Calvin's Conservation Project

Well, I am so glad it is over but yet so mad that we waiting till the last week to get it accomplished. Calvin has a big project for Scouts that he has to do once a year. And so far he has been able to do them the last/first two years. I want him to accomplish them they are great things for the boys to do. They aren't' required but are great learning tools for the boys. Plus great for the environment.

So, Saturday morning we woke up early and went over to a empty field next too Red Mountain Park, and got too work cleaning it up. I never realized how many people take their pets and walk that empty dessert. But people also dump their trash there too so it wasn't' too bad but definitely needed cleaned up.

Taylor had a friend stay the night, so she got the honor of helping us. I told her she could just come for the ride but she jumped right in with the rest of us and was a great help.

So between Taylor, Taylor's friend, Calvin, Tayton, Aeden and Mom we got a lot cleaned up.

Devin hadn't slept too well that night so I let him and Daxton sleep in. But about an hour into it I got a phone call, "Why didn't you wake me up." I really didn't think he would care that he missed it but guess he was. What a great guy I have. Not many men would be upset too miss picking up trash in the desert. But I think it was more just too spend family time together. Not the trash part LOL.

Phoenix Zoo With Babies

Well, Since I am not a fan of the Phoenix Zoo and it costs our family almost $100 to get in. We don't go to the Zoo very often, But thanks to my in laws. We had free passes so we thought we would take the two babies and have a fun free filled day. The pictures are out of order but didn't feel like messing with computer so here you go.

The kids were hot after the four hour walking, So we let them play in the fun water park. Man where was this stuff when we were kids. Daxton had a blast took him a little bit too get used to but after a little help from mom. He was no where to be seen. But Aeden wasn't too happy with the cold water and all the kids splashing him. So he just walked around on the warm squishy ground. Dax found a fun slide and kept peaking his head out of it. Perfect spot for a Kodak moment.

Dad took Daxton into the petting zoo and let him groom the goats. Some were OK with him touching him and then there were others that butted him for getting near them. He wasn't too thrilled with those goats. Neither was Mom kinda scared me too Daxton.

Devin was so excited for the Ray exhibit. Since we hadn't gone to the zoo in many years, this was the first time we saw the exhibit. Was really cool to feel the ray's the boys weren't having anything to do with them. But, since we are mean parents we had them touch them once. And of course they still didn't want them anywhere around. LOL But Devin feed them and he even got a little nervous. And I wish I had been videoing when he jerked. It doesn't happen often that he gets nervous about animals, now Mom on the other hand it happens often. Guess it was kinda my fault that he jumped but owell really funny.

Aeden wasn't too thrilled with the goat so I had to help him pet it. Man when he doesn't want too do something he tightens up his arms and they don't stretch very easily. Imagine that right.

I wanted a pose with the elephant but so did both boys. Not a very good spot but was a lot of fun.

This animal reminds me of Daxton so that is why I took the picture. He loves to store things in his mouth. Except Dax seems to gag LOL plus they are both chunky. Love the baby fat and he seemed to hang onto it a lot longer than the other kids.

This is the two boys posing for the camera Aeden didn't want to stay still so this is the best we could do. But still turned out very cute. Daxton kept telling Aeden CHEESE just smile and we are done. Man he is told that way too much. LOL

The boys checking out the exhibits.

They were so cute next too this frog they both kept touching it like it was going to come alive and jump on them.

Daxton kept asking questions about the rattlesnake, Of course mom kept sending him to dad that is his area. I know about the deer and that is all. LOL. Of course dad was so excited to answer any questions Daxton spit out. But after about FOUR HOURS of it We were both done. We were so excited when he started talking now we need a muzzle.

Blue and gold Banquet

Well, As most of you know, I am the Leader of Taylor's Jr. Girl Scout Troop in Florence, AZ. Yea we stayed out there for our troop. I love what I do it is so fun to see the joy in those girls, when we do something rewarding and fun. Well, As most of you don't know I was also called to the Wolf Den mom with our ward. So, Last weekend was my first Pack Meeting being the Den Mom. I was scared out of my mind. I had only been in the calling for about two weeks prior and didn't even have a clue what I was doing. The only experience I have with cub scouts is with what Calvin has done in the past two years. And I have loved every minute of him being in scouts. He has accomplished so much in such little time. Many service projects and lots of fun family activities.

Well this Pack meeting was a extra special one. It was the Birthday of Scouts. Our Blue and Gold Banquet. And the Wolf's were in charge of doing the flag ceremony. Yikes. I am so grateful too the other leaders for stepping up and basically telling me what too do. LOL. I felt like the boys knew what too do and they were also assisting me. THE LEADER LOL. Everything went sooo smoothly. Thank goodness our pack has such amazing and very dedicated leaders. Our boys are so blessed.

