{Harris Family} one smarty pants law student, one lovely mom, and one fat Max

Midweek Slump.

2012-02-02T11:35:00.000-08:00

There is something about the later end of the week that makes me so tired. By Thursday I have already exhausted lots of our usual activities and I am starting to feel the drain of no husband around night after night. I am feeling very BLA lately....I am in a slump. I need to crawl out of it and not feel so tired. Even diet coke is not helping. I will leave you with a picture of my cute Max. He has learned to throw tantrums lately and say the word "NO" with enthusiasm. Everyday seems to be longer then the next, I am pretty sure its just the pregnancy fatigue but I really hope I can snap out of it and start to feel normal again. This haze of fatigue is really getting to me, and I am pretty sure its rubbing off on Max and that is why he is so grump and screamy these days.

Max is a really good helper. Every night as I try to cook dinner he wants to be in the middle of it. Usually I end up tripping over the tons of bowls, spoons, and forks he has pulled out. I don't mind his help because he is usually happy clanging the pots and bowls and talks to be about his day. Sure it takes me 10 times longer to do anything...but really what else should I be doing? Its pretty amazing how much kids soak up and imitate what they see. He really likes to whisk like I do, and help me set the table. He is so cute and one day I will train him to be my good little helper.

Valentines Mantel:

2012-01-31T14:07:00.000-08:00

I am so glad today is the last day of January. What a long month...right? Things have been a little busy lately around here. What with Max testing my patients at nap time and being outside in the beautiful drought weather all day I haven't posted in over a week. I have tried a ton of different recipes thanks to pintrest last week which were a hit and finishing my second valentines day banner. Its very similar to the birthday one I made in June. I have also had a lot of contractions due to the fact that I am walking everyday pushing a 25 pound toddler for a couple miles each day so thats about the most exciting thing going on in our life, oh and the valentines day mantel. Its a work in progress but I like how bright and cheery it is in the house. Its the closest thing to celebrating this year because Larry has school and I will be watching my sister-in-laws 6 children while they are in Mexico...hurray! Anyways I am happy to welcome February into my life with all its 3 day weekends and fun girly colors in the house.

Sunday Night Routine...Are You Watching It?

2012-01-24T11:51:00.000-08:00

I look forward to Sunday nights every week so I can sit baby free, drink diet coke, and watch masterpiece theater. Yes people on PBS like an old person. Man this season of Downton Abbey is scandalous and I love that there is no commercials and its all drama...its the best. Haven't seen it? Well you can catch the first season on Netflix. I love masterpiece theater there is so many great miniseries that they have made over the years. The best part is that Larry loves watching them too haha its awesome. Just watch and you will get sucked in too. And yes you do spot Professor McGonagall She took a break from Hogwarts to star in the show, and she is hilarious.

What do you do when it rains all weekend?

2012-01-23T12:01:00.000-08:00

Watch a ton of Curious George. Entertaining him for long stretches of time is very hard when its pouring down rain and your usual thing to do is to go play outside or go to the park. George has been our saving grace, oh that silly monkey.

Side note: I had some good strong contractions last night for a good hour then they were gone. FYI baby I would love for you to come early but you need to wait at least 7 weeks so I can be full term. Thanks.

Parenting.

2012-01-20T11:47:00.000-08:00

Today is one of those days where I have to continue to tell myself that one day I will no longer be a single parent, over and over again so I can continue on with my day. I have seen Larry a total of 20 minutes this week...people this is no exaggeration. He comes home so late I am always asleep because hello I run after a toddler all day and am pregnant and he leaves probably 5 minutes after I wake up to get Max from his crib. I did talk to him around 3:45 am this morning when Max was crying and I will probably see him tomorrow night. I don't mean to write this to have self pity its just the reality of our lives and the choices we have made. Knowing that one day years down the road he will have a somewhat normal schedule keeps me going, and keeps me wanting to get out of bed, because somedays lets face it its hard to muster up the energy to get up and go on with your life without a spouse by your side. I am also trying to get myself psyched for this new baby to come because facing a new baby and taking care of Max who is basically a baby still is daunting and scary. Will I have time to shower, eat, sleep or even pee in peace? Who knows only time will tell. I am going to take it day by day and just keep pressing forward. The other day as Max was screaming in the car I sang very loudly "I love being a mom" over and over again and you know what eventually he stopped screaming and found it funny and I really do love being a mom, so what if its solo most of the time at least I get the opportunity.

We Survived!

