Girly leftovers

Here are some more fun pictures of us ladies at Thanksgiving. Mom and Grandma Short we are so glad you got to come and celebrate with us. We had a GREAT time, just look at this happy baby!!!

Decorating

Yep, still on Saturday. In mid-day we worked on decorating our house for Christmas both inside and outside. The boys were excited about helping with the tree, unfortunately they are still excited about helping with the tree even though the tree is done. They are moving ornaments, spinning it, plugging it in, etc, etc. Hope the interest drops soon or our tree won't survive December!!! I think our tree turned out beautifully!

By-the-way look on the wall behind us, the top bear head on the left is my Mom's 30th birthday present to me, it's from my favorite booth at the Affair of the Heart craft fair (Walter Works). Isn't it gorgeous?? I LOVE it Momma, thanks again!Here is the outside, looks pretty cool.

We love our inflatables. Yep, Christmas is in full swing at the Harmon house. I love Christmas time. What a glorious feeling I have. Christmas music is playing non-stop in my van now. I highly recommend Josh Groban's Christmas album. WONDERFUL, but listen to it with a box of Kleenex for the first time. Trust me. Also everyone should go and get a copy of John Denver and the Muppets. It's just not Christmas without it. Right Thaddeus? You remember, I know you do. Merry Christmas to all! Happy decorating!!!

Beautiful family

My whole life I have always wanted 4 children. I think it's because my Granny had 4, 2 boys and 2 girls. I thought how perfect, each can have a brother and a sister. I knew I would end up with 4. Obviously my gender speculation was wrong but my number held firm. Michael and I have been blessed with 4 amazing and adorable children and we make a good looking group too:

Here's my sweet Josie. What an adorable picture. She does not actually sit up yet but she is getting close. And give the girl a week or so and she'll be crawling everywhere!!! Now if I can just get her to gain some weight...

Oh yeah--in case you forgot: my TIGERS are number #1!!! #1 in the country that is. Ranked #1, as in no one team is higher. #1 baby! MIZZOU-RAH!!!!

GRRRRRRRRReat Saturday!

Oh yes, my Saturday was awesome to say the least!! But first let me address the fact that my Tigers are #1 in the AP Poll AND my Tigers are #1 in the BCS Rankings. So this is what it feels like to be on top...SWEET! (For those of you who didn't hear--Mizzou beat kansas, like I predicted, 36-28.)

Back to the weekend---Saturday morning we headed to Sears to get some family pics done, to redo Kaden's school photo and get some of Josie by herself. (her much needed 6 month photos now that she is closer to 8 months--I am SO bad). The session went well and we got some good pics out of it! Then we came home and Mike and his Mom finished decorating the outside of our house. We then decorated our tree and put up our Christmas houses. We were trying to fill up time waiting for the Missouri-kansas game to start. It is so nerve-racking to wait all day for a football game. Finally it was supper time and then game time. WOW. What a game. Way to go Tigers!! We will have to wait again this Saturday as the Big 12 Championship doesn't start until 7 again. Ugh. Oh well, playing at night in a national spotlight worked for us this past Saturday and it will work for us again this weekend! MIZZOU-RAH!!!

For my faithful everyday blog checkers I am not going to post pictures of everything we did this weekend today--I'll break it up so there will be new stuff to look at :)

Here's one of Josie and Kaden's new 'school' photo:

So thankful

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We had way too much amazing food, we'll have leftovers for a week I bet! I asked the kiddos what they were thankful for at dinner and Kaden said 'Ms. Marcie' (his Pre-K teacher), Luke said 'PlayStation and games', and Gabriel just looked at me--so obviously he is thankful for his sweet mother :)

**(I hope no one takes this the wrong way but...) This year I am incredibly thankful for my Josie. I have wanted a daughter so badly, I knew growing up I would have one and we would be close just like my Mom and I. I have dreamed about her my whole life. But then I was quickly 0 for 3. I was a little nervous. And we all know that I would have adored my 4th boy but God blessed me more then I could realize. I now have my angel baby girl and she is my joy. I love you Josie Claire!