We had fun having races with the bike thingies. I don't know what they were called but let me tell you as you can see even the moms and leaders were getting competitive. And with the help of the boys we all finished the fun race. Then we had a guy in our ward who is a mechanic for a race team. Brought his Ferrari. Well the car that he works on. The owner was there also, and let me tell you how nervous they were about having all those little kids around the car. Very expensive. But, I don't blame them one bit. We also had great food, fun, and awards.

Since Calvin finished his Bear award 6 months after he turned 9 he has been working on the little things. But, Lately for FHE we have been trying to help him get his Conservation Award and hopefully he will have earned it before he turns 10 in two weeks. But he got a total of 5 arrow points and two belt loops. I am so proud of him for all his hard work. I really hope that he understands what he is doing is amazing for a 9 year old boy.

Items for Sale

Hello everyone,

Well, Since we are income less we need to sell a few items. First is our Travel Trailer. We are asking $3800.00. 1999 Prowler 721C travel trailer. Roof air, furnace, microwave, refrigerator, AMFM CD player, fresh water/gray water/black water holding tanks with gauge, completely self-contained, awning, battery/tires in excellent condition, tub/shower, sleeps 7+, great condition. One owner/non-smokers. We have a title for it.

And 2nd we are trying to sell MY quad. Hardly ever been riden. We owe 3500.00. It is a 2005 honda 450 R. and a set of paddle tires included. Only been used twice. Nothing wrong with it. Nothing been added basically all stock.

Any takers call me or email or leave a message on this blog. Thanks

It's Official

Well, Friday was the official day that Devin was laid off. It has been quite a journey. But I know that it has actually strengthened our marriage. I guess we are becoming prose as this game we call Employment. LOL.

Devin's company as of Tuesday will be filing Bankruptcy so he will no longer be an employee. It stinks for his boss he had come so far in the business then when the contractors don't pay him and then they go bankrupt the company still has to pay the supply house and well basically they are majorly negative in their accounts. So its a trickle effect.

We are thinking it is a blessing in disguise. Devin took the plunge about 9 months ago and went back to school. Since he was working full time and scouts and family he was only able to go part time. But now we are going to just have him go full time and get it over with faster. That way he can start doing what he has always wanted to do and have a happier work life.

Well, that was my statues update. Always fun to vent and tell the computer our problems. LOL. Thanks for listening.

Nash Merrill

Well we are so excited to report that Kasandra was induced Friday night about 8 pm. First she had to do a bunch of tests. And then they finally gave her the drugs to get it all going. Then about 4 am she finally had him. Nash looks very healthy on the outside. But on the inside he is a sick little blessing boy. We all still need to keep him in our prayers. He was 6 pounds and 19 inches. Cute short hair Blondish. I am on my way down there too visit. The doctors will be doing a bunch of tests on him over the next few days. But we are excited that that both mom and baby are doing great. Han said that she is feeling great for just having a baby. Well I will keep you updated as soon as more information comes. Thanks everyone for their prayers.

Making Money

OK, I finally did it. I finally put an ad on my blog for google. I guess for every time that someone clicks on the link. I get paid. So tell your friends and family too go onto my blog and click on the link. I will let you know if I get a check in the mail. I am supposed to get like $1,000 a month just for having this advertisement. So If it works I will definitely be spreading the word too everyone. Hopefully it will work then I will be able too help out the family more often. I have been looking for different ways to earn money from home. Hopefully I found my calling. Wish me luck.

Usery Pass

What an amazing view, We take God's creations for granted. Even though I hate the desert this was a beautiful day and amazing view.
I just had to stop and take it all in. We definitely know the kids didn't take it in they just kept going and going and going. "Energizer Kiddos"


The Devin Harris Family, on our adventurous hike. Everyone had a great time and wish we could do it more often.

Poor Devin and Aeden had a tumble and this is part of the effects of it. He has about 5 or six spots all over his head where when he tumbled out of Dad's arms and rolled on the rocks. I don't know who felt worse Dad for dropping him or Aeden from the rocks pounding him. Okay whole story now. Devin was walking and tripped and came straight down on his chest. His knee and his right Boobie are all mangled and when Devin came down Aeden fell out of his arm and rolled. i felt horrible for both of them. Devin for days kept coming up and kissing his head all over, you could see it in his eyes how bad he felt. When reality was it wasn't his fault. Things happen just stinks when you do it too your children. We are here to protect them and when we inflict pain on them, its hurts so bad inside.