2012-01-18T19:49:00.000-08:00

The stomach flu hit our house hold thursday night. It was a blur of days filled with vomit, poop, cranking people, sleepless nights and a lot of clorox wipes. Thankfully all my prayers paid off and I did not get sick. Sick 7 month pregnant mom taking care of sick babies and husbands really doesn't work out so thankfully I was able to keep it together, clean up multiple accidents and wash our sheets lots of times. Max always found opportune times to puke like at 3 am all over Larry and me...sweet memories we are making. But Sunday afternoon everyone was on the mend except for Max who still has the occasional runs. My sister-in-law was battling the illness at her house as well so it was a super fun 3 day weekend for us. I don't know how many baths, loads of laundry, or times I washed my hands but it felt like a million. I am so thankful everyone is healthy-ish and that the house no longer smells. Hope it doesn't hit anyone else's house!

All In A Days Work.

2012-01-12T13:00:00.000-08:00

8:00 am- Max wakes up

8:05- Change a huge explosion diaper, dress him.

8:10-feed Max some breakfast...most ends up on the floor

9:00- go up stairs to find throw up ALL over Max's crib, door, sheets, floor...everywhere. Spend the next hour and a half cleaning up the dry throw up. Not so fun for a 7 month pregnant women to be scrubbing on her hands and knees while Max is trying to help and climb on my back.

10:30-Wash sheets, air out house, fabreeze the heck out of the closet

11:00-take Max for a walk

11:30- change his blow up diaper again and put him in fresh clothes, wrestle him to get medicine down his throat and put him into bed.

12:00- Listening to his crying praying he will go to sleep so I can wash the smell of vomit, and poop off me and feed myself and my unborn child.

12:30-All is silent...do you think Im off the hook? Or maybe he puked again and fell asleep in it like he did last night.

29 weeks...and other mom ramblings.

2012-01-11T11:05:00.000-08:00

I went into the Dr. today for my 29 week appointment. The baby looks good, small but good and my fluid level is normal for now! Its a love hate relationship with my fluid levels. Sometimes its nice to have a concern because then you get above and beyond care but then there is a worry as well. For now everything is good though in that area. The baby is not too active though and I don't feel too much movement. My placenta is right up front so if the baby kicks I barely feel it so thats kinda annoying because that is one true indicator if something is wrong but its harder to tell with me.

I continue to let my Dr. know how anxious I am about this labor. I really really do not want to have a baby in the car so I am crossing my fingers that she will induce me but we will have to wait awhile to see. Lets all hope because rapid births are all to real in my family:) I have gone through all the baby clothes again and organized them and we are moving Max into his own room next week! No more closet baby! So things are starting to feel more real as the weeks go by. We are getting pretty excited and nervous to be adding another family member to the mix but I can't wait to hold this little guy and tackle being a mom of 2. Hopefully I survive.

Max has been very helpful with organizing the baby clothes and helping me clean his new room. He has no clue what is going on...he doesn't even understand my belly is getting larger and that kicking me or hitting me there is a naughty thing. Its been a challenge to parent him as he is starting to gain his own personality and independence. He is pretty sweet natured but boy he can be so dang stubborn about things its hard to keep your patients and really try to teach him why he can or cannot do certain things.

Anyways I know that no one cares about these things but I want to remember and look back when things were nuts and I was in the thick of having and raising kids and remember the funny, challenging, and joyful moments.

Fresno ZOO

2012-01-07T11:26:00.001-08:00

Friday we went down for a day trip to Fresno, where my mom grew up and lots of my cousins still live. We had a fun time wandering around the Zoo then a late lunch at my Aunts house. I loved getting away even just for the day. Max was a champ the entire day and did great on the car ride there and back sans nap. He is nonstop and I am so glad I get to stay home with him and take him to places like this.

Here he is trying to feed the fake dragon his cheese crackers.

He is learning to share really well. (sometimes)

One of the reasons I love the zoo is that he can wander and run free without me feeling like I need to always be telling him to be quite or not to touch things. An added bonus is that he loves being outside so he typically is always happy looking at all the animals and running like a wild man.

Family Pictures

2012-01-06T08:55:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago we had some family pictures taken. For 30 minutes and a cranky toddler they came out pretty well! I'm kinda bummed I am 6 months pregnant in these and you can totally tell in my fat little face but my mom says its okay...it's life and we are documenting the moment! haha.

We Also did some with my whole family which came out pretty great as well...at least I think so its always hard to get everyone looking great but my mom was pleased and thats all that matters. Hopefully next time we take them its at a wedding of my brothers and we will have a new baby and I will be skinny again...one can hope :)

Amazing Weather.

