Friday, December 30, 2011

More Christmas Fun!

No wonder Eóin starts to ask when Christmas is in April - what a lot of fun things to do!


Candy Canes waiting in line to see the holiday express




Such a good girl while we were waiting!


Not so sure about the helper elves!


checking it out from the outside





10 points if you can spot Eóin. They put a tall kid in front of him at the last minute!
 He did a great job singing though!



Picking out some Teddy Bears to send to the Teddy Bear Brigade.




Christmas Activities

Wow - so many pics, so little time! I am determined to get caught up before New Year's Day though :-) Here are a couple of fun things we did leading up to Christmas day. Might have to do this in two posts!

hot chocolate to warm us up after playing outside on a cold day! (Eóin doesn't like it)


driving to see the lights on Jingle Bell Drive in our jammies :-)


my favorite light display - the grinch :-)


Christmas Playland at Crown Center (I took all three by myself and the boys were very good!)


they love slides of any kind!


Visiting with Santa. This was the first year they actually wanted to say hi. 
Eóin asked for a train and Aidan asked for chocolate :-)


A trip to Fritz's for some fries just to watch the train bring them to us.

More Christmas pics to come...








Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Molly - 4 month update

So even though Molly is almost 5 months now, I thought I would post her 4 month stats for remembering later on. At her checkup she was 12lbs (35%), 24 2/4 inches (75%) and her head was in the 80%.

She is just such a joy! She always has a smile pretty much whenever I look at her, and she especially loves when the boys talk and play with her. She rolls from back to front and almost can roll the other way but she doesn't like to be on her tummy so she doesn't have much motivation :-)

When she wants attention she will fake cough to get you to look at her and then have a big smile when you actually look her direction. She has been a right chatterbox lately which is just so cute! She loves baths - she has moved to the big tub now where she has lots of room to kick and splash.

Probably her favorite thing to do is dance around - always gets big grins and silent giggles (she rarely laughs out loud, in fact you can only tell she is laughing by the big breaths she takes in between her silent laughs :-) )

I am loving dressing her in girly clothes and bows and totally loving having a little girl :-)

4 months pic :-)

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Harrison Christmas Fail

Eóin was sooooooo excited to put up our Christmas tree! He has been asking me since June when Christmas will be here. During the day, I let them put up the little tree Grandma got for their room and then in the evening when daddy was home, we put up the big one. It was funny to have Aidan "helping." It seems like he has like 8 arms at time like this. He would pick up ornaments faster than we could help him and they were going everywhere! The bottom of our tree just had ornaments shoved in it but he was trying, bless him :-) It's still a bit messy - one of these days I will get around to fixing it. The fail part came when I decided to wait to turn on the lights until it was decorated so we could have a big reveal. It is a pre-lit tree so I thought I had it all plugged together right. Wellllll....not exactly - so our big reveal was a bit funny, but daddy got it fixed and all was well again :-)



How Aidan decorates


Aidan will love this one when he grows up...


taking the tree out


could not be more excited!


Aidan was ready to chop it down :)



just a little messy :-)




ta-da!

Thanksgiving 2011

A few days after my mam left for home, we headed on our long trip to Indiana for thanksgiving. The kids did a fabulous job in the van for what turned out to be a 15 hour trip. We added an hour because 1/2 hour into the trip I realized we had forgotten Molly's bed so we had to turn around to get it - oops :-) The boys were asleep when we got there but woke up as we brought them inside and boy were they awake. It took quite a while to get them to simmer down and the worst part was it was 3am and we were soooo tired! Good thing they just hopped right out of bed and ran out to see everyone in the morning. Not shy at all so I could stay in bed - yay :-)
We really enjoyed catching up with everyone and of course enjoying all the fab food! The boys just loved having so many people to play with and Molly was pretty much glued to grandpa :-) We stayed an extra day and even got to have a date thanks to Lori, Katie and Erinn watching the kids for us.
The trip home was also super long and Molly was DONE travelling but not too bad really. The really great thing was that Aidan kept his pull ups dry during both trips! yay :-) Here are some pics from the trip (the rest are on facebook).


