The Happy Harrisons

Halle-frickin-lujah.

2012-01-21T20:05:00.000-07:00

Or however you spell it... I don't really know. Ha. WHY does the English language make so little sense??

SOOOOOO...... my fabulous cousin shared with me today (via facebook- gotta love it) how to change the format in blogger back to the OLD way it used to be six months ago. That is the cause of my hallelujahing. I think this will definitely help me get back into the blogging world, which I desperately need to re-enter bcz I am soooo behind on blogging (aka my style of "scrapbooking").

AND SO many amazing "ah-ha" moments have transpired in my life recently it's like God is pouring a swimming pool of knowledge and light into my head and heart. I'm just trying to keep up with it and soak as much of it in as possible. But I want to share it with you, whoever you are (and for anyone who is reading this right now- thanks), because I NEED to share it. It's important. Like, really important.

I guess I'll just throw it out there right now- the thing that has been occupying and almost consuming my mind like almost nothing ever has before (that's one of the reasons how I know God really doesn't want me to push this aside). This movie has the potential to change the life of me and my family for ETERNITY. Yes, ETERNITY. Please take some time and listen to Michelle's message. But first, try to open your heart and mind... then let the Spirit teach you.

Little Ada-Elf.

2011-12-22T00:11:00.000-07:00

Have a very Merry Christmas everyone!!!

8 Months.

2011-12-16T20:51:00.001-07:00

Dear Ada,
Today Ada you are eight months old. I've realized it's true what you hear, the first child gets the most of your attention... and it just goes downhill after that. I'm sorry about that and will try to do better. Of course we had a little photo shoot to mark your special day, and you were a good sport, as long as you could put something in your mouth, and there wasn't a big flower on your head (I will have to learn to accept the fact that you hate things on your head and will rip them off as quickly as I put it on.) You are such a good, adorable little baby. Everyone says so. Especially at church. The little girls in primary adore you. You get so much attention for your red hair; I hope you will love and embrace it in the years to come. I think I need to make you a bib that says "I got it from Grandma" so people will stop asking me every time we go somewhere, "Where did the red hair come from?" Or maybe I will dye my hair red. Probably not a good idea.
Anyway, I weighed you last night and you are 17.4 pounds. You are so small and petite compared to your cousin Jonas, who's just a few weeks older than you, and compared to how big Lincoln was at your age. You are definitely a girl. I love it. I love your two little bottom teeth, your little side-balance pose you do, your "ba-ba"bursts, the way you light up when Lincoln talks and plays with you. I'm pretty sure he's your favorite. He loves that you laugh at him and smile when he talks to you. He loves for you to chase him around the house when mommy and daddy hold you, and he loves crawling by you. He always wants to have a race, and he wins all of them for now, but I know that won't last long, you get faster every day! Two days ago you pulled yourself up in your crib too! Now every time you wake up you crawl to the edge of your crib and climb up the side. Lincoln loves to go in your room, flip on the light and wake you up. That is my favorite face you make- your squinty face. I call you "squincy" when you do it. Oh you are so cute. Ha!
I know you are my daughter, because just like your mama you LOVE TO EAT!! I've never known a girl who could pack the food away as well as I could, but I have a feeling in a few years you will give me a run for my money. You love oatmeal, applesauce, bread, lil munchies, basically anything you can sink your little teeth into. We are always shocked at all the food you can put away. And if you want more, oh boy do you SCREAM! I wonder if you'll have a set of pipes like mine too. My parents always told me I could scream like a banshee, and you sure can too.
So far you've said, "ba-ba," "da-da," and "ma-ma" although dad doesn't believe me that you've said mama, cz you'll never say it in front of him.
Oh it has been so funny lately. Every morning since you've discovered the presents under the tree, you make a bee-line from the family room to the living room and bang on the gifts. I think you like the shiny, sparkly paper. It's so hilarious!

You still wake up once or twice at night, and drink a formula bottle of four ounces every three hours except at night when you eat real food, and of course you snack all through the day. You hate your car seat with a passion, have the fairest skin ever, love watching tv, are always rocking back and forth thumping your legs on the ground, love to play with paper, and put everything in reach in your mouth.
We love you with all of our hearts and might Ada-boo. Thank you for all the magic and joy your presence brings to our family and my life. Oh how I adore having a little girl! I often tell you I just feel like you are a real doll I get to play dress up with! It's so fun to be your mom! My heart just wants to burst with how much I love you little girl!! I'm always there for you, and daddy is too. Oh we just love you so much.
Love to infinity and beyond,
Mama

You gotta watch this. Seriously.

2011-12-07T10:46:00.000-07:00

Please let me know what you think.

And I just have to say- RON PAUL 2012!!! Ronpaul2012.com/the-issues

Cinderella dressed in Yella...

2011-11-30T15:19:00.001-07:00

Went upstairs to kiss a fella. Made a mistake and kissed a snake; how many doctors will it take?

