Time off of work

Man as much as I hate that Devin's paycheck is going to be MUCH smaller than it usually is. I love when he is home. He rarely has a honey do list. I hate those things. I was fortunate to get a man who when he see's that something needs to be done he just gets up and does it. I was just blessed.

Well, Since we had moved too Mesa, the Yerf Dog has needed the engine taken out and took back to the store to replace (it was bad when we bought it thank goodness for warranty) And Devin hasn't really been in the mood to deal with it. So, this week he only worked two days and just relaxed the rest. I got down and dirty and gave him that honey do list. And our kids are so excited we now have a running yerf dog. So next weekend dirt here we come we are gonna go and let the kids ride their little hearts out. I love to see the joy in their little faces when they get too go and play play play, and man it is a cheap fun day.

And, I know that Kevin will love it even more because our Seven kids won't have to share two toys now we now have three and two of them have two seats. SO EXCITED.

Anyways, If you can't tell I am so excited and ready to go hit the dirt. Anybody wanna come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2ND Semester Over

WOW, I can't believe how time has just flown by. Devin has already been in school for 2 semesters. That is tooooo crazy. I am so proud of him working full time being a part time dad and attending online courses. I am trying to juggle being a full time mom and work 2 days a week.

I am so excited that my children have a great example (their father) to attend college and get good grades. Devin got another A and a C (he forgot too do one assignment his last week so he was one point away from a B) He really deserves that B but guess he learns from his misreading LOL.

Anyways just want too tell my handsome man how proud and excited I am for him. What a great example you are setting for your children. Love you babe

Christmas Morning

As most of you know this year has been a real roller coaster ride for us. But, we did make it threw it and are hopeing and praying that 2009 will be much better for the Harris Family.

Well, This year we started a new tradition that just like Jesus, the kids only get 3 gifts. (just won't tell them that Jesus got gold and all that expensive stuff LOL) But the kids got three of their favorite things. (We hope)

Taylor wanted an mp3 player, stuff from Claire's and a new jacket.

Calvin wanted also an mp3 player, video games( imagine that), and a new jacket.

Tayton wanted Webkins, video games, and a hand held Leapster.

Daxton wants anything you can throw, So of course Santa brought the softest balls you could imagine and a dance machine.

Aeden got a piano that just basically makes lots of noise, YEAH MOM!!!!!!!!!!!

And then we also started another fun tradition that on XMAS EVE they get too open one gift and it will be their XMAS PJ's. It was fun to watch their faces and see that they got cool new jammies. My kids don't have a huge selection of PJ's so they were so excited too see cool Xmas ones.

Well hope everyone had a wonderful Xmas and will always remember the true meaning of the holidays. Love you all and Merry Christmas.

Gingerbread fun

These are just a fun night of trying to make Gingerbread houses. Well, The little ones held just made out of gram crackers but the kits that we bought didn't hold. But Taylor and Lillie had fun playing with the goodies.

Well, Another year has come and gone. It has been a tradition with my mom and skip to have a family Xmas party every year. And it started out that Santa would come and give each grandchild their very own ornament. (Which is now taking over our tree, so far we have 31 ornaments, thanks we love it, Builds memories) But a few years ago the older grand kids figured out that Santa was really Grandpa Skip. So it ruined it for everyone. So with the crazy Great mind that Skip has he now dresses up every year as a close relative of Santa's. And this year he was the Oriental relative Fortune Cookie Claus. It is always a fun time waiting for this Saturday night wondering what Skip will dress up as and what roll he will be playing. He is awesome he really should go and perform for people he embarrasses his boys but we all love to see how he will perform for the grand kids. Yea the little ones as you can tell (Daxton) hasn't figured out that it is only Grandpa but maybe next year. And thanks to Mom and Skip for the great Family Tradition that you have started for our family and we do love and look forward to it every year. Love you both.

Welcome Fortune Cookie Claus

Mr. and Mrs. Fortune cookie Claus and

their grand kids

Aeden

Daxton

Tayton

Calvin

Taylor

Well we have had a moment when we let Calvin have his own way in life. And that came to a end recently. I know that Since I am such a controlling mom at home. I was trying to give them their freedom to express themselves. And threw his hair is how he was doing it. I love you buddy and know you think it looked cool but you are much more handsome with shorter hair.

These are pictures of the kids practicing their instruments for their Xmas performance. Just getting out of shower and getting in a short practice before bed and since I had camera out they wanted me to take a few of them. They LLLLLOOOOOVVVVEEEE that camera.

Sad puppy dog face!!!!!!!!

Vinyl Lettering

WOW, Well to make a long story short I am still selling vinyl. I got a phone call yesterday and I am still in business. So for those of you that do need it in time for Christmas PLEASE let me know ASAP and I can get your order taken down and emailed and then you can get it in time for Christmas.

