The Georgia Hardins

Organizing for Tax Preparation with Remember the Milk

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Hardin) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:47:00 +0000

http://blog.rememberthemilk.com/2010/03/tips-tricks-tuesday-tracking-tax-paperwork/

I have several clients who email me their paper work each year for me to prepare their returns. More often than not there is something missing and I have to call or email them to ask about the missing information. I have to confess I've even filed incomplete returns for myself, and had to amend them later to add the missing information.

There is an article on the Remember the Milk blog today about using this online task management list to make sure you have all your documents together before you either send them off to your preparer, or sit down to prepare your own return. I'm a big fan of Remember the Milk, but I've never used it for this. I may start next year though.

Leave a comment and let me know how you organize for tax season.

Posted via email from Mike Hardin tax service

Thankful for Family

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Hardin) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:11:00 +0000

It's Day 6 since we climbed in the car and left Georgia for Thanksgiving with Terri's side of the family. It's Day 5 since we picked Jon and Chantay up from the airport. It's Day 4 since we drover an hour to watch my middle school nieces play basketball. It's Day 3 since we went to the movies together and I was reminded how much I love and miss my "other son," Andre, who isn't with us on this trip. It's Day two since I was able to cook for the family, on the promise that if I made Chantay blueberry pancakes she would "love me forever."

I have so much to be Thankful for. But my family is right at the top of the list. I have an ever faithful and loving wife. I have a smart good looking son who makes me proud every day as he serves his country. I have a well grounded, creative daughter who has me tightly wrapped around her little finger. Even Terri's family is a great blessing to me. My six-year-old niece made a Verteran's Day card and saved it for my soon-to-be-deployed soldier son until he got here. The card says, "Be careful in Iraq. I hope you win. Love Kiley".

When you cram people who are used to living their own lives their own ways into a house together for a week, there are bound to be things that they do that irritate one another. I'm sure that I'm irritating everyone here in some way or other. But the little irritations are well worth the opportunities to bond and make memories.

I'm so thankful that everyone in the family is healthy. My predecessor at First Baptist Lovejoy is spending the Holiday in a hospital, suffering with Leukemia, and recovering from a bone marrow transplant that doesn't seem to be going well. When I think of how tough this holiday is for him and his family, I can't help but think how blessed we are that none of us is in pain, nor seriously ill. We've certainly been down that road, having lost my father and both of Terri's parents to cancer. Having walked that road just gives us greater compassion for those who are there this year, and an appreciation for our current blessings.

I'm also thankful for the family I will not see today. I will miss my mother and brother, and his wife and kids. I am blessed to live in a day and time that I can be a thousand miles away from them, and still as close as a telephone call. I'm thankful that none of them will spend this day alone. I'm thankful for my church family who loves and provides for my immediate family. They are so good to us. I am thankful that they have allowed us this time away to be with Terri's family. I can't wait for Sunday to come so that I can be with them again.

Thank you God for all your many blessings. They remind me of your loving kindness. Thank you God for the trials that come our way, they teach me to trust in you with all my heart, and not to lean on my own understanding.

Peachtree Road Race, Liberty Square Park edition

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Hardin) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 14:15:00 +0000

I have the house to myself this weekend, with Jon serving in the Army in Germany, Terri visiting Catherine at Valdosta State University, and Andre gone to Alabama with his mother for the weekend. I thought it would be fun to do my own Peachtree since I didn't get registered for the real deal.

The Course
I have three loops I can do from my house, with lengths of 1.1 miles, 0.9 miles, and 0.6 miles. I decided to get 10K (6.2 miles) I'd do 4 of the 1.1 mile loops, and two of the 0.9 mile loops. I know from walking with a pedometer that I take about 2200 steps per mile. So I took two pieces of scrap lumber and marked off 220 steps and 440 steps from the end of the 1.1 mile loop. Then I did the loops in this order.

1.1 mile
0.9 mile
1.1 mile
0.9 mile
1.1 mile
1.1 mile

I was able to mark even mile splits by using the markers I set out. On the first loop when I got to the marker that was 220 steps from my driveway, I marked the split, and then that last tenth added to the 0.9 mile loop gave me a second mile split on the next trip to the driveway. Rinse and repeat for 3 and 4 mile splits. On the last two laps, the 220 step marker was the end of mile 5, and the 440 step marker was the end of mile 6, with the final two-tenths finishing up the 10K.

