Arizona

Well, we just had our first family trip of the year and our first LONG road trip! We decided to visit my brother and his wife in Phoenix, Arizona for an extended weekend. We couldn't afford to fly, so we drove. We broke the trip into two days going there and drove straight through on the way home.

We stopped in Mesquite, Nevada on Wednesday and stayed the night. Both kids were great in the car and we now know we can make it to St. George without any blow ups. We decided to go through Vegas on our way there and enjoy a brunch at a buffet. We parked at the Belagio and toured the hotel for a little while.

Sarah loved the butterfly house and wanted to ride on the carosule which we told her was just a decoration. I don't think she really believed us, though. Because what decoration would be so big and light up? Anyway, we managed to walk the strip for a little while and found a really good buffet for breakfast.

Back on the road again. We drove all the way to Queen Creek, which is pretty far from everything in Phoenix. We arrived just in time for dinner and off to bed with the kids. We planned our day for the next day.

We woke up and off we drove to a real Ghost Town!! Sarah loved it and wanted to go into every shop. Thank goodness we got there before anything really opened up. We were working on UT time with the kids. We stay and took lots of fun pictures, including one where Sarah was in jail!! We also walked into the church where Sarah wanted to go the pue and give a talk/sing. I guess that means Mommy sings too much in church.

We drove to a lake nearby and enjoyed the sights, at which point the kids were through with being in the car. So we drove back to the house and Sarah went swimming. After swimming we were off again. I went to the olive oil store with Justin and my mom while Jordan stayed behind with the kids. It was really neat and I bought some yummy olive oils and am looking forward to some cooking. After we got home we loaded the kids in the car again and we went to the Greek festival in Mesa. We thought it would be bigger than it was, but it was pretty small. We ate dinner there and walked around enjoying the nice weather. We headed home with two very sleepy kids.

On Saturday we went to the water park! It was a lot of fun. We even convinced Sarah to go on a large, big red waterslide with Mommy and Daddy. Sarah is so tall she was able to go on about 70% of the waterslides there. She's only 3 so a large waterslide is pretty intimidating. With the promise of popcorn as her reward, she agreed to go on a waterslide with Jordan and me. As soon as we got off the slide, she said: "Can I have my popcorn now?" Well, Jordan held to his promise and got her some popcorn.

On Sunday Nana, Justin, and Lindsey went to their Stake Conference while Jordan, the kids, and me went to visit my friend Rose. It was great being able to catch up with her. I hadn't seen her in 3 years or so. She lives in Scottsdale, so we had another long drive in the car with the kids. After we got home, and Daniel enjoyed a short nap, we were on the road again to South Mountain for a hike. We drove around the State Park for a while and found ourselves at the very top overlooking all of Phoenix. It was really beautiful. Sarah liked hiking around, and was very careful not to fall onto the rocks that could hurt her. Daniel was stuck in his backpack, which Jordan wore, and off we went. We didn't stay at the top long, since all the hikes there were steep and near cliffs--not ideal for kids. We found a great trail below that wasn't too difficult. Daniel was car sick, poor kido, so Sarah and I went while Jordan stayed with the baby.

Monday we just relaxed knowing the next day was a long drive home. It was a great trip and can't wait to go and visit again. Don't know when that will be, but hopefully soon. Driving in a car with a 7 month old was much harder than driving with a 3 year old. Sarah is a great car kid. I sure hope the weather in Logan catches up to Phoenix soon!!!

April Showers...

Well, spring is here, according to the calendar, but it sure feels like WINTER!!! I can't believe how much snow we've gotten this spring. But, I shouldn't complain too much considering we need the water. I just hope the rivers don't flood this year!

The kids are great. Sarah is a full-blown three year old determined to turn 16 come this August. She's very mature, says plenty of off the wall comments, and has the most adorable smile ever. She loves to dress up, and tells me often to make her more princess costumes because she knows I can sew. Sarah is making plenty of friends in our new neighborhood. It's fun to see her getting along with "the guys.

Daniel is growing, growing, growing! He now can sit by himself and for more than just a minute or two. He usually tips when he goes for the reach (grabbing for toys). He's been rolling around for sometime now and is getting ready to crawl. I don't think the crawling stage will last long with him, considering his severe acide reflux, so any postponement is welcomed. He still LOVES his bouncy seat. I can hardly get him out of it when it's time to 'cool down'.

Daisy loves living in Logan. Mainly, I think, because she can walk right out the back door and roll in some deer crap. Yep, you heard me. My dog LOVES to roll in deer crap and frequently gets baths due to her bad habit. But, despite this horrendous habit, Daisy is a great alarm system. If Sarah runs over to Grandpa's without consulting me first, I get a barking dog at the back door. So, if anything, I can better keep track of Sarah.

