardcastles, the world would be a better place."

That was just one of the sweet comments I heard regarding Gordon's Grandpa's character.

This same person said that he would describe him as the silent strong type.  I agree.

We love you Grandpa Hardcastle.

our future kids are in good hands...they get to meet some of the most important people in our lives before they come to earth.  we are beyond grateful for that.

it's tradition

ever since my nephew was old enough and strong enough we have broke the wishbone together.  my mom saved the wishbone from thanksgiving so this sunday at dinner we broke it. 

we made our wishes.  pulled.  and...

looks like both of us are getting what we wished for (or not...just depends on how you look at it).

our weekend events

this weekend we attended gordon's work christmas party. i played the part of "hot wife" and "arm candy" (gordon said i did well). i got to meet most of his coworkers and now have a face to put with the names in his work stories. we won a basketball. just in time, too, since gordon's church calling has been broadened and he coaches church ball for the boys. the highlight of our weekend was meeting our new niece, baby K. she's beautiful and precious. we love her so much. we got to spend time coddling her and playing with the little man. it was a pretty great weekend. here are some photos...

**side note. tonight begins the 12 days of christmas that i'm doing for gordon.  i'm very excited to do something special to mark our 3rd married christmas together.  i know he's excited too.  i love him very much.

doggie friday: socks as toys

abbi loves our socks.  she loves them like she loves her toys.  she treats them the same way.  she kills them.  like the little predator she is.  she's vicious.  didn't know we had a guard dog did ya?  we do.  so watch out.

making light of the situation

gordon's parents live about 3 blocks away from the plane crash that happened sunday night.  we had just started playing a game when the power went out and the sky outside lit up in blue and green.  i immediately held on to gordon, who was sitting next to me (i would have grabbed on to anyone sitting next me...lucky for me it was gordon).  i thought "this is the end of the world" (yes, i'm dramatic.  i know). 

this whole situation made me decide that i want to be with these people when and if a disaster situation ever happens to me.  they made light of the situation with humor.  i love to laugh.  and it made me less nervous and sick about what had happened.

my favorite sayings of the evening:

gordon: i'm not going out there.  zombies.  (zombies are the main reason he wants a certain shot gun called "just in case"...i swear he's not a gun man)

trevor: i want to go check it out.  this is like the war of the worlds!

side note: i think we watch entirely too many movies. and mistake them for reality.

let the parties begin

hands down, one of the best family christmas parties ever.  thanks paul.

only 4 more parties left...christmas season has arrived.

doggie friday: typical

my mom is holding Briggs and Tim is holding Abbi...at the dinner table.  this was at Thanksgiving, but it happens every sunday dinner too.  spoiled...yes.

i am nervous for how spoiled our kids are going to be...sincerely nervous.

sharing my passion of good food

My sister and I recently had a girl’s night while Gordon was at scout camp and my nephew was, well, with his friends (which is nothing new).  So we did what we do best and went thrifting.  Then on the way back home we stopped at Tonyburgers.  She had never experienced the goodness that is Tonyburgers.  We went all out and ordered fries and a shake in addition to our hamburgers (I have a rule: either fries or shake, never both.  I slipped for this occasion, but we split both – they’ll split the shake for you so you get your own cup and whipping cream!).  I have to admit, I think I was more excited than she was.  You see, since my work building moved more north I am too far away from Tony’s to go there for lunch.  So it had been awhile since my last burger (I only eat burgers from Tony’s or homemade on the grill…that’s how delicious I think they are).  I think you can tell by the pictures that we both enjoyed ourselves and the food.  and that i was really excited...really really excited.