My final time was 1:29:20. Splits were as follows:
Mile 1: 14:56.60, 14:56.60
Mile 2: 14:59.79, 29:56.39
Mile 3: 14:51.08, 44:47.47
Mile 4: 14:40.54, 59:28.01
Mile 5: 13:42.20, 1:13:10
Mile 6: 13:51.50, 1:27:01
Last 2/10: 2:18.30, 1:29:20

Vivian Hardin - Funeral

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Hardin) — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:00:00 +0000

Born September 12, 1916
Died February 1, 2009

Mark 14:3-9
While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.

⁴Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, "Why this waste of perfume? ⁵It could have been sold for more than a year's wages and the money given to the poor." And they rebuked her harshly.

⁶"Leave her alone," said Jesus. "Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. ⁷The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. ⁸She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. ⁹I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."

A Woman with a Generous Heart

It was a gift of time.

We are told this jar would have been worth a years wages of a laborer. This woman likely was not a rich woman. In the days before CDs and IRAs and 401Ks, a jar of perfume like this was a savings vehicle. It represented years of savings. It represented years of provisions if it had been sold at some point in the future. When she gave this gift to Jesus, she was giving him the gift of her time.

Wanda's Poem -- Dear Grandmama,

I know that your memories have faded, but I would like for you to know that I still hold the special memories spent with you deep within my heart.
I remember you holding my hand as we went to church and Sunday school.
I remember cutting the big beautiful blue flowers from your hydrangea bush.
I remember the times we walked in the garden and picked turnips and how you cooked the best turnip greens in the world.
I remember the joy shared at family dinners at your dining room table.
I remember going to Ralph’s Gas Station and getting bubble gum.
I remember you helping me to sew my first and only skirt.
I remember the love that you embraced me with when I was expecting my first child.
I remember sitting in the swing with you and my new little girl on your front porch.
I remember how you gave so much of yourself so that those around you were surrounded with happiness and love.
When my memories fade, my wish is that someone will remember me as I do you.
I love you for the person you are and for the wonderful person you will always be.

It was a gift of Industry.

Not only was this gift a gift of her time, it was a gift of her labor. It was probably the fruit of an aching back and aching feet, of fingers blistered and nails dirtied working in the field. Grandma was never afraid to work, and was always glad to share the fruit of that work. Perhaps that was the work of an assembly line in the candy factory, or the work of long hours in the kitchen in her home. She was always glad to work so that she could be a blessing to someone else.

Proverbs 31 gives a beautiful description of a wife of Noble character. Much of it describes the willingness of this woman to work and provide for her family.

10 A wife of noble character who can find?
       She is worth far more than rubies.

11 Her husband has full confidence in her
       and lacks nothing of value.

12 She brings him good, not harm,
       all the days of her life.

13 She selects wool and flax
       and works with eager hands.

14 She is like the merchant ships,
       bringing her food from afar.

15 She gets up while it is still dark;
       she provides food for her family
       and portions for her servant girls.

16 She considers a field and buys it;
       out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

17 She sets about her work vigorously;
       her arms are strong for her tasks.

18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
       and her lamp does not go out at night.

19 In her hand she holds the distaff
       and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

Most of all, it was a Gift of Love

Others criticized what this woman did as being over the top, too extravagant. No one ever said that Vivian Hardin was extravagant. She was a simple person who appreciated the simple things in life. But while others criticized this woman, Jesus praised her for a great act of love. What she did came from a loving heart.

In May of 1985 I graduated from college and moved to Fort Worth, TX to go to seminary. The seminary made losing weight and getting in shape a condition of my acceptance. By the time I came home for Christmas that year I had lost 50 pounds. I was in the best condition of my life. But it had been a tough 6 months. I had to work long hours on top of going to school, and money was very tight. I was supporting myself for the first time in my life. When asked about my weight loss, I joked that I couldn't afford to eat. Poor Grandmama took it tto heart. When time to go back to school rolled around, she loaded me down with boxes and boxes of food. No grandson of hers was going to go hungry if she had anything to say about it. She'd be glad to know I haven't missed a meal since.

=================================

Death from the other side

Precious in the sight of the LORD
is the death of his saints. -- Psalm 116:15

From this side death looks like defeat, but from God's side it looks like a victory.

From this side death looks like the end, but from God's side it is a new beginning.

From this side death is separation, but from God's side, it is a reunion.