**Cute outfit from Grandmom:

**Seems Josie is getting her top teeth (we think anyways, no visual evidence yet). Grandma and Grandma Short found out that she enjoys sucking on an ice cube. It's adorable! Just look at these photos:**Mike and I went out shopping today. It really wasn't that bad. We had to get a couple of things and were not really Christmas shopping so there was no pressure for us. We treated it like a date and it was fun to be out together with no kiddos. Thanks Grandmas! Mike is leaving for 4 days next week, 27 to 30th and then from Dec 2nd (yeah, my 30th b-day) until Dec 16th. Bummer drag. We can use all the dates we can get! We started putting up Christmas decorations---we usually decorate on my b-day but since the hubby is leaving we decided to do it earlier. I'm excited. Pics to come soon!

******Now everyone remember to watch tomorrows crazy important wow of a football game, Missouri vs. some other team. It's on at 7pm CT on ABC!!!!!!! Now I am not good at predicting scores or anything but in the end the score isn't really what matters it's the W that's important. So my prediction is easy---MIZZOU wins! GO TIGERS!!!!!!!!!!

It Is Well

I have had something on my heart for the past week or so and I wanted to share it with all of you. It seems God has been teaching me a lesson and like He does, I am receiving reminders of it every time I turn around. God I want you to know that I am learning, I am hard-headed but I am learning. So here's my story:
A while ago I was in a Christian bookstore and I was captured by the CD they had playing. It was just a man and guitar singing the "old" hymns. Beautiful. I asked about it and bought the CD for myself (it was Chris Rice---Peace Like a River). As I listened to the CD I realized I knew almost every word to all of the songs. The church I went to in elementary school sang every Sunday from the Baptist Hymnal. When the song "It Is Well with My Soul" started playing I remembered always enjoying this song. I listened to it over and over and it made my heart sad but I really didn't understand why. Then last week I bought myself the new DVD "Amazing Grace" and it came with a CD with songs from the movie. Guess what was on there? Yep, "It Is Well". I listened to it and it really started to take hold. Then on Sunday morning, the last song my church sang was "It Is Well". My church sings 90% new praise and worship songs and rarely goes back to the old hymns. I got teary eyed as I sang the song and I knew that 3 times was much too much a coincidence---there was a lesson coming. I have been listening to this song over and over while driving my van and singing it in my head nonstop. I have learned my lesson that I was believe was meant for me and would like to share with you. But first, the lyrics:

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

(Chorus)
It is well (it is well)
With my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, tho trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control;
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed his own blood for my soul.

(Chorus)

My sin--oh, the bliss of this glorious tho't:
My sin not in part, but in whole
Is nail'd to the cross and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

(Chorus)

And, Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be roll'd back as a scroll,
The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend,
"Even so," it is well with my soul.

It is well (it is well)
With my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul.
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Now, by no means am a theologian, I actually have a very simple Christian mind, I don't think God wanted things too complicated. Before I tell you my lesson you need to know about my faith. This is what I know: God loves me, He sent His son Jesus to die for me, by accepting this truth and at the same time realizing I don't deserve such a sacrifice, I have asked for forgiveness and have allowed Jesus to take hold of my life. Through this I know have a place in heaven with Him forever. My sin keeps me separate from God but Jesus has wiped my sins away. What grace and mercy we all have received!!!
The beautiful lyrics from this old hymn (1873) have really touched my heart. This is what I learned. It the actual words used in the song that made me think. It is SO important the author chose the words "it is well WITH MY SOUL". It is not, "it is well with my heart" because we know that our emotions can lead us into temptations and can cloud our judgement. It is not "it is well with my mind" because we all know that we think we know what is right for us, for our family, for fill-in-the-blank, but in truth it is God that knows and He is in control not us. Our hearts prompt us to ask God why? To get upset with Him when things happen that we can't understand. Our minds think they know too much and challenge God, allowing us to think we could 'run' things betters then Him. Our pride gets in the way. Our emotions get in the way. But the author used the word "SOUL". To me, the soul is the eternal part of your body. It is not clouded by judgments, emotions, or pride. It is our true self. The song says tho trials should come, it is well with my soul. We can and will be upset when 'bad' things happen, we are allowed to question God and ask why. We are NOT ever going to understand why things happen the way they do. But that is what faith is for. Faith that God is in control and we do not need to worry. "Tho trials shall come/sorrows like sea billows roll...it is well with my soul" My peaceful soul knows that ALL things happen for the good of those who love Him. My peaceful soul knows I am to be heaven forever. My sins have been taken away, my soul is cleansed.
My emotions will go up and down, my mind will second guess, wonder, and wander, but my soul knows. I need to start thinking like my soul. Rest in the assurance that God is with me. Know He loves me. Believe in His promises. Wait for His return. Remember all things on this world do not go on: no hurts, no sorrows, no regrets, no problems. So no matter what I am faced with----all is well with my soul.