2012-01-05T11:55:00.000-08:00

Today the high is 67 degrees and sunny. Its been pretty amazing weather here, so great that I feel guilty keeping Max inside till after his morning nap...but naps come first so we press on. Anyways my mom and I have been walking everyday for an hour and its been great but also my hips are killing me. Being pregnant a second time my joints are a lot more loose then they were so walking hard for an hour pushing a 25 pound baby and carrying extra weight as well on me is a big work out and my pregnant body feels pretty beat up at the end of the day. BUT the weather is beautiful so why complain, and I need to not be gaining too much weight so its win win for all.

Larry started back to school yesterday so we won't be seeing much of him for the next 4 months and one of his cases is going to trial so on top of it it all of we really won't be seeing him. I hope he can squeeze in time for the birth of this baby maybe?...he says has to check his schedule. Also my best baby sitter and brother John went back to school up at BYUI sad day for me because he was a great Max watcher and entertainer. Besides these few things that is pretty much the happenings around here. Tomorrow we are going to go to Fresno to see cousins and visit the zoo, it should be nice to get away for the day and do something different out of the normal routine.

Lastly I made this for dinner tonight: Lets hope its a HIT!!

Slow Cooker Coconut Chicken Curry:

3 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast, Cut Into Large Cubes
1 whole Onion, Peeled And Halved
2 cloves Garlic, Peeled
1 whole Small Green Bell Pepper, Seeded And Quartered
1 can Tomato Paste
1 can Coconut Milk
1-½ teaspoon Salt
1 Tablespoon Curry Powder
1 Tablespoon Garam Masala (Indian Spice Mix)
2 Tablespoons Water
1-½ Tablespoon Cornstarch

**Mix all ingredients in food processor (minus cornstarch/water) Pour curry over chicken and cook in crockpot for 6 hours on low. The last hour mix water and cornstarch together then pour into crockpot to thicken the curry.Serve over rice.

Happy 2012!!!

2012-01-01T19:19:00.000-08:00

We made it to a new year! This is my first 2012 post and I am pretty excited about it...can you tell? I am hoping and crossing my fingers that 2012 is a fabulous year with many happy memories. We have a lot to look forward to with a new baby, finishing up a second year of law school, and our 5 year wedding anniversary...wow time flies and 2012 is looking good!

I hope this year I can make some goals, keep them, and accomplish them. I have many different level of goals some to do with marriage, mothering, finance, and church goals. Here are just a few:

1. Be a more patient spouse...don't assume Larry can read my thoughts.

2. Attend the temple twice a month.

3. Read the Book of Mormon again, keep along with sunday school readings.

4. Pay exat tithing monthly not biannually or annually.

5. Sew my little heart about before baby comes.

6. Continue taking Max to the Park everyday whether permitting.

7. Be a patient and loving mom...remember Max is a curious toddler not an adult.

8. Try to not be such a compulsive clean freak.

9. Be more encouraging towards others, don't let me pregnancy hormones over take me!

10. Be the best mother of 2 I can be and remember its okay to take some me time to shower and get dressed in the morning.

11. Have 40 % of our desired down payment by the end of summer.

12. Remember my family needs are more important then our savings account!

13. Be a better supportive sister, friend, wife, daughter, mother.

14. Lose all my baby weight before summer...haha we shall see!!

15. Pick a baby name before this boy gets here.

There are so many more things I want to be better at this year but most of all I want to focus on being the best mom and wife I can be. Its hard, especially when I am pregnant and feel like sometimes I can't control how I feel or what I say but I know I can do better and I need to as well. I need to count my blessings, pick my self up from the floor, and serve someone everyday that will make it a better and brighter year!

Breakfast With Friends.

2011-12-30T11:10:00.000-08:00

Last week we were able to get together with my best friends. 2 of them live here but the other lives far away in Texas. It was pretty nuts getting together with 2 toddlers, 1 baby, and 3 pregnant women. We had a wild time trying to entertain kids but it was super fun to see everyone together. Next time our size will be even bigger with 3 more babies coming in the next 3 months. Its really fun raising kids at the same time as your friends, it's great to get to talk about the same things and get advice and whatnot. I love my friends, they are like my sisters and it's so fun when we do get to see each other. Even all the husbands were able to come which is a big deal with school, work, and traveling! Can't wait until the next time it might not be until next year. Thanks Jill for sending me the pictures!