(ice-cream break on the way :-)


making turkey cookies



So much fun with Granny

We LOVED having my mam here for the month of November. Since her two week visits always seemed to fly by, we decided to make this one 4 weeks long and we are sooo glad we did! The kids really enjoyed getting to know her. Even though we didn't do a whole lot of activities, we had fun just being together and the kids wore us out so much, all we wanted to do at night was chill with some apples and caramel dip :-)

Some things we did get to do were trick or treating at the zoo, carve pumpkins, go to the Passion Awards, go to the Women of Faith conference, see the opening of the Christmas trains at Union Station and lots of eating out :-) We also got to have some photos taken by Bethany Thompson so we have some really nice ones of Granny with the kids. So thankful for our time together :-)





Soooo far behind!

Okay so these last few months have been soo busy. Obviously blogging has not been a top priority, but I'd like to get everything caught up so looking back I can have something to look at to remember these fun times we've been having :-) I also have a few book reviews to add so be prepared for an onslaught of blog posts :-) Here we go!!!!

Wednesday, November 09, 2011

Women of Faith - Over the Top Conference

I was so excited to receive 2 tickets to the Women on Faith Conference at the Sprint Center here in Kansas City this year. Now, to be honest, I had not really heard of it before I got the e-mail from Thomas Nelson Publishers inviting me. I am always up for an encouraging night out, though, and I am so glad that I signed up!

Friday, we heard from speakers Patsy Clairmont and Andy Andrews. I had reviewed a children's book by Andrews in the past, so I was excited to hear his story in person. He was so funny and a bit all over the place. Though most of what he said wasn't really Bible, it was common sense and very applicable to the Christian Life.

I'd never heard of Patsy Clairmont before, but after hearing her speak I will NEVER forget her. She is a tiny lady with so much fire and humor, I was so refreshed laughing to her stories. She had some very serious things in her life to deal with, and it was so great to hear how God helped her overcome them.

Saturday Morning we listened to more fabulous testimonies from Lisa Whelchel on friendship, Brenda Warner on how God used heartbreak in her life for good, and Sandi Patti on seeing dreams from a different perspective. Sandi Patti also did a mini concert which was AMAZING!

I was so impressed by how they handled box lunches for 6000 women - so orderly!

After lunch we had more from Patsy Clairmont and a concert from Amy Grant with some final thoughts from the all the ladies. So great!

I have to say, it was not really what I was expecting which was more of a Bible conference. In fact, I didn't even need my Bible. But that is not to say it was not encouraging and challenging. The testimonies from these women were powerful and had us laughing and crying together. I enjoyed the fact that these ladies knew how to have fun and yet share how God worked in their deepest struggles. A great balance for a great weekend!

Here are a few pics from the weekend:


LOTS of women!


Patsy Clairmont


Mam at the Sprint Center


Lunch Break :-)

Saturday, October 22, 2011

My Irish Molly

How much do I love having a little girl? A LOT :-)

At her 2 month check up, she was 35% for weight, 75% for length and head size (gotta keep up the big head tradition). She is a complete joy. Always has a smile pretty much every time I look at her and she has the cutest little gurgle and coo. She has been trying to laugh but it keeps coming out as a smiley cough - it's so funny. She does chuckle in her sleep though :-)

She loves to swat at things, and especially loves to hold on to things - she always has something in her hands - her clothes, a toy, my hair!!!

I am totally in love with this little bundle! Here are some recent pics:


She loves hanging out on the changing table.


On Eóin's bed with Stinky the dinosaur



Aidan thought the phone was for her (also that she needed a snuggle with tiger)




Fell asleep with Tiger - so peaceful


LOVE this girl!

Wednesday, October 05, 2011

More Eóin Funnies

At the dinner table the other day:
"Dear Jesus, thank you for the soup and the bread. Thank you that we have a baby sister. Thank you that Aidan sometimes eats while I am praying. Thank you that grandma is here. Amen" Way to rat out your brother :-)

We were talking to Eóin about what he learned in River City and how Jesus washed his friends feet. Jonathan told him that is called serving. Eóin said "I like to do that on a board in the water." Apparently, in his mind, Jesus was very good at surfing :-)

Monday, October 03, 2011

Book Review: The Lady of Bolton Hill by Elizabeth Camden

Clara Endicott wants to change the world. She hates the injustice she sees in the world and so fearlessly and boldly writes to expose them. When one of her stories lands her in more hot water than she ever dreamed of, Clara returns home to write for her Father's publication.