Right before the accident everyone was having a great time, except Daxton he didn't want too stop and smile just run run run.

Kids and Grandpa trying to find where we parked our car.

Calvin and Tayton on our way up the trail. Calvin is the "Water Boy"

Water Boy giving Daxton a drink. AGAIN, He is water machine. Think he just liked the way the water came out. LOL

Our Princess helping us out the whole way with the babies. Think she forgets that she can be a kid and not always help with the babies. She will be an amazing Mother one day. Later than sooner LOL.

Dad anxious to get started on the hike. Today was a long overdue day trip for hiking. Thanks Grandma Harris for inviting us. It was a great day and will plan another one soon. Anyone up for it????

Dear Obama

Okay, I just got this letter a few days ago. Calvin had to write a letter to the new president for a school assignment. When he came to Devin and I and was complaining saying he didn't know what too write. We kinda blew him off. gave him some little examples. I fell bad now but well he did such an amazing job and it brought tears too my eyes.

Since the picture didn't come out very clearly I will write it out so you can totally see what he wrote.

Dear Obama,

Hi how does it feel to be President? I'm Calvin and I was wondering if you could help me. My dad will lose his job and my grandpa lost his Job. can you help me? Well, not me but my dad.

Sincerely Calvin

Okay, for a fourth grader I would have many questions for the president. But this little boy wa thinking of other people not himself. I am so proud of him and glad that he is thinking of his family.

Beavis and Butt head

Ok I have honestly never watched that show but my hubby got the kids to do this and they all wanted to do it. It started out with Aeden then the rest fallowed suit. The older ones sat around laughing. And Taylor pulled out her handy Cell phone, can't leave her side or else she might die. LOL. So if you happen to have watched the tv show back in the 90's HAHAHA funny to say that usually the 80's. You will get the joke. But even if you havn't it is still funny too watch our boys act silly.

Kasandra And Baby Nash Update

Dear Friends and Family:



First of all we want to thank everyone that has been praying and fasting for Kasandra, Nash, and our family. We know that the sacrifices will be accepted and the prayers will be answered. We have felt so much love and support over the last couple weeks and we can’t even describe how it has helped relieve the burdens we have felt in many different ways.



We met with the pediatric cardiologist today and received some answers that we wanted to pass along. Obviously we won’t know anything for sure until the baby is born, but they believe that the tumors in the baby’s heart are called cardiac rhabdomyomas which are non-cancerous tumors. He has six of them, but typically they will eventually shrink and disappear on their own. Two of the tumors are a little worrisome based on their location, so he will receive an echocardiogram in the hospital along with and MRI to check for tumors in his brain and other areas. As long as the tumors shrink before they get too big to cause a problem then he won’t need surgery. At this point they expect to monitor him in the hospital for 5-7 days, but beyond that we should be able to take home a healthy baby. Very good news!!



There is an underlying condition called Tuberous Sclerosis Complex that typically causes the rhabdomyomas. If Nash has this condition it can cause a very wide range of issues or it could cause nothing more than the original tumors. On a very positive note, we believe through this that we finally have answers we have been looking for regarding our 12 year old daughter, Jensynn. Jensynn was diagnosed about 6 years ago with epilepsy and specifically Benign Rolandic Seizure Disorder and she has a severe learning disability. The doctors said that typically that disorder and learning disability do not go together so there are still a lot of questions regarding her diagnosis and how to treat her. A couple of the symptoms of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex are seizures and intellectual disabilities and a few other things which fit Jensynn’s situation perfectly. At the beginning of March Jensynn will see her neurologist and begin the testing to see if she indeed does have TSC. We can then take all the necessary steps to help her in any way possible.



While we are concerned with Nash and his future we are relieved to hopefully be finding some answers for Jensynn about which we have been looking and praying for a long time. We have turned our faith and prayers to the direction that Nash will not be burdened by the symptoms of TSC and that we can make progress in helping Jensynn achieve her full potential with this new information.



Again, thank you for all that has been done for and in behalf of our family. We know that we have been blessed in numerous ways as a result of these efforts. This has been a lesson for us that our prayers are answered, but not always in the time or circumstances we want or expect.


This was a letter Scott, my brother in law wrote and I thought it was a perfect way too let everyone know how the family is doing.

Stress

Well, I need to vent for a minute hope you don't mind. I HATE THIS STUPID ECONOMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Okay I am good. Thanks.