===================================

More Scripture

Psalm 23

1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

1 Corinthians 15:50-58

⁵⁰Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

⁵¹Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

⁵²In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

⁵³For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

⁵⁴So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

⁵⁵O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

⁵⁶The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

⁵⁷But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

⁵⁸Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

John 14

Jesus Comforts His Disciples

1"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God^[a]; trust also in me. 2In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4You know the way to the place where I am going."

Jesus the Way to the Father

5Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?"

6Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7If you really knew me, you would know^[b] my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him."

Dad and the Kid's at CiCi's

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Hardin) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 01:38:00 +0000

Terri went back to work this week. Terri doesn't like CiCi's. That means that with Terri at work, it's the perfect time for our family to go eat WAY too much pizza. But I can't just give such a treat away. So when Catherine and Andre asked if we could go eat lunch at CiCi's, I told them that it depended on how well they buttered me up. My idea of buttering me up was doing some work around the house. Catherine's idea was just telling what a great Dad I am. That wasn't bad either. This is what she drew in paint while trying to talk me into taking them. Pictured are Andre, Catherine, me, and finally her boyfriend Nick. We're at CiCi's in the picture. You'll notice there's a pepper on Andre's plate. Catherine has her favorite, Alfredo pizza. I'm eating a bowl of chicken noodle soup while for some reason balancing my laptop computer in my left hand.

And then Nick is seated across the table from Catherine. Nick wasn't initially in the picture, because he wasn't in the CiCi's plan. He was invited to join us at the last minute, and added to the picture when we returned. That's why he's not seated next to Catherine in the picture. And that's why it looks strangely like he's laying down.

Independence Day at Ft. Huachuca

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Hardin) — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 23:47:00 +0000

We have been blessed to be able to spend the Independence Day weekend in Sierra Vista, AZ, home to the Ft. Huachuca Army post, where Jonathon is stationed. On Thursday we went to the mall and watched a movie together. On Friday we found a spot at Apache Middle School to watch the fireworks. Saturday has been a busy day so far. We went shopping on post at the PX, visited the Ft. Huachuca museum, and then went to the Gray Hawk Nature Center where Jonathon has been volunteering for the last few months.

Catherine in Orlando, FL

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Hardin) — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 13:41:00 +0000

Catherine, the social butterfly of the family, is enjoying a week in Orlando with her friend Heather and her family. Heather's parents, Eddie and Tracey Arrington, and little brother Dakota, have been attending FBC Lovejoy for a couple of months now. They have been a fun family to get to know.

This is Catherine's third trip to the Orlando area in the last year. For about 10 years Terri said, "We need to take a trip to Disney World, because Catherine has never been." We went last year with David and Marcia West. Then this past spring Catherine went with her high school chorus group.

Enjoying the 4-Day

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Hardin) — Fri, 30 May 2008 01:16:00 +0000

We had a great time having Jonathon home for the Memorial Day holiday. For him it was a four day holiday. He was given both Monday and Tuesday off, making for a four-day weekend. He left Fort Huachuca Friday afternoon and traveled with some of his army buddies to the Phoenix airport. He left Phoenix just after 11 Friday night, and arrived in Charlotte, NC about 6 Saturday morning. After a 3 hour layover he flew into Atlanta, where we picked him up about 11 AM.

The first thing he wanted to do was go by Truett's in McDonough for breakfast. He missed both the food and the friends there. While Terri and I settled into a table, Jon was in the kitchen renewing old friendships. When we got home he spent a few hours playing video games with Andre. Since Andre was going to the movies with the middle school boys from FBC Hampton, Jon decided he's go to the movies too. He went to see Prince Caspian, but wasn't able to find the group from FBC Hampton while he was there.

Around 5 PM he got home from the movies, and Catherine got home from a birthday celebration with her boyfriend Nick. It was a great reunion for the two of them, and they spent the evening playing video games with Andre.

It took some doing to stir the three night owls to get ready for church the next morning, but in spite of being tired they all had a good attitude about it. Jon had agreed to be my color guard for a special Memorial Day presentation during the service, but he forgot part of his uniform. I was very disappointed, but he did it anyway in civies, and did a great job. I was very proud of the way he Marched, and of the respect he showed for the flag. It didn't matter what kind of clothing he had on, there was no doubt that it was a soldier carrying that flag. Between the video, the music, and Jonathon's awesome show of patriotism and respect, I was weeping like the mother of the bride. It was an awesome service.