Ha. I just had to do that.

Anyways, my two littlest sisters (I should say youngest, as they are both bigger than I) were in the SSHS Musical, Cinderella. Holly was an ugly step-sister, and Kristen was an awesome townsperson. Holly and her other ugly step-sister truly stole the show. They were stinkin hilarious and so perfectly opposite it was kind of like a match made in heaven. Drama-heaven. Here are some pix after the fabulous event.

(Holly (my sis), Maggie (the other ugly step-sister, and Kristen (my sis)/ The ugly step-sisters with their wicked step-sister/ Holly and Sterling (the steward)

The ugly step-sisters showing the love.

The real sisters.

Holly with the handsome Prince that got away and the Queen.

Great job Holly and Kris! I am so proud of having such awesomely talented sisters!! Love yas!

Thanks-giving.

2011-11-29T23:17:00.001-07:00

This year was the best Thanksgiving I can remember having in a long time, which probably had a lot to do with the fact that it was drawn out for a week, and we ate THREE delicious Thanksgiving dinners (none of which I had to make- making them all the tastier).
We started off the Thanksgiving celebration with seeing my sisters play and hiking in the Goblin Valley area- both need their own posts. We spent the weekend with the Harrison side of the family and ate our first Thnaksgiving feast with them Sunday. The best grean beans I'ber ever put into my mouth. Mmmmm... Then off to Beaver for the actual Thanksgiving Day. We were happy guests at my Step-Father's parents' hoe and loved every minute being there. The Ruplinger family is plain amazing. My mom was sure blessed to have married into them. And guess what- they lived in Colombia for six years and had a pet Ocelot!! Seriously, when I was little it was my dream to have a pet Ocelot. In heaven I really want an Ocelot and pet Snow Leapord. Anyway- then Friday it was off to my dear Grandma Lowe's to end our Thanksgiving bonanza with my favorite of all holiday foods- green jello. Words cannot describe my grandmother's green jello. I've had adored it ever since I can remember.

Little Miss A.

2011-11-07T20:47:00.002-07:00

Six Months. SIX months!!

I am ever shocked at how fast time flies. Time truly flies on the wings of lightning. Here is a little photoshoot we had last week. I wish I could be a professional photographer so bad. I wish I had all the money I wanted to buy amazing backgrounds, props, and lighting. It would be a blast. Anyway, here is my little red. More like orange... why don't people call it like it is- her hair is def orange.

Flamin orange in the sun.

And I love it.

Isn't this little girl just adorable??

We love you Ada-boo!

A Happy Harrison Halloween!

2011-11-04T21:30:00.000-06:00

NERD ALERT! Halloween was a BLAST this year! We started off by having dentist appointments :). And just fyi... we are all cavity free! Yay! Then we got ready and transformed into the awesome Harrison Nerd Family! We finally decided to embrace our true colors. PS. Thank you YouTube for the awesome "how to make a bow tie out of a necktie" tutorial that saved me $30. Then we packed up and headed to the Grandma's and Grandpa's houses.

Kristen (my littlest sis) tried to teach us the Thriller dance. It would not be an Ellsworth Family get-together without dancing on the front lawn of Grandma's! I just realized more of us were non-Ellsworths than Ellsworths. Weird.

We ended the night by trick or treating through town on a trailer bundled up in blankets with the Peterson Family. It was soooo much fun! The first house we went to Lincoln pushed his way through all the kids, bypassed the candy, and just marched right into the lady's house. Luckily, he eventually came out so I didn't have to go in there and get him...

Hope everyone had a Boo-tiful Halloween!

Zooming in on Gratitude.

2011-11-02T21:34:00.000-06:00

I have been a pathetic blogger lately, so I found this little challenge on Pinterest that I thought might inspire me to blog everyday about the little things. I found it on this website: http://www.positivelypresent.com
Feel free to join in!

Sooo.... for Day 1: Favorite Food I chose my fav food lately (cz I could never pin down one fav food). And the winner is: My sister Sara's dehydrated apples. She super kindly gave us two huge bags full and we munch on these delicious morsels all day. There are around 28 apples on ONE bag! That is a LOT of work! Love you sissy!

Pumpkin Patch.

2011-10-29T01:26:00.000-06:00

I feel like it has been ages since I blogged last, and now everything has changed! Woah! It is going to take some getting used to this new format...

I am so behind I don't even know where to begin. So today I decided to post something that my sister Cydney would enjoy, since she is the one who requested that I re-enter the blogisphere.

This Tuesday I packed up the kids and headed to my mom's to visit the pumpkin patch, can some pears, and watch my sister's choir concert. It was such a fun day! I love that my family is close. It is truly one of the greatest blessings in my life.

It snowed earlier that day, so it was pretty chilly, but we still had a great time picking out adorable little pumpkins and crazy-looking gourds. Autumn is such a great time of year!

