The Harris Clique

Brooks Lucas Makes a Sack (or Four)

2010-05-02T14:15:00.000-07:00

Lucas has been begging us to sign him up for tackle football for a while now. Finally for his birthday this year, we acquiesced. We paid $250 for him to be involved in the spring indoor league. Needless to say, he was thrilled. But his elation turned into dissappointment. Come to find out, the league lost our information, and when I was finally able to figure out what team he was on, the team had already been practicing for 2 months. Lucas hated feeling like he didn't know what he was doing. He wasn't used to getting tackled and hit for 2.5 hours a day, 4 days a week. It came to a point that he wanted to give up.

Edgar and I decided to have a 'teaching moment'. We made him go to practice, and encouraged him to try his hardest. We told him that even when things are hard, it is important to not give up. We also made it clear that he is a part of a team, and his team is counting on him to give it his all. He fought us every step of the way.

But now, he has seen the light. He worked hard, and has realized that he has some mad football skills (I know, I had to pick my jaw up off the floor too!). He is loving his practices, and he loves hitting and getting hit. His team is number two in the league, and Lucas got MVP of his most recent game with 4 sacks and one fumble recovery! All I have to say now is...GO LUCAS! GO HAVOC!

Traedon's Gift

2010-01-17T19:54:00.000-08:00

Can't Fool Lucas

2010-01-16T16:36:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2009

2010-01-03T20:54:00.000-08:00

We had an awesome Christmas this year. I probably have too much fun spoiling the kids. I reconcile it to the fact that we don't buy them alot during the year, I always tell them to ask Santa. I also make myself feel better about the fact that my kids are spoiled...is that they are still pretty sweet. Here is Brie in her Christmas PJ's (American Girl Doll matchie-matchie) opening her 'big' gift.

"Date Night with Traedon"

2009-11-19T09:56:00.000-08:00

We have recently noticed that 'talkative little Trae' has been blending into the background lately. He is starting to remind me of a little Chameleon, and content with succumbing to the milieu of the family. Edgar and I tend to be too busy for his silly little ramblings about Castle Crashers or making the 'Eaglairs' do the romance dance (video game talk that I pretend to understand). So unfortunately Traedon is retreating to our basement dungeon to become more engrossed in romancing 'Sweet Tooth Beavers' (I probably won't need to give him the birds and bees talk after he has mastered the game). I miss his quirky little "What if the Dinosaurs were still alive and my shoes had turbo boosters on them?" questions.

So Edgar and I decided to take our 6 year old on a 'Date' with mom and dad. We want to make sure that he knows that he is still important to us, even though our eyes glaze over when we endure endless video game references. He was very apprehensive about the word 'date' and made sure that we were not going to line him up with a 'lipstick wearing woman' who plastered kisses all over his face during dinner (which is what obviously happens on dates, and he will have no part of it). He also didn't want me to misinterpret the 'date' term because it is not appropriate to 'date' one's mother. After we dropped the term 'date', and finally agreed to say "do you want to go to dinner with mom and dad?" and Traedon responded with "as long as you know it is not a date", did he agree to go.

It was so fun! Traedon really opened up and was thrilled to be able to talk to his hearts content, and to have the total attention of his mom and his dad. No big brother interrupting him with "oh my gosh Traedon! Do you really think that would happen?!", or his big sister's 6th grade friend catastrophe's getting in the way of his train of thought, or a 2 year old baby tantrum leading to mom whipping the screaming baby out of the restaurant while dad cleans the thrown plate of mac and cheese off his lap.

We had lots of laughs. He even told me who he had a crush on in his class. I told him that I was so excited to post this new shocking information on facebook. He gave me a stern look and said "mom, that would not be cool". So in the hopes to be cool, I will not divulge her name...only to say that it rhymes with Haily, but starts with a 'B' (and you know who you are, you first grade vixen!). We ordered the 'Molten Chocolate Lava Cake' with which he shoveled into his mouth with the skill and finesse only a 'Harris Man' can accomplish (Edgar and Trae both had chocolate goatees by the end of the treat).

We love you Trae and will make sure you never again retreat to the background!

BrieOcea turns 12!

2009-11-02T07:57:00.000-08:00

Brie turned 12 on October 24th. My little girl is not allowed to have any more birthdays. I made a new rule that she can no longer grow older. But since she is making the choice to defy my rule, it is fun watching her grow into a young woman. She has such a sweet little spirit about her. She loves that she now belongs to the Beehives. Every sunday she has a new spiritual experience because her Beehive teachers are so awesome. She warms my heart, and inspires me to be better. She came home after her first time in Young Womens and exclaimed that she felt the spirit to the point that she nearly cried. If you know Brie, you know that she 'nearly cries' at everything she doesn't cry at (I am sure many of you remember that she had a complete and utter meltdown when King Kong finally died at the end of the movie). But it is still awesome to be a mom of a little girl who feels so much, and who has a testimony at such a young age.

