Christmas Card 1983

 Well, it's been a strange and wonderful Christmas!  We began with Christmas Eve on December 22 so Jimmy could be a part of it.  He and three friends left for Park City on the 23rd and are having a skiing holiday.

     Meagan, who continues to delight us, performed "Up on the Housetop" this year, with accompanying actions.  She also helped with the Christmas baking this year and wrapping of presents.  3 1/2 is a wonderful age!

     Maria arrived home from Utah and immediately prepared all kinds of Christmas goodies to give away.  Maria always makes Christmas fun and festive.  We are happy to have her back for a while...she is doing away with the poverty student routine and getting a real job...hopefully, in our mortgage business, she is a real dynamo at getting things done.

     John will be joining Jimmy for skiing also.  He is continuing his studies at San Diego State, working on his MBA!  We're very proud of John's graduation from UCSD with a very high-grade point average this last spring.  He received a Bachelor of Arts in History with a Minor in Literature.  (When John was once asked what he could do with a History Degree, he said he could make good conversation while standing in the Unemployment Line.)

     The most precious Christmas gift of all was delivered December 23 during the Holiday Bowl game (at a hospital) of course).  Kristi Marie Pulsipher made her debut into the world with both sets of grandparents and numerous aunts and uncles cheering from the hallway.  She is a real beauty and we are all looking forward to lots of baby tending.  Linda and Gary did a super job and will somehow jostle parenting, schooling, and earning a living.



     Richard is talking seriously about exercising and is continuing to sell all the foreclosure properties his business acquired during the economic slump we have had in San Diego.




     Janet lost and gained innumerable pounds this year and decided to go au naturale (grey hair).  She continues to be fully enmeshed in the very hectic, pressured world of commissioned loan officer but has managed to survive and even succeed--much to her surprise. 

     We enjoy hearing from you even though our cards don't go out every year like they used to do...Have a very Happy New Year!

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Note written on Christmas Card to Mom:

We're off to Park City for a few days--never did hear back from Carole--be fun if they could come. 

Meagan says, "Grandma is going to Utah for a rest!"  I closed 18 escrows on Thursday and Friday I had all my other 8 loans approved!  So I am tired and need a rest.

The problem with this business is you're always in the middle of some others,  no rest.

Linda's Kristi is a doll and Linda feels really good.  

Enclosed is $500 I owe you--thanks so much.  We surely needed it.  

Jo Anne (my working partner) is so depressed I feel sorry for her.  She sees how neat our kids are and what a different life she has led and what problems she has because  of that and she's not making it moneywise besides.    

But we have been blessed and I appreciate so much our solid beginning from y and Dad.  We love you very much!  I didn't do well on the Christmas gift,  I never do,  I'll look for something else!

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Business Update:

Since Richard Jones retired, Bill and Amy and Richard are at logger heads as to how the business is to be run.  We have agents doing the A paper loans, a couple in La Mesa office and a couple in La Jolla office and I supervise the whole operation.   But Amy and Bill do not understand that side of the business at all and there are and have been a lot of Richard's family involved in the business, which is good, but they are probably concerned about it all.  It has become very ugly.

Fuquas to Come and New Family News, 1986

As of May 31 Richard is completely separated from Jones.   

The Fuquas are going to live with us this next year to see if Len can do this business.  Coming down in time to get the boys in school.

Richard and I enjoyed a weekend in Big Bear, need to get away from it all sometime.

Maria and Mark are in Michigan, Maria went a week early so they could have more time with baby Michael.  Mark is working with a air conditioning/heating company and quite likes it.  Hope that works out.

Linda and Gary spend weekends in El Cajon and Linda is here all week and has gotten some sewing done.  The last two weeks she also took care of Meagan because Meagan went to Zoo school in the mornings one week and to Scripps Aquarium School in the mornings the second week.  Meagan can read and can write also.  She is going into first grade this year.

John is taking a real interest in cooking so I am giving him a small food processor for his birthday, he wanted it!  He and Gary are planning a trip to the High Sierras. 

