Heaven Help Me...

This picture can only describe how I am feeling to an extent...

You know something is up when the 1st counselor in the Stake Presidency calls to meet you at your home on a Monday night...

As of next Wednesday I will no longer stay up past 10 pm

As of next Wednesday I will be up every morning by 5:30 am

As of next Wednesday I will be an early morning Seminary teacher

Like I said before... heaven help me!

Catch Up

We have been post-less for about three weeks now... with not much excitement to show for it. Here are the updates from the Hardcastle's:

1. Lauren went down to Escondido from the 7th-14th to help her mom recovery from shoulder surgery. While there she enjoyed many late nights watching the Olympic swimmers and gymnasts, and swimming with, playing with, and chauffeuring her siblings.

2. While Lauren was gone, Brad worked a lot. He also went to an Oakland A's game with his friend Bret and was asked to chaperone his first stake dance. Woohoo! When asked if he enjoyed himself at the dance, his response was: "I spent the whole night making sure people knew I was a chaperone and not one of the kids".

3. From the 5th-19th we did some house sitting for our Bishop. They have a beautiful pool in their backyard that has a picturesque view of the valley below. We spent a few evenings swimming, watching the sunset, and pretending we might someday live in such a lovely house.

4. Lauren started her job at the Law office on Wednesday the 20. So far so good... but it's only her 4th day. She is quickly learning the ropes and processes of preparing files for signing, sending deeds to the county recorder, acting as a witness to will signings, and mastering that darn 4-line phone.

5. Yesterday was Lauren's birthday and it was a great birthday weekend. It started off a little crumby, with her waking up on Friday to pink eye. Nevertheless, with eyedrops as her constant companion, she and Brad still had a wonderful evening. They went to dinner at a fun little Italian restaurant in downtwon Walnut Creek called Tomatina. Afterwards, they walked around downtown and finished the night with some frozen yogurt from The Yogurt Park. It was delicious! Saturday, they started off the day by walking precincts for Proposition 8. Afterwards, they went to the gym (woohoo!) and then had the missionaries over for dinner. Brad surprised Lauren with beautiful flowers and an electric massager for the foot and back massages that she so adores. They finished the night off with a movie and some Olympics.

Yesterday (Sunday) Lauren enjoyed many phone calls, texts, and well wishes for her birthday. Thank you to all who helped make it special. Brad’s birthday is on Friday, so to celebrate they are making the most of our three-day weekend and heading down south to Santa Cruz, Monterey, and Carmel. It should be lovely!

Well… not too exciting but that’s the update from here!

Rock City... and our city

Today Brad and I went to Mt Diablo State Park. The north entrance for the park is only about 5 minutes from our apt, so the short drive was nice! We drove to the summit and were able to see amazing views of our city (Concord) as well as Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Pleasanton, Danville, Antioch, Martinez, etc. Basically the entire Easy Bay! And supposedly a clear day you can see parts of Downtown and the Golden Gate Bridge... but unfortunately because of the fires, the air wasn't clear enough today. On our way out of the park, we drove to Rock City. This is this little area of rock formations that have grinding holes in them, originally made by Indian tribes. Those were neat to look at, but we had a lot more fun climbing the rocks! We took a lot of pictures because we climbed a lot of rocks, but when we looked at them after- they all looked the same! Oh well, we had a lot of fun there! Thanks Bret and Whitney for the tips!

Also, our weekend began on Friday with dinner and a temple session at the Oakland Temple with Bret and Whitney. The food was delicious, the company was great, and the temple, as always, was amazing. Here's us outside the beautiful Oakland temple:

A wedding and a mission

So since I have some time on my hands this afternoon, because I'm not frantically applying for jobs or running to temp agencies (Thank you new job!) I decided to play catch up. There were some big events in both the Hardcastle and Urry families in July. We had a wedding, a move, a mission... well that's it but those are pretty BIG!!