She had a lot of fun on her birthday. She will always have a Halloween party. This year everyone dressed up in their costumes and went 'Treat or Tricking' - reverse trick or treating...knocking on doors and giving candy to the kids at the different homes. She received a Mountain Bike with gears, a tumbling blow-up thingy featured in the video below (and don't worry, she only suffered minor injuries), and a cell phone. A little bit spoiled, but she deserves to be a little spoiled.

Rohnin has a Birthday!

2009-10-20T15:16:00.000-07:00

Little Rohnin turned 2 on Monday! My little devil spawn is becoming a BIG devil spawn! He is such an awesome little kid with a big personality. He really knows how to get what he wants by turning the world around him into chaos. I am so proud of his manipulation skills, if only I had half the talent this little monster has! The following are his cute personality traits to date:

1. He loves to eat...his favorite food is cereal, unless of course that is on the menu, then he hates cereal. He will beg for pizza until you put it in front of him, then he will cry for cereal...ultimately desiring the pizza. I have a dirty little secret that will stop all fits. I just have to give him a glass of Diet Coke (I am such a good mom).
2. He is a fan of Pixar, namely Monster's Inc, Nemo, Toy Story II, Shrek, & Monster's Vs. Aliens. He can watch them all day if we let him. But if you find him in one of his moods, he will cry for "Memo" until you put Nemo in the dvd player, then he will pitch a fit for "Mama Inc". Edgar will acquiesce until he has tried all the dvd's only to settle on the first. I don't give him a choice, and will let him throw his fit (with a sippy cup of Diet Coke).

All this in mind, we love our little monster and wouldn't trade him for the world. He warms my heart when he is thrilled to see me after work, running at me, smiling from ear to ear with his sweet little dimple lighting up his face...going in for a kiss on my cheek, only to be denied by him pulling away at the last second to ask for "Ghek".

New Haircut, Tennis Match, Sushi, and a Completely Unrealistic Movie

2009-09-22T15:21:00.000-07:00

I have been having alot of fun with my sweetie pants - Brie. She is a natural when it comes to tennis, and she has found a new love...Sushi! I know what you are thinking, "Her sushi tastebuds have come in already, at such a young age?" It was really fun for me and Ed to have her all to ourselves and spoil her a little bit. After her hard fought match, we took her to our favorite sushi place. She probably ate double what I ate (granted, I am dieting). We then got the boys and met mom and dad at the movie, "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" - a totally unrealistic movie...hehehe (the inside joke here is that mom made that comment about the preview to this movie. We are always making fun of her behind her back. Come on, what is unrealistic about raining meatballs?). Anyhoo, check out Brie's new locks. She loves her new doo...and I don't have to threaten her to brush her hair anymore!

2009-05-19T08:30:00.000-07:00

http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=195915375703&h=aXx-k&u=yrKA6&ref=mf

They Can Be So Melodramatic!

2009-03-17T13:49:00.000-07:00

Oh wait, I know! They get it from their Grandma Wendy! So we all recently loaded up in the car for a quick jaunt to Oregon for the weekend. Granny Wendy has been practicing her sharp-shooting skills in a Melodrama as a character in the Raisen Cane Gang named Euleen I. Shoot. It was a fun quick visit topped off with an entertaining play. The kids had a grand time...especially Lucas I think. He was busy cheering on the villian and booing at the hero and hissing at the heroine. Sara was awesome and got to know Rohnin while we were out. Melissa and Matt went to the play with us. Melissa is gearing up to have a baby in a couple of months, so she got special treatment with a special seat right in front of me. Either she has a huge head, or that chair was alot higher than mine, because I had to view the play from just under her ear. My biggest accomplishment for the weekend was not partaking of the various baked goodies that hung out at Granny Wendy's house.

Trae turns SIX!

2009-02-21T21:00:00.000-08:00

His birthday was January 14th. We took him to Kangaroo Zoo. He invited friends from school, Wunderkind, and of course his cousins. They had a great time, and he loved all the attention that he got.

Rohnin is Finally Walking!