2011 Christmas Card

2011-12-25T19:50:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

We are so thankful to be spending the Christmas season with our family and friends. We have had a busy 2011. Larry finished up his first year of law school, got a job in Sacramento for the summer that turned into a permeate postilion and switched to a part time law program in Sacramento. It was a whirlwind of changes and challenging decisions, but we made it out alive and feel good about the choices we have made. We are happy to be fully employed and Larry was happy to finish off his first semester of his second year a couple weeks ago. We are pinching our pennies trying to save up for a house so when law school is over and done with many years from now we have something to show for it!

We spent the summer swimming, playing outside, and taking a family reunion for the Harris side to Utah. We camped in Utah with Max which turned into a nightmare but great stories due to the rainy camping days. Max turned 1 years old, learned to walk, then run and has been moving nonstop! He is our pride and joy and we love almost every moment of being his parents! We found out in early August we were expecting a surprise baby #2 and that is is another little boy. After the shock, and worry that comes along with a unexpected baby we are now thrilled to be welcoming a new baby boy early April.

Larry spends most of his time juggling a full time position at a law firm in Folsom and going to school 3 nights a week and some Saturdays. He has gotten into biking lately and is so excited for basketball season to begin to root for Jimmer/Kings and his beloved home team the Jazz. He is an amazing dad and loving husband. He does so well at making time for everyone and never complains about the burdens he carries.

AnnMarie (Me) is busy running after Max and getting larger by the day. I have been able to get my California nursing license although thankfully have not had to work yet. I love staying at home and being a full time mom. It's hard work and frustrating but I love knowing I am Max's main care taker. I have really gotten into sewing, couponing, and cooking nightly meals for everyone in the house. Its been a dream to live with my parents, save money, and never feel lonely while your husband is gone 90% of the week.

We feel extremely blessed this Christmas season to know the true meaning of Christmas and to celebrate Christs birth. I am grateful to get through the trials that were thrown at us this year and look froward to a fresh new 2012 year! We are so grateful for our health, growing family, and Larry's job. After some unstable years its great to feel like our adult lives are somewhat coming together. Hope everyone is enjoying the season and remembering to have Christ be the center of our lives. Merry Christmas- Larry, AnnMarie, Max and Baby Boy!

Merry Christmas Eve!

2011-12-24T19:47:00.001-08:00

Max is asleep, the house is clean, and all the presents are under the tree. We had a fun low key chinese dinner with our Foell cousins and spent the day at the park playing on the swings, and throwing balls with our Martin cousins. Larry and I are now relaxing infront of the fire and I am so excited for tomorrow morning with Max. We do Christmas pretty small around here but its going to be so great and I love that Christmas is on a Sunday so we get to enjoy a sacrament service on the actual day, so special. Hope everyone has a wonderful night with their families, as for me I will be making out with my husband and drinking hot chocolate with a bit of tums because this baby inside me is giving me heart burn like no other!

Things We have Done This Week:

2011-12-23T15:01:00.000-08:00

-Went to The Zoo to see the Lights-Max LOVED this! Will do again next year.

-Made lots of goodies and ate lots too.

-Went to Target almost everyday

-Went to the Park everyday and twice sometimes

-Worked on the Christmas puzzle

-Went to Dovewood Court to see the lights

-Went to another house to see the lights-Max tried to unplug them all.

-Had a pizza party after a long day of shopping

-Visited old friends

-Went to a funny white elephant party

-Stayed up way to late and got up bright and early

- Saw Santa from a distance-Max was not interested

-Played with lots of balls

-Made candy houses-Max ate his weight in candy

-Uncle Tom came home from VA

-Wrapped lots of gifts and drank some egg nog-yum!

We are loving our Christmas vacation. Larry had today off so we have been making the best of finally having him home. I wanted him to feel like he had some sort of break even though he is still working but done with school. We have tried to do things every night to make it feel someone like a vacation. I want him to know how thankful I am for all his hard work and letting him relax, watch sports, and eat whatever he wants is a good way to show him that! I think its the little things that make you remember special holidays. We really have loved taking Max to see the lights because his face lights up and he is so interesting in seeing the bright sparkling houses. He loves being in the hustle and bustle of crowds and gets excited when he sees other kids out doing the same thing. I will say it 100 times how much sweeter these holidays are with kids. I totally get it now! Hopefully we can cram in as much fun things as possible before it all ends.

Oh Christmas Tree Oh Christmas Tree...