Daniel Tremain wants to change nothing, including the bitterness he has been harboring in his heart for 12 long years. A successful entreprenuer, Daniel plans to use his power and fortune to ruin the people who ruined his home.

Hard to believe that such opposite people could once have been best childhood friends. After 12 years apart, Daniel and Clara again cross paths wondering if they can ever restore what they lost now that they are so different. But there is more at stake than just their friendship as danger and mystery appear at their doorstep!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. First of all it is one of my favorite eras to read about. Then there is the great mystery which keeps you guessing about how all the pieces will fit together. Lastly, I really enjoyed being challenged by Clara's faith and heart for other people. I highly recommend this read!

Friday, September 16, 2011

Are You a Genius?

The boys just had this hilarious conversation while they sitting in the tub:

Eóin: You're a genius!
Aidan: No I'm not!
Me: Eóin do you know what a genius is?
Eóin: um - no
Me: A genius is someone who is very smart.
Eóin: Ooooh - Mommy, you are a genius!
Me: Aw - thanks :)
Aidan: Eóin, you are a genius
Eóin: Aidan, only girls can be geniuses!

I had a good laugh at that one!

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

What did you say?

Just some funny quotes and conversations from the boys the last few weeks. Most I have posted on facebook, but I wanted to write them down somewhere I could find them later.

This one was IN FRONT of the church when the boys went up to the front to listen to the children's story.
Pastor Troy: Have you guys ever been on a boat?
Aidan: No, not a boat, but we go in our van all the time.
Eóin: Aidan, they know we have a van.
Aidan: No they don't!!!

This one was on a walk through the park the other day when we walked under an oak tree. Eóin noticed all the acorns on the ground and asked "hmmm do you think a squirrel dropped his lunch?"

Aidan: "Mommy - the floor hit me" (he fell)

One day, I looked at Aidan and his mouth was blue...
Me: Aidan, is that paint on your mouth?
Aidan: Yeah it's so tasty!

Tonight the boys were playing pretending to be animals...
Eóin: I'm a Tapier, I eat grass
Aidan: I'm a frog, I eat chocolate :-)




Friday, September 09, 2011

Book Review: Deadly Pusuit by Irene Hannon

Alison Taylor is a social worker who tirelessly works to give families a better life. Even pushing past her own pain and exhaustion from a car accident, she fights for the children she cares so much about. That doesn't give her much time for a social life, but it seems there might even be hope for that on the horizon in her brother's partner on the police force. Mitch Morgan is handsome, charming and caring and as an ex- Navy seal, he is definitely someone you want on your side in a dangerous situation. And that is just what Alison finds herself in.
Alison starts to get some unwanted attention from a secret admirer - or maybe not so much of an admirer. When things start to get creepy, the people who care about Alison need to fight as hard as Alison to keep her safe!

This is the second book in the Guardians of Justice series and I enjoyed this book as much as the first.  It's funny to think that someone who looks as innocent as Hannon does in the picture on the book can write such twisted characters :-) It was definitely a page turner, especially as the action heightened and there was lots of action. Just don't start it too late at night :-)

Thanks to Revell Publishers for a free copy of this book to review.

Available September 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Book Review: The Colonel's Lady, by Laura frantz



Roxanna Rowen left all things comfortable and familiar in her Virginia home to join her father on the edge of civilization on the Kentucke frontier. On her way, she encountered hardship and danger, but nothing was more of a blow than reaching her destination, only to learn of her Father's death.

With not a penny to her name and with nowhere to turn, Roxanna makes a temporary home for herself at the fort where her Father served. As she works to find a way off the frontier, Roxanna spends much time with the leader of the Fort, Colonel Cassius McLinn, and soon finds that there may be at least one good reason to stay. But Cass has a very dark secret that may damage the relationship forever, and there may be a dangerous foe at work at the fort!

I really enjoyed this story from a time period that I don't think I have read a fiction from before.  Besides the ugly hairdo's on the men (ugh long ponytails!), I loved reading about this time of hardship and war and the joy that love can bring to a harsh situation. I also enjoyed the bit of mystery that Frantz wove through the story - it added another layer of depth to a sweet romance.