2009-02-21T20:46:00.000-08:00

Ok, it happened about a month ago...but the pictures are still cute, so I had to post them. I am so proud of my son, to finally become a member of the two-legged travelers. He is also becoming a chatterbox. He has a vocabulary of about 5 words that he says without prompting: 'book' if he hands you a book and wants you to read to him, or it is 'Book' when auntie Brooke is loving on him. He also says 'hug' then he gives a hug. Of course he says 'mom' and 'dad'. He is also developing a nice reserve of inappropriate words. You ask him to say 'as', and he says 'ass', or you ask him to say 'but' and he says 'butt'. He gets in trouble when he is asked 'What does momma say?' His response is either 'Moooo', or 'Grrraaarrr'. I am trying to teach him to say 'no, no, no'. But he prefers his responses.

The Lemon Sisters? You have never seen Harris Kids like this!

2009-01-10T15:39:00.000-08:00

Two - Halloween

2008-12-01T22:45:00.000-08:00

I guess we celebrated Halloween. I think that it is the kid's favorite holiday - of the month of October. Every holiday is their favorite. Brie recently asked me when we celebrate 'Opposite Day'? I guess she is really looking forward to that holiday. Anyways, Brie dressed up as a vampire because of her obsession with Twilight. Luke was a pirate, Traedon was a ninja...and Rohnin tried to be a bear...he failed miserabley, because he hated wearing the hoodie. I nearly talked Ed into dressing up with me. We were going to be a 'Dancing with the Stars' couple! It would have been so awesome...can't you just picture him with his shirt open down to his belly button, sequins, and ruffly sleeves? Oh well, we always have next year! The kids went trick or treating at my work, then at Edgar's work, then through the neighborhood. All of them still have candy except Traedon. He becomes and evil little fiend when it comes to candy...don't let it out of your site when he is around, he will find a way to get his hands on it!

One - BrieOcea and Rohnin have a birthday!

2008-12-01T22:22:00.000-08:00

Rohnin celebrated his first birthday on October 19th. His parents, unfortunately, thought it would be more important to vacation in Florida on that day...the nerve. Brie turned 11 on October 24th. Because we thought she might hold it against us for missing her birthday, we made it back in time to throw her a scary party full of masked chainsaw men, creepy goblins, and a zipline. We had fun, and we even threw in a token birthday cake for Rohnin to eat with his hands...that is what is important to one year olds anyway...right?

Florida

2008-11-01T14:45:00.000-07:00

Edgar and I got to go see Mackenzie in Florida before she moved to Mississippi. It was kind of spur of the moment. We were thinking of sending Brie out for her birthday, and we found tickets for $300. Then we realized that since she is a minor, we would have to spend an extra $200 escort fee. I had the bright idea, why not I go? Then I wouldn't have to pay the escort fee...it would just be $100 more. Then Edgar got really jealous. He has never been East of Utah, and his 11 year old daughter has been to Georgia. So poor Brie got nixed out of the equation, and Edgar and I got to go to Florida. I have to tell you...Mackenzie is the best host ever. We even had a better time in Florida then we did in Hawaii. Isn't that crazy? We are pretty sure it is because Kenzie knows all the fun spots, and all the great restaurants, and all the best beaches. And because she is so sponaneous and hilarious. If anyone has an opportunity to visit Kenzie, I highly recommend it. I bet she could even make Mississippi fun, even though she calls it 'the arm-pit' of America (to put it lightly). One of the restaurants we went to is Bonefish. This is the restaurant that JT is going to be Proprieter of. I have to say that I am excited for them. It was awesome! We also had incredible Sushi, rented Jetski's, & swam in the ocean. Edgar even got injured while wrestling an aligator in the ocean (at least that's what we told the kids).

WARNING: Not for the Squeamish!

2008-10-08T19:08:00.000-07:00

So, on Tuesday I got a frantic call from Lucas. I was coming home from work, and driving to pick up the boys. He screamed, "Mom, something really bad happened!" He then went on to tell me that "Brie spilled boiling water on herself, and her skin is bubbling and coming off!" I gave him instructions to take care of her, then called a neighbor who came to see what was going on. Jocelyn (the neighbor) told me that Brie needs to go to the Emergency Room. She then took her, and Edgar rushed to meet her at the hospital. I made my way there as well. The doctor put an IV in her arm, and pumped her with morphine. He then went on to clean her wounds by scrubbing all the dead skin and blisters off. It was really hard for a mom to watch. She was in alot of pain, even with the morphine. I got sick and pale, I thought I was going to faint. The doctor discharged her with directions for me to change her dressings twice a day, and clean the wounds. She hates every second of this process. He gave her Loritab in liquid form, and sent her home to heal. Ed and our home teacher gave her a blessing. She is doing really good, all things considered. She was even able to help me clean the house today! She is sad to miss her field trip to the zoo tomorrow, but I think that it is important for her to have some time to heal.

