Summer Fun

Well, this summer has definitely been a scorcher...NOT! It's been the coldest spring/summer I can ever remember. This weather reminds me of the Alaskan cruise Jordan and I took 2 years ago. Despite the rain, we've managed to spend time at Bear Lake and enjoy the short moments of sun we get.

The house is coming along great! We've been building now for just over three weeks and already the roof is sheeted! My uncle Dave has been working very hard and fast, so has my cousin Chris. Jordan and the electrician are working evenings to get the wiring done (which it almost is!!) and soon we'll be sheet rocking. I can't believe how quick things are moving along. We're on the fast track to the Parade of Homes.

Daniel got his 9 month pictures done. Liz did a fantastic job (always!!). My little man is growing right up and I can't believe he's almost 1 now! Wow, time sure flies. This time last year I was preggers and living in SLC with Sarah while Jordan was working up here in Logan. Seems like forever ago, yet just yesterday.

I love the picture of Daniel eating Daisy's ear. She's such a good beast and Daniel is eating whatever he gets his tiny hands on! I have to watch out with him, cause he eats everything!! I catch him trying to eat shoes all the time. I'm going to have to start hiding them.

Daniel isn't crawling yet, but is very close. He's trying to figure out how his feet work in the crawling process and occasionally will go on his knees. Once he figures out he has to use his knees to crawl, he'll be off--then I'll be very worried! I can honestly say having a late crawler isn't the end of the world by any means. I like this stationary stage he's in. I can set him down and now worry about where he'll go and what he'll stick in his mouth. But, oh, those days will be short lived now.

Sold!

Well, we signed the papers today and lot #27 at Foothill Heights is ours! Yeah!!! Jordan and I are building a custom made home in Hyde Park, Ut. We're so excited. We over look the valley through the front of our house and we'll have a nice secluded backyard looking straight up the mountains. We're so excited. More pictures will be posted as we move along.

I've also been busy sewing. I've chosen some colors out for my new house and have made...not blankets...not curtains...but pillows! I do need to iron the one, obviously. Best part about these pillows? You can turn them around and get different look. Pretty neat if you ask me. I'm way excited!!

Sarah-isms

Me: Sarah what happened to your bow? It's missing.
Sarah: It winded away.

Me: Sarah, get your jacket on, it's cold out.
Sarah: Catch me the coat. (I'm fairly sure she meant, 'throw me the coat.')

Cousin Abby came to visit after we returned from Arizona and upon seeing Abby, Sarah said this: Abby! I never see you again!! (Pretty sure she meant: I thought I'd never see you again!)

There's more where these came from. Sure to post more soon.

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.