2011-12-20T14:52:00.000-08:00

Isn't this tiny little tree so cute? It is Max's tree. He helped me decorate it and it has been to distract him from the big tree. Really he doesn't need a distraction because we are smart and put the tree on a table so he can't really even reach it. A bit ugly maybe but a necessity with little kids it will be that way for many years to come. Anyway this tiny tree is perfect for Max. He rips the ornaments off and will put them back on or chuck them across the room. At the end of the day I clean it all up. He loves to touch the little lights and things the goose on top is so cute and will go around and pat it on its head.

A goose on top of a tree you are thinking? Well the goose is a funny story. My parents got it full size on to put on their tree when they were newly married and it came with this baby one. Well it has always been a joke for my brothers and I. We all hate the goose and think its so weird and funny when my mom pulls it out each year. Well when I found the baby one I had to put it on Max's tree its tradition and its hilarious. It is really fun to have a small child during the holidays. We have gone to a lot of different places to look at lights and even went to the Zoo at night with lights on which he loved running around the zoo and seeing the lights. The holidays are so much fun with someone little to share the magic with.

18 Months Old

2011-12-19T14:31:00.000-08:00

Where has the time gone? Max is officially 18 months and is such a big boy. He still has baby moments but he is all boy. He loves to climb, jump, play outside, go to the park multiple times a day, loves balls and basketball. He has learned to move chairs to where he wants them and climb up on them then the table and get candy off of it. He loves to turn the light switches on and off multiple times in a row. He can run so fast and loves to jump and hop. He can climb up the play structure and go down the slides on his tummy all by himself. He loves to swing, wrestle and jump on the couches. He has had many bumps, bruises and cuts. If he has a chance to run outside he takes it and kicks and screams when I drag him back in. He loves living with his grandpa and grandma and has a lot of people to play with him. He is a big boy and goes right into nursery and loves playing with kids. He likes to share his food and shove it in your mouth. Anything that has a button that lights up and requires pushing he wants to play with. He Can Say: Mom, Dad, Baby, Ball, Outside, Juice. Thats about it haha. He does understand about 100 other words and its easy to comunicate with him which is nice. He talks all day long and sings to himself in his langage. He screams loud and has learned about throwing fits and time outs.

He really is a typical boy who wants to play and move constantly until its bed time or nap time. He is still a great little sleeper and napper its very nice for a pregnant mom. He is in the 50% for weight 30% for height and his head is in the 100% haha. He has 20 teeth that he uses to eat everything with and sometimes bite your feet if your not watching. He likes Curious George and Winnie The Pooh (because he has them as stuft animals) We LOVE him so much its hard to comprehend how much he has changed our lives for the better. He makes me laugh, cry, feel frustrated all in one day. Its challenging chasing after him but I really would not want to do anything else. He loves when his dad gets home to gobble him up and tire him out and they has special bath time where the bathroom looks blown up after Larry is done bathing Max. So glad we get to be his parents! Happy 18 months big brother Max!!

I 100% agree...

2011-12-16T17:28:00.000-08:00

Winning the War but losing the battle...

2011-12-15T13:14:00.000-08:00

So I am trying really hard to be a great mom. Trying to make memories for Max like going to the park, play groups, cookies, special things and somedays I think every things going great others not so much. Today is one of those days. We had an early morning and I was pretty tired by the time 9 am had rolled around. I am trying to get ready everyday because it makes me feel better about myself (wow she can get up early, get ready, be hugely pregnant, and cart around a toddler...ya know) anyways I turned my back as I was starting to get ready to curl my hair and the next thing I knew Max was screaming. One of those deathly something is so wrong screams I knew instantly what had happened. I scooped him up and ran his little hands under the cold water as he was kicking and screaming. I next put ice packs on them which he hated. Ever try prying a toddlers little hands open to put them on ice packs...pretty bad. With some quick thinking I busted out the Tylenol, then tried to calm him down by taking him on a walk...nothing helped.

With a frantic teary phone call to Larry pleading for some suggestions on how to calm him down I quickly decided I needed to go and purchase some burn spray to at least numb the area. Screaming the entire way to the store my poor Max was so upset. As I was driving/purchasing/applying spray I was on the phone with the advice nurse making sure I had remembered to do everything I'd been taught (yay for nursing school) as well as double check that he didn't need to be seen because of his age. His burn really wasn't that bad, in fact I think it was more red because of his constant screaming (he gets all red) and the ice packs. She reassured me I had done everything right and even let me cry on the phone for a couple minutes.

