Winter Wonderland

I was thinking I should pry do an update as most journals do require them but unsure of what I'd chat about. Until around 5 pm when we looked out the rainy windows and noticed the rain was seemingly thick, sleet if you will. McKenna got all excited and started to ask for her snow boots, afraid it was a lil premature we waited about 10 minutes and found that the sleet had indeed turned to snow. They continued to get larger and has snowed the remainder of the evening leaving about 1/2 inch of snow on the ground. Being the end of March this is not only unusual, but extraordinary for Washington. Being Parent-Teacher conferences and spring break there is no school for the rest of this week, otherwise I'm sure everything would be shutting down in the morning. Back to the topic...McKenna was in heaven and even Tyler and I got out to play in the snow. We stayed until Tyler's hands were red and we were both soaked and then we came in to fix dinner. McKenna stayed an extra half hour which to her equaled "5 more minutes" and then soaking finally strayed into the house. I think she was disappointed we didn't get the snowman made but if it stays through the night it will be something her and John can get out and do in the morning. This morning the sun was actually shining and both girls wanted to go out "side" and so at 8:30 in the morning we were out playing with bubbles and taking the doll out for a walk. McKenna wandered down to the neighbors and when I found her she was talking to them (they were nice enough to come out even in their bathrobes...tee hee!).

Fun things that we've done the past few days and that stick out in my mind. Tyler has figured out what a kiss is so she'll come up and lean in for a kiss, laugh and then come back for more. This game can go on for about 3 minutes and she'll go back and forth between McKenna and I both girls laughing as they play. Tyler actually pulled her bink out to give me kisses when I put her down for bed, my heart melted...I sure do love that girl!
I've been trying to make the most out of the time with McKenna in the mornings when Tyler goes down for her morning nap. We do ALOT of dancing and imitating animals and today we even went on a "Bear hunt." Yesterday we made purple play-doh (which I think I like better than the store bought), and we got out our monster bubbles and did that in the yard. Can't wait for the warmer weather and trips to the park...even better for our own playground in our own backyard!

Easter Lives On

How was everyone's Easter? Full of candy, Hard-boiled eggs, ham and New Easter clothes? Like most of you we had a great weekend! The Easter Festivities began Saturday morning when we joined half of the City of Sumner for their Annual Easter Egg Hunt. It was at an early and very chilly hour of 9 am which worked out perfectly for Tyler's nap schedule. It was quite funny actually, organized chaos of sorts. It was held at the local high school's Football Stadium and was a blocked off circle where they had thrown out TONS of Tootsie Rolls, Dots and suckers mixed with a miriad of McDonald's leftover Happy Meal Toys. The kids of course don't care and we were in the 1-3 yr old division so most of the kids just kind of stared it at as the parents tossed a few things in their baskets. We were done and home by 9:30 am :) The rest of the day was sunny and surprisingly warm which I've learned usually means a storm is brewing...

I was more excited for Easter than the girls were as I picked up a pair of matching Easter Dresses from Costco about a month ago. I know how much McKenna loves Lella dresses and have found myself caught up in the excitement. Last night I pulled the dresses out to look at them and can't for life of me figure out why I bought a size 3 & a size 4 since I only have 1-3 yr old (Who wears either size) and a 1 yr old. The size 3 was considerably smaller so we did try it on Tyler and since she's tall it might have worked had it not been too big in the shoulders. Luckily Aunt Amber sent Tyler a very cute dress for her Birthday that she has grown into that fit perfectly. Tyler's not really into fancy anyway...the pair of fancy shoes I bought her she continued to pull of and when I tried to put them on she would grunt and then throw them at me. I got the hint... Needless to say McKenna was thrilled over her dress and the few things the Easter Bunny did bring were played with for a few minutes and then quickly tossed aside as most toys are these days.

I did enjoy the few minutes of talks I heard focusing on Christ and the Resurrection and hope that We can focus more on that with the girls as they continue grow. McKenna's teacher Sis. Whitemarsh is an amazing woman. She's so good to and with the kids and as always did a great job, McKenna came home with X's on her palm to remind her of Jesus. I tried to bring a message into Nursery but I don't know if the under 2 yr old kids really got it.