And here's a peak at Ada's new teeth!

Hope you're happy Cyd! Ha ha!

Daddy's Little Girl.

2011-08-24T18:11:00.001-06:00

Unders.

2011-08-24T00:29:00.001-06:00

Cars in a row. Underwear on the head. Lincoln is so fun.

What our kitchen table looked like today:

And what Lincoln looked like tonight after he found the package of underwear he got for his birthday. He was so excited when he opened it, and there was Lightning McQueen! I put a pair on him and then he wanted to put on the rest. It was hilarious to watch him! And when he started putting them on his head it was all his idea... Classic.

We love you little Lincolnater!

Quote.

2011-08-19T13:49:00.000-06:00

Luke came home from visiting our friends in Dallas and said they had this quote in their bathroom. The story of my life is having good ideas of nice things I want to do for people but then never doing them. So I created these little templates to print out and stick in a frame. I thought I'd share them if anyone else likes this quote too. I'm not sure if this will work, but I made the first one to be an 8x10 and the second a 4x6.

Hope someone can use it!

Chillaxing.

2011-08-19T13:35:00.000-06:00

This is my boy.
Every night while I make dinner.
His favorites: movie & pop-porn (don't worry... that means popcorn).

I found Lincoln and Ada like this the other night and ran to grab the camera but the flash didn't go off. Before I could get it turned on Lincoln was gone. I thought it was so cute though.

This Morning.

2011-08-19T12:18:00.000-06:00

Sleep deprivation could not keep me from taking pictures in the glorious early morning light today. I love the stage Ada is in right now: hand discovery. More like infatuation. She is constantly grabbing things, seeing if she can stuff her whole fist into her mouth, gagging herself on her fingers, and staring at her hands. She's so fun to watch.

We love our little Ada-beta-boo. She and Lincoln keep us so entertained.

Walk Tall.

2011-08-09T23:15:00.000-06:00

The other night while I was feeding Ada a song popped into my head that I used to sing in Young Womens. I hadn't heard it for a long time and sang the chorus to her, but I couldn't remember all the verses. I looked up the words afterwards, and I have tried to re-learn them and sing them to my little angel. I changed some words to fit her situation, but the message is still the same. Powerful. And so important. When I sing it to her I can't help but tear up. I thought I'd post the words in case there's anyone out there that hasn't heard it:

Right now I have a prayer deep within my heart,

A prayer {just for you whose life is at the start}.

That you remember who you are and He who lives above.

Please seek for him and live his way; You'll feel his love.

Walk tall, you're a daughter, a child of God,

Be strong and remember who you are,

Try to understand, you're part of his great plan.

He's closer than you know, Reach up; he'll take your hand.

Right before the time you can remember,

Our Father held you in his arms so tender.

Those loving arms released you as he sent you down to earth.

He said, "My child, I love you. Don't forget your great worth."

This life on earth we knew would not be easy.

At times we lose our way his path we may not see.

But remember always that you are not alone.

He'll take your hand, He loves you! He will guide you home.

My little Angel. :)

Sunblock is Not an Option.

2011-08-07T00:18:00.000-06:00

Does anything say summer more than watermelon and the pool?

Oh maybe sunburns too.

Lincoln got his fill of all of that last Friday.

After the boys were done playing watermelon rugby at the pool, Lincoln didn't mind one bit digging right into the tasty melon.

It was the first time he'd had it and was love at first bite!

Later that day I noticed Lincoln's little arms change colors... and then his face and ears... By bedtime his face was flamin red. I felt horrible! Luckily, I don't think it bothered him. We would definitely know if it did- this kid sure knows how to milk the sympathy card when he gets an owie. He's my little hypochondriac.

The crazy thing is the next day it was totally gone!

It just looks like he's got a little tan now which is so cute.

Lesson learned: never assume your spouse put on the sunscreen... because sunscreen is not an option.

Out with the old.

2011-08-01T16:33:00.000-06:00

I love these shoes. But after 8 years I decided it was time to say goodbye, because as you can see, they are really in shambles. But I still want to remember them forever. Thank goodness blogging makes that possible. : )

I got these puppies at Express as a senior in High School and have worn them every year since. I think they were the first purchase I've ever made where I actually had a feeling I should buy two pairs since I loved them so much and they were only $10.

Goodbye. I will miss you my dear, white flip-flops.

Lincoln's Laugh.

2011-07-29T17:35:00.001-06:00

Lincoln was cracking up playing Angry Birds the other day and I have no idea why 'cause he has played it before and never thought it was too funny. He's so cute. I hope this video works...

Gangster.