After a good 2 hours of constant crying he finally settled down. As I laid with him in the bed I said a silent prayer of thanks for the silence and that he was alright. It's the worst feeling knowing you could have prevented your child from getting hurt and all's you were doing was trying to get ready so you could take him out to lunch and the park. Deep breath! So now I'm sitting here taking a breather as he is hopefully sleeping for a while, not dressed, hair in a bun, no make up on, and feeling pretty defeated. I knew that this mom thing was sacrifice and hard work but sometimes I feel like I can do nothing right, and can please no one. Anyone else feel like they have no clue what they are doing? I know there are other days though that are perfect and blissful and they make up for the ones you screw up pretty bad.

25 weeks

2011-12-14T18:31:00.000-08:00

I haven't documented much about this pregnancy yet, so heres the down low...

Im just about 25 weeks pregnant...15 to go!

I've gained 7 pounds. This is the most shocking I have already gained half of my entire weight from last time...I need to stop eating!

Small little belly similar to last time, people can't tell if I'm pregnant or fat. I think Im HUGE but its all relative.

Baby moves randomly mostly at night but not as active as Max was (yet).

Heart beat is strong and constant.

I am a lot more anxious about this delivery more then the last.

Fluid seems to be normal so far although I measure small.

Picking another boy name has been challenging.

Getting pretty excited to have a new baby around!

Christmas Max.

2011-12-13T08:42:00.000-08:00

So I whipped up these PJ bottoms for Max. They came out okay being that I didn't have a pattern and made my own. I figure he can wear them all month long then they can become rags. I want him to feel the christmas spirit all month long even though he might not fully understand what is going on. He is so sweet and I hope he knows I try my hardest to be a good mom, even though it's so hard some days. I also decided to check out pintrest last night. Such a bad idea, there are so many crafty things on there I had to put a time limit on my web browsing because I would get addicted, one addiction to diet coke is enough.

Dinner Menu:

2011-12-12T13:16:00.000-08:00

We have a busy busy week around here. What with finals being almost done, 2 play groups, a trip to the library for story time, tying baby quilts, getting things even more christmasy, some park going and maybe even the zoo to end the week. Tired? So am I an its only Monday! To keep me going and motivated we need some good food. Heres what we are eating this week:

Monday-Honey Lime Enchiladas

Tuesday-French Onion Sandwiches

Wednesday- Tacos

Thursday- Pasta

Friday- Grilled Pork Chops and Rice

I am always looking for new and fantastic things to make. Any fun ideas? Also I am baking up a storm for Larry to take treats to work. I love feeling busy and nothing makes me happier then a clean house, the fire going, and cooking in the kitchen with my su-chef Max, he's really such a helper..and he is getting really good at helping me unload the dishwasher. He hands me thinks one at a time, the bowl, the plate, a fork it takes about 20 minutes to unload when he is around.

The First Christmas Story: Told By Max Harris

2011-12-11T09:37:00.000-08:00

Apparently our Christmas nativity involves a Santa Mr. potato head. Max always places him around the nativities constantly. I love this little nativity it allows him to play with it and still try to instill the spirit of Christmas. I turned my back for 10 seconds though and he was up on the table throwing the animals, baby Jesus, and stable before I knew it. This boy is constantly moving and is non stop. We have a special little tree just for him that he can touch and destroy and we redecorate everyday so he is distracted by the big one...that we have yet to purchase. It is so fun having a little toddler around for the holidays its so much sweeter and special to have him love the lights and the goodies that come to the door. But watch out for those presents he already unwrapped one and proudly brought me the paper to throw away.

Saturday Love.

2011-12-10T09:30:00.000-08:00

This morning we woke up bright and early ready for the day. I have been sleeping extremely bad for a couple weeks now. My back is killing me so I am glad when morning comes and I can get up and move. This morning I got Larry up and Max and we went to the park. Everything was still damp so we wiped down the swings and slides and Max went wild. After about a chilly hour we packed Max up in the car and went to good old health McDonalds for breakfast. Max just loves those hash browns. It was are family date morning, we had a great time. We've been trying to really tighten our budget so we can get closer to our down payment so this was a big splurge for us! I didn't really want anything for Christmas but to do little things like this all month long and go out to eat a couple times so Larry is making it happen. The rest of the day Larry studied and was gone till late at night and Max and I played but for the morning we actually were together happy and worry free for awhile!

Also I made this PIE: Its delicious!!!