A big shout out to my Grandma Odessa Harris who turned 82 today! Happy Birthday Grandma!

Grandpa Jay, Grandma Odessa & Cousin Tiffiny 02-07

Easter Eggs

In preparation for Easter and doing some hard boiled eggs for the annual egg coloring I decided to look up exactly how long you are supposed to boil your eggs. I found this site: How to Boil Eggs- from What's Cooking America, a great and very resourceful site.

This is more of a PS-it is 3/27/08 and we just Barely got to our Easter Egg dying...John wanted to be there...and well McKenna doesn't care when we do these kind of fun things. Actually she didn't care too much about it all together, she really wanted to do all the eggs blue. I think the fun really started for her when we finished and the eggs were dry because she loved hiding them and finding them, carrying them around in her basket (without any grass) and my personal favorite-in her backpack. Needless to say a few of them got mashed a little but regardless I'm sure they will make wonderful Egg Salad Sandwiches.

The first movie I went to with McKenna I went with my Mom and sisters to see "Bewitched" in Sun Valley. McKenna was about 9 months old and I was told that she could crawl around and that having her there would be "no problem". Needless to say I spent most of the time in the hall and outside with her, mostly because the movie was too loud. We did most of my birthday celebrating yesterday since it was John's day off and so we decided to hit an early matinee. We heard "Horton Hears a Who" was good and McKenna seemed old enough that she would probably sit and enjoy it. We knew Tyler wouldn't sit still but we took toys, food and hoped for the best. It didn't actually go too badly, it was early enough that there were only a few families in the whole theater and my children weren't the only ones wandering around.John actually surprised me by getting the Biggest Popcorn and drinks I've ever seen. I was so proud because when your kids go tot he movies at least for the 1st time they should have popcorn because that's part of the experience right? What surprised us was how much Tyler loved the Popcorn. I think she at as much if not more than McKenna did. She just kept pounding her chest (her sign for please) and holding her hand out for more or she'd actually dig in when we weren't looking. Overall it was a fun morning!

My Lil helper!

The Bookcase John is making me!

True Seattle Spring Weather, Rain!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY To...

Me! That's right, it's my 33rd birthday and what's not to be happy about. I had a roommate who was so excited and celebrated her birthday all month long instead of dreading it which was so refreshing to me. I started to think about it and Birthday's are truly a celebration of life, of another year you have lived through and all the blessed experiences you've been given. This last year has been wonderful, I was thinking about my birthday last year and how nothing seemed to go right that day and I think things just got better from there. I also love Birthday's because like Christmas...you get cards, phone calls, text messages from friends and family. I actually have a wall I post the pictures on so I can see everyone ALL year long. You all thought I was going to say presents didn't you? I actually really love the well wishes! Christmas Cards, especially ones with pictures in them are one of My Favorite things!

2005-Never thought I'd be making my own cakes

& liking it!

To continue on in my celebration of life here is the rest of my list of joys: 1st and foremost Family: My sweet and ever supportive Husband, my energetic lil girls who keep me young, My parents, siblings and in-laws whose friendships continue to grow. Friends Old, Friend New, and Friends Re-united like Band of Brothers their sisterhood uplifts me! My old house because it is mine! My current state of health that allows me to run with my girls and on my own, not to mention dancing through the day whenever McKenna hears any kind of music. To have food on my table...and for today a cake! The internet that allows me to stay in touch with everyone and allows me to have a resource to the questions I don't have an answer to, and gives me an outlet. A washer and Dryer because I've gone without before and the thought of doing it all by hand abhors me!

A few of My Happy 2007 Moments!

He's the Man!

My Girls....Ahhh!

Harris Reunion 2007-Cancun

(See my last post for picture of Payne Reunion)

Soul2Soul2- Row 2, Yeah Baby!

