If you need to smile today.....

My nephew cannon has got to be the cutest thing ever! He has started waving and the other day after his nap he just couldn't stop the waving. His eyes were barely open and he was waving at me and Becca pretty much non stop. So cute! I sure do love that chubby baby!

No Longer....

..... A Single Lady!!!!

What really matters....

Last week was a sad week for my family. We lost Mr. B, my uncle. He will be greatly missed and I am so thankful for what his example has meant for my life. I am thankful for the plan of salvation and for the knowledge I have that families are forever. It seriously doesn't get any better than that. Despite the sad circumstances it was fun to have the family all together. It is a rare occasion that we are all together anymore.
All of my Harris cousins, only missing KC who is currently serving a mission
Isn't my Grandpa so cute. I sure do love him :)
My cute sisters and Mom, my favorite ladies to hang with. We always laugh our butts off and I love every minute of it.

No girls allowed....

I finally decided that today would be the prefect day to get my house into some kind of "order". The chair was piled high with laundry so I put all of Ava's stuff into a laundry basket, took it into her room, and asked her to put it away. You would have thought I told her to wash and fold it all on her own too with the reaction I got. I didn't even have words to fight her with so I just walked away hoping that she would have her fit, get over it, and put away the darn clothes! A few minutes later it gets quiet and then I hear her door slam shut. I walk back to see what is going on and notice a sign on her door that says "no girls allowed". Seriously? So funny! A more accurate request might have been no Mom's allowed, but I did give her the space she requested and went about my chores chuckling the whole time. Oh, that girl of mine!
Adam and I had plans to go to a Bee's game tonight. I was unable to find a sitter for Ava so we were going to take her along. But that girl was in a mood all day and when she had a fit about something after dinner I was done and canceled those plans. Adam got to to see the "fun" side of Ava for awhile tonight. It was super great! (Insert sarcastic tone here) So we decided to go for a drive up the mountain and ended up having a really fun time. It was so beautiful!

And for the scoop and this cute boy...... What to say? We met 3ish weeks ago and lets just say things are going good. We have fun together. He's the cupcake and the frosting :) I will definitely keep you all posted with how things are going :)

Yesterday.....

Ava got to hang out at Sharon's while I took Becca to the airport. Sharon is always so great at entertaining Ava and playing with her. I love this! They sent me these pictures while I was at the airport. Ava was very impressed with the "huge" bubbles she was making.



Yesterday was also Ava's last preschool graduation (she has had 3). I took some pictures but they were not turning out at all. My camera did not like the lighting in the room and would not cooperate with me. I can't believe Ava is starting Kindergarten in August. I am excited and terrified for her all at the same time. Her teacher Miss Gail talks a little about each child as she puts there graduation caps on. I couldn't help but chuckle when she commented that Ava had been coming to preschool for 3 years and had been ready for Kindergarten for all 3 of those years. She also said that Ava had made a great assistant the last year because she was such an expert in all covered subject. I have seen Ava grow and improve in her writing skills so much over just the past 6 months. She can now write all her numbers, only struggling with the number 2. She can write all the letters in the alphabet from memory with only small prompts from me. She can also spell a ton of peoples names from memory. I am a proud Mama and so excited to help her along her learning journey. I am also looking forward to having another reader in the house!

I also discovered a new favorite. Chocolate cupcakes with blueberry frosting. Can I say delicious? Seriously so yummy! Becca thought she was pretty funny and took some less than flattering pictures of me while I devoured it...... This was the least ugly one.....

I feel so boring....

I have nothing of any real interest to say, but somehow feel the need to blog? So, this is what's new around here these days.....

We got new neighbors upstairs and down. I have "met" the ones downstairs and haven't even seen the people living upstairs. We made cookies for both last night but only the downstairs people were home and the guy looked at us like we were freaks when we dropped of the cookies, so maybe we won't be best friends? Ava said his hair looks weird and scary.

Ava is taking piano lessons on Mondays which basically means that we fight all through her practicing. It's delightful and reminds me that patience is a virtue that I have yet to fully acquire.

I spent the day at a "career workshop" and I get to do it again tomorrow. Honestly I am in no way looking forward to it. There is this weird couple there today and the guy wouldn't stop touching the girl and it was driving me CRAZY! I wanted to yell across the room "stop yourself!" And I got to do fun stuff like Me in 30 Second statements.... barf. I am trying to be positive, really, I am.