Grasshopper Pie

8 oz cream cheese, softened

8 oz tub Cool Whip

1 Oreo Crust (I buy premade but you can make your own if you prefer)

1/2 (of a 14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

16 Keebler Grasshopper Cookies

Green food coloring

Crush cookies in a large Ziploc bag. Some large chunks are fine, but you want mostly very

small, even crushed pieces.

In the bowl of a mixer, beat cream cheese on medium until smooth. Add sweetened

condensed milk and beat until combined. Mix in crushed cookies and fold in Cool Whip.

Add food coloring and fold in until desired color is achieved. Pour into pie shell and chill for

at least 4 hours.

High 50's....

2011-12-07T20:57:00.000-08:00

The weather here has been extremely nice, yes its California but even for December its been beautiful in the afternoons. Max has been to the park everyday for a week, he even got Larry to take him before church on Sunday. Larry is almost done with finals which is a nice relief. Its hard having a husband work so much and then have to go study so much. Its completely different then undergrad days when we both were hitting the books, working, and childless. Law school in itself is such a beast and add on top a high stress litigation job and its just craziness. Anyways after Larry worked at the office for a few hours we met him for lunch and a quick trip to the park before Larry headed down to school and we went home for naps. Its so fun to be outside in the sun and watch Max run around, go down slides, chase birds, and play with his dad. He lights up when Larry is around because Larry will play rough with him, I'm more into kisses and discipline.

These days any small time we get with Larry is a miracle so its nice to be able to live close to his work and be able to take an hour out for our day to keep everyone happy. We will take full advantage of this beautiful weather, I keep thinking our days are numbered but we will see!

Sunday Best

2011-12-04T21:35:00.000-08:00

It is so hard to get a good picture of this kid! I have a 100 of him running toward the camera, making a weird face, eyes closed, you name it and it's NOT photogenic...He's a really cute kid in person though. We love Sundays around here. Playing at the park in the morning, taking a nap and off to church which can be torture for a toddler and a pregnant mom just trying to make it through 3 hours tantrum free for the both of us! My favorite thing about his church attire is his cute little black church shoes. He looks like a little man all dressed up it's so cute.

Hurray For Fridays!

2011-12-02T09:42:00.000-08:00

Things I am Happy About Today:

1. Getting Christmas decorations out.

2. Watching Max watch the christmas lights

3. Making peppermint cookies

4. Getting the 6th season of Bones on DVD for a killer deal on black friday!!

5. Scoring 97 cent jammies from Old navy for toddler and new baby boy!

6. Deciding on a baby name (maybe?)

7. Cool crisp winter air & a warm fireplace

8. Finishing dozens of sewing projects

9. My bath & body works wall plug-ins (candle free house with kids now)

10. The Panera bread restaurant opening up in Folsom!!

11. Figuring out the best place to put a christmas tree that Max won't destroy??

12. Listening to Max "talk" to himself and his stuft animals.

13. Our fisher price nativity that Max plays with all day. He loves to chuck the baby Jesus because its the most ball like :) haha

I am not sure what it says about my life that such simple things bring me such great joy. I think its a good sign because theres not much going on in it most of the time!

Memories Of Max.

2011-12-01T21:11:00.000-08:00

Its been so sunny these last couple days its been so nice to play outside even though its pretty cold and windy. Every day Max bangs on the doors until we get to go play outside. He screams with delight once we reach the park and will run to the swings. Today we took a trip to the church and while my mom cleaned out the nursery cabinets Max played a good solid hour with bubbles and the small slide they have there. Its so funny to watch him go down the slide and then run back to climb up and do it again...over and over. Its so fun to watch him learn, and grow and laugh while he plays. He kept wanting me to turn on the microwave on the fake kitchen h'es so persistent he will take my finger and place it where he wants me to push, and gets frustrated when it doesn't work like the real one at home.

I know that nobody cares about these things but I want to remember them. He is learning and growing everyday its sad to see as the baby features disappear and he looks like a little boy. He is a dare devil and it really is a miracle at times he is still alive. He has learned to climb on the couches and jump off them or to other objects like the ottoman. He will climb up and teeter on the cushions or just look at me and then let go, like he is waiting for me to say NO. He still loves balls and playing with his basketballs for the better part of the day. He is also starting to walk up stairs instead of crawl. He knows when its bath time and where to go and that he gets naked (which he loves),and he knows where to get his shoes and put his dirty diapers. He even tries to wipe himself and hold his butt paste its hilarious. He screams bloody murder when we brush his teeth at night but its kinda nice because his mouth is open nice and wide. He loves bringing me things to open like crackers and drinks and is a very social eater. He gets mad when I give him a sippy cup but he really wants a bottle. Sometimes he will sit infront of the fridge until I give in. He thinks all little boys should drink diet coke and get to play on a real computer not his baby one.