Work and the glory

I am so excited I have officially read two books in my adult life. Man I am so proud of my self. I can't believe that I have read that much and I have found the book series that I love and get totally into. And I am learning church history while I am at it. For those who want to learn the life of Joseph Smith, this series is the best way to do it. I have a hard time understanding the scriptures but this author broke it down for even me to understand. Sweet!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you...

Reading obsession

Holly cow when I cot home from work last night I of course couldn't sleep. It was after 10:30 pm when I got in the door and all the kids didn't need tending too and the house was perfectly clean (thank you Devin you are my favorite husband). Then since we live in tight quarters I didn't want to do anything that would bother or wake up anyone. I decided to go in my room and read my book. Well, I was on page 390 and now I am on 478. My eyes started to get heavy so I decided to call it a night. Well, I hadn't realized what page I was on until that moment. And needless to say I was almost done with the book there is only 506 pages in the second book. I was so into the book it kept getting good and then I just couldn't think of anything but the book. It was actually quiet and I could think of what I was reading and nothing else. (didn't have to go back and read the page over and over again due to kids or husband interrupting me.) Well, when I put the book away and turned off my light I reached to set my alarm and realized that it was already ONE AM. And yes I am feeling it this morning. But since Daxton doesn't have school my nap won't be until later.

First Day on the Job

Well last night was my first day of real work in over 3 years. I really enjoyed the change in daily life. Plus the benefits are awesome. I am stocking the store and straightening clothes, plus helping the happy customers.

Well, while on my first night of work. We were setting up the new pricing for the holiday sales and WOW, they are having a nice big sale today as well as added sale stuff on Friday. So for those of you that want a great deal on clothing here is your chance.

Family Home evening

We decided to go to the Temple before the crowds hit and check out the lights and pick up a movie. Okay, I have to admit because I was born and raised in AZ. I haven't been to the visitor center in a few years. Sad yes I know. When we go to see the lights we usually are so frustrated with kids or know that they won't sit still and be quiet long enough to walk threw, So we leave. Well, didn't know they had remodeled it and split up the big room into three little different rooms. I love the new look very nice. And I love to look at the old pictures of what mesa looked like when they built the Temple. Wow, dirt roads, and black and white pictures. Well more like brown. LOL It's AZ remember just dirt everywhere.

The kids really enjoyed the last room where they were able to touch the screen and watch the short videos. Daxton had a blast touching it over and over and over and over. There was a little girl that was getting frustrated with him. So she gave him the look and yep he got that look so he stepped back and let her take over. It was very cute.

The kids loved telling people that their grandpa Harris is the one who made the Deer and Camels and wise man on display on the temple grounds. Years ago he made over five different sets of deer. And since they are no longer putting them on display they gave them back to him and we were honored with a set two years ago so we now have really big deer in our yard. They are very special too us. Thanks Frank.

I always love to play photographer so I asked Taylor to sit down in front of a this beautiful tree full of lights but since I don't have the proper camera it didn't turn out the way I would have loved but, I got a very beautiful picture of her anyways. She is very photogenic. She will pose anywhere and smile so perfectly. I love her so much, I am realizing to much over the past few weeks that she isn't so little anymore turning into a perfect young woman. I am so sad and excited at the same time. BOYS STAY CLEAR OR ELSE HER SYCO MOTHER WILL UNLEASH.

I love the last picture of my kids standing in front of Jesus. They all were in aw at how large the statue was and even Little Daxton looked up and said Jesus. I just wanted to cry he is talking so much and surprising us on every turn.

My savings

Well, once again I sat down and made up a short grocery list and devin and I headed up to Fry's I really didn't have a lot too get since last week I got a ton of groceries and saved so much money. But since they were having another great sale week we went. I got more coupons from my in laws (thank you so much). But I decided it is easier to tell your kids no than your Husband who makes all the bacon. So we spent a lot more than I had planned but that's okay he works his butt off for his five kids and spoiled wife.

I spent $54.30 and saved $52.73 (49% savings) If I have of said NO to Devin my savings would have been alot more. But owell we did really good and I was excited. For those of you who are saying how check out the two links that I follow Penny's saved and the Bargain mom's that is how I do it. And Devin used to make fun of me for all the preparation and the stress but now he knows and see's why. With a big family and not a lot of money we are usually struggling to have a ton of food in the house and well now we are spending the same amount every month but have double sometimes triple the amount of food. YEAH makes me feel so great. One way I can help out my family.

New or Gently used Jackets

I am need of a lot of help. Our Jr. Girl Scout troop is collecting new or gently used jackets for boys or girls. We need to try and do three community service projects in one year. And well our girls went door to door collecting canned goods so we are one down. Just an FYI, in that one night we collected enough food to feed my family for two weeks. That is a family of 7. I thought that was really good for just one night.