Available August 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Thank you to Revell Publishers for a free copy of this book to review.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Molly's Story

We are so happy that almost two weeks ago, Molly Hope Harrison joined our family. It has been so fun to have our sweet little girl with us. She is pretty mild tempered so far and smiles more than any newborn I have ever seen - obviously not on purpose yet, but lots of practice ones :-)

In case you haven't heard it yet, here is the story of how Molly was born:

It started out a disappointing week, as I was supposed to be induced on Tuesday morning, but the nurse called me on Monday to tell me she had made a mistake and I would have to wait until Thursday. After a morning of crying and feeling disappointed, I finally decided to get over it, after all, as Eóin told me "Molly is not going to come until her birthday"

Wednesday evening, we took the boys to see Cars 2 and then to Chick-Fil-A before dropping them off and Aunty Tina's to spend the night. Then I went home to finish packing my suitcase - I know - you would think being 3 days overdue I would have done it already, but I really hate packing :-)

Thursday morning, we arrived at the hospital a little before 7, only to wait in the waiting room for about 45 minutes while they got our room ready (I was getting a little nervous that they were going to send us home!). Finally we got into our room and filled out paperwork while the nurse tried in vain to find my veins - he he. Finally she got the IV started around 8:30, my doc broke my water, and they started pitocin at 9:00. For the next hour and half I just chilled, watching tv, checking facebook and such. Then I started to feel some uncomfortable contractions so I thought I should probably at least let the nurse know they were getting stronger and to let the anesthesia people know I would want to see them soon.

I am soooo glad I called when I did because they were just about to go into a C-section and once in there, they would not have been able to come for an hour or so. About ten minutes after I told her that, the contractions got strong REALLY FAST! Soon they were about two minutes apart and really painful. Then the anesthesia nurse came in (and she looked like she was 15!), and gave the run down of all the terrible things that could go wrong and signed the paper saying I don't care just give me DRUGS! By this point I was uncontrollably shaking from the pain.

A few minutes after she got everything in, she thought something may have gone wrong, part of me was numb, but every time I had a contraction, Molly pushed off my ribs and I felt like they were cracking - worst pain ever! 15 year old nurse kept shooting more drugs down my back and doing tests on me - I was ready to strangle her! Then the nurse in charge of my care said she had a hunch and she would check me. When she did, she said I was at a nine so she called my doc and they got everything ready to me to push (me still lin pain, with teen/doc still testing and shooting drugs). They said "I don't think the drugs are going to catch up - she is coming." At this point I am begging God to let the drugs work! Well, my doc checks me and apparently the baby moved and I was back to a 7. We all sat there waiting to see if it would change and for a while nothing did so they put everything back together to wait again. I think God must have moved Molly for me because soon after my drugs kicked in and about 30 minutes later, I was a ten and Molly was ready to come :-)

All of this happened in 4 very short hours! It was definitely my most dramatic birth :-) Molly came into the world at 12:26, weighing in at 7lbs 1oz and measuring 19 1/4 inches and we just love her to pieces!


Friday, July 15, 2011

Cousins

We got to babysit little Madison while Aunty Tina and Uncle Eric went out for their anniversary. The boys were so excited! They were very sweet and gentle with her. We had to keep an eye on Aidan who wanted to share all his toys with her, but they really did a great job.

Madison loved having the boys near. She watched Eóin everywhere he went. He sat by her and read to her and played cars while explaining what he was doing. He told me "I will teach to play cars gently, and not to be afraid of the crocodiles at the zoo." Not sure where the crocodile thing came from :)

I think they will be very good big brothers to their new sister when she gets here.


Trip to WI

We took a short trip to visit Grandma and Grandpa at the beginning of this month. The kid's were so excited since they had been asking to go for so long. They did really well in the car and really learned that we meant it when we said it was far away. Last week in River City (our church's kid's program) we were talking about Grandparents and Aidan said "Grandma lives faaaaaar away" :-)

We didn't much except relax and read which was just what we needed. Grandma got some great deals on some Thomas toys at a garage sale and the kids played with those every chance they could! We did brave the heat and go to the parade on the 4th of July and light off some fireworks in the backyard. It was a nice to see some old friends at Calvary and Brookside too.

Here are a few pics from the weekend. I let Eóin use my camera to take some pictures and made a little slideshow of his first photo shoot :)

 Driving far away. Reading the magazines they got with their Wendy's meal (such a load of rubbish!)

Culvers with Grandma


Picnic at Brookside 



Playing some carnival games at Brookside's picnic


Aidan's turn for a game :)






Watertown 4th of July Parade :)