Bouncy Curls

2008-10-03T07:42:00.000-07:00

Ok, fortunately not curly, but definately bouncy! He did have lots of body after giving his locks a lift with velcro rollers. Needless to say I have not stooped to putting curls in his hair again. He does not like the femine look, even if I tried to tell him it was not girly...just metro-sexual. I think he would be thrilled if I gave him a buz. I told him that he can have a hair cut after we get some family pictures taken (it may only be one hair, we will see).

An update with us: Most everyone knows that Ed got a new job in Utah County. He works for Access Data doing 'data forensics'. It would be awesome if someone produced a show called 'CSI Orem' - staring Edgar Harris, Data Forensics. But alas his job is not as glamorous as it sounds (he is still just a software engineer). He does enjoy it however, and he works with most of his good buddies. I still work in Provo for 'The Generations Network", and I have the daycare. I am soon to transfer the big kids to a school in Provo. Essentially we are living in Utah County and sleeping in Herriman. We have put our house on the market in hopes to sleep in the town we live. Unfortunately the market sucks! We have had ZERO people look at our house. It is all just fine because we love our home, and we love Herriman. So we are content to live out our days there. But if anyone is interested in an awesome house, check it out!http://www.utahrealestate.com/829667

Will He Ever Forgive Me?

2008-09-09T19:31:00.001-07:00

I have heard that once you post something on the Internet, it is there forever, but...Traedon is just too fun. He is a great sport and lets me have lots of fun with his hair. I have been told that I need to have another girl. I don't know if that is the case. Brie lets me treat her like a girlie girl enough.

I have a new conundrum. I am trying to decide whether or not to transfer schools for Brie and Luke. Traedon currently is attending kindergarten in Provo so he can go to our daycare the other half of the day. Brie and Luke however go to school in Herriman. They walk home together and are required to take care of each other after school till Ed or I get home. Most of the time they follow the rules and get along splendidly. But recently they have been fighting, and the way I hear it, their fights are knock out drag down fights including hitting, kicking pulling hair, scratching, & throwing shoes at each other...all with an audience of the neighbors! I am pretty much shocked at their behavior, and am seriously close to transferring them to the same school as Traedon. That way they won't have to walk home together, and be home by themselves. The daycare will pick them up from school and keep them busy and getting along. The downfall is that they will have to transfer schools...new friends, might get behind...whatever else comes along with transferring. What does everyone think?

Holy Cats! It was a Tie!

2008-08-22T07:25:00.000-07:00

For now, since I am the mom, I get to break the tie. I am going to keep Traedon's hair in a longer style. I understand the hot summer - short hair conflict, and the unruly bedhead that he usually wakes up with dilemma; but for now, I am lovin' the long hair. When I actually take the time to do it with gel it has a cute curl to it. I have also round brushed it with a blow dryer which gives him that movie star air. The other day I even straight ironed it which made him look like a rocker. It is so much fun! I think that when he goes to kindergarten on a daily basis, I will take more time to fluff his lovely locks...rather then sending him to school with his crazy bedhead.

These pictures that I attached were recently taken at my daycare. I thought the photographer did a good job. I was just sad that Brie and Luke were at school that day, and didn't get in on the fun.

I've Got To Work It!

2008-08-20T15:01:00.000-07:00

Today is my littlest sister's birthday. I want to use this forum to wish her a happy one! How old is she, lets think...she is 9 years younger than me, and I am 32...that must make her 23! I knew my highschool calculus class would come in handy one day! She now resides in Florida, and is soon moving to Mississippi. She is an artist at Saks Fifth Avenue, making women beautiful every day. She is married to a cool guy who reminds me a bit of my husband, in the sense that he is driven, smart, loves his wife, and valiantly tries (and fails) to give Lucas a run for his money in Halo (that will teach him to try to cheat an 8 year old out of his weekly allowance).

I just wanted to jot a few fun memories of my little sis:

1. I remember when she was born, I of course was 9. Leading up to her birthday mom and dad picked her name out...I thought it was awesome! I remember always starting to tell my friends, but forgetting because back then it was so odd and unique. I was even captured on camera forgetting her name.

2. Mackenzie was a perfect image of a healthy baby; chubby with huge blue eyes and mile long lashes. She was so much fun and had many admirers. I remember when she got really sick as an infant. We took her to the doctor to see what was wrong with her. Mom was incredibly nervous as well as the doctors, and they put that poor baby through tests including a spinal tap because they thought that she had spinal meningitis. I was young, but I knew that it could have been life threatening. We were relieved when all she had was the measles.