We received a letter from James' mission president saying he is being called to be a district leader!

Richard and I switch furniture around a little so we can have a private sitting area in our bedroom to maintain our privacy.

We put the bunk beds in James' bedroom for a couple of the Fuqua boys. We have quite a juggling of people in our house.  Linda is having her baby in San Diego instead of Chicago and so may be here for a bit even after the Fuquas come and Maria and Mark come down quite often, too.

Two of the boys will probably be in the garage.  We have new carpeting  in there and we will make a wall out of high storage shelves.  Everybody says we are  crazy and asking for trouble but I think we can all get along if we try.

Roberta was very surprised to hear the Denver Temple will be dedicated in October.  It was started the same time as the San Diego Temple and it is getting nowhere.  Evidently the architect here displeased the church officials so not moving forward fast.

Meagan is sewing her own Barbie doll clothes.  I cut out a lot intending to make them for Christmas but never had time so I showed her how to sew them by hand and she loves doing it!!!

My Mom is now living permanently with Jeanne, She is 84.  I was in an old folks home last week and those people sit around like vegetables, and a lot younger than Mom, too.  So sad.  Happy Jeanne can take her in.  

Update on Family, 1986

 We are getting our mail back from Jimmy's last address which is strange but he probably did not do a forwarding order.  I am getting tired of working, we did not get to the beach all summer, soooo busy.

Jon F has been  washing my car on the weekends, nice job for him and I am glad to get it done.  

I am on a vitamin kick and trying to get more energy.

Mark and John are trying to get some  time off so we can all go up to Park City for Christmas.  

Mom is at Jeanne's, Maria sent Jimmy some cookies, little Michael is a real character.  He slouches in his high chair and puts his feet up like no baby I have ever seen...real cool.

Business is Good, John's New Car, a Getaway and Grandchildren Pictures, 1988

Winter 1988

Winter 1988...Janet wrote to Mom and Jeanne..."Matthew heard me say "Michael, Michael, Michael" when talking to him the other day so now when he sees Michael he says "Micoll, Micoll, Micoll".  Matthew has had earache problems and is now teething so has had Maria or me up every night for some time.  He is such a happy little fellow it is hard to see him so gloomy."

Winter 1988...Janet wrote to Mom and Jeanne..."John's old Mazda broke down on the way to work the other day so he walked over and bought a new Hyundai, just as well he surely needed a new car...John is very helpful when I have any tax questions from clients.  He is doing very well.  I am hoping to get tickets for "Les Miserables" up there this spring and take him with us."

Winter 1988...Janet wrote to Mom and Jeanne..."Richard and I went up to Big Bear a couple of weeks ago and it was really a nice rest--we love it up there and should plan to go every month to get away.  Richard is the teacher in High Priests and enjoys that very much.  I substitute in Primary and enjoy that, too.

Winter 1988...Janet wrote to Mom and Jeanne..."Lately, Richard has had a few clients come to him from Jones Mortgage and they have said that since Mr Jones retired it is not the same place and Richard's presentations are so much better that they want to do business with him.  Of course, with Richard doing so much loan work he can't be chasing after the real estate agents all the time so they have got to be good.  It is the women who are the best.  One of them likes to do loans and she will be a great asset to me.  I am having hope in the business again. Richard is doing a lot of private loans and my loan business has picked up with the rates going down. " 

Summer 1988

"I gave Linda and Maria some money to buy all five grandchildren matching outfits and get their picture taken together.  I guess it turned out to be a real ordeal.  

First, finding the clothes to match for all different ages from 4 months to seven years and then keeping all of the kids happy and in tow. 

Then when they finally got ready to take the pictures all three babies were unhappy so they had to wander around and try and get them happy. 

Then Michael, who is a doll with a real temper, would not take his picture unless he was holding the box of popcorn and every time they gave it to him, he took it by the wrong end and it dumped all over the floor and he would throw himself on the floor and scream--Linda said she picked up the popcorn three times and he screamed three times before they finally all settled down and smiled for the photographer. 