Thursday July 11 Chris and Angela were sealed in the Bountiful LDS temple. The next night was their reception and everything turned out beautiful. I can't think of anything that went wrong and everyone had a great time. We are so proud of them and excited for us to do married sibling things now... well except for that whole 12 hour difference. Oh well- I guess we'll just have to wait until Christmas! The only thing I wish we would have done was get more pictures, but we were busy running around the ENTIRE reception. I had 4 blisters to prove it! The ones we got turned out good though. Here's a couple:


Coming out of the temple


All of us before the reception... Angela is wearing a traditional Korean celebration dress. It's called a Ham-bok (guaranteed I spelt that wrong!)


Brad and Spenc


Us

Like I said, we didn't get many pictures but it was a great wedding!

The next day (Saturday the 12) was the second big event of the month: our move to California... but we've already blogged about that one ;)

Finally, the mission. My brother Bryant entered the MTC yesterday as he begins his mission to serve in the Columbia, South Carolina Spanish Speaking mission. He was so ready and excited to serve. My entire family (sans Brad and I) accompanied him to the MTC yesterday and I get word that it was a very special day. Brad and I went down to Escondido almost 2 weeks ago for his farewell and to spend time with the family. Here are a few pictures from that adventure:


All of us after our temple trip. Ross did Baptisms and the rest of us did a session.


Us at the temple


Saturday evening Brad and I ventured to the Wild Animal Park with the three little ones! It was all fun, but of course everyone's favorite part: the bubble show!!


It was sooo hot, so we let Luke and Taryn play in this water area... let's just say Taryn had no problem getting wet. In fact, when I told her it was time to leave, she stuck her shirt OVER a spicket and then stuck her head in it. Now she was twice as wet as 10 seconds before, but was ready to go!


Feeding the birds

Bryant gave a wonderful talk and we had a great time with all the family that came over afterwards. Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures! Not even of the missionary! Oh well- these will have to suffice:




This was three years ago, but he basically looks the same ;) Okay not really...


Good luck Elder Urry- we love you!!!

Gratitude

I titled this entry "Gratitude" because that is what I have been feeling a lot of lately. I'll warn you that this is kind of long and just a bunch of my recent thoughts....

I love the Church. No matter where you go, it soon feels like home because of the people you meet. Ever since we have moved to Concord, we have been so blessed by so many people. It is a little overwhelming leaving home, family, and friends behind to start "brand new" The people we have met so far have made this transition easier that I thought it would be.
First off was the day we moved in. We arrived in Concord around 5:30 and Brad had a mission buddy, his wife, and a friend meet us at our complex to help us unpack. We unpacked that truck in 20 minutes. About at that time our new bishop (who is an old family friend: another tender mercy) texted us and said he just drove by and saw our orange moving truck. We knew in advance that their family had 2 birthday parties to throw that day and couldn't help us move in, but about 10 minutes later he knocked on the door with goodies in hand. He was out buying some tacos for the party and bought a few extra just for us. (They were amazing, by the way.) The next morning when we went to church, we were greeted immediately by a friendly gentleman who said, "You must be Brad and Lauren Hardcastle!". Talk about feeling welcome! That day our records were read in and we met a lot of very nice and friendly people. One lady even asked if I needed any food since we hadn't gone to the store yet. Apparently she still buys like the kids are at home, but they're not ;) It was cute!

Another major stress in my life post-move has been finding a job. Ugh. I hate it. I have gone to three temp agencies and felt absolutely hopeless of finding that "dream job". Luckily for me, the Church came to the rescue again! I went to the LDS Employment Office about three weeks ago, right when we moved. They called me about a job soon after and I applied. Brother Searle (from the office) called me last Friday to see what I had heard, and I told him I hadn't heard anything. He encouraged me to call the office and follow-up on my application. Once I expressed my interest to the office manager, she asked me to come in for an interview- and I did on Tuesday!
I just got the call this morning that I have been offered the job! Talk about a weight off of my shoulders! I will be a Receptionist & Notary for David A. Nearon Law Offices. He is an Estate Attorney- and better than that- he is LDS. I felt so comfortable in my interview and could tell this would be a great place to work. He went to BYU, which is where he met his wife, he teaches early morning Seminary before coming into the office, and his Dad (who also works in the office) just left on an 18 month assignment from the church to figure out some legal issues with missionaries and visas in Russia. This guy is a good guy and will be a great boss.