Watch out turkeys...

Luke had an assignment at school to disguise a turkey so it wouldn't be caught for Thanksgiving. (from a book they read) So we decided to make a garbage bird. They boys enjoyed it because they got to eat Halloween candy to get some of the wrappers. I think it turned out really cute:And here it is time for Thanksgiving, I can hardly believe how fast this year has gone. Wow. Everyone have a blessed holiday and those who are travelling--be safe! Mike's Mom and Grandma arrived safe here yesterday. We are ready for our big feast. Mike wanted to have ham this year and we thought we would just get a little turkey to go with it, you know 7 pounds or so. Well, at the commissary the only little bird they had was still almost 9 pounds. Then they announced over the loud speaker they had turkeys on sale for 40 cents a pound so we went and got one of the last ones. We ended up with a 17 pound turkey for some $6!!!! Isn't that nuts? So we have PLENTY of food if there is anyone who wants to join us! :)
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
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A reminder that college footballs biggest game is Saturday night.
Mizzou-rah!!!! Rock those chickenhawks!

Ready, one, two, three...

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday dear Jackie,

Happy Birthday to you!!!!

Good lookin' sisters, don't ya think? :) Love you Jackie. Have a great day!!!

He likes to move it, move it

Are you ready for this? Last night was Luke's soccer banquet. We had a great time, it was at church in the atrium. Josie and Gabriel were in the nursery so it was just the big 4. We had dinner, dessert, a speaker, and then all the players received duffel bags. Luke was a pretty happy guy. Kaden was our entertainment for the evening. This is hilarious. Thad and Jackie I am afraid you might cry when you watch this!!!!! Enjoy!!!

Kaden is so funny. Here are some more pics of the evening:

Josie's laugh

I'm SO excited! Now that I know how to use blogger's video link I can post little clips of my kiddos! :) I'm excited for you guys to get to see them. Here is Josie laughing at me on the couch last night. Her laugh is so deep it cracks me up. Isn't she gorgeous? Sorry about the shaky camera I was trying to hold it and tickle at the same time. We'll get better videos when Michael gets home. But for today this will work.

Grandmom, here are the shoes I bought Josie. I know that you will LOVE them!

Jackie, I hope that you especially enjoy this post. I know seeing Josie will make you smile! (For everyone else, Jackie is fine but yesterday she was in her first ever car accident, rear-ended into another car at a stop light. Bless her heart! Everyone send prayers of thanks that Jackie is fine and prayers the whole thing is taken care of smoothly and quickly!) Love you Jackie!

My 100

Some of my fellow bloggers have posted 100 things about themselves. I really enjoyed reading about my friends. I thought I would take the plunge and follow suit. I hope you enjoy reading about me, hope you learn some things you didn't know. I want those of you who haven't listed your 100 to do so when you have a chance. So feel free to read about me but if you don't make it through my list I'll never know!! By-the-way, there is no rhyme or reason to my list, I'll just write whatever pops into my head next.