Becca is coming this weekend! So excited to see my Doobie Doo and spend some time in Logan with the rest of the fam too.

I finished my first book of the summer last night! I have a big stack waiting for me and calling my name. LOVE IT!

Sex in the City 2 comes out on Thursday! I am seriously so excited for a girls night out with Anna to see it. It's gonna be good! Like really good cause I love me some Sex in the City.

Ava has only one more week of pre school and I need a job, but don't really want one. Huh, I am so glad to be done with school but wish I was starting another semester in August cause the "real world" just doesn't have very much appeal to me right now. Pray that this changes soon and that I can come to grips with reality sooner than later. Thanks in advance :)

And just for fun, Ava with her fancy eyelashes and a very typical "Ava" expression.....

Today was a good day.....

Today was so much fun! Katie and I spent the day together and it was a BLAST! We went out for sushi, shopped, lost the car, ate cookies and nearly peed our pants a few times from laughing.
I also got to spend the evening with Adam at my very first demolition derby.....

It was pretty fun, and pretty cold! Definitely not end of May weather, but then again I do live in Utah, where summer seems to never get here on time :)

Something I have been LOVING....

While blog surfing a few weeks ago I came across a blog that I fell in love with. I sat at my computer for far to long reading through past entries and was brought to tears by many of the posts. The blog is called Joy For Your Journey and I love it. The post from today really touched me and so click here, maybe you will be inspired as well. Just another reminder that we never know the domino affect one action, conversation, or a simple invitation might have on the lives of others. Enjoy! Reading this blog has definitely brought Joy to my Journey :)

California.....

We spent last week in California with Sharon. We hit Disneyland, the beach, and the Aquarium! It was a ton of fun, but then again I LOVE Disneyland and the beach :) My friend Anna found a place where we got Disney tickets for half price, so I used the $$ my Mom gave me for Christmas, Thanks Mom! (The fact that I didn't spend all of my Christmas cash from both parents until last week is an indication that I am actually being successful in changing my spending habits. Goals are good and actually accomplishing them is even better) We finally got to eat at Ariel's Grotto and it was so much fun! I called that morning and made a reservation and was so glad that I did because that place fills up fast! There were tons of people trying to get a table and we just walked right in. It was a little pricey, but Ava had so much fun having all the princesses come to our table and talk to her and take pictures with her. She also got to learn and do a cute little dance with them. It was way better than standing in line for 2 hours like we did in August just to see 3 princess, so in my opinion, money well spent if it saved me some sanity. Ava also got to see Tink (who is has become really into the last year) Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Pluto, and Donald Duck. There were no lines and not a ton of people there so we hit almost every single ride of relevance. It was a perfect Disney day (especially cause there was only one melt down from Miss Ava)

I didn't take any pictures at the beach, it was kinda cold and windy so we didn't stay for too long. We did eat lunch at Ruby's at the end of the pier and saw some dolphins, so that was fun. We also got a parking ticket, not so fun.

The living aquarium so much more fun than I thought. Ava loved, loved, loved it! They had an exhibit where they dad removed part of shark eggs and covered them with plastic so you could see the baby shark growing in side. They had four different ones all in different stages of development. You could see the shark inside of the egg moving around, very cool. It was my favorite part for sure. I took a few pictures so hopefully you can get an idea, the white blog is the yoke that provides the baby with the nourishment while growing and then when the yoke is gone the baby shark hatches. I also got to touch one of the shark who may have laid some of the eggs we say. They are smaller sharks, and have really rough skin.


We also got to touch some sting rays, star fish and sea anemones. Ava really got into this part and it was hard to pull her away when it was time to go...


I love her face in this last picture...


We also got to feed some birds. Ava wasn't too excited about birds landing on her arms so she fed them while they were sitting on the fence. One did land on her arm and she tried really hard to be all right with it, but in the end her fear won and she screamed and threw her bird food to get it off of her. It was kinda funny (doesn't it make me a mean mom to thinks it's funny?)



I wish I would have taken a picture of all three of us together, but I forgot to take my camera to Disneyland and the battery died while we were at the aquarium. Bummer. It was so nice to get away for a few days. I love going back to California because I really do miss living there, but every time I go back I am so happy that I moved to Utah. I love where I live and would never change it. Thanks Sharon for coming along!