Over and Over again

Does it seem like my family has been sick for over a month to anyone else? I know we all had the flu at the end of Feb, and then a few weeks ago is when Tyler came down with her cold and now I'm in full swing. Lost my voice and my energy and even took a dose of Nyquil last night so I could get some sleep. It worked like a charm, but I'm ready to move to the next chapter of our lives. McKenna's teacher wrote me, and they really aren't too happy that she hasn't been to school only once in the last few weeks. Tomorrow is picture day...so cough or no cough she's acting fine and begging to leave the house so off to school she goes. I think it might be one of the best birthday presents I could give myself. :) 2 hrs free of children (Tyler will be sleeping).

Tyler is in her "copy-cat" phase of life...at least the 1st one. Yesterday as we were eating dinner McKenna had finished her food and wanted some Cookie Crisp cereal so I put some in a bowl and she sat on the floor and ate it. As I tried to feed Tyler some Fruit & Oatmeal she flipped and started pointing towards McKenna and the floor. Apparently she wanted in on that action, so I got a bowl out and put a small amount of cereal in it and they had a lil dessert picnic on the kitchen floor. For the next 10 minutes whatever McKenna did she followed suit, cracked me up!

Oh yeah McKenna's new smile includes teeth and closed eyes, one she's chosen for herself and uses when we ask for a smile. She actually sits in front of the mirror and looks at it when she's all dressed up in her "princess" dress. The funny thing is, it reminds me of a dear friend of mine who used to "Practice" the smile she wanted to have. I won't mention names in fear of embarrasing her, but I think it was One of her cute lil quirks.

This would be another "silly smile"

This would the "real deal", nothing like Spontaneity

Happy St Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's Day – Celebrating the Green

St. Patrick is believed to have driven the snakes from Ireland. Once a pagan himself, St. Patrick is one of Christianity's most widely known figures.
The modern secular holiday is based on the original Christian saint's feast day also thought to be the date of the saint's death. In 1737, Irish immigrants to the United States began observing the holiday publicly in Boston and held the first St. Patrick's Day Parade in New York City in 1766.

Today, the tradition continues with people from all walks and heritages by wearing green, eating Irish food, and attending parades. St. Patrick's Day is bursting with folklore; from the shamrock to the leprechaun and to pinching those that are not wearing green.

I love this holiday which I believe stems from my childhood. I have memories of Green Pancakes and other breakfast foods, including finding the gallon of milk in the fridge turned green. Since my birthday is quite close then I also had a few birthday cakes as a child with a leprechaun and gold choc coins decorated on them.

I made Green Eggs from Deceptively Delicious...but they weren't very deceptive and were a lil too strong so they were quickly discarded. :) There's always the t-shirts, cookies and artwork to be done.

You can't see but this is the affect of green sprinkles on a sugar cookie

I'd like to wish my Sweet Mother and Father-in-law a Happy Anniversary! I think the Luck of the Irish may have been with them...as they have survived raising their 8 children and are now on to enjoying the stories of our own trial. We love you Mome & Dad!

The Payne Family 2007

(missing Michael's family, Elle, Jennifer, Steven & their families)

Sonia & Don Payne

This last weekend I was surprised and saddened by my release at church as the Beehive teacher. Of course they don't release you unless they have plans to put you somewhere else so they asked me to help teach...the nursery. Obviously...or maybe not so obvious but I do believe that the Lord either thinks I need to see what it's like to have more than 2 kids and that 2 isn't too bad. :) or maybe since I couldn't "control" or demand respect from 12 yr old girls that I'll be starting with 18 mo-3 yr old kids. Either way you look at it I think it will be good experience and I'm actually quite excited despite being sad to leave the Young Women's.

We went to the Old Cannery to find the Easter Bunny but found these cute Rocking Horses instead.

We'll have to go back to visit them as the girls loved them

The girls are almost over their colds. Tyler has surprised me by starting to pick up on the sign language we have been using. Sometimes it sounds like she's actually even trying to say the words she's signing, ie.. "More Please" and "all done". She started giving High 5's this morning which was fun. We found out that McKenna's Nursery teacher Sis Whitemarsh is her new Sunbeams teacher which we are very excited about! McKenna got to go shopping with Mommy for groceries on Saturday and was a very good girl and she got a new Toothbrush that she loves! It's a Hello Kitty motorized toothbrush and I was surprised to see that she loved using it...in her mouth. She usually doesn't like motorized stuff.