She said the photography room was really a mess when they left.  So when you get the pix you can appreciate what went into it." 

Christmas Card 1990 and Life Moments from the Year

 

   
The holiday season is a very special time--a time to reflect on the past and give thanks for all our blessings.  One of those blessings is our rich heritage and the delightful relatives that come with it. This year as we have computerized our genealogy we have become acquainted with ancestors of great strength and integrity, ancestors from poverty, ancestors from royalty, ancestors with leadership ability and ancestors of humble faith.

     We have also had the opportunity of visiting with many of our living relatives and this is always special.  Janet's mother sent us a tape relating her parents' coming to America and the first 20 years of her life in Utah.  This is a real treasure.

  Others have shared books with us about Richard's lineage into the royalty of Europe and this had been fun.  This year Janet has worked on updating the Larson and Ekenberg lines.  Richard's lines go all the way back to the days of the Normans so is overwhelming, we just gather the information in the computer and look at it.  Janet would love to hear from anyone actively working in research on any line.

   Our own family has been growing as Maria and Mark added their fourth, a little boy, on November 13th.  Mitch Khamsin Valko.  The Valkos have middle names that are cars, sports cars I think!  This makes eight grandchildren to visit our home and these are the most fun kind of relatives!

     Martin's daughter Susan and her husband John and two children have moved to Rancho Bernardo and the Diedes' (my sister Carole's daughter)  have been living next door in Escondido for the past few years so we have quite a group of cousins.

     Linda and Gary should finish orthodontic schooling in June and hopefully move to California near us.  John is still at Peat Marwick but now lives in West Los Angeles.  Jimmy is finishing at the Y but also works for American Business Seminars and does insurance with Northwestern.  He's making money!!!!!

     We would like to thank all of our relatives for their association and influence on the Hardy Family over the years and wish each and everyone a warm and wondrous Holiday Season and a prosperous New Year!

Some Life Moments from this Past Year

February, 1990...Janet said-- "Our Help-U-Sell office got a Pinnacle Award for highest volume in all of Help-U-Sell, but as Richard says, if you can get an award for highest volume and still not be able to make it, that is scary.  Thank heaven, I have about 3 closings next week which will pay our bills again.  I am continually tossing between "work harder" and "give it up" mentality.  Jimmy asked me how much I had saved for retirement and I said, "You are my retirement, Jimmy."

February 1990...Janet said-- "Last night I picked up all of Maria's kids and had Meagan, too, and they all stayed overnight.  At round 1:30 AM Melissa woke up and we spent 2 and 1/2 hours of going to bed and getting up, etc. and I was so tired.  Finally at 4 A M Richard called Maria and she came over and got Melissa to sleep and then slept for awhile.  When I awoke Maria had cleaned the whole house, it was such a mess.  She has tremendous energy and zeal."

February 1990...Janet said--"We went to watch Michael's soccer game--it was so funny--those kids are so little and not really aggressive at all--especially Michael--when he didn't want to play anymore he just closed his eyes and wandered around in circles."

February 1990...Janet said---"Meagan has a super dance teacher and Meagan is really looking great. They have a huge recital in June and have already ordered the costumes and are working on the dance. It is quite an event in the community and only happens every two years.  There are about 3 or 4 dance teachers and many classes a week--luckily she has been able to go on Saturday but if she gets too good she may have to go during the week.  John pays for the lessons and costumes."

May 1990...My Mother (living in Orem) wrote, "I thought Jimmy was a delivery boy, so when I really looked and saw a big handsome boy with a beautiful vase of flowers and a couple of balloons I was really surprised.  We had a nice visit, I was glad Jeanne got home while he was here.  Just for fun I asked if he was in the movies yet, we all got a laugh when he said, "Funny you should ask, I have a few pictures,  I'll go get them."  Mom said, "After seeing the pictures, I hope he does get some work at modeling, etc.  Someone must be interested in him and his good looks."