Jordan loves working in the Logan Maceys. He's mingled in well and from what I hear from his co-workers, they love him too. I'm so glad that he likes it here and we had the oppertunity to come back. We do, however, miss his family very much. But Jordan and I both felt the move to Logan was for the best and we both are happy to be where we're at. House plans are being drawn up, as I write this, and hopefully we start building our future home on Foothill soon. We're so excited!!!

Grandma, You Will Be Remembered!

Vivian (Nichols) Harris (1931 - 2011)

Eva Vivian Nichols Harris, 80, passed away March 11, 2011, in North Logan, Utah, surrounded by her family. She was born Feb. 8, 1931, in Thornton, Idaho, to Cloy and Irma Christensen Nichols. She was the third of four children and spent her early years at the family farm in Thornton. She had many fond memories of her early years on the farm. Among them were her favorite tales of huckleberries and bringing them home to be made into pies. She began her education attending school in a one-room schoolhouse. Following her father's death in 1937, Irma and the children moved to Hyrum, Utah, where she spent the remainder of her childhood. She graduated from South Cache High School in 1949, and attended Utah State University. Vivian married Burton H. Harris on Nov. 16, 1951, in the Logan LDS Temple. They were blessed with six children. She was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and loved to share her testimony in her many church callings, including being Relief Society president. Hers was an open home to all, and she particularly loved to sit in her shady yard, visiting with neighbors and friends from out of town. At times her home seemed more like a boarding house for weary travelers, and no one stopped at her home without leaving with some beautiful fresh flowers from her yard, and a homemade meal.Vivian had many talents, and her family was blessed with the finest in music, art and flowers. She dearly loved sharing her talents with neighbors, and made sure there were fresh flowers each Sunday for church meetings. She was also a talented writer and gatherer of genealogy. She has had several of her stories published, but perhaps her best writing was reserved for her children. We all treasure her books and journals, and her great-grandchildren love to hear stories about her life growing up as the only girl with three brothers in Idaho and Hyrum. Her later years were filled with many medical challenges, but through them all she never complained or felt sorry for herself, remaining firm in her testimony of the love of her Savior. She found in her caregivers some of her closest friendships, and although she couldn't leave her house, her home was never empty. She loved and appreciated the many ward members and friends who so selflessly brought the gospel to her. She is an inspiration to all of being able to bear her burdens with dignity and grace. If there was one thing she would want to be remembered for, it would be that she remained faithful to the very end.She leaves behind her loving husband, Burton, children David (Cindy) Harris, Hyde Park; Burton Lee (Pam) Harris, North Logan; Delsa (Steve) Thorne, North Logan; Gary (Valerie) Harris, Manassas, Va.; Alice (Brent) Redd, North Logan; and Karen (Richard) Orgill, Edmond, Okla. She has 21 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. She has three brothers, Carroll (Shirley) Nichols, St. George, Utah; Murray (Rose Marie) Nichols, Preston, Idaho; Eugene (Tammy) Nichols, Redding, Calif.Her family wishes to thank her many doctors throughout the years, Intermountain Hospice, and her closest caregivers, Emma Otutaha and Neisha Nelson. We also want to thank Catherine Gorman, Alison Strong, Angie Wilkins and Andrea Bingham for all of your love and care for our mother over the past year. Because of all of you, mom was able to stay in her home and receive the best care possible. We love you all.Services will be held at noon Saturday, March 19, at the North Logan Stake Center at 2750 N. 800 East, North Logan. Friends and family may call Friday, March 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Allen Mortuary of North Logan, 420 E. 1800 North, North Logan, or on Saturday at the Stake Center from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m .Interment will be in the North Logan, Utah, cemetery.In lieu of flowers, Vivian asks to have donations made to the LDS Perpetual Education Fund.

Bouncy Baby and Diva Sarah

Well, the kids are growing right up! Daniel is gaining weight now that he's on goats milk. His acid reflux was so bad he couldn't even handle formula. We even tried the expensive Nutramagin, but it didn't work. His little tummy is just so sensitive. Thank goodness for goats milk!! Now that he's growing, he's a very, very happy little baby. He loves to jump in his bouncer, unlike any other baby I've ever seen! He can go forever...well, not really...the poor kid does get tired. It's good to see him doing so well and acting like a normal baby and not always crying! I wish little babies didn't get acid reflux, but the poor things do. I'm just glad I've been able to find something his tummy can handle that doesn't hurt him.