Anyways, If you would be able to donate anything, Please get in touch with me and I would love to come and pick them up from you. We need all the help we can get. Thanks so much.

Work and the glory

Okay I just have to talk. I am so ecstatic. Like I said in an earlier post, I have never as an adult read a book, (well big book). Well about two weeks ago I finally finished the Work and the Glory I. I was so excited. I ran over the next day and go the Second one from my mom and I am already on page 211 out of 506. Let me tell you for those of you who read fast, I am not one of those I read slow. I feel that as I have been reading more I am getting faster.

I just want my kids to know that yes if MOMMY can do it you can too. Keep reading even as an adult it makes me feel so good to know that I still know how. LOL Since I am just a mom I haven't had much education over the past 12 years. So I feel like this is helping me.

New Updated

Ok, I am going to just update really FAST. LOL



In the past week a few things have happened and I hope and pray that until Christmas it calms down PLEASE.



First we had Daxton's Birthday, So we took him to McDonald's for lunch and my two sisters and their boys came with us. He wanted to show off his Crown that his teachers gave to him.

Then Taylor came home with a Principals Award. I am so proud of her she has been struggling this past few years in school. And for her to come home with this, It really made her feel AWESOME. Good Job Taylor.

Then We Finally had the two boys combined Party. It was a great turnout. First time ever we had more friends than family. Tayton had a blast playing with all the kids from his class. Since I was entertaining the kids I didn't get a chance to take any pictures of them blowing out the candles. Thanks to everyone that came and celebrated this day with our family.

My Savings at Fry's

Ok I am not going to take a picture of everything that I bought because I filled up the entire back of my suburban and then part of the floorboard in the middle section. So needless to say I would be here all night downloading pictures. But I do want to thank Connie for allowing me the honor of learning how to clip and print and transfer coupons. I wasn't new to that part but It really helped me out a ton with her new blog. And for those of you that don't know about it check it out and you will love it as much as I have. http://PENNIESSAVED.blogspot.com/

I spent in first transaction: $25.17 but saved $83.71 ( yea proud of that one)

MFG CPN-22.80
Bonus CPN-6.15
VIP Card- 54.76
Total- 83.71

2nd Transaction: $122.81 and saved $73.33( that one too YIPPIE SKIPPY)

MFG CPN- 12.30
Bonus CPN- .70
VIP card- 60.33

3rd Transaction: $10.46 and saved $8.75

MFG CPN- .80
Bonus CPN- 1.10
VIP card- 6.85


So a grand total Savings of $165.79 Not good at math so can't figure out the percent but I am gonna say it is really good. I didn't have very much food in my cabinets so I did get a ton of stuff that wasn't on sale or with a coupon. But I am so thrilled I have an extra freezer in the laundry room and it is half full.

Fry's has their butt roast on sale buy one get one free. so check that out. I basically got two roasts for a family of 7 for $4.00 a piece. I got 8 boxes of cereal either free or $1.00 a piece and they were general mills brand my kids were so excited because we got their favorites and not the generic or the WIC brands LOL. There was a ton that I just can't list if you wanna call me or email me I can list them for you. But, check out the Fry's ad and Connie's blog and you will be so happy you did.

Happy Birthday

Well I just wanted to tell my Best Friend in the whole world, Happy 31st Birthday Jenice (Berry) Smith. We have grown apart over the last few years but I still do love her and Wish her the best Birthday ever. I just can't believe we are getting so old. Man I guess the saying is true, Life fly's by when your haven fun. LOL

Voting

WOW Another four years came and gone. I can't believe how fast my life is just flying by. Well, I waited for Devin to get off work this time and we went together. It was so different than four years ago. There wasn't a line. Not one person in front of us, crazy yeah. I will next time do the mail in ballot so I don't have to drive my lazy butt down to the place. LOL. Anyways I hope that everyone checked up on the Candidates and voted for them for the right reasons and not racial nor religion. This is our country and we want it ran by someone who will guide us to a better future for our children.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAXTON #3

I can't believe that it has already been another year. My kids are getting so big, well not really just older LOL.

Daxton has been our happy little boy. When he was born he has swallowed the fluid during his birth and was kept in the nursery for the first 6 hours. Mom was a complete wreck. I wasn't able to hold or even touch him. Thank goodness he finally got it all up and turned out too be a healthy little boy. Then, when he was getting older and was such a quiet baby Mom and Dad kept thinking yea we finally got a quiet baby, but little did we know that he really had speech delay. When he was about 18 months old he wasn't even chattering like a six month old baby should do. Then when he hit two they had a speech therapist coming to our home once a week for about 6 months and then when he hit 2 1/2 he finally reached the 6 month age bracket for speech. Yeah. The milestones that don't seem much too normal kids are huge for him. Now he is in a special Ed preschool for his speech and he is doing amazing and they aren't sure how much longer that he will be allowed to stay there because if he starts talking in two and three word sentences he will be over qualified for that program. So we are really excited for his major improvement in such a small time.