Mother's Day 1990...My Mother wrote, "I have many happy memories due to a great family, a kind and thoughtful Father for you children, and a sweet and loving husband for me.  He surely provided for us well, much better than I ever expected, we were very blessed, and lucky, too.

"I thank you for all you have done for me and for the sweet memories, you were my baby for a long time."

May 1990...My Mother wrote, "Dave and Dorothy gave me the new book of the life of David O. McKay written by his oldest son David.  We lived near the McKays in Ogden and they lived in the 4th Ward as we did.  And when I was going to Weber, a church school there, he often came to visit and talk at our Devotionals and we all loved him, he was young and handsome.  I danced with his son Llewelyn and went to church with his daughter Lou Jean and taught the little boys.  Sometimes he would walk Lou Jean and I to Mutual.  Their young mother was beautiful and the Apostle not often home.  They were a lovely family and I started reading the book right away."

"Your cards and letters were appreciated and it seemed my family all have the same feeling about our happy home.  You were not that troublesome and I loved you all."

Update: The Fuquas moving from Texas to live in a house in Dinuba that Richard has available.  

Spring 1990...My Sister Carole had many mini miracles in their very tedious drive of all their possessions from Texas to California--this is just one: "Finally sailed into San Diego on Empty again, spent the night and day and night with sister Janet and then on to Dinubba, arriving on Empty again.  My sister had given me her Exxon credit card and every Exxon did not have Diesel fuel.  Finally found a Chevron that took Exxon so we gassed up and then piled on hot dogs, drinks etc but as we were paying someone said, "Oh, we don't take Exxon cards with the grey border."  Carole says, "Well, do you want to siphon all the gas out and let us bunk here until someone comes with money?" The girl said, "Let's just pretend we didn't notice the grey border and I'm not going to add the food in either."

Christmas...

This Christmas everyone was home for Christmas!  Pulsiphers spent part of the time in El Cajon and part of the time with us. Maria and Mark had Mitch blessed on Sunday!  Jimmy was home also.  We went to Maria's and Mark's ward and then had a birthday party for Kristi at our house.  We had swiss steak and mashed potatoes and broccoli and everything got eaten.  Linda made the cake in the shape of a snowman!  

Wednesday the 19th we had the office party but we did not have a good attendance.  If I had known it would be like that we could have saved some money.  I should have asked them all to bring something then they have to come.  It was good anyway and HUS paid some of the costs!

We sent cards to some of our borrowers and lenders...I spent too much for Christmas but enjoyed doing it but since I don't have the money it is not good.  I think next year we should set a limit on the gifts and really stick to it.  Meagan said she would like to get lots of small presents rather than one big one.  I'm sure everyone would agree.  For dinner we had ham and several salads and hot potato dish and veggie dish, different than usual.  I made Hootch and Fudge to give away plus 2 batches of pumpkin bread, but I ate too much.  Next year I do not want to spend time and money making all that candy because we eat too much.  Pecan candy rolls that Price Club had made nice gifts and the pistachio nuts except they are too heavy to mail.  I sent all of our family something, but it is too expensive. 

Christmas Eve was really nice.  And I love the darling pictures.  We had the program first, more organized than usual.   Wish we had some pre taped music to sing with though.  After eating we had the children give their songs and poems in the mike and then had the presents.  No one ate much dessert.  But we surely ate a lot of candy.  Jennifer's spinach dip was especially good, she uses Knorr Spinach Dip Mix.  

I love Christmas and I love our family!!

Christmas 1991

It's December 25th and all is quiet at the Hardys--so Janet can tell you what the year has been for her family.

 James graduated from Brigham Young University and is now on his own--looking for a new seminar company to work for or something else exciting while he is still single and fancy free!  He is still living in Provo but talks about Australia and other romantic places!  He brought a new girl home a for the "California Test" and her name is Camber Carlston from Mission Viejo!

John is Senior Manager at Peat, Marwick and Main in Los Angeles and is working most of the time but manages to get a few good hikes in at Yosemite or the Sierras.  Meagan, his daughter, and Jessica, his girlfriend, have backpacks now, too, and can try and keep up with him.  Even Janet and Richard accompanied them to the base of a mountain and waited till they came back down!!!