Sarah is into EVERYTHING! I have to watch her like a hawk watches its prey. I turn around and she's into something else. She's so independent too that it makes things even more difficult. I stop to feed Daniel and I turn around and Sarah's into something else (most often paint or cutting things up with scissors). Recently she decided it'd be fun to explore the rooms upstairs that used to be mine, Liz's, and Becca's. Of course our old clothes were there and Sarah took it upon herself to try them on. Well, I can't say I was too upset at her. I loved to dress-up when I was younger. I suppose the saying is true. The apple doesn't fall too far from the tree. The picture is of Sarah wearing Becca's Thriller costume she made for Halloween years ago.

Lately Sarah has decided she doesn't need naps or to go down to her room for quiet time. It makes the day long for me, but I'll handle it. She's a cutie, even though she's into everything and sometimes belines it for the closest exit when she knows she's done something wrong. Since her days are longer, we've found that she's so pooped out at the end of the day that she'll fall asleep on the couch as I'm preparing dinner or taking care of Daniel. She's so tall too that she looks like a mini adult. I couldn't help but snap this picture of my 3 year old who thinks she's turning 16.

The weather last week was so nice. It felt like spring and I had to get out of the house! I gave Sarah her sidewalk chalks and we headed outside for some well needed sunshine. We had fun coloring and Daisy had fun playing with her tennis ball. Then...the weather turned and we were shoveling 1 1/2ft of snow!! Leave it to mother nature to strip away my bliss at the thought of an early spring. But at least we had a little taste of what we'll be getting in a few more weeks...or how things are currently looking...months.

Febuary

Last week Sarah attended a Tea Party at her cousin Abby's home. She had a ton of fun!! (She keeps asking me if she can go back to the Tea Party) All the kids were dressed in their Sunday best. We all learned about manners and how to act at the table. Then the kids played hide and go seek while we set all the stuff out to make Valentine cards. It was a lot of fun for the kids and Sarah had a blast. Sarah, Nana, and I made cupcakes to share. I was told they were yummy, and I'll just have to take all their words for it.

Daniel is growing right up. He's gaining weight too! He's such a loving and cute little boy. He loves to laugh and smile and does so if his little tummy isn't upsetting him. Jordan sure knows how to make the boy laugh, it's adorable!




The other day I was sitting on the floor playing with Daniel and Sarah was sitting with her back to the TV while Nana was watching FOX news. All of the sudden Sarah pukes all over the carpet. I looked at her with concern and asked if her tummy hurt. She nodded her head and stated in fear, "The penny!" I asked if she had swallowed the penny. With wide, blue eyes, she nodded her head in the affirmative. I then said, "Sarah, you're not supposed to eat pennies, they aren't good for you. Now you'll have to tell Mommy when you go potty so I can search for the penny." I explained as I traced my finger over her tummy that the penny would have to travel through her stomach, then through her intestines, and find its way out. Sarah thought for a moment then ran to the bathroom. She was in there for about 5 minutes and I began to wonder what was taking her so long. She came out with tears in her eyes. "Momma, I pushed and I pushed and I pushed, but the penny didn't come out!" I guess I didn't do a good enough job explaining that the penny would take a day or two to come out!! Needless to say, Sarah won't be swallowing any money any time soon! Two days after the incident, I had Grandpa wave a medal dector over Sarah to see if the penny was still inside of her (potty checks came out negative). We didn't detect anything, so it must've passed.

Well, Valentines Day was stressful, but good. I think it was all the candy Sarah had. Or perhaps it was because nothing went as planned that day at all. Daniel was throwing everything up and had a very upset tummy. I felt horrible. He'd been doing so well lately, it was hard for me to imagine he'd go right back downhill. But he did, poor thing! I'm sure today will be better though. Momma just has to stay away from ALL dairy products.

But the day got better when Sarah and I went to The Wizard of Oz at Sky View High. Sarah has been so attached to me lately I thought it wise to spend some time alone with her. I think it did her some good. She's so mommy needy all the time, despite how much attention I do give her during the day. I love her though, and I think it is a phase of some sort. I'll endure it, even if that means I have to put both kids to be ALL the time. I suppose every little girl does need their momma. I sure do love all my kids and I'm grateful for them and my wonderful husband who does a lot to help me out!!

January Update

Well, January seems to have slipped right past me. So much has happened and all so fast. Jordan's Mom is still recovering from her heart attack and surgery in December. She works part time when she feels good enough to and is at home now. We're all glad to see her doing better. She's still short on energy and food doesn't taste the same to her, but she's slowly getting back to how she was before.

