Potty training

I just have to say three words, OH MY HE--!!!!!!!!!!!!

For you moms that are doing this at 18 months. You are either crazy or super moms. I am so beyond frustrated. I usually wait until they are ready. Let me tell you. I was alot younger when Taylor was two and listened to all the moms then that said you have to have your child potty trained by two years old. So I cussed screamed fought and did all the fun treats and nothing worked. It took her so long to get it. (she wasn't ready I know that now) So I knew that she didn't deserve that and I didn't need to push it on her. She eventually got it. And after months and months of pull ups it was so over YEAH. When it was time to potty train Calvin I said no way, I will wait until he is ready. And we talked about it and tried a few times. But since he was scared of everything, we patiently waited. And one day after he was 3, he told me mommy I need to go poop. I just about freaked and flew out of my skin. SO excited and two days later he was completely potty trained and very few accidents, With no pull ups. Then, Tayton, once again was 3 and one day was potty trained no pullups and very few accidents.

I knew that waiting and being patient was the key. Well, Boy number 4 isn't so ready. Since Daxton has a few areas that he is slower in, we knew that he wouldn't be ready as the boys were right after turning 3, Well, Daxton will go in the toilet and he is wanting to wear the older two boys underwear. So, I decided two days ago to start letting him wear the underwear around the house. He has had a few accidents. But for the most part I have been on top of everything and he is going in the toilet. He doesn't tell me that he needs to go but he at least (hopefully) is getting the repetition of going in the toilet and will hopefully soon get the consept and start doing it all on his own.

Well, the frustrating part. I talked to his preschool teacher before the break and she said that when we are ready to potty train him they will also help him and do it at school. So today I took him into school and gave them the run down and said that he has a protective underwear on. ( I found them at Walmart) They feel just like underwear and the boys alway thought they were underwear. But when you do in them they don't leak everywhere like underwear does. But you still have to wash them not throw them away. So they would still have to take him and at least try and go potty. Well, his assistant teacher just seemed anoyed that I would do that too them. And like she didn't want to help me out. I am not asking her to potty train him. But he can't miss two weeks of school and I need to get it in his head that humans go on the toilet. HAHAHA.

Well, everyone cross their fingers and pray for him so that he will get the consept and be that big boy he is so badly wanting too be. They crap that us MOMS have to deal with.

Taylor, AZ

Well, We finally got away. Thanks to Devin's parents. We were able to get away to their summer home. Since it has been almost a year since we were able to go up and enjoy some time to relax up there. We were expecting a snowy time but none, Until the day we were leaving.

It was so nice to get away, but since mom has ADHD and can't sit still for that long it got a little to relaxing. Yeah I know how sad. I think I took a nap everyday that we were up there. We got up there Tuesday night and left Sunday afternoon. It was so nice and quiet, kids went outside 98% of the time. Playing with other cousins and neighbor dogs. Finally after the 4Th day up there mom dragged dad out of the house. We went on our journey too Showlow Yeah hew!!!!!!!!! There wasn't much snow there either but we did find enough to play in at their local baseball park. So basically that is what these pictures are of. My camera was on the Fritz so didn't get any more pictures. SO sad.

Sunday morning we got up to Tayton running in our room "Mom it is snowing", (Mom) "No, it isn't!" (Tayton) Yeah it is and our car is covered in it." So of course I thought well maybe it had snowed over night. And sure enough it had. Out of all the days the day we are leaving. It had about an inch on the ground. So Devin pulled our burb under the covered porch so hopefully the window could stop getting more snow on it. Our windshield wipers are just about dead but since we really never need them we haven't replaced them. Well guess what we need them and really bad. And since the snow was coming down more and more we were scared that we wouldn't be able to make it home so that Devin could get to work on Monday. So we let the kids play while Devin and I packed up the burb and cleaned the house and winter proofed. Let me tell you as much as my kids love the snow they hate too be cold. When we called them in they were all crying except Taylor. MY HANDS HURT<>

Well, all in all we had a safe, fun and relaxing cheap vacation.

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.