Maria and Mark Valko and their four children moved to Troy, Michigan this fall and we miss them so much.  Mark is working in air conditioning back there and Maria has given up the office work with us and been more creative with making and selling 40 Christmas wreaths and numerous angels before Christmas. Mitch is now walking along the furniture and loves to climb the stairs.  Michael is reading amazingly well and should probably be in a special reading group for the more advanced.  

For Halloween they paraded through Birmingham and got donuts and cider!!  Michael was Dracula,  Matthew was a pirate,  Melissa was a clown and Mitch was a bunny!  Forgot the camera so no pix.

Mark wrote and thanked us for helping get the house sold and loading up for the big move.  We hated to see them go but they feel it is the right thing to do right now.  Life is hard.      Linda and Gary Pulsipher returned to San Diego after graduating in orthodontics and are living in El Cajon with their four children while getting started in a new practice.  Linda keeps the books for Choice Mortgage in between tending the newest "Kelly" just four months old.

Janet and Richard continue to work hard in the mortgage and real estate business.  The low rates have kept Janet busy with refinancing her clients while Richard has been preoccupied with building homes in Tulare and Bakersfield, Ca.  The computer has changed Janet's life dramatically!!!!

 We enjoyed seeing Janet's relatives last New Year's and Richard's in August and October of this year.  It is such a joy to see all of the niece's and nephew's with their own families.

If this news sounds vaguely familiar it's because we do the same thing every year--work and take a winter vacation at Park City and work and take a summer vacation at Big Bear Lake--in between we cope--and are thankful for the enjoyment we have from our four children and nine grandchildren.

May your new year be bright and joyful in 1992 and may the whole world make a little more sense than it did this year!!!

Pictures from Years Past

Christmas Card and Events of 1993

We, Janet and Richard, continue to live at 18391 Camberwell Lane in San Diego, CA 92128 and continue to work in our business Choice Mortgage, but the rest of the family has moved around this year!

John and Jessica Hardy have purchased a condo in Pasadena.  John is now the Tax Director for Countrywide Funding in Pasadena.  Meagan Hardy (13) lives in La Jolla, CA 92037 with her mother and new stepfather.

 Linda and Gary Pulsipher have moved to El Cajon, CA 92020.  Gary is an orthodontist in El Cajon and La Jolla.  Their children are Kristi(10), Craig (7), Amy(4), Kelly(2), and Tanner(3.5 months).

 Maria and Mark Valko have moved to Tehachapi, CA 93561.  Mark is building homes in Tulare and Bakersfield, CA.  Their children are Michael(8), Matthew(6), Melissa(4), and Mitch(3).

       

James and Camber Hardy have moved to La Jolla, CA 92037.  Camber is a Title Rep for United Title and James is an agent for Worldwide Marketing and Choice Mortgage.

Highlights of the year were:

...Janet stayed with her mother in Orem, Utah for 10 days in the summer, Her mother is 91 years old.

...John's exciting new job with one of the largest mortgage banker's in the country!  John buys a home in Pasadena.

...San Diego Temple Open House and Dedication.

...Richard Hardy Family Reunion in May at Big Bear Lake.

...John and Jessica are married in July.

...Tanner Pulsipher is born the fifth child to Linda and Gary in August.

...Merlin and Vida Hardy Family Reunion at Torrey Pines Beach in August.

...Meagan's mother marries in August.

...Michael is baptized in Tulare in September.

...Maria and Mark move into a new home and city in October.

...James and Camber move to the beach in October.

...Linda and Gary move to a larger home with a view and swimming pool in November.

Everyone is blessed with good health and we have been delighted to be able to all live near enough that we can see each other more often this past year.  We are grateful for all our friends and family and wish for all of you in 1994 a very happy New Year!  Merry Christmas from all of us to all of you!
  

A Ski Vacation at Park City!

Some pictures from past and present Christmas's at Park City.