3. When Mackenzie was a toddler/little kid, we all loved to dress her up in makeup, mom's bra, wigs...you name it. It was hilarious to get her to dance and repeat funny things in front of the camera.

4. I moved out of the house when she was 8, but I remember coming home and being really excited to be around her. She was always fun, and always genuinely thrilled to be around me. It made me feel good to be her big sister. I always wanted to steal her away, and have her live in my dorm room (hide her in the closet or something).

5. Mackenzie was thrilled when she found out that she was going to have a niece (Brie)! We always found excuses to get together. She was such a huge help for me. She put off becoming too involved with being a teenager and was my little babysitter/house cleaner. I seriously don't know what I would have done with out her. She became an even bigger help when I had Lucas and was single. I remember that I would drop the kids off at mom's house so I could go to school. When I later came home, I came home to a clean house and a homemade cheesecake. Apparently she had made her way to my house, and cleaned the pigsty, and cooked for me!

6. When Mackenzie entered her 'true teenage years', she remained my constant helper and friend...even though she was drop-dead gorgeous, with boyfriends coming out of her ears. We would talk like friends, even though nearly a decade separated us in age. She even was gracious enough to make an appearance at my wedding open house when I married Ed...even though it was prom night. She and Stacy stopped by with their runway dresses, super model bodies, bad-ass up-dos, and pimply faced drooling boyfriends. She now feels bad about this, and apologizes for not blowing off prom. But I was glad to have a couple of beautiful girls make an appearance at my open house. Friends of me and Ed's wondered why mysterious model-superstars came to our open house. From then on I am sure our friends thought we were cool rather than a nerdy computer guy and a geeky accounting chic.

7. Today I relish any time I get to spend with Kenzie. She visits us often, and nobody can get enough of her. Everything that comes out of her mouth is shocking, yet she makes everyone feel special and loved. No moment is a dull moment when Kenze is in your presence. She is pulled in every direction with all of her friends and all of her family hoping to get a piece of her. When she left Utah yesterday, BrieOcea hysterically cried at her imminent departure...almost to the extent that she did when King Kong died.

Happy Birthday Mackenzie! I hope that you realize how much everyone loves you. All of your family would do anything for you. I hope to follow your example and be a better sister/friend/aunt. I know that you are going to do great in Mississippi...just don't forget about us here in Utah! Love You!

Jamie

It Might Be Time For a Haircut...

2008-07-10T20:50:00.000-07:00

Well, I have been experimenting with Traedon's hair. I have been trying to grow it to a cute longer length for a while. In the past, I gave up once his hair reached a certain point that nothing could make it look cute. Other times, when I finally got past that point...and it was just starting to look seriously cutie-pie -- my sister or mom, or some other sinister person got to him with the scissors. I think that they thought it better to ask for forgiveness rather than permission, for the sake of my son who was starting to look like my daughter. Anyways, it finally reached a cute length. I like it, and I want to see it get a little longer...we have come all this way! Admittedly it does often look scroungy soon after I spend time teasing it in a 'Zack & Cody' kind of way. Ed also says on occasion..."Jamie, I think it might be time to cut his hair." I chalk this opinion up to all of Edgar's taste being in his mouth. Traedon also looks incredibly sweet with short hair. Please help me make my decision by voting in my poll above. Just keep in mind that your vote will most likely determine the course of my young son's life! :)

Naughty or Nice?

2008-06-25T09:30:00.000-07:00

Most people who know Lucas, know him to be rather calm and sweet. He acts shy around people he doesn't know, yet he makes friends easily. Most people can't fathom the naughty, ungrateful, sibling provoking, trouble making, mess enhancer child that we at the Harris household has come to know and love. You may catch a small glimpse of what I go through with him if you happen to call at the time of day when Luke is to be doing his simple chore, but refusing with a loud fit. Don't get me wrong, I love Lucas to pieces...I even smile at some of his naughty behaviors. But he has his days when I wish that I could wring his neck without the fear of going to jail for child abuse. Like the other day, I was really excited to tell him that his aunt Laurie and I set up his plane ticket to visit Laurie in Georgia from July 4th-July 10th. He was thrilled of course, but to my dismay, later that evening he was bragging to Traedon that he was going to Georgia for 20 days! I calmly corrected him, and told him that it was more like 7 days. He then became outraged and acted like I had cut his trip short by 13 days just to spite him. He exclaimed, "You always do this to me, mom!" Ok, yeah, I always send him on trips clear across the country, but yank him out early to make him mad. I was shocked by his ungrateful attitude and his behavior after Laurie and I spent a butt-load of cash so he can have a wonderful summer. He continued to cry at how unjust I was, because BrieOcea got to see Laurie for 2 weeks. Finally he calmed down, and said that he was grateful and happy, and that he was sorry and will be nice. But then the following day he acted like that whole scene didn't happen, and that he was going to Georgia for 20 days! I thought he was trying to be funny, but I wasn't sure...so I corrected him again, and told him that it is only 7 days. He then threw the exact same fit as the day before! I seriously wondered if there was something seriously mental with this kid! I was flabbergasted, and told him that the trip was called off, and that he was grounded for the foreseeable future. Since then, he has actually been conscious of his behavior and attitude. I can really tell that he is trying to change his behavior at home, so I guess that the trip is still on. I hate making empty threats.