2011-07-29T17:21:00.001-06:00

Poor little Lincoln. We live right down the street from an outlet mall which means he has been drug around a lot this summer shopping with the girls. But let me tell ya- the doggie "backpack" has been a lifesaver for both of us! Seriously. He is laughing in the first picture because I was chasing him around the store... and started to cry in the other pictures because I finally caught him. And yes, he still drinks a bottle. But it's only used for emergencies- like shopping... and going to bed... and sacrament meeting... and in the car... ok so he drinks one all the time. But as I am learning in an AMAZING book I'm reading- the bottle goes on my "Whatever" list (things that don't really matter). For a kid who has spent half his life away from home I figure it's a security thing for him. I am totally rambling. Here's the book I'm almost done with and highly recommend for anyone who is interested:

The point of this post: Isn't Lincoln a little cutie with his sideways visor??

The End.

Ha.

I'm in such a weird mood. : )

And don't ask me why blogger suddenly decided to change fonts.

Pioneers.

2011-07-23T18:31:00.003-06:00

I am somewhat melancholy in spirit right now. It is Pioneer Day tomorrow in Utah which means today all my family is gathered together at my Grandmother's watching the parade, eating food at the park, mingling with friends and watching fireworks tonight. While I am missing my family, fun, food, and festivities, I have been able to really think about what Pioneer Day means to me since I am alone. Lately I realized that my heart is being more turned to my father's than ever. It hit me that we kept our ancestors going and they keep us going. Frequently I think, “If the pioneers could do it, then I can.” They overcame such mind-blowing obstacles. I watched the 17 Miracles movie trailer (if you haven't seen it watch it HERE) and I realized that thoughts of their future family growing up with religious freedom kept them going through death, starvation, and frost bite.

Today while preparing to make some wheat bread (What? Me?) in the spirit of the day, I was listening to some church music and I now know that my pioneer family members kept me going and I kept them going, but going where?? Going toward Christ. I feel so close them. They loved Christ and suffered so that I might know Him and love Him and live for Him like they did. He is who binds all our hearts together. It's all for Him. How can anyone say Mormons are not Christians? It makes me so sad. I don't think a group of people on earth have given more to follow Christ. My Great,GGGG Grandmother Ada Clements Winchell crossed the United States, from New York to Utah, most of it alone with six children because of her testimony of Christ. She knew The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was His Church. Just like I know it. She knew that Joseph Smith was His Prophet that Christ brought forth Joseph to restore His Church on the earth again. I know it too. I know she felt the same burning within her soul when she heard about Joseph's vision that I did when I read it this morning. If anyone is reading this that hasn't read it here it is. I know this really happened. And I am so grateful that my G... Grandmother lived valiantly in her testimony of it so that I might today. I want to be better, I want to be better for my G...Grandmother, for my children, and for my children's children. Most of all I want to be better for Christ. We all owe everything to Him.

From Joseph Smith:

“I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw two Personages, and they did in reality speak to me; and though I was hated and persecuted for saying that I had seen a vision, yet it was true; and while they were persecuting me, reviling me, and speaking all manner of evil against me falsely for so saying, I was led to say in my heart: Why persecute me for telling the truth? I have actually seen a vision; and who am I that I can withstand God, or why does the world think to make me deny what I have actually seen? For I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it; at least I knew that by so doing I would offend God, and come under condemnation. I had found the testimony of James to be true- that a man who lacked wisdom might ask of God, and obtain, and not be upbraided.” (for the full account go HERE)

Joseph Smith was 14 years old when he saw God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. FOURTEEN! I don't think I really understand how amazing it is that Joseph was severely mocked, persecuted, beaten, etc, from such a young age and he never buckled because it. is. true.

Anyway, I am grateful for my amazing pioneer ancestors and their astounding courage and faith in what they knew to be true. I believe they can see me, they care about my welfare, and they love me now more than ever. I hope I can make them proud.

Ada and Ada. They seriously kind of look like each other! Ha ha!

Funny Face.

2011-07-22T20:32:00.000-06:00

Anyone that knows me knows that I love to make funny faces.

It takes a lifetime to properly cultivate the art of face-distortion so I've been trying to teach Lincoln at an early age. Just trying to be a good mom and pass on my talents, ya know? Here's a behind-the-scences (more like behind the bathroom door) look into our rigorous practice sessions...

He's pretty darn good. His signature move is the Zoolander look. We just need to start working on those eyebrows...

Three Months.

2011-07-16T23:55:00.000-06:00

My precious Ada.

Three months already.

It's so crazy to me (and a little sad) that just a few of our family members have been able to see her grow up so much these past months. She has completely lit up. She is a glowing little person and has such an old-soul feeling about her. She is loving her bouncer, trying SO hard to roll over, is super smiley, and is just such a good baby. We just adore our little Ada-beta-potato (how do all those words rhyme but be spelled to differently??). We had a little photo shoot on the day she turned 3 months and I got to use the new lens I got for my birthday (thanks G&T!!). It is amazing! I am SOOOO grateful for cameras and pictures!