I don't start for another three weeks, but that again is a blessing in disguise. I can now fly down to Escondido next week to help my mom as she has shoulder surgery on Friday. I wasn't going to go if I was still in the middle of the "job hunt" or if I had already started working. Now I can go and help my family!

I have a lot to be grateful for right now.

We're here!

Brad and I are officially Californian's... well I've always been one, but now we both are! We moved into our townhouse in Walnut Creek/Concord almost two weeks ago, and it has been a whirlwind ever since. We are excited about our new ward, and already have callings! I am a ward missionary, and my "companion" is a new convert who is recently married and about our age. Brad is a Sunday School teacher for the 17/18 year olds, and I am his co-teacher. Our class will consist of seniors, preparing for college, missions, etc. and we are excited for the opportunity to be involved in their lives.

Our days, so far, have consisted of unpacking, buying odds and ends, mastering the BART (the subway system here), sight seeing, and job hunting (me). We were able to spend last Tuesday in the city and were able to see Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf, Ghirardelli Square, China Town, In n Out, and the Bay Bridge. Brad's brother Spencer drove out with us and stayed for about 4 days to help us get settled, so he was able to go with us downtown. We had fun, but I will admit I felt more like a tourist than actually thinking I live here now!

Last Thursday-Monday Brad and I were able to fly down to Escondido and visit with my family. It was by brother's mission farewell and since Brad hadn't started his job yet, we spent a few days with everybody. We had a great time that included: swimming, Giant NY pizza, a family temple session, Islands, Batman, Cruisin Grand, Wild Animal Park, lots of extended family, and Escape from Wild Cat Canyon :) (Dad, you know what I mean!) The only downside to the trip: our 5 hour delay in the SD Airport because of fog in SF. No fun!!

Brad started his job on Tuesday and is loving it so far... but its only been orientation and training. I'm sure he'll love it more next week when he actually starts working! But they have provided breakfast and lunch everyday, and are taking them out to dinner tonight. So, I couldn't complain either.

We are excited to be out here. I'll be even more excited once I find a job and start bringing in some income. We miss all of our family but know this is where we are supposed to be right now!

Some pictures from the last week or so:


Brad and our dear Penske truck


Spencer living out his childhood dream- a true Transformer


Our family room


The kitchen
(That's all of the home pictures for now... we are still working on the rest!)


Bay Bridge


How could I forget when the street performer pulled Brad onstage to form a human chair?



If you look, you can see that all four chairs have been removed and the guys are supporting themselves. Pretty cool, but the best part was that the guy called Brad "UTAH" the whole time.



Spencer's Chinese pose in China Town.

I haven't uploaded our pictures from Escondido with my family, or from Chris and Angela's wedding. That is another post for another day (or tonight!)

Homeless...

Brad and I have been homeless this past week as we moved out of our apartment in Provo and have been staying with his family. We are frantically preparing for Chris and Angela's wedding tomorrow, reception Friday, and our big move to California on Saturday. Wish us all luck with these next couple of BUSY days!

Camping!

Last weekend we went camping in the Uintah Mountains about two hours east of Provo. We went with Brad's family as well as Brad's uncle and his family. The weather was perfect, the mountains were green, and the fishing was great......or so Brad says. Here's a couple pictures of our weekend.

North Fork of the Duchesne River

These dead trees look like football posts...kinda

Brad and Spencer drinking Dr Denali's...

This picture is a little too close for my comfort, but oh well! Here we are!

It's official!

