The Amazing Amy Lee

 I've never had Maternity picture but my friend Amy talked me into letting her take them for me. She did an amazing job and I will cherish them forever. I didn't know that I looked like this. It gives me a whole new perspective on being pregnant. I see myself in a different light and the sacredness of this gift. I am not just a fat whale.

You are seriously very talented Amy. 

All pictures compliments of Amy Lee Photography. And they are copyrighted.

A reason to feel loved.

 

I've said this 100 times but seriously being the only girl in my house has it's benefits. Especially when days like my birthday come along. I tend to get a little spoiled. The boys got up and made me cards than hid them around the house for me to find. 

 Mattix drew me a picture of everything he would buy me if he had money. A balloon, baby Maxton a new pumpkin since his was stolen, a cupcake, and lotion. Oh yeah and fingernail polish because he thinks it's pretty when I have painted fingernails.

 Mason got super creative and made his look like it was a gift. He was so proud of himself. It was quite clever. He couldn't get it tied so he asked me to do it. The only catch was I had to keep my eyes closed while I tied it.

 The cool thing about my birthday being in the middle of October is UEA. Now that I have kids in school I love days off like that. It made my birthday so fun. Matt came home around noon and we took the boys to Wheeler farm and had lunch there. It was fabulous. I love the colors of the leaves. I love how excited the boys get to see the animals and just love watching them run and have fun.

 And of course there are so many opportunities to take the cutest pictures.

 And because she's pretty much part of the family Dani got to come along too. Her and Manning loved the chickens. They stood bawking at the chickens and thought it was hilarious.

 We took bread to feed to the ducks and other fowl that were hungry. My favorite part was watching Manning chase the pigeons. They were dumb enough to keep landing by him so he kept chasing them. He laughed so hard. It was awesome.

 The prettiest spot at the whole farm. I have always loved this gate for some reason. And Matt wanted a picture of the birthday girl. Don't you love the colors!?! Gorgeous!

And to top it off my honey brought me home the biggest bouquet of roses I have ever had in my life. Holy cow they are amazing. I had a wonderful birthday. Not only did we have fun, I had tons of phone calls, facebook messages and had a few friends and family stop by to wish me a Happy birthday. Thanks to everyone that made my day fabulous. I love you all. Here's to another year. 28 isn't old. I don't even feel old yet.

Smart like his daddy

Before end of the chapter tests Mason's teacher usually sends home a review of some sort for the kids to read over with their parents to practice the art of studying. This past week his class was learning about Mesopotamia and she sent home the review like she always does. Well after looking at it 1 time with him, I put it somewhere and more than likely that somewhere was somewhere close to the trash. Monday morning came and he woke up remembering that his test was that day. He wanted to study while we ate breakfast. I looked everywhere and couldn't find it. He was so worried and upset that he was going to fail. 

I am sure he had that study guide memorized but he was not that confident. 

After all that drama he came home with a perfect score. Let's just say he is so much like his dad when it comes to school work and his memory. It surprises me everyday. It helps that with all of those years of Matt, school and his own studying my boys have seen that studying helps. They want to be just like dad.

When Mommy's Not Around

Looking through my pictures on my phone, I came across these awesome pictures. I didn't take them. But here's what I think probably happened. While watching TV on mommy and daddy's bed, one of the Harris boys was probably playing with mommy's phone, the one that was charging on the night stand next to the bed. Another Harris boy probably picked up daddy's glasses and put them on. Followed by "my turn," "take my picture." 

They crack me up! Strikingly handsome wouldn't you say? Funny boys.

Someone Special

Yesterday would of been my Great Grandma's 100th birthday. She pasted away in 2002 when I was a Junior in high school. I was lucky to grow up with both of my mom's grandparents around for most of my younger years. I am so grateful for the gift I had to know them while they were on Earth. I learned alot from them and Best of all I was able to feel their love for me and see their great examples. 

My Grandpa's mom. Great Grandma Ralphs was an awesome grandma. She was so fun.Her and I share October as our birth month Which helped her to always remember my birthday and when we'd go visit her on her birthday she made sure everyone knew it was going to be my birthday too. For as long as I can remember my grandma loved wearing overalls. Which all my life I have always loved them too and wore them all the time when I was little. I remember when she was living in the rest home and we went to visit I was wearing overalls. She spanked my bum and told me if I wanted to stay her favorite I had to leave my overalls in her bottom drawer. They didn't allow her to wear them there. She and I have always shared a love for Alan Jackson. She always loved him and thought he was very good looking. I remember watching a concert video someone had given her. She knew I would love it so she made sure before I left I would get to watch it. When she lived at home she always had something yummy cooking. Her house always smelled good. And she always insisted we eat before we leave. 

A year or so before she passed away my grandma was able to go through the temple and be sealed my Great Grandpa who passed away before I was born. I was to young to go but went and waited outside. I remember when she died the peaceful feeling I had because I knew she was happy and with her companion. 

I am so thankful for my testimony of the Plan of Salvation. Because of the priesthood being restored and the ordinances being returned to the earth we are able to be sealed to our families. We have those ties that bind us together for all eternity to those we love.If we live faithful and live worthy these blessings will be ours.

The Harris Halloween House.

 The boys and I have been planning this project for a while. We drive past a house that has a scarecrow out front everyday. Which it leads to much discussion on how we could make our own. We found the perfect hat and face just needed to find the rest of the supplies. Since we just moved and totally got rid of old clothes and any extra things we asked around and took what we could get. 

So today we decided to keep the boys entertained and in the same room as us watching conference, (in hopes that they just might hear something) we went to work stuffing and assembling our scarecrow. It took all of us and our ideas to get him to look like this.

 Grandma gave us a pair of capri's so he looks a little bit like he lost his legs at the knees. But the boys love him. 

BTW, Do you notice all the cool little pumpkins? We actually grew those and more this year. We are quite proud of our pumpkins. (more pics of that to come)

 I love to decorate for the holidays. Check out the front of our house.

And the view from our front window.

Totally willing to help.

 Daddy makes the best cheesecakes around. And with it being fall and my need to have anything fall foodish right now, (Plus I think he has his own sympathy cravings too.) Matt made us a perfectly delicious pumpkin cheesecake.

 Manning wanted to help sooo bad. Daddy got clever and handed him a rolling pin and gave him the best job a 2 year old could ask for...

 Smashing the graham crackers for the yummy crust.

He took his job very seriously and did a very good job. The crumbs were perfect.

Some of Our favorite things..

 Watching the garbage man on Friday mornings.

 Being silly with Mommy's camera.

 The fact that they actually shared. Even if they were playing with my camera.

(kind of a No... No...)

Sunday morning breakfasts made by the best daddy around.

Harris Bro's Towing

 Think they have a future in the towing department?

 They crack me up.