Here's our little princess~

Some little Ada facts: Ada loves to sleep with both of her arms up, her belly-button is finally normal looking (it stuck out so far and would squish when you pushed it in), weights 12.2 pounds, she freaks out after she's done eating so you have to stick a binky in her mouth with lightning speed or she she screams, her hair is so... weird right now: short fuzz on top till you get to her crown and then it's way long, then completely bald on the back where she's rubbed it off, and then a mullet on the very bottom. So attractive.

We love you little Ada-girl

Swing Batter-Batter.

2011-07-11T21:13:00.000-06:00

Lincoln is 110% all boy. He loves anything and everything that involves a ball. He has had so much fun with the bat and ball he got from Grandpa and Grandma Harrison. Good thing Luke is a jock too so he can show Lincoln how to use these things 'cause I have no idea, but at the same time Lincoln just has this sic sense about what to do when it comes to sports. Anyway, he was darn good at hitting the ball when we pitched it to him and then when he took a go at holding the ball and hitting it himself and did even better!

Looking to make sure he's holding the bat correctly.

Elbows up, bat back.

And SWING!

He hits a home run!

Then he tries to be a one-man-show.

Do all boys just know to do a victory dance??

We love you little slugger!

Family.

2011-07-02T22:40:00.000-06:00

Two.

2011-06-28T21:50:00.000-06:00

I can't believe Lincoln is TWO!!! It's so crazy how much he has grown in two fast years. He is officially a toddler and morphing into a little boy more every day. On his birthday Luke made him Mickey Mouse pancakes, and we went and got ice cream together which is one of Lincoln's favorites. He loved picking out the toppings to go on it. This boy has one major sweet tooth. (The day before his birthday I took him to the dentist and no cavities! Yea!) We postponed all other events till Sunday so we could really party with Luke there.

On Sunday the whole office came over to help us celebrate Lincoln's birthday. It was so nice of everyone to come! We had an awesome Lightning McQueen birthday cake and Lincoln LOVED it.

Lincoln was majorly spoiled and got tons of Cars cars, books, clothes, legos, balls, stickers, and money.

He is so loved and we are so grateful for all the joy our little man brings into our life.

Some quick Lincoln facts:

34 inches tall

28 pounds

Counts to 12

Sings XYZ in the ABC song

Knows tons of animals and loves cheetahs, giraffes, Shamu, sharks, and fish the most

Loves to run- thank goodness for our island in the apt. He runs around it all day saying, "Get me, Ready, set, go! 1,2,3 GO!" We just got our first complaint last week from the people downstairs so I don't know what we're going to do now...

Turning into a mama's boy which I never thought would happen

Says, "hugs" and gives them a lot

Grabs my hand and says, "hand, fingers, 'mon mama" and leads me around

Loves juice and still drinks from a bottle

Loves ice, Go Gurt, string cheese, cookies (tookie), ice cream, gummis (dummis) and candy (dandy)

So good at technology it scares me and loves movies

Loves to play with cars and look at and read books

Says his prayers so cutely

Repeats everything you say (I've never been so thankful for using clean language)

Wakes up around nine, takes a two-three hour nap around one, and goes to bed around ten

Blue Bell.

2011-06-26T11:48:00.000-06:00

Nothing is better than Blue Bell Ice Cream. Nothing. Their Krazy Kookie Dough is my new all-time favorite. A.Maze.Zing. Lincoln loves it too. we can pretty much down a carton of it together in a few days. Here's is a boy after my own heart (or maybe appetite).

iphone.

2011-06-25T12:54:00.001-06:00

Lincoln loves talking to Luke on the phone. He starts off "Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!" along with a good, solid wave."

B & Doomee.

2011-06-22T12:42:00.000-06:00

Lincoln and Ada are two lucky kids. They have the best auntie and uncle ever. Courtney is pretty much over here every day babysitting, cleaning, chatting... I don't know what I would do without her. Bridger will just ask if he can come over and play with Lincoln in the morning before work. What uncle does that? Like I'm saying- they are the best. Lincoln of course adores them both, and Luke and I are both so incredibly grateful they are out here. We lean on them more than they know. It's crazy how huge of a difference two people can make.

We love you guys!!!!

Ooeeooeeooeeooee...

2011-06-21T12:57:00.000-06:00

That's Lincoln's word for movie. And he says it for as long as it takes to get my attention. When he's around Aunt Court he correctly says "movie" because she makes him say it right. I secretly love his little "ooeeooeeooeeooee" and hope it stays as long as it can. It's weird how, as a mom, some of the weird, quirky things your kids do you just adore and hold onto as long as possible because you know that one day it will just vanish and that little word he said or thing he did will never happen again.
Here's Lincoln watching a "ooeeooeeeoooeeeeooooeeoooeee."

His favorite movies are Balto, Do-we/Meno (Finding Nemo), vvvrrmmm, vvvrrrmm (Cars), AyeSage (Ice Age), Ribbit Ribbit (Letter Factory), and Buster (Arthur).