1. I am a Christian.
2. I met my husband in preschool in Germany.
3. I have always wanted 4 children and I have them all :)
4. My favorite food is mashed potatoes.
5. I have a "thing" for Steven Tyler's screaming, I love it!

6. My favorite color is purple.
7. I love my brother, he is wonderful. I'm glad we are so close.
8. Baseball is my favorite sport.
9. I have been to 43 of the states.
10. My first car was a blue Dodge Neon and I loved that car.

11. My biggest fear is losing my children.
12. I have a beautiful basset hound named Flash.
13. My Mom is my best friend.
14. "Dances with Wolves" is my favorite movie of all time.
15. I don't like going to the dentist and haven't been in 4 years.

16. I have a degree in Fisheries and Wildlife.
17. I love baby feet.
18. I can play the piano a little bit, I wish I was better.
19. Christmas is my favorite time of year.
20. I wish that I could dance.

21. I want to go back to school.
22. I am more proud of my husband then words can say.
23. Grizzlies are my favorite animal.
24. I am not patient enough with my children.
25. I love my hair.

26. I do not like to cook.
27. I loved my My Little Ponies growing up.
28. I can listen to Josh Groban for hours and hours and hours non-stop.
29. I would like to speak Italian.
30. I am so sad that I will not live in St. Louis.

31. I am a PTA board member at Luke's school.
32. I love blogging and reading blogs.
33. I think politics make people hateful and ugly.
34. I have no problem driving around in my minivan.
35. I am not creative.

36. I have been blessed with thoughtful and loving friends.
37. I am scared of being in open ocean water.
38. I think athletes get paid way too much.
39. I love sweatshirt weather.
40. I wish I could sing.

41. I love plums but can't remember the last time I had one.
42. I own an insane amount of DVD's.
43. I think getting hand-written mail is awesome!
44. I do not like gardening.
45. I love sudoku and logic problems.

46. My favorite book is "To Kill a Mockingbird".
47. I need to pray more.
48. Money always frustrates me but things always work out.
49. I have always loved math.
50. I secretly feel like I am not living to my potential as a person, mother, or wife.

51. I am honored to be a military wife.
52. I have a great memory.
53. I love playing board games.
54. I think I would enjoy being a teacher.
55. I have attended 10 different schools in my life.

56. I read novels extremely fast and yes, I read all the words.
57. My wedding day was all but perfect.
58. I love milk.
59. Going to the movies is a big treat for me.
60. I believe my gift is empathy.

61. I loved being pregnant even though I was sick.
62. I hate green beans with a passion.
63. I didn't like football until high school.
64. I don't mind being short. I'm a proud 5 foot and 1/2 inch.
65. I love going to zoos.

66. To say I cry very easily is an understatement.
67. I love the TV show Psych.
68. I am pretty lazy and I hate that.
69. I only applied to one college, mine--University of Missouri-Columbia.
70. I love Mr. Darcy in the Pride and Prejudice mini-series/movie.

71. I have read 100's and 100's of books.
72. I loved my teller job at the bank.
73. I am a very sensitive person and I'm working on that.
74. I have moved 14 times, I've lived in Oklahoma and Florida 3 separate times each.
75. I went to Disneyworld on my honeymoon, it was awesome.

76. I love doing the laundry.
77. I think I deserve time by myself but feel extremely guilty when I get it.
78. I cannot spell very well.
79. I am slowly but surely getting to my goal weight using Weight Watchers points.
80. My back hurts almost everyday from a car accident in July of 1995, I was rear-ended.

81. I never wore braces but have had 9 teeth pulled.
82. Lou Brock kissed me on the cheek when I was kiddo!
83. I hate guns.
84. I was a setter when I played volleyball.
85. I love to be in a swimming pool but I don't know how to swim correctly.

86. I won a Care Bear in a Pizza Hut coloring contest when I was in 2nd grade.
87. I am a pack rat and it's hard for me to get rid of anything because I know where/who it's from.
88. I would much rather give gifts then get them.
89. I love chocolate.
90. I have a secret desire to write a book.