Believe it or not, I am posting today to let the world know how proud I am of my guy, Lucas. I received a letter from his school teacher. He was the only one in the class to receive a letter in a mysterious envelope addressed to the parents. All of his classmates wanted him to open it to see what it was, but he brought it to me unopened. I have to admit that I was worried! He has always been really good in school, but he seems to be getting worse at home...so I wouldn't be surprised if his naughtiness overlapped at school. I opened the letter, and it seemed to confirm my worse suspicions...at first. This is how it reads:

Dear Jamie,

As teachers we are required throughout the school year to document all our interactions with misbehaving students, our different strategies to control their actions, and dealings with the parents. We are also asked to keep records & grades, and teach responsibility, manners, and ethics to students whose parents don't teach it themselves. In all this, truly wonderful kids like your son are lost in the shuffle and not given the recognition and praise they deserve.

I am writing in appreciation for Lucas, one of the wonderful kids in my class. He has been an exceptional example in behavior and responsibility. I have seen your son offer help to others who are struggling, look up when I ask for attention, walk in quietly and get to work, and respectfully do the work expected of him in class. I feel like Lucas has always done the best that is expected, and nothing was ever turned in dishonestly done.

In today's classroom, your child is exceptional. There are many problems for both teachers and good students to deal with, but your son has all the characteristics of success and happiness. As Lucas leaves me in a week I will miss his willingness to help me and others and his wonderful attitude for learning. I urge you to continue to be involved with your child in the educations process; this is the thing that is making the difference! And so, you see, this is the reason why I am feeling so much appreciation for you, as well as Lucas.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Redd

Man, I am almost in tears again! It is nice for a mom to hear such nice things about her child, especially when she is at the end of her rope with said child. Sorry this post is so lengthy, but I am sure all you moms understand how nice it is to be able to share your children's accomplishments with the people that you love.

Hawaii

2008-06-01T11:11:00.000-07:00

Edgar and I went to Kauai, Hawaii for our 7 year anniversary. I have to say, if you have a chance to go. I definitely recommend it. We stayed for 4 nights and had the opportunity to go on a boat tour where we saw whales, dolphins, and green sea turtles...it was amazing. We also went to a Luau, spent time on the many beaches snorkeling, checked out many local diners, and drove around the island checking out the different hot spots. The island is very rural and laid back...which was very refreshing.

Monk Seal Relaxing on the beach ................................Edgar and his creation 'Trogdor'

Baby Language

2008-06-01T10:42:00.000-07:00

Rohnin is such a fun child. We are definately blessed to have him part of our family. He does however have a peculiar habit. He loves to spit. It is his way to communicate. Now instead of constantly drooling, he is constantly spitting. I think he likes the vibration in his mouth. He is an expert and avid spitter. He has a certain different spitting inflections. Almost like music in his own mind. This little nuance has carried over to let us know about his abhorrance to eating/drinking anything but milk. We've tried all types of delectable baby food varieties, including cookies, fruit, crackers...we have even broken down and tried icecream, or candy. But alas, he spits it all out with a disgusting look on his face. I don't know how long this can go on. He is nearly 8 months old, and I don't think that when he gets older he can live on formula alone.

The Harris' updated

2008-04-14T10:46:00.000-07:00

We are all doing just fine. A few points of interest:

1. Edgar and I are looking forward to a Hawaii vacation! I know it is going to be amazing. Grandma Wendy is staying over to watch over the munchkins. I think if the kids had a choice, they would rather stay home with Granny Wendy, then go with mom & dad to the islands.