Kristen.

2011-06-20T23:04:00.001-06:00

I am proud to call you my sister, but even happier to call you my friend.

My youngest sister Kristen (she's no longer littler than me which freaks me out) stayed with us for three weeks in June and it was the best thing ever. She was the HUGEST help and I loved every minute of her being here. Even though we are over 12 years apart, I feel like we're the most alike out of all us "E" gals. We are two kindred spirits. I think the world of her; she makes me want to be a better person.

Thanks for everything Kris (Tin-tin as Lincoln says)!! We love you sooo much!!!

Father's Day.

2011-06-19T20:29:00.033-06:00

Luke is such a great dad. Really. He is amazing. I always knew he would be though. That's just one of the many reasons I married this hunk. He wanted to be a pediatrician because he loves kids so much. I don't think a lot of people know that. For Father's Day we got up early and Kristen made him an amazing breakfast. Ha. I soooo loved having her here! After church we opened presents and then Luke took Lincoln to the pool. I made him a super cool mug, got him a much overdue massage, and Lincoln gave him a Lightning McQueen card.

Gary and Tammy got him sweet shirt and a wonderful card. It was a great day celebrating a great father's great job. Here's Luke in action:

Lincoln and Ada sure love their Dada!

Happy Father's Day!

Sixth Street.

2011-06-17T20:30:00.067-06:00

Since my sister Kristen was here, we took advantage of a babysitter and went to Austin's famous Sixth Street. This is where many musicians got their start and where one of Brad Womack's (from The Bachelor) bars are, as well as a Cafe that Sandra Bullock owns. As this was one of the only times we will get to go on a date this summer (which means one of the only times I bother to put on makeup), we thought we better document it. : )

Sixth Street was CRAZY! It was about eleven when we arrived and it was HOPPIN! Our kind of place! The whole street was blocked off cz there were so many people. There was every type imaginable: families, motorcyclers, hippies, tattoo artists, gangsters and TONS of bachelorettes having their bachelorette parties. It was probably the most scared I've ever been. I kept whispering to Luke, "Do not let go of my hand." It was sure a different experience than we've ever had. We couldn't help but feel SO different. We went into a bar that was said to have really yummy food to eat (first time in one! It was so weird to give them our driver's licences at the door and the guy said, "Wow, we don't get too many from Utah." Ha!). The food was DELISH, but it was sooo loud. Drunk guys were dancing all over and grabbing any girl they could get a hold of. I felt like we were getting a front row seat to what we Mormons always refer to as "the world." The definition of "Eat, drink, and be merry." Then we went to find Pete's Dueling Piano Bar. I've always wanted to see how it worked, and when we found it it was different than I expected, but still a lot of fun. Two guys just took requests and played any song they wanted. SO much talent. I can't believe it. They knew every song, sang reallllly well, and were masters of the piano, guitar, and drums. It was super entertaining, but we could only take so much of it cause it started getting crude. : (

It was soooo great to be with Luke, just us together again. It felt like we were dating, being all schmoopey and crazy. However, we are so grateful for the gospel. We know how to be truly happy, and where joy comes from. I'm so thankful for my little family. I'm so happy to be a mom. It made me appreciate getting to stay at home, safe from all the sad, scary stuff out there. I hope our home can always be a little safe-haven from "the world." : )

Two Months.

2011-06-16T17:59:00.001-06:00

Two months already. How fast it goes. I think two months is the magic mark. I no longer feel completely overwhelmed and exhausted having two children. Ada is more in a schedule now, she only gets up once during the night. So wonderful. She is smiling and scooting around. Even rolled over a few times. I love it when she looks up and smiles. She is so happy. Such a good baby. Still pukes though when we feed her over three ounces. Just so I can remember- she is eating every three hours- three ounces. But she'd eat a whole lot more if we let her. She is a little piggie. Just like her mama. We have to pull out the bottle and hurry and stick in a binki or she freaks out. If she eats more than three ounces though she just pukes it up. Lincoln is so good at saying, "Mama, puke" and he is there by her side to wipe off her face with the burpie. Lincoln still mostly minds his own business around Ada unless she is crying, then he yells, "Ada? Mama! Ada!" He loves to give her kisses on the head. She weighs 10.8 pounds. And has just grown up so fast. But that's what they do, no matter how hard you wish they wouldn't. Life would be so empty (and easy) without her. It's such a blessing to have such a pure little spirit so close.

I think Ada is going to be a singer (or maybe it's just wishful thinking). Every time I sing to her she just lights up and coos along. I hope she loves music and is good at it. I hope a lot of things for her. I hope she is strong, happy, and loves her beautiful red hair. I hope she loves and adores her brother, and knows how much we love and adore her. She's such a big part of our little family.

Austin Downtown.