Sarah is a full speed ahead 3 year old. She's learning how to read and can correctly read 10 words. I'm still faithfully working with her and hopefully by the time she begins preschool this August she'll be at a kindergarten/first grade reading level. She's also learning colors, shapes, numbers, and I try and do a craft with her a few times a week. She especially loves to paint and use glue and glitter. Yes, this does create a royal mess, but she's good about helping me clean it up.

Daniel is growing, growing, growing! He had his 4 month appointment Jan. 13th and we discovered he had fallen under the 3% in weight. Poor little baby only weighed 11lbs 4oz, a weight most babies are able to hit at 2 months of age. He had reflux so bad he'd just throw-up all his food. I mentioned this to the doctor before at his 2 month appointment, but his weight wasn't too low for concern then. Now he's on anti-reflux medication and he's doing much, much better. In just one week he'd gained a pound and a half. No fat rolls yet, but he's getting up there on the scale, thank heaven!! He's the happiest baby I've ever known. He's smiling all the time, loves playing with his toys and "tasting" them, and will talk/sing to me all the time. It's adorable. He's also starting rice cereal, per doctor's instruction. He doesn't like it much, but in time he'll get used to it.

On news of our house in West Jordan....We're UNDER CONTRACT!! Praise the Lord and sing all day!! It took some time, but we've managed it. The buyers have till Feb. 25th to settle their loan finances and then on March 4th we officially close. We plan on moving our stuff out of the house just after Feb. 25th just in case something was to happen with their financing. Now Jordan and I are able to look at houses in Logan and not feel guilty for not being able to an offer down if we fall in love with the house. We still live with my parents and will till we find a place of our own. I'm more keen to the North side of the valley, so lets all hope I can find a good deal there!!

I work part time for my dad, covering for my sister while she finishes up her Master's Degree at USU. She's counseling middle school aged kids and loves it. I work Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings. I like the break from the kids, but I miss them like crazy as well. Jordan watches them while I am at work, so it's good in a way he gets a taste of what I deal with every day.

Well, that about rounds up the month of January. Even though the holidays are over, we're still busy, busy, busy.

Christmas and New Years

Well, I am late updating my blog about Christmas and New Year. It was great this year. Daniel, my little one really reminded me about the Savior's birth more this season than in the past. I am so grateful I had a knowledgable doctor to assist me and also sanitary precautions taken at all costs. I am so very blessed to have two healthy children, save a cold here and there.

This month started with Sarah's play. She was a baby angel in "The Best Christmas Pagaent Ever." She was, may I add, the cutest baby angel too. Even when she came on to the stage at the wrong times and walked straight into the middle of the stage front and center. It was meant to be, Sarah is an actress. She was also an angel in the Harris Christmas Nativity Pagaent as well. She was adorable then as well. I suppose she just can't help being so darn cute.

Daniel was baby Jesus in the Nativity. He was fine until all the other kids decided to touch him and try and hold him. Well, Momma stepped in and took him out of the manager. No baby holdin' that night. Most of the kids had runny noses and were coughing too. Not something I wanted Daniel to catch. But, he was a very adorable and content (for about 1 minute before the kids began touching him) baby Jesus.

I gave a talk in church the week before Christmas about the Savior's birth. It was a wonderful experience researching about the Savior's birth. I also sang in the chior as well. It was the perfect thing to set me into the Christmas mood.

Santa came this year too. Sarah was so excited. She kept telling everyone, the entire month of December, that Santa was bringing her a jewlery box. Well, Santa delivered Christmas morning and Sarah got a pink musical jewlery box, the very one she wanted.

Daniel was visted by Santa as well. He got several toys ready for him to play with as soon as he's old enough. He was so cute Christmas morning.

After opening gifts we headed to SL to be with Jordan's family. Lynette had a heart attack mid December and had been in the hospital since then. She wasn't released from the hospital till two days after Christmas, so we celebrated there with her. We also went to her apartment and celebrated there with the kids and with Jordan's grandma, Opal. It was nice being able to visit his family. Since moving to Logan we don't see them as often, but we cherished the time we were able to see them often. And, I have to admit, it is great being home in Logan again. Even if it feels like Sibera.

Justin and Lindsey, my brother and his wife, came up from Arizona for the New Years. It was great being able to spend time with them too. We had a fun New Years party with really dumb white elephant gifts. But hey, that's what a white elephant is...a dumb gift.

We were able to go sledding too. Not that it warmed up or anything, but it was a lot of fun. Especially when Jon and Mike both flew off the hill, off the jump, and tumbled down the mountain side. Classic. Sarah had a fun time too, although she wouldn't go down with me. She only would go down with Liz, Abby, and Aiden. All well, at least she went.

Overall, a great Christmas and New Year.