Sunday night after church we churned home made ice cream in the fellowship hall. Catherine and Jonathon made chocolate chip mint. Although I tried 3 or 4 different flavors, I must say I liked theirs best. Really, I'm not just saying that because they are the greatest kids a dad ever had.

Monday was a day to sleep in, but in the early afternoon we managed to find our way to see the latest Indiana Jones flick. It was a fun movie, but not the best of family time as the theatre was crowded and we weren't able to all sit together. Afterwards we came home and did the traditional Memorial Day cookout, grilling both hamburgers and hot dogs. After that the challenge was just getting the kids to go to bed around 11, so I could get them up in time to leave for the airport at 6 the next morning. Jon had an 8:06 flight. He wanted one more taste of Chick-fil-a, so we stopped at the Jonesboro store and got biscuits. He got two. He ate one, and said he was taking the other to Arizona, since there are no Chick-fil-a restaurants there.

It was a great weekend, but not nearly long enough. Two and a half days is just enough to wet your appetite for spending time with a son you haven't seen in five months. The good news is that we are going to go out to Arizona to visit him in July. That's a four-day holiday for him also, but we'll be able to fly out the day before and fly back the day after, giving us all four days together. We can't wait.

A visit from Mom.

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Hardin) — Sun, 11 May 2008 20:08:00 +0000

My mother, Peggy, spent the night with us last night, and then went to church with us this morning. We had originally planned to visit with her this afternoon, but it just so happened she was in the neighborhood, so she came up our way.

Mom was a florist in my hometown of Eastman, Georgia for over 20 years. She sold her store a couple of years ago, and now works part-time as a bank teller at the dawn of her retirement years. However, while in the business she made friends with a florist in Barnesville, GA, just about 30 minutes from our house. This past weekend she came up and worked for the florist in Barnesville, helping her with the Mother's Day rush. When she got through arranging flowers Saturday afternoon she just ran over to our house. We really enjoyed her company.

The people at church are always really nice to Mom when she comes up. The only problem is I have a hard time convincing them that she's my mother and not my younger sister. Two or three asked me how such a pretty lady could have a son who looked like, well like me. I guess sometimes kids get their looks from their parents, and some parents get to keep their looks. Mom's one of the lucky one's who got to keep hers. I hope you and your family had a great Mother's Day.

Military Ball

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Hardin) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 20:59:00 +0000

Catherine was invited by her boyfriend Nick Wheeler to the Jr-ROTC military ball back in late March. Here's one picture. I'll try to add more later.

Our Picasa web albums

It's 3 PM and I'm not sleepy.

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Hardin) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 19:15:00 +0000

Normally I get a strong urge to take a nap about this time every afternoon. Today I'm not tired and have no desire to lay down. I didn't go to bed any earlier than usual last night, and I actually got up an hour earlier than usual. So I'm not more rested as a result of having slept any longer. I have to give the credit to finally getting my CPAP device and using it for the first time last night. I went to bed about midnight, and it took me quite a while then to fall asleep. I can remember waking several times during the night and being aware of the face mask. By all accounts I would have thought I got much less sleep than usual. But I guess the sleep I did get was of enough greater quality that it made a real difference.

Normally Terri gets up at 6 and I sleep in until 7. This morning I was awake before Terri's alarm went off, and got up to spend time with her and talk with her before she left for work. In my first sleep study on March 13 they determined that I stopped breathing an average of 68 times per hour, or once every 53 seconds. Since your brain has to wake you up to restart your breathing each time this happens, I can see how even just two of three hours of continuous sleep would be a huge improvement. I can't wait to see how much energy I might have when I get used to the mask and can sleep most of an 8 hour night.

New Studies Add to Evidence that CPAP Helps the Heart

John Smoltz's 3000th K

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Hardin) — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 03:20:00 +0000

Terri, Catherine, Andre and I attended the Braves game with the Washington Nationals tonight. Usually when I go the Braves manage to lose, but I had high hopes for tonight. After all, Smoltz was pitching, he was due to break the 3,000 strikeout mark, and the Nationals have been winning about 1 game in 10. We were not disappointed in Smoltz. He pitched 7 innings giving up only one run and striking out 10. He became one of only 16 pitchers to ever break the 3,000 K mark, and he had 3,006 before he was taken out for a pinch hitter in the eighth inning. But alas, he didn't get any run support and left the game down 1-0. The eighth inning relief did ok, but the Nationals ate our ninth inning relief for dinner, exploding with 5 more runs to make the final 6-0. When we left our seats to head for the parking lot it was 2-0, but the other 4 runs were added by the time we got in the car and turned on the radio.