91. I have prayed for years for Jackie to become an official part of our family.
92. I have jealous tendencies that I am working on always.
93. I run fevers easily.
94. I love my birthday!!!! I'll be 30 on Dec 2nd and have no problem with that!
95. I love white roses.

96. I wish my cousin Melanie and I could live in the same town.
97. I love McDonald's cheeseburgers.
98. I had a major crush on Superman (Christopher Reeve), and probably still do.
99. I'm a t-shirt and jeans kind of girl.
100. I am a happy person. I'm richly blessed and I thank God everyday for my family and friends.

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL!

Today was Luke's last soccer game and he played great once again. I almost recorded the whole game on my camera to capture him scoring a goal! It worked and I am so excited. Bummer I didn't have it zoomed in but you can still see my boy. And that's Oklahoma wind by-the-way NOT my heavy breathing! Uncle Thaddeus, notice it's a left foot goal. Luke was SO proud. We have a soccer banquet on Thursday, I will be sure to post pics of that. Way to go Luke! Mom and Dad are so proud of you.

My kiddos

Thought I would give you all a quick update on my loves. First and foremost everyone is better! Praise God for that! We have made it through yet another virus. Victory is ours! :) Now onto my babies:

Let us begin with Josie Claire. She is still such a sweet angel baby, I cannot say that enough! Her smile brightens my day. We went in to the doc yesterday for her second round of flu shot and to get a weight check. Remember at her 6 month she had only gained a couple ounces since her 4 month and doc wanted us to keep an eye on that. Well she has only gained another 2 ounces. Here are the basics without all the details, I am still nursing her and that is going fine. She does not like baby food or formula. She throws up anything but my goods. Bless her bones. Doc doesn't think it's reflux, thinks maybe it's a motor function issue (like she hasn't figured out how to swallow or something). He is a little concerned about her now and said we will give it another month and then if she still isn't gaining he will refer her to a pediatric gastroenterologist. He wants me to keep feeding her baby food and give her some extra calories with formula even if it makes her puke. Doesn't seem nice, does it? He was so sweet though, he said Josie's problem only exists on paper because she looks great, she is happy all the time, she has reached all her developmental milestones, etc. I'll keep you posted on how she is doing. My darling baby girl:

Gabriel Todd. What can I say? He is still 85% sweet and a mere 15% stinker. He is getting good at being a 2 year old. His fits mostly have him laying limp on the ground. He is just so darn cute it is terribly hard to get mad at him. He is talking more and more, his little voice is so adorable. Here a picture of our stink that stole the cereal:

Kaden Thaddeus. This boy always keeps me going. He surprises me daily. Preschool has done wonders for him. He is a complete and total sponge! He absorbs everything they do there. He knows how to spell all of his colors and is learning how to read, he sounds out letters great! When we do Luke's sight word lists Kaden has to be a part of it too. He gets upset on Saturdays because there is no school and no church to go to. He is changing so much right now, it's amazing! So yeah, here is his school picture, bless his heart. I don't even know what to say about it. Not too flattering huh? Don't really know what he is doing with his mouth there. But rest assured Grandmas that we are getting his picture redone at Sears! He is a beautiful boy, check out those eyes!Luke Thomas. What can I say about him? He is growing up quickly. He loves Kindergarten and is having a great time. He is doing great working on his reading and loves practicing! He loves playing soccer, this is his last week and then basketball starts in December. Luke is obsessed with sports of any kind. He loves watching football with us on Saturdays and Sundays. He always has to know who we are cheering for, I think he gets that from me. He told me this morning on the way to school that "We don't like the OU or those Kansases" Boy is learning young and learning right! Here is his school photo. Mike thinks he looks like he is 12. We are not ready for that!

That about covers them. I am so blessed to have them. They are my world!