We are moving to Concord, CA! We got the green light yesterday from the manager. We will be moving into the Ryan Road Townhouses on July 12. They are two-level, two-bedroom townhouses. It will be about double the size we are living in now here in Provo and also has a dishwasher and full sized stove! Woohoo!! Can you tell I'm excited? Concord is right outside of Walnut Creek and is about thirty minutes outside of the city of SF. Just wanted to spread our fun news!

We are going camping with Brad's extended family this weekend and get back on Sunday just in time to move out of our apartment on Monday! (We are living at Brad's house until we leave). It will be a fun/busy/stressful couple of days!

Here is the outside of our future home:

I've been tagged!

Thanks Niccole, this was fun to do!

What is his name? Bradley Ron Hardcastle

How long have you been together? We met at a BYU football game in October 2005, so that would be 2 ½ years!

How long did you date? We dated for 8 months, were engaged for 4, and have been married for a year and a half!

How old is he? 23, turning 24 on August 29^th.

Who eats more? That’s a complicated one. Brad eats less at a sitting, but eats more times throughout the day. He’s a firm believer of the 6 meals-a-day plan. I am more a 3-meals-a day person. Overall, he does eat more food but I rock him when it comes to dessert. I’m pretty sure that’s not a good thing…

Who said I love you first? He did, but I coaxed it out of him. It had been over six months and I was ready to hear it!

Who is taller? He's taller by 10 inches. No, he’s not even that tall, I’m just 5 ft nothing.

Who can sing better? That would be me. I am the singer and the pianist but I love it when Brad pulls out his guitar. Currently, I am teaching Brad the bass and tenor parts of hymns and he’s getting better! I know he has a great voice, he just hides it.

Who is smarter? Brad takes language, business, grammar, history, art, and ‘street smarts’. But I take math and science! I better after four years of chemistry, biology, organic chemistry, biochemistry, physics, anatomy, physiology, and all those nutrition classes! I think we balance each other quite well!

Who does the laundry? We trade off weeks. But the other always helps fold.

Who pays the bills? I do.

Who sleeps on the right side? That would be Brad. And we’re pretty much stuck that way- even when we are camping or visiting family. We always take our respective sides.

Who mows the lawn? We don’t have one! But once we do, that will be Brad. He will take care of the yard, garden, landscaping, etc. I have a brown thumb.

Who cooks dinner? I do, unless it’s breakfast or meat. That’s Brad’s area of expertise. We always cook together on Sundays.

Who drives? He always does, unless I am dropping him off somewhere. I haven’t done much driving in the marriage, which is probably why Brad is nervous for me to be driving by myself to SF, but he’ll be following in the moving truck. No need to worry dear!

Who is more stubborn? We are probably pretty even on that. Could it be the oldest child syndrome taking over? Brad takes less time to apologize or get over things. I tend to drag things out.

Who kissed who first? Brad did. We had just gotten back from a marathon 8-hour date in Salt Lake City. It was a couple days before Valentine’s day and he was so cute about it!

Who proposed? Bradley! It was August 21, 2006 at La Jolla Shores.

Who has more friends? That would be Brad. He had like 15 guys his age in his ward at church. Talk about instant friends. I on the other hand, have a handful of very close friends. He has also kept in better contact with his buddies since getting married. It might have something to do with the fact that we only live 45 minutes from where he grew up, but I do get jealous that after all these years they still get together. (See previous post for proof!)

Who is more sensitive? Hello, that would be me! I don’t know how Brad can put up with it half of the time. (And he didn’t grow up with sisters to prepare him!) But he is surprisingly patient and understanding. That’s why I love him!

Who has more siblings? Me. I have 4 brothers and 1 adorable sister. Brad is the oldest of 3- all boys.

Who wears the pants? Brad does, and I am quite okay with that.

Hope you enjoyed getting to know my hubby a little better. I tag anyone who reads the blog and wants to be tagged ;) Have fun!