2011-06-12T20:28:00.051-06:00

On Sunday we drove downtown to see Austin's famous (and largest in the world) urban bat population. Over a million fly out from underneath Congress Street Bridge every night. Before it was dark though we stopped by the Texas State Capitol building. It was really cool. Such a fun night out as a fam.

Baby Bath.

2011-06-11T17:51:00.007-06:00

Ada.

2011-06-09T18:14:00.008-06:00

River Rats.

2011-06-09T15:33:00.003-06:00

One morning we decided to go see this amazing cave that you can swim in- like a cenote in Mexico- but when we got there (after two hrs of driving) it was closed. Awesome, right. What are the chances of high levels of bacteria. We should have called...

It was a major bummer, but down the road was this fun little river that we relaxed it. It was a lot of fun! Here's our awesome office!

Laundry Basket.

2011-06-06T10:38:00.000-06:00

Here is a Harrison Family confession: Ada sleeps in a laundry basket. When Lincoln kept sneaking out of bed in the middle of the night and reeking havoc he had to be moved into Ada's pack'n'play. So with Ada kicked out of her bed we decided a laundry basket would do the trick for a few months. Not only has it been the perfect little bed, but it has served as an amazing way to keep Lincoln and Ada entertained. Lincoln loves to push Ada around the island in our apartment and I think it's hilarious!

Don't worry, Ada is yawning in the picture- not crying. She loves it as much as Lincoln does!

He-met.

2011-06-06T10:26:00.000-06:00

Right before we left for Texas Lincoln was given a helmet from Uncle Mel and Aunt Debbie. He loved it. And sadly, we had to leave it home as it was too big to fit in his luggage on the flight out here. When I bought this little bucket for him he put it on his head and has called it his "hew-met" ever since. I think he kind of looks like a crayon-head. Ha ha. Whatever that is. : )

Swimming.

2011-06-05T12:39:00.000-06:00

Ha! This picture just makes me laugh!! I love it! Here are pix of our swimming escapades so far this summer. Lincoln likes to cool off in the pool- as long as he doesn't get his face wet! But Luke is always trying to break him of his fear by example. Ha ha!

This little lifejacket/swimsuit I thought was a brilliant combo, however the size I got him was way too small! It looked hilarious, and after a few minutes, Lincoln was NOT having it.

Auntie Kristen taking Lincoln to the pool with help from Auntie Court!

Sea World.

2011-06-04T13:46:00.018-06:00

We went to Sea World San Antonio! It was HOT, but Lincoln loved it so it made it all worth it.

My dear youngest sister, Kristen, is here helping out for three weeks and Luke and I wish we could kidnap her!! She is SOOO incredible and I have LOVED having a her Austin with us. Love you Kris!!!

itty bitty.

2011-05-29T19:26:00.003-06:00

ten tiny fingers.

ten tiny toes.

one little body.

one itty bitty nose.

Kisses.

2011-05-29T19:20:00.001-06:00

Brother & Sister.

2011-05-29T19:16:00.000-06:00

First Smile.

2011-05-29T17:43:00.006-06:00

Of course, Luke was the one to make her smile first. I hurried and grabbed the camera, but by the time I snapped some pictures Ada's smiler was all worn out. She is such a doll!

The Fleeting Hair-Swirl.

2011-05-29T17:35:00.000-06:00

Six Weeks.

2011-05-28T17:24:00.004-06:00

Today.

2011-05-23T22:00:00.001-06:00

Today while feeding Ada I looked across the room and watched Lincoln sitting in a chair driving his car on the table.

His little feet dangled in the air, kicking and crossing back and forth.

It hit me that before I know it these little feet will be able to touch the ground.

I need to enjoy these precious moments with my two little ones...

these moments will be gone all too soon.

And here's my sweet little Ada.

I was so proud of her- she stayed asleep when I set her on the couch to snap a pic of Lincoln's feet.
She loves to be held and usually wakes up the second I lay her down! : )

Park.

2011-05-23T19:23:00.000-06:00

Yesterday we had our first family outing. We found this amazing place just down the street with a park and lake with ducks. What more could we ask for? It wasn't too hot, and we loved just spending some fun time together. Lincoln loved the dinosaurs, slide and swings!

A word {and pictures} on Lincoln...

2011-05-23T14:33:00.018-06:00

1... 2... GO!! DO DO DO!!! (go go go!)
Get me!!
Binkie (blankie)- he's addicted!
LOVES movies! Meno (Nemo), Mush (Balto), Minnie (Mickey Mouse Clubhouse)
Still drinks his baba when he goes to sleep and wants "Joosh" in his sippie cup all day.
Wakes up at 7:30, comes into our room and whispers "mama" and hands me my glasses and bathrobe. I then proceed to go put in a movie for him and get him a bowl of snacks so I can sleep longer.
Wants to go outside constantly, but doesn't like it if there is wind.
Drives his cars and trucks around the house all day. His "ambience" (ambulance) is his favorite. Along with Lightning McQueen of course.
He's the pickiest eater. If string cheese, peaches and gummi's did't exist this kid would starve.
He likes to have all the doors shut in the house.