All in all though, it was a fun night. I'm disappointed they didn't win, but watching Smoltz make history was worth the trip by itself. The tickets were given to us by a family in our church, Terry and Nancy Walden. Thanks Waldens!!

View on YouTube

Jonathon coming home in May

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Hardin) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 14:39:00 +0000

Saturday Jonathon made his travel arrangements to come home for a visit on Memorial Day weekend.

He will be arriving
Saturday afternoon May 24 around 3:00

He will return to Ft Huachuca on
Tuesday May 27.

My Sleep Study

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Hardin) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 14:35:00 +0000

Are you at risk for Sleep Apnea?

Sleep Apnea Puts People at Risk for Heart Trouble while Flying

This past Sunday night I went to my second sleep study. I've known for many years that I have sleep apnea. I've been a heavy snorer at least since my college days, and I am almost always sleepy in the afternoons. But for the longest time I didn't want to do anything about it. Terri has become accustomed to my snoring and says it doesn't generally interfere with her sleep. I have learned to deal with the tiredness, primarily by treating myself with caffeine. I just didn't want to endure the expense of the study and the ensuing treatments.

But as I've entered my mid forties I'm starting to think a lot more in terms of preventive health care. I've learned that sleep apnea doesn't just leave you tired, but it also puts a strain on your heart that can take a great toll over the years. In my first study last month it was determined that I stopped breathing 68 times each hour. Additionally there are many episodes where my airway is partially blocked, and even though I don't stop breathing, because limited air is getting to my lungs, my oxygen levels drop to levels that strain my heart even though I am breathing.

I first went to my family practitioner in February and told them I suspected I had sleep apnea. They referred me to the sleep clinic located near Henry Medical Center in Stockbridge, GA, but it was nearly a month before they could get me in for my first study. I went on a Thursday night, arriving at 8 pm. After being wired and strapped up I went to bed and spent one of the most miserable nights I could remember in a long time. I roll over a lot at night, and it's almost impossible to do so in your sleep with wires attached to your feet, your hands, your chest and your head. There was one sensor that was taped to my nostrils. On the rare occasions that I could fall asleep, the technician would need to come in and adjust some wire that wasn't picking up right. My mouth became very dry during the night from my snoring. Although that sometimes happens at home, it is not a usual occurrence.

The study was over about 5:30 AM. The technician came in and woke me up. I asked her what would happen next. She said that after the doctor reviewed the test they would call me and let me know whether I tested positive. I never had any doubt about that. I've caught myself waking up gasping for air enough times to know. I just needed an official diagnosis in order to begin treatment.

About a week after the study I got a call from the clinic confirming my self-diagnosis. We set an appointment for me to come back for a second night. On the second night the study is done wearing a CPAP (Continuous Positive Air Pressure) mask. Once again leads are attached all over my head, chest, hands and feet. But since I'll be wearing the mask this time, no annoying sensors on my nose. When I told the technician what a miserable night I had during the first study, I was offered a sedative. She brought me an ambien and a bottle of water. It still took me about an hour and a half to fall asleep, even with the medicine, but once I fell asleep I slept much better. I occasionally woke up to roll over, but unlike the first night, I easily went back to sleep. I'm sure part of my improved sleep was from the medicine, but I have to give the CPAP a lot of the credit also.

I'm told the next step is that a home health provider will call me and make an appointment to bring a CPAP machine to my house and show me how to use it. My only frustration is that I have to wait a couple more weeks. I first went to the doctor about this in February. I had to wait until mid March for the first study, mid April for the second, and now it looks like it could be early May before I have a CPAP in my home. That seems like a lot of time to get treatment for what I am told can be a fairly serious condition. I'd like to see the process streamlined so that patients can get from complaint to treatment in less than 3 months.

If you know you are a heavy snorer, wake up tired, wake up with a dry mouth or headaches, or have trouble staying awake during the day I strongly encourage you to discuss these symptoms with your doctor.

Hardin Christmas '07

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Hardin) — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 20:59:00 +0000

We had a good time down at Mom's in Eastman. Jeff and Christie brought Justin and Alyssa up on Christmas Eve and we opened gifts with them after dinner. Mom gave Jeff and me matching chain saws and GPS systems. We got her an electronic picture frame. It goes well with the digital camera she had just bought herself.