2. Traedon told Mackenzie that he knows what color puke is - "blonde". He also asked Laurie if Chinese people are 'real' people. Who knows what he meant by that? Maybe I need to be a little more pro-active when it comes to teaching him how to be politically correct. He does now ask me permission if he can talk to passerby's. So at least he is trying to not offend people to their faces. I do however have to admit that I am a proud mommy. He got up in front of the sacrement congregation and bore his testimony yesterday. Brie went with him, but he did it on his own. He wasn't nervous in the least. His little scratchy voice proclaimed how he believes in Jesus, and Jesus Christ (like they are 2 separate people). He also believes in the gospel, and knows that we can live with Heavenly Father again. He said that he believes in baptism and was glad to watch Luke be baptized. His testimony flowed, and had no hesitation. It is amazing watching the kids grow.

3. Rohnin already has 2 bottom teeth. He has found much enjoyment in biting his mommy. Mommy however has not taken as much pleasure in it, and has decided to ween the carnivorous child.

4. BrieOcea has decided to choose the right, and to not harbor an illegal hamster at her school. Her friend has been smuggling small pet rodents into their class, and wants Brie's help. Brie told me she decided to refrain from this activity, and was torn with whether or not to turn her friend in to the proper school authorities (ie...teacher's aide). She decided against it for fear of being labeled a tattle-tale, and also because the rodents were not in any immenent danger.

5. Lucas is on a health kick. He runs laps around our circular living/family area. He weighs himself, and is proud if the scale says more, or less poundage than the time before. Before he injests anything, he checks with me as to whether or not it is healthy. Is macaroni & cheese healthy for a kid? I said told him that it was.

BrieOcea Edde Harris

2008-03-25T22:03:00.001-07:00

BrieOcea is a 10 year old darling child. Everybody loves to be around her. I find myself having to fight for her attention when her aunts, or grandma's are in town. She instinctively knows how to make people around her feel special and loved. She is also a huge help (at least up until she broke her wrist, we'll get to that later). She helps clean the house. She takes care of her brothers. She can even tackle a nasty Rohnin diaper without freaking out. Recently she has been off track from school, so I have been paying Lucas and her to help out at the daycare. They are teachers aide's with duties including: washing children's hands, serving lunches, reading stories, etc...The teachers enjoyed having their help. It also gave them a sense of responsibility, while teaching them how to save money in a savings account. All the children loved them. Brie was even known as Miss BrieOcea.

BrieOcea enjoys athletic activities. She likes to play tennis, and is turning out to be pretty good. She is a fast runner, and loves keeping active. She is recently getting good on the funky new 2 wheeled skateboard. She and Luke had the skateboard out the other day (finally a beautiful warm, snowless day). Luke came in crying, while bleeding from his elbow and knee. You would think he was about to die with the way he was carrying on. We cleaned him up, and he told me he was never going to ride that stupid thing again. I explained to him that he is going to fall down, all kids do, but you just got to get back up and practice and get better. I think Brie listened to that lesson a little too well. The next thing I know, I am sitting on the couch, nursing Rohnin, and there is a knock on the door. I am thinking, "great...I have to pull off this little sucker (pun intended), and get the door!" Then teary eyed Brie walks in. I was kind of annoyed that the kids were knocking on the door, when they can easily open it themselves. I ask in my annoyed voice "why are you guys knocking on the door?" A neighborhood lady walks in, and takes the blame for knocking. I felt a little sheepish, when I realized Brie was hurt. Apparently Brie was speeding down the hill on the board...a little too good, and way too fast. She realizes this, so decides to jump off before she crashes and burns. Well, her little legs couldn't keep up with the rest of her body, so she went crashing to the ground. She lay there crying, can't get up because her arm is broken. The neighbor lady comes to her rescue and brings her home. Brie, being the drama queen she is, makes it hard to know how really hurt she is. I gave her ice, and thought she would be back outside in a few minutes, but when the pain didn't go away, I decided to take her to the instacare the next morning. Yes, it is broken. Edgar was shocked, he thought she was being typical "everything is an emergency, Brie". To be honest, she is really lucky that she had the forsight to wear her helmet. She would have really hit her head good, because of the huge scratch/dent in her helmet.

Currently she can't hold Rohnin, I have to help her dress, I wash/brush her hair. It is odd for her to not be able to do things for herself. Tomorrow she is getting her real cast, I hope that it helps her be a little more independant. We will see. Pictured is Brie in her Easter dress & splint as well as the offending scateboard.

Brooks Lucas Harris

2008-03-10T20:38:00.000-07:00

He is known to most by Lucas, or Luke. But recently among his school-mates, he goes by Brooks. However, if you happen to come across him at church, he prefers the moniker, LeLoy. I don't understand why he likes having so many alias's. I hope that he doesn't have an identity crises in the near future. Me, as his mom will continue to call him Lucas, but you may use what you like.