Graduation!

Seriously, one of the best days of my life! It was fun to just be with the people I love the most all day. It was so fun to have everyone there so share such a special day with me. Becca and my Mom came early with me and saved seats for everyone. They picked the best seats, where I could see them the whole time and they could see where I was. It was fun to have Ava waving at me and blowing kisses to me. I was a little stressed about how she would behave during the graduation, but from what everyone said, she was good. We went to Cheesecake after to do my favorite thing, eat! It was fun although we had to wait 2 hours to get a table. That place was a zoo, my Mom even got sat on by some fat lady! Ahahahahaha! Here is the day in pictures.....
In my seat waiting for the graduation to startWalking down the stairs.....

Waiting for my turn.....

Got my fancy diploma holder.....
Shaking more hands.....
WooHoo!!! Typical cheesy smile :)
So Happy!
Dad and Nan. I could not have done this without the support of loving parents :)
Me and my girl! It was so fun to be able to see her and wave to her during the graduation. I hope she always remembers this day cause we got here together.
My sista's! I am so lucky to have sisters that are my best friends. We always have so much fun when we are together and I can't imagine my life without them.
My mama! I seriously have the greatest Mom! She is always standing behind me and has been there to catch me every time I fall. Love you Mom!
Katie and Ryan, two of my biggest supporters. My sister is married to the greatest guy. They have done so much for Ava and I. I am so thankful for them and all they do for my family :)
Sharon and Brad, or the family that adopted me. I love how typical this picture is. Ava and I are so lucky to have Brad and Sharon.
Typical..... Isn't Ava's face just so cute in this one?
Brad took Ava to Build A Bear during out two hour wait for dinner, and she made this cute graduation dog back for me. It has a cute little cap on and little banner that say Class of 2010, Ava also got to write a personal message to me on it. So cute (mostly cause she was so excited to give it to me, Thanks Brad)

The day wouldn't have been complete without any of these people to share it with. I am so thankful for all of them in different ways. Family really is everything! Now on to the next step..... Whatever it may be!

Mother's Day

Ava drew this picture of me for Mother's Day.........
Needless to say we all had a good laugh!

It was so fun to have my Mom here for Mother's Day. How convenient that graduation was the same weekend as such a special holiday. I am so thankful for the many women who guide and direct me on a daily basis. I have truly been blessed in that area. I am surrounded by strong, beautiful, and inspiring women.

Happy Mother's Day!!!

P.S. Graduation pictures coming tomorrow......

You Can Do Anything..........

I finished school on Friday, I am a college graduate. It will really be official on Friday, but can you believe it? I can't. I am a college graduate. Wow! I never thought it would happen. Well, I started to see the light at the end of the tunnel two and half years ago when I made the choice to go back to school. It's funny how life changing choices are made. I was talking to my Dad on the phone one day, and he just randomly says "I think you should go back to school, I will help you do it." I didn't agree right that moment but the suggestion was there in the back of my mind. I would get up and go to work day after day, spending 50+ hours there a week. In some ways I loved my job, and other ways I hated it with a passion. My feet and back ached everyday, I dropped Ava off at 7 and picked her up at 6. I was missing her life. What was the point of working such long hours to be missing the most important and best days of my life? So, I applied, got accepted, filled out more paper work for financial aid, got approved for financial aid, gave notice at my job, and then in January 2008 I started school. It was not as easy as it sounds. I will never forget the way I felt the first few weeks of school and when I got my last pay check. TERRIFIED. I wondered what I was thinking, and I was feeling so much self doubt. But guess what, the peace came. I knew I was making the right choice, for me and for Ava. Now, it is done, and the next chapter of my life is waiting to unfold. Once again, I am TERRIFIED. But more than anything I am happy, excited, and thankful.
When I got pregnant with Ava I didn't really know what to expect from my future. I just thought I would get a job, and make things work. But getting my college education seemed to drop off my radar for awhile. I was blessed to move up the ranks in my job, and make a good living. But it wasn't fulfilling me the way I needed it to after awhile. Going back to school happened for me when the time was right. I have learned more than what my professors have taught me. I have re-learned who I am. Most importantly I have been given a priceless gift. I have been present in Ava's life. No more 11 hour days with someone else. Priceless. Irreplaceable. I have also learned that Anything is possible, with the right attitude, the right support group, with enough hard work and perseverance, YOU CAN DO ANYTHING!