Jeff and Christie had to go that night after we opened gifts, but my family stayed with Mom until after lunch time the day after Christmas. It was a very nice visit.

View Album

Get your own

Granger Christmas 07

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Hardin) — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 04:24:00 +0000

Terri's sister Karen and niece Kiley flew in on Sunday night the 23rd. We picked them up at the airport and they spent the night with us that night. On Monday morning Terri and Kiley baked a few cookies for Santa before we left to go to Eastman. We met Terri's brother, Robert, in Warner Robins. Karen and Kiley went to spend Christmas in Columbus with Robert's family while we went on to see my family in Eastman. We met Robert's family for lunch in Newnan on Friday the 28th, and brought Karen and Kiley home for one more night with us before they had to fly home to Oklahoma City on Saturday morning.

Karen dumped her pictures on my laptop before she left. Here they are.

View Album

Get your own

I'll upload some of the Eastman pictures later, whenever I find time.

Happy New Year!

Killing trees for Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Hardin) — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 21:32:00 +0000

We carried out our annual tradition of cutting the tree down last night. For years I have wanted to get an artificial tree so we wouldn't have to buy a new one each year. And for years Terri has said no, in deference to a tradition we started when Jonathon was very young of going to a Christmas tree farm and cutting one down. Terri was actually, for some strange reason, willing to buy an artificial one this year, but when I saw the price tag of the ones she liked, I became a big fan of tradition.

So last night Terri, Catherine and I loaded up in the car and headed over to Browns Christmas Tree Farm, located on US 19/41 between Griffin and Hampton, GA. It was a cold night, and I could find neither my coat nor gloves. We wanted to get a rather tall tree, since we have a two story living room to put it in. We assumed our usual roles. Terri went from tree to tree asking Catherine, "How about this one?" Catherine gave her a yes or no, and then they would move on and look for more.

When they finally found the one they wanted it is my job to execute the poor tree. The farm provides a "knee board" to kneel on while you cut the tree. That would be great, but the lower branches are so wide that you really can't reach the trunk with the saw if you kneel, so you have to pretty much lay on your side or your belly and saw. Neither my side nor belly fit on that board, so I got a bit dirty. Thanks to the drought the ground wasn't wet though, and I was able to just brush myself off and go about my business.

After dragging the tree back to the front of the lot, I was given the tag to go inside and pay for it, while workers put it in a machine to shake all the dead pine needles (and hopefully insect eggs) out of it. I was never so glad to pay for anything in my life. It was so much warmer paying inside that shed than it was sawing outside that shed. By the time I came out the tree had been wrapped and the trunk drilled for our stand. The workers tied it to the top of my Saturn Vue and we headed home.

As soon as we pulled into the driveway, I got a phone call from my old college friend John Waters. John and his wife Cynthia serve at First Baptist Church of Statesboro, GA. They were on their way to Atlanta for some Georgia Baptist Convention business, and were planning to meet us for dinner. We unloaded the tree and got it in some warm water, then headed off to Red Lobster for some great food and fellowship. I had worked up quite an appetite being a one-tree-lumberjack. We capped the night off with great food and fellowship.

It was a nice family night, but I sure do miss having Jonathon here to help cut down and carry the tree. Well---- cutting down and carrying the tree don't really have anything to do with it. I just miss having him here for our Christmas traditions. We all do. He is supposed to fly in on the evening of December 20. We can't wait to see him.

Jon's christmas list

noreply@blogger.com (Jon Hardin) — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 01:06:00 +0000

Gerber Gator II

The Dark mirror by: Janet Marillier

Blue gender: the complete series

Clothes (are you shocked?)

Blue tooth headset

BAM! giftcard

Catherine's Christmas List

noreply@blogger.com (Echo Tuten) — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 20:02:00 +0000

Dear "Santa Claus,"

I think I've been pretty good this year. And while I don't think that really matters at all, seeing as even the brattiest kids end up with presents under their Christmas Tree ('Cause you're a bit softie that way), I feel that it's one of those things that's necessary and traditional to put in these letters. Below are the things I thought of while waiting for my food in an "Applebee's." I do NOT need them all, but my parents think that it would be easier for some people *coughGrandmamacough* to do Christmas shopping for me. Because I'm a teenage girl. And so hard to shop for. (Sarcasm not intended) I've categorized them for convenience and, hey, if I feel really crazy, I might even alphabetize them. (Whoo, I'm a wild woman!) Also for convenience, side notes and links have been added.