Lucas just turned 8, and is in 2nd grade. He is a very smart little kid, and all of his teachers love him at school. It is remarkable how he can have as many personalities as he does pseudonyms. At home, he likes to try my patience. He tries to act as crazy as possible, fight me about doing his chores, or act like the sweetest kid in the world. If he wants something out of me, he will exclaim "Quick! Everybody fold your arms!" Like this is going to make me buy him candy! He has a lot to learn. At school and at church he is a little angel, and loves to learn. When he is with his friends, he likes to be funny.

He loves video games and can keep up with his dad when they are playing Halo 3. He is learning to play tennis and to ride a skateboard. I think that he has alot of hidden talents. It is fun to get to know the person he is becoming.

He recently was baptised. I was pleased to have the opportunity to be with him when he had his bishop's interview. He was really excited about being able to have a one on one with the bishop. The bishop asked him many questions, and Luke answered 'yes' or 'no' to them, and didn't elaborate much. Then when the interview was finished, we left and he exclaimed, "That was so much fun!" I did not expect to hear that he had fun! He then went on to say, "I just had the best feeling when the bishop prayed, and when he asked me if I believed in Jesus, and the prophet, and the gospel!" I was so pleased that my crazy little boy had an actual spiritual experience. I told him that was the spirit testifying to him that the church is true, and that he was making the right decision to be baptised.

Traedon Kent Harris

2008-02-18T13:18:00.000-08:00

Traedon is our third child, thus the name Trae. His middle name is for Grandpa Edde. He just turned 5 on January 14th. Trae is a very honest kid, at least ever since he cut his hair to his scalp. I think that is when he learned the importance of telling the truth. When I confronted him about his new 'short' hairstyle, he proceded to blame it on his brother. I almost believed him (because I wouldn't have put it past Luke) until he changed his story and said that BrieOcea did it. He finally came clean, and since then I don't recall him ever lying. Now when I confront him on why he mooned his brothers friend, or poured sugar in the formal living room, or even ask him what he is eating, he just responds, "am I grounded?"

Trae also loves telling jokes and making people laugh. When you see him next, ask him about his sausage joke, or the two thumbs joke. It might just make your day. He is very candid, and will say what is on his mind...whether it be telling a little girl that she is chubby, or letting a grandma-lady know that her teeth are yellow, and that she needs to brush them. I have tried to teach him how to say the politically correct answer when his aunts ask him who his favorite aunt is. I tell him "if it is only Kenzie, tell her that Kenzie is your favorite Aunt. If it is only Brooke tell her the Brooke is your favorite Aunt. But if it is both Kenzie and Brooke, tell them that it is a tie between Laurie, Stacy & Jill." Maybe it will get them to stop asking :)

Rohnin Shippee Harris

2008-02-17T19:18:00.000-08:00

Rohnin is our fourth and final child. I am kind of sad to think that he is our last for the following reasons: 1. I really kind of like being pregnant and giving birth. 2. Babies are like candy, their burps are sweet as well as their poops. 3. Their smiles warm my heart. 4. I now feel the wrinkles starting to form around my eyes....(getting o l d)

Rohnin was born October 19th, 2007. He was named for a fallen Samarai (Ronin), kind of cool. His middle name is the family surname after whom Edgar was named (Edgar Andrew Shippee). This round-aboutly makes him named after his dad without plaguing a poor child with the name of Edgar...not that there is anything wrong with the name, only few can pull it off!

Rohnin came into the world after an eternity trying (well, maybe only a year. But it seemed like an eternity), and after a few miscarraiges. Edgar and I both feel very blessed to have him because we thought that we might be miscarrying him too. But after a priesthood blessing, and a miracle, we were able to bring a perfect 7lb 15 oz baby into the world. The delivery was cake, the recovery was more like peanut butter. He came home without any ailments, not even jaundis like the other three.

He is now nearly four months old, and sleeps through the night in his own crib. He loves to be held by anyone that will hold him. If you are lucky enough, he will give you a toothless wide-mouthed grin. If you are unlucky enough, that grin will be followed by puke.

I guess since everybody is doing it!

2008-02-17T18:56:00.000-08:00

It looks as though all of my siblings are having a blast with blogging. I think I might try my hand at it, if only to do some sort of journaling. We will see how successful I become. If my blog becomes half as fun to read as my siblings, then I will have succeded. At least maybe my children will have something to read about in years to come (if I keep it up, and if it doesn't get erased...that would really suck, or not, depends).