Change of Plans

This last weekend we had a guy, Paul come out for a "Free Estimate" in regards to drawing up plans for the renovations on the house this summer. Nice guy who we decided to hire because he knew Engineers he could work with so when we applied for the permits with the city and turned in our plans all the i's would be dotted, the t's crossed and it would be free sailing. We've thought and re-thought this through for the last several months and actually decided to stick with the simple addition of a bathroom to the master bath and to remodel the kitchen. It seemed simple enough and talking with Paul everything was looking good.

John got the call yesterday that he had already talked to a few of his engineers and well there is some structural concerns with the foundation and our planned additions and the engineers didn't think it a good idea to continue. We've been praying for direction and I think this is our answer. If we do nothing as in don't add the 5' to the kitchen then the structure I believe is fine. John believes we can still do cosmetic improvements and maybe move a wall or 2 and utilize the space better. It beats trying to get permits and working with the city, although an attached bathroom to my bedroom would've been nice. Oh well I guess this means we'll be looking for a new house in a few years...when the market decides to get a little better for those trying to sell their home. Until then a new kitchen will be fantastic!

As I write I notice how quiet my house is. Both kids are sleeping and I've opted for no music, nothing but the sound of...trains. Actually it's still pretty quiet and I realize there's something tranquil that comes with the silence. The opportunity to hear one's own thoughts and to maybe even relish in no thoughts at all. It's a great lil moment which is almost over...my house is as cluttered as 2 lil kids in a tiny space can make it, but I don't mind because when I clean it I can see a difference.

Once again, I LOVE MY JOB!

Job Description

My Job Description today is as follows: Wipe noses & butts/change diapers, Movie Director (change movies), timer/potty reminder, story teller, craft teacher, Launderer, cook, recliner/chair (somehow I'm better than the couch). It's not a bad job, I'm actually ok with it. A lil stressful at times, but nothing like the feeling of being needed.

It was inevitable but McKenna now has Tyler's same cold. It started yesterday so we opted out of church for the day as to prevent spreading it, we've shared enough with the world. It's ok to watch movie after movie when your kid is sick and miserable right? Whatever makes her happy, her mind occupied and maybe she'll get this whole tv watching thing out of her blood...Right? :)

We started getting the Friend Magazine in January but didn't really realize the wonderful stuff that's in it until our 1st sick day yesterday. They have coloring pages in the book and online, stories, games, and other things. It was the 1st day that I didn't have to read Finding Nemo or Alladin at naptime in about 6 months.

It's ok to watch movies all day when your kids are sick right? It's ok to watch movies all day when your kids are sick right?

We did turn the TV off long enough to make these air freshners.

Got the idea off SugarDoodles

They obviously do not taste good...definitely NOT cookies.

Tim Hawkins...anybody?

It was a great weekend overall. I got out and went running Saturday morning, I think I got in about 6-7 miles. John went to a Birthday Party with McKenna at the Super Jump for a classmate of hers named Owen. 1st Birthday party for someone I didn't really know. McKenna had a blast! If you haven't been to a Super Jump I would suggest looking one up, especially if you need to get out and not outside. They are big blow up toys: slide, obstacle course and then either a boxing ring or a basketball court.

Has anyone heard of Tim Hawkins? He's a good, very funny and very clean comedian that John and I went to see last night. We actually heard of him when I was checking out a blog by a Woman named of Dawn who lives in Chicago. I don't actually know her and many of you might have heard of her when you received an email about a Mom-with 6 kids, who was selling Pokemon cards on ebay. Anyway she kind of inspired me to start blogging because she writes about her life with 6 kids and well she's quite normal and honest.

Anyway back to the topic of Tim Hawkins-John and I have decided that we are going to try and get out on a date like once a month :) and so when we saw that Tim was going to be in town, well 45 minutes away, but in the state and that he was playing at some church for only $10 we couldn't let the opportunity pass us by. I haven't laughed that hard and that long for quite some time. Well with the exception of funny things your kids/husband say and do. I couldn't go without writing and letting everyone know that you need to check him out.

Tyler is slowly but surely becoming a Daddy's girl, Here are the remnants of frosting cupcakes with Daddy on McKenna