Well, 3 years in a row. Devin has lost his job. Every company has run out of money, Due to the fact that they havn't been paid by the contractors. So once again, it has happened. So, anyone have any ideas of any Plumbing company that may be hiring. Please let us know. Thanks

My Wonderful Sister

Well, as some of you have already heard. My sister Kasandra, AKA Han. Is Prego with her 7th baby, It is a boy Nash Merrill. So that makes two girls and the rest boys. She is amazing. I could never handle that many nor fathom feeding them all LOL. But, She has been on an amazing scary roller coaster. That she is ready to get off, VERY SOON.

It started about 6 weeks ago she found out that she is a Gestational Diabetic. (Hope I spelled it right) So she was having to go on a special diet, do stress tests once a week, and an ultra sound once a week to make sure the baby is doing ok due to the diabetes. Then almost a week ago at her Dr. apt. She was getting her heart rate checked out and they realized that she was only having 40 beats per minute instead of 80. They told her it is a miracle you are still alive. So they called 911 and rushed her to Banner Desert. Where she sat for 24 hours to be monitored. Then when she came home they made two more trips back to the ER before the weekend was over. Her heart is beating way too fast and not enough all at the same time. So she is now dealing with that. Her OBGYN wasn't really happy with the news of her heart so they had scheduled too induce her to get Nash out early so that she could get better. At any moment in time she could pass out from not enough oxygen. Or she could die, and that isn't good for her or the baby. Then Yesterday at her weekly ultrasound. The dr was searching over the Nash's Heart and found 3 tumors. Yeah isn't that sad. Like she hasn't been dealing with enough now too add to the stress. We all thought that the baby was doing great. So now they are not going to induce Han, they are going to keep the baby in her too help him grow and develop. But they are definitely watching her every day.

She now has a team of 14 Dr's to watch over her and baby Nash. She is basically not able to do anything strenuous. And with a family of 8 that is really hard for her. Han is very independent and she is the one who runs the house. Scott provides for the family outside of the home. And he is definitely a pro at that. But now he is also being mr mom. Different for him. But Han said that he has been amazing.

So today I went over to her home and spent the day with her and Cooper(their 3 yr old) She was in good spirits but you can tell that she is very emotional. (Can you blame her) and she is ready to get off this roller coaster. I know that I am sitting on the side lines watching and cheering for the my sister and Baby Nash. I am so scared and when I think, pray or talk about it I get emotional. It is very hard to even talk about it with Han because I am trying to be the brave one for her and I am not very brave.

I just hope and pray that everything works out the way that it was supposed too. I love my sister with all my heart and it is breaking right now to see her in so much pain. I know that we are given these trials in our life to make us stronger but I am pretty sure I don't want any of these major ones in my life. Not sure I could be as strong as the people in my life.

So for those that would like too we are having a family fast this Sunday. For those that want too join us we would love the support.

Potty Training update

Well, I am proud to update that on Jan 8 we had just started introducing Daxton into the adult world of Toilets. And for many weeks he wouldn't tell us when he had to go, but now he is telling us when he needs to go and Not very often does he have an accident. We only had one in the past week outside of the home. Which is amazing seeing how Mom is always on the move. Plus he goes to school three days a week for 3 hours a day and not one accident.

He is now just heading into the bathroom all by himself, Even in the dark. We are so excited and proud of him. He has always been slow at talking and expressing his feelings and his needs. I am so glad that I didn't quit. Many times I had the devil (Dad) telling me to quit that he wasn't ready and look who proved him wrong. I love being right. Because usually he is right. Much smarter man that I will ever be. LOL. Love you babe.

Calvin's Pine Wood Derby

Well the 3rd Annual Calvin Harris Pinewood Derby.

This is always a fun time for the Harris family to get together and make these fun cars. Well this year Calvin and Grandpa Skip cut it out. Calvin said he wanted a truck. So in the process they made it a tow truck. And when Mom saw it she joked that it was Tow-Mator. So that's how Mator evolved. LOL. Calvin had more help in this this year. Dad made him sand it and well since it wasn't smooth enough mom jumped in and sanded away. But, once again dad didn't think it was smooth enough. So we told him too finish his masterpiece. And well dad did do an amazing job as always.

Well, Calvin didn't win but that's ok he had a blast hangin out with all the boys in our ward and watching his Mator, go down the ramp and get first or second the whole time. We even had a cheering squad. Poor Calvin turned red a few times when we he would do good and we (well Mom) would scream. LOL.

I am just really proud of Calvin for realizing that this is a fun thing to do and have fun with his family and friends and of course it is always fun to get first but the other places are great also.