Tornado Cloud.

2011-05-23T14:25:00.001-06:00

Luke called me (which is rare during the day) and told me to go look out the window. I was so confused until I saw this:

Um, Yikes.

Outside.

2011-05-23T13:44:00.003-06:00

Lincoln loves to be outside. I think every kid does. Apartments make that hard since there really isn't anywhere to go. Thank goodness we have a very large porch. Lincoln will sit in his little chair and kick back on his Go-Gurt and watch the cars go by.

BED.

2011-05-19T11:21:00.085-06:00

This morning 3:30am:

Ada starts crying, so I get up to feed her.

Our bed is so loud.

I stumble into the dark living room. I notice the camera is sitting on the couch turned on.

Did Luke look at pictures before he went to bed and forget to turn it off??

I turn on the lamp. Ada's bottle has disappeared.

Did Luke feed Ada earlier without me hearing and look at pictures on the camera after?

I glance around the room. The pantry door is open. Pepperoni and random food is on the floor. The box of donuts is too- but now empty. The laundry room door is open too. Items are pulled off the shelves and covering the ground!

Did raccoons get into our apartment??

(I had watched a video with raccoons in it that night. It seemed to be the only thing that made sense in my sleep-deprived mind.)

I tiptoe to the porch door. It's still locked.

How could they have gotten in??

I am super freaked out and go wake up Luke with "Luke! What is going on???"

He was NOT happy about me waking him up since he'd just gone to bed an hour ago after a late meeting with the techs. "What are you talking about??"

"There is stuff all over the floor, Ada's bottle is gone and I think there are raccoons in our apartment!"

He came out begrudgingly to survey the damage and after he denying making the mess he said, "Could it have been Lincoln??

Could Lincoln have got up and made this mess??? No... But we go to check on him to see if he is ok...

Slowly, I open Lincoln's door careful not to make a noise. I walk as quietly as I can over to his bed and all the sudden his hand pops up holding Ada's bottle and says, "Ada's baba!"

That little noodle! I couldn't believe it! He was wide awake and had been wreaking havoc for who knows how long! Luke and I were super annoyed because it was so late, but also relieved that it wasn't raccoons. We lectured him quickly and told him to go to sleep and not get out of his bed again. As I was feeding Ada I heard him playing his guitar and then heard the sound of footsteps in the apartment above and heard their baby crying. At least I'm not the only one awake all night with my children.

Oh the craziness of parenthood.

Here's the empty box of donuts we found on the floor.

*Needless to say, this was the first of many nightly escapades for Lincoln, but alas his fun is no more as he is now sleeping in the pack'n'play in the closet so mommy can get some sleep.

Lincoln, you little rascal, we sure love you.

My Mr. Lincoln

2011-05-18T19:04:00.001-06:00

Little Mr. Lincoln Log

My Miss Ada

2011-05-18T17:53:00.001-06:00

Little Miss Ada

Judgmental.

2011-05-17T15:21:00.004-06:00

Call me cruel. Call me a bad parent. Call me weird.

I don't care.

I am going to buy a ~~leash~~ "child safety backpack harness" today for Lincoln. I've decided I need it for mental survival, so I can get out of this apartment. Having a toddler and a newborn is much harder than I imagined. I'm just grateful to know millions of mothers have lived through it and I will too... with the help of Lincoln's ~~leash~~ child safety harness. ;)

hero.

2011-05-17T10:03:00.005-06:00

hero.
A man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities.
Luke is my hero.
This man of mine is amazing, and I am thankful everyday that I married him.
He gets up with the kids, telling me to "just rest," feeds Ada, makes Lincoln breakfast and then works for twelve hours plus every day... the majority of that time in 100 degree weather with 70% humidity.
To pay for diapers, baby food, and clothes for me.
I don't know how he does it.
And he's been doing it for the last seven years.
He is definitely a hero.
My hero.

One Month.

2011-05-16T19:59:00.000-06:00

Ada turned one month old! I can't believe time has gone so fast, but if there's one thing I have learned as a mother it's that children grow up so quickly it hurts the heart. She is getting more chub- which I love- starting to fill out her cheeks and rock a double chin. Her hair is still there! Yahoo! And still red. : ) She is eating like a horse and seems as healthy as can be. We sure love our little Ada-girl.

Here she is at four weeks.

And here's our happy girl at one month old. :)

Lincoln's House.

2011-05-13T19:35:00.000-06:00

Lincoln is so blessed to have the best aunt in the world. Really. Auntie Court came over and made this amazing new bachelor pad for Lincoln! He loves it, and Luke thought it was the coolest thing ever when he got home. They loved playing in it together. Ha ha!