See you 12/25, "Santa!" Love ya, babe!

Catherine

Books

-Just Like That by Marsha Qualey (Have not read)

-Just Listen by Sarah Dessen (Have read)

-Keeping the Moon by Sarah Dessen (Have not read)

-Lovesick by Jake Coburn (Have not read)

-Memoirs of an Teenage Amnesiac by Gabrielle Zevin (Have not read)

-Rebel Angels by Libba Bray (Have not read)

-Song in the Silence by Elizabeth Kerner (Have read)

-The Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray (Will not be released until 12/26, so most definitely have not read)

-Twilight by Stephanie Meyer (HARDBACK!)

CD's

-Barlow Girl

-Beauty from Pain (Superchic[k]) ((Will love you FOREVER, Santa...))

-Headstrong (Ashley Tisdale)

-Insomniac (Aly and AJ)

-Into the Rush (Also Aly and AJ)

-Last One Picked (Superchic[k] again- was recommended by a friend)

-Taylor Swift (Listened to one song and now I'm addicted)

DVD's

-Blood and Chocolate (Have not seen)

-Pirates of the Caribbean 3 (Got the first two, just need the third)

-Ratatouille (Oh, come on, it's a talking/cooking rat, how can you not want it? ((Have not seen)))

-Transformers (Best Movie ever!)

Misc.

-Clock

-"Edward Fan Club" T-shirt

-Fly Pen Top Computer (Oh, the hours I could save not having to retype things...)

-Opal Ring

-"Runs with Vampires" T-shirt

*Shirts sizes? Large, please! ^_^

Catherine Makes Honor Chorus

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Hardin) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 21:31:00 +0000

Catherine loves music. Unfortunately she and I don't always love the same kind of music. We must compete for control of the radio any time we ride in the car together. I like gospel, country, and classic rock. Catherine likes whatever it is that teenage girls like these days.

But Catherine doesn't just like to listen to music, she likes to make it too. That's why she has been taking piano lessons from Deborah Beasley for more than a year now. She also sings in the Luella High School Chorus. Last week she tried out for honor chorus. We were all so excited when we found out she "made the team" and would be singing the second alto part. Congratulations Catherine!

Catherine and her chorus buddy, Kaitlyn "Rigatoni" Ragusa

Jon's Address at Fort Huachuca

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Hardin) — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 12:07:00 +0000

Jonathon is beginning his career in the army. He recently graduated from Basic Combat Training (BCT) and is now in Advanced Individual Training (AIT). He is studying to be a Military Intelligence Systems Maintainer/Integrator. I asked what that meant, but he said if he told me he'd have to kill me.

You can write him at this address:

PFC JONATHON HARDIN 3862
B CO., 305^TH MIBN
FORT HUACHUCA, AZ 85613

or email him.

About Fort Huachuca

Family Day at Fort Leonard Wood

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Hardin) — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 02:25:00 +0000

Thursday was a full day. We got up around 6:30 and left the hotel at about 7:10. After passing through the gate we realized we had forgotten to ask for a map and we had no idea how to get to Abrams theater where the family orientation would be held. After asking about three different people we finally found someone who could give us directions.

We arrived at the theater at 5 minutes before eight o'clock, and I couldn't believe how few cars were there for a program that was supposed to start in 5 minutes. As we entered the theater we were given copies of a map and information about what Jon could and could not do while we had him checked out, and what time he had to be back.

We soon realized due to the size of the crowd that the program was going to start at 9:00 instead of 8:00. That made for a long wait when we were so anxious to see Jonathon, but I guess one more hour wouldn't kill us. At precisely 9:00 a Drill Sergeant marched to the center of the stage and started calling cadence. From backstage we could hear the whole company answering his cadence. They started marching out, and Terri was the first to see Jonathon on stage. But you wouldn't expect any less from a Mom would you? Then the neatest thing happened. They had seated family in the left and center sections and saved the right hand section for the soldiers. When they marched in to their assigned seats, Jon ended up on our row. Of all the rows he could have been on, he was sitting on the same row we were. What a blessing. Then most of the others leaned back in their chairs, but he was leaning forward slightly, so we had a great view of his profile. How neat!