Important updates

Well, well, well, what can I say about my boys?! I love 'em!! My Tigers are playing great ball right now. We played great against Colorado this past weekend. We are now #6 in the BCS and #7 in the AP Poll. Awesome! It is so cool just be in the Top 25, so the top 10 is crazy! M-I-S-S-O-U-R-I!!!!! LET'S GO TIGERS!!!
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Now for kiddos news. Unfortunately things are not much better around here. Luke perked up yesterday and was feeling great until about 11 last night. He spent much of the night in the bathroom and not throwing up if you get my drift. Bless his heart, he was feeling miserable. Kaden got up about one saying he was nauseous, he was pale and just not feeling good. Gabriel woke up around 2 something, not really sick just didn't want to be in his bed. He slept with us and did pretty good until about 5 this morning. Then he thought it was time to get up. Ugh. Luke was up a couple minutes later back in the potty. So it's been a long day already and it's only 10 in the morning! I talked with a nurse this morning and she said just wait it all out because there is nothing the doc can do anyways. I am having flashbacks from last spring. For those of you that missed it check the archives, Feb, March, and April 06. All 3 boys had rotavirus and were sick for more then 6 weeks! The nurse told me this morning that she didn't know of any diagnosed rotavirus cases right now. Praise GOD for that! Please say a quick prayer for the health of our house, bless my babies hearts. Josie seems to be escaping this so far, thank God for that and let's pray that continues as well. Here's to good health, oh and a kansas loss!!!! Mizzou-Rah!!!

Sickos

Ugh. It's here! Sickness has arrived. Yuck. Thank goodness it is a mild and quick case for everyone. Let me detail some of the fun things for you. Here goes: Josie decided to throw up ALL over me Friday night after her dinner. She and I were completely covered! Gross I know but it happens. Threw up twice more but was fine Saturday morning. Gabriel puked last weekend, told you guys about that one. Now bless his heart it has moved to the other end---it's terrible and lots of it. I spent Saturday morning cleaning it up off the carpet, yep! Doesn't that sound like fun?! It wasn't. So Saturday night Kaden starting throwing up. He made it to our bedroom door and then lost it. It was all over 2 walls and the tile entryway. Fun for Mom again. I checked his bedroom to make sure it was clean but he must have started it off in there. I cleaned up puke from his carpet. Again, not so fun. I hardly slept at all Saturday night, Kaden threw up 7 times! Bless his bones. But was feeling good yesterday and went to school today happy as a lark. Flash (our basset) decided to join in and puked all over the living room Sunday morning. I cleaned that up too. Where was Michael during all this carpet cleaning you ask??? Dealing with the one that was sick. I think we should switch jobs next time! Luke woke up this morning saying he doesn't feel good. On the way to Kaden's school he threw up but I was all prepared for that. He is now sacked out on the couch watching Justice League cartoons. Like I said it seems to be moving through quickly at least! I can't just post gross-nasty-sicko-news so here are some pictures of happier, healthier times. This was at Luke's soccer game and at the park a couple weeks ago when Grandmom was visiting:

Grease is the word

Luke had a 50's day at school the week before last. We dressed him as our own little blond Danny Zuko. His hair is too short to comb straight back so we spiked it as best we could, he was pretty adorable. They had a dance and hula hoop contest. Luke had lots of fun and enjoyed dressing up. Take a look:
"Go Greased Lightning"---I know you are singing along! :)

Super Halloween '07

Happy Halloween everyone! We had a pretty fun night last night. Before going out it was picture time. Gabriel was Mr. Incredible (you can imagine how cute he is saying that!!), Kaden was Batman, Luke was black Spider-man. And the good looking one in the back was Mizzou's back-up quarterback---note the baseball hat instead of a helmet. (oh come on, I was cute!)

We headed out to trick-or-treat about 7 o'clock because there were NO kids to be seen before that. It was crazy I expected kiddos from 5:30 on, guess I was wrong. Not too many of the houses in our subdivision were handing out candy but we still came home with plenty of it! The boys had a great time walking around and screaming "Trick-or-treat". And our Gabriel was just too darn cute toddling around carrying that pumpkin. SO adorable!
My Granny is still here visiting and she stayed at home with Josie so that Mike and I could both take the boys out. Thanks Granny for doing that for us!

It was a fun night for all of us. Until next year...