My Parents

I have been feeling such mixed emotions lately. My life is rapidly changing right now, and as always, it is freaking me out. But what I can say is that one of the things that has been on my mind a lot is how grateful I am for my parents. They both love and support me in different ways and I love them so much. They have never given up on me and have always been here for me. I never really understood exactly how much they loved me until I became a Mother and then it all became so much clearer. Funny how life works that way. Life is so much easier when you have two amazing people helping you through the journey.

Soccer!

Ava keeps getting better and better every game! She got four goals today and was pretty excited about it. I was happy that I finally caught one on video. Love the way she turns to us and holds up four fingers to let us know how many goals she had. Tonight was extra special for her cause our home teachers came to watch her game. How awesome is that? I have the best home teachers, we love them :)

For Becca......

You know I luff you when your eyes are bulshing!

Dirty feet.... and more

The weather today was perfect! The best part about nice weather is wearing flip flops, seriously, I love my flips! There is a down side though, the dirtiest feet at the end of the day. Gross! The picture doesn't even do it justice.....



I had to wake up Ava earlier than normal today. She cracks me up every time I have to wake her up cause she will say "just give me 5 more minutes" and then some times when she is extra tired she will change it to "no 10 more minutes" when I agree to the first 5. Is it me, or is she a little young for this kind of negotiating? I guess she learned it from me. I paid her a quarter yesterday to let me sleep for 30 more minutes. She is a total business woman and asked for the money up front!

Miss Ava.....

Last night you fell out of bed. I was sitting on the couch and heard a big thump in the next room. I ran in to find you laying on the floor with wide eyes and silent, giant tears coming out of your eyes. You just looked at me so helplessly. I scooped you up (not easily cause you are almost too big for me to carry) and brought you out to the couch. You fell right back to sleep and I just sat and stared at you. I couldn't believe how big you are. You don't even fit on my lap any more. I watched you sleep and thought about how much I love you. I wish that I could protect you from everything that will ever hurt you. But I can't. I have to let you grow. All I can do is love, teach and try my hardest to prepare you for life. I feel so inadequate.
You have been a trial and joy lately. Your personality is blossoming more everyday. You are hard to handle sometimes and there are so many days I wonder how I am going to survive now and let alone when you are a teenager. You are into writing things lately and ask me multiple times a day how to spell words. You are getting so smart that you know how to write most letters from memory, but sometimes I have to write words out for you to copy. On Sunday you showed me a list you were making of all you best friends. You wrote "mom" three times and said it was cause I was your best, best, best friend. It was so cute and made me feel so special. You are my best friend too! I was also touched by the other people who were included in your list, your aunt, cousins, your doll, and Sharon.

I hope that you will always want to be my friend, and while I will always want to be your friend I know that being you Mom is so much more important. It will not always be easy and some days you will not feel like I am your best friend. Just always remember that nobody in this world loves you and knows you the way that I do. You are amazing and beautiful!
Love,
Mom

P.S. Tonight you asked me if I knew that farting in the bathtub made bubbles! Hahahahaha it was awesome :)

Bee's game

Sharon took me and Ava to a Bee's game last night. It was so much fun. I love a good baseball game in the summer. We had suite tickets and the suite was right behind home base. Of course there was a hot dog and some cotton candy, for me, and Ava had a snow cone. Thanks Sharon for such a fun night.

Copy Cat.....

My friend Blaire posted this quote on her blog and I had to post it on mine cause I like it.....

Damaged people are dangerous. They know they can survive. -- Josephine Hart

Cannon

My youngest nephew is 6 months old! I can hardly believe how fast time flies these days. That little guy is so dang cute! He is so chubby and because of this chubbiness I call him Ruber Band Man, cause his wrists look like they have rubber bands around them. Lately he has been grabbing me by the cheeks and then laying slobbery wet kisses on me. I am totally all right with it! What is better than a slobbery baby kiss? Plus I know that all too soon he will be calling my kisses "nucky" which is Luka's word for yucky. Katie caught this shot of Cannon and I yesterday at the zoo. Man I love this little guy.....