The ceremony was very moving. I couldn't help but tear up as they talked about how brave these young men and women were for being willing to join the Army in a time of war. I admire all of them for their courage, and am so proud of my son. After the ceremony was over the soldiers marched out in formation, and the family members merged into a bottle neck at each door trying to get outside and find their loved ones. Terri and I got separated from Catherine and Jill. We were fortunate to find Jonathon first, and then we went off together looking for the girls. Although Terri and I had certainly gotten big hugs, we were put to shame by the way these girls latched on and wouldn't let go. They had both missed him so much.

Once all the hugging was out of the way, we tried to make the day all about whatever Jonathon wanted to do. After all, he hadn't gotten to do whatever he wanted for over two months. The first thing he wanted to do was shop! He had been working at his first full time job for over two months with very little opportunity to enjoy the fruit of his labor. We went to the Post Exchange (PX) where he bought a portable video game system and a CD. We had lunch in the food court there at the PX. We left there and took him by the Post Office, but his mail wasn't up yet. After that we left the Post and went to Rolla, a university town about 25 miles east of the base. There we visited an AT&T wireless store so he could pick out a new cell phone, a WalMart, and a couple of different book stores. He had wanted to go to a Books-a-Million or Waldenbooks, but none of those were available in the area. Nevertheless, he found several things he wanted to read.

When he had finished spending money for the day we headed back to the hotel to relax for a couple of hours. Jon was able to read email and check up on the latest post at some of his favorite fiction website. Around 5:00 PM we left the hotel and went to the Cracker Barrel across the street. Jon thoroughly enjoyed the food there, but said that the Army food had been pretty good. When we finished eating we realized it was raining outside. We didn't want him to get his dress uniform wet, so Terri and I walked back to the hotel, then I took the car back to the restaurant to pick up Jon and the girls. Afterward we came back to the hotel and Jon was able to get a brief nap before we had to return him to the base.

We had a scare trying to get back on base. Terri had left her purse in the hotel, and they were going to make us go back and get it because she didn't have any ID. If we had to go back to the hotel, Jonathon would have been late signing back in. But finally they saw him sitting in the back seat and said he could vouch for her. After a stern warning and an early "happy birthday" to Terri they let us proceed inside the base. We were able to drive right up to the barracks area and see where he had been sleeping for the last several weeks. We waited outside while he went inside to sign back in. Then we got one more round of hugs to last us until graduation morning.

It was so wonderful seeing him again, but our time was much too short. We hope that we can see him a few minutes after graduation, and maybe even hang out with him for a few more minutes at the St. Louis airport tomorrow. After that we'll have to wait until Christmas break for any more of those great hugs!

Our Family

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Hardin) — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 02:32:00 +0000

Graduation Night, 2007

Jonathon is surrounded by Uncle Jeff (Mike's brother) and his wife Christy, his girlfriend Jill Banister, and Peggy (Grandma) Hardin.

Jon is now a Private in the United States Army. He graduated again on October 26, from Basic Combat Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. From there he went to Fort Hauchuca, Arizona for further training. After that, who knows? Jonathon has made a five year commitment to the Army, and his family couldn't be prouder.

Piano
Party

Catherine has been taking piano lessons from Deborah Beasley, the pianist at our church, for about 14 months. This picture of Terri, Catherine, and Mike was taken after the October 2007 party. The kids have more fun and get less nervous if we don't call them "recitals".

Mike is pastor at First Baptist Church of Lovejoy, Georgia. Terri teaches at North Mulberry Elementary School in Jackson, GA.

Jeff lives in McCrae Georgia with his wife Christy. He works as the chief of the Milan Correctional Institute fire department, and also volunteers in the McCrae department. He and Christy have two children, Justin and Alisa.

Peggy still lives in Eastman in the home where we grew up. About a year ago she sold her business, Martha Sheldon Florist, after owning and operating it for 23 years. She now works part time for the Colony Bank in Eastman.

We lost my dad, Gene Hardin, in June of 1998 at the young age of 56.

The Deborah Beasley School of Piano

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Hardin) — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 14:14:00 +0000

Catherine, Dale, Yvonne and all the other students did great at the "Piano Party" last night. Special thanks to Peggy and Virginia Wallace who came out to hear them play, even though they didn't have a family member in the bunch. Terri and I are just learning to use these new cameras. We aren't very good at it yet, so we got a lot of grainy, blurry, or unfocused pictures. But if you click the link under the cake you can see them anyway. If Dave Vollmer shares his pictures with me I'll upload those too!