Daxton has always been a special boy. At a very young age he was unloading the dishwasher, washer and the dryer. He has always had a fascination for garbage. He loves to help people and has OCD (like his mother) and has to always throw away his trash. Very clean boy(except for his face) A little story when he was about 2 we were at church and we pulled out a wipe to clean him after eating snack during sacrament, He kept freaking out that he had to find the garbage and throw it away. So, thinking that it was right at the end of our row I okayed him to go, well I finally realized after hearing him calling out "garbage, garbage, garbage" over and over walking around the chapel seeking for a garbage. Remember it was supposed to be quiet. But he was so proud of himself for finding the garbage and throwing it away. What a handsome boy. He always has the biggest cheese face on him. Now that he is learning to talk he is so proud of himself. When he is trying to get your attention he will call your name until he can see you, Then when he see's you he says "I was calling you". Well the best that he can say it. It is the cutes thing ever.

Well I hope that you have a special day today little man, Mom and Dad love you alot.

Anniversary Date

Us waiting for our Table

I asked our massage lady to take a picture of us and well this is what we got. Oh well it was a great hour.

Us at Olive Garden enjoying our piece and quiet.

Devin after his nice massage. Go "Massage Envy"

Here is our Actual Date,

First we headed off to get a couples massage, at Massage Envy. If you ever need a great massage but don't wanna pay an arm and a leg this is the best place, plus they have two tables in the same room for couples. Let me tell you we really didn't interact with this but it was still so nice to get a have an hour of rest and relaxation. Devin's back has been bothering him so he enjoyed it much more than I did. But well it was ssooooooooooo enjoyable. Then we headed to Olive Garden to have a nice quiet dinner. Other than our old not so friendly waitress it was a nice and quiet dinner. Then since our night was still young we headed to Wonderful Wonderland Walmart to look for Christmas present ideas for the kids.

I just want Devin to know that I have enjoyed the long run that we have had and I am so excited for the next many years together. I can't wait too hit our 50 year anniversary. Many people thought because we were so young and in a bad situation that we wouldn't last but look at us. I love you and glad that you had enough nerve too tell me how you feel and started this wonderful journey.

Our 12 Year Anniversary

Our First Prom Date May 1995

(a little blurry, had to take pictures with my camera of these Pictures)

Our Wedding Picture

Our Second Prom Date

Our Very First Date March 1995

Sadie's What a night will never forget

Here are some more updated pictures of us now.

WOW, I can't believe it has already been TWELVE YEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!! And none of it has been boring.

For those of you that really don't know our history I will give you the short story. LOL!

Devin and Fawn both born and raised here in Mesa, AZ. Devin is one year and two weeks older than Fawn. We have known each other since we were little kids. We both attended the same church. Then when I was 11 my mom got remarried and moved next door to Devin. My step brother and Devin were good friends and of course I tagged along. But no sparks were happening yet, Until About October of 94' when we started hanging out with the same large group of friends. He saw me date two other guys in the group(short term of course) then I finally realized who I was supposed to be with. In March of 95' we went on our first date. Then on November 1996 we were married in Mesa. And been happily married ever since.

Couple funny stories. Devin was the priest president (in church) and I was the Laurel President so we would go to meetings together and before I got my license we would get rides together from other adult leaders and they would drop us off at the same house and the other one would walk home. But, little did we know they thought we were brother and sister. (Knowing that my mom had remarried but didn't put two and two together that it wasn't too his dad) Well, after getting our wedding invitation they finally figured it out. Lets just say they were really confused when they saw us kissing before the wedding. HAHAHAHAHA Fun game too play on people.

Devin and I worked together for three years. First job at Taco Bell, Second job good old BIG SURF, and third at a art framing shop for a couple of years well until Taylor had arrived. It was so much fun it was our way too make sure we saw plenty of each other. LOL,

We are so mean

Devin's dad brought our kids a toy. You throw it on the floor and it splats and then it goes back into it's shape. Well Aeden didn't think they were too cool. But as mean as we are we sure thought it was funny to watch him squirm away.

Happy Halloween 2008

we went too mine and Devin's parents ward trunk or treat. They had a dinner, games and candy. They kids really enjoyed themselves. It felt like a reunion, about 6 or 7 families that we grew up with in our old ward came back just like us and celebrated Halloween with their parents. So we were able to mingle and catch up on old times and compare kids.

Grandma Harris and Aeden

Taylor as her scary self

All five kids with their Proud Grandpa and Grandma Harris

Taylor and her Friend from school

Daxton is so proud of his loot of candy