I want to remember every little thing he does and every little laugh, roll, chubby body part I can before its all gone and hes grown up. He is so expressive with his blue eyes and will lift his eyebrows up and down and has the biggest smile ever. He is learning to throw tantrums and he is learning the reality of time out. He is active, smart, and has a great memory. Its amazing to see him everyday and I love being his mom. I hope he won't attack the new baby too much and that he will feel just as much love from me as before. My favorite part of the day is when he will come in my room and say "mom" over and over until I say "yes Max" then he smiles big and runs away, waiting for me to chase him and play.

{pictures taken October 2011}

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-28T09:43:00.000-08:00

We had a great Thanksgiving with a mixture of Larry's family and mine. It was fun to see cousins from Utah and Oregon and hang out all weekend. It was amazing to have Larry around for 2 days straight. We played at the park, ate, and then the moms went out and shopped all night long. Yes I am rounding on what 23 or 24 weeks pregnant and hit the stores like a pro, it was pretty nuts especially because we keep Christmas small but I scored some fun things all in my budget! It was fun to chat and eat a lot of bad food...my body thanked me later for the lack of sleep maybe 3 hours and eating copious amounts of junk food and diet coke to keep me going (sorry baby)

We are getting excited for christmas and I have a goal to get everything up this coming weekend. The challenge will be the tree with Max. We will see how it all works out because I can just see him attacking it all day long. Larry has a 2 week haul of finals and then the semester is done yahoo how many more? haha I love law school right?? We are also looking forward to celebrating Max turning 18 months and ushering him into nursery at church it will be grand especially because his grandma is the nursery leader.

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving season, I am so thankful for a long long list of things including Larry's job that allows me to stay home, our education,our faithful car, family, healthy bodies, a house to live in and save money, and this new sweet baby boy coming to our family soon, and of course our wild Max! We are very blessed and I need to remember that when I get into pity party moods. Compared to the rest of the world we are doing pretty great and I need reminders maybe thats why we get so many trials :)

At The Park.

2011-11-23T18:03:00.000-08:00

We took the little man to the park today to try to get him feeling better. Its been a long couple days of constant crying and I was getting pretty frazzled. We hit up the zoo and the park and he was happy the entire time. We should just live outside 24 hours a day because I think he would be perfectly happy all the time. He found this ball and had a blast. Sadly the happiness at the park didn't last long as he screamed the rest of the afternoon and I can hear him downstairs right now. I can't wait till he feels better this thanksgiving vacation isn't feeling very vacation-ish. Oh well he is one cute little boy, sick in all, I would take him any day.

My life is truly insane.

2011-11-22T18:18:00.001-08:00

I need to document my day because it was a bad one and its always good to remember these really bad days. Max has been sick since Sunday. I don't get a lot of help from Larry because he is always gone and can't get sick. So its up to me to give him round the clock care on top of oh yeah growing another child. {deep breaths} Its been a hard day with a 6:00 am wakeup call and constant fussiness, throw up, and fevers. The sad thing is when Max is sick he isn't cuddly he wants up then down, then up and thats pretty hard on my body. I am a little worried that this baby inside me is going to get injured from me bending up and down with a 24 pound child on my hip. Anyways I know things will get better, heres to hoping tomorrow is better. I love being a mom but these are the hard days people talk about!

Falling In Love Again.

2011-11-20T20:51:00.000-08:00

Thursday night I set out with my sister-in-law to see the midnight showing of Breaking Dawn. Seriously we are nuts. It was really fun though. The theater was packed with tons of my friends and moms with their daughters. We chatted for about 2 hours before the movie started which is always good for a girls soul. The movie was so so, but its okay because I am not a fanatic its just fun to watch a love story. It makes me remember when I read the books and how much fun falling in love is. I love being married to Larry but it was so much funner to fall in love when everything was fresh and new. It also cracks me up that the couple saves themselves for marriage and how awkward it can all be between you two at first. It made me totally remember when Larry and I were finally alone after we were married in the car on the way to dinner...I was like wow we are married and alone and this is allowed now. I think if your married you know that feeling.

Needless to say it was a fun night. I stayed up way to late and drank way to much soda. Once I got home and crawled into bed Max started crying 2 hours later. Trying to be fun and young has its price when your a mom. It was a long groggy day but totally worth it. I kept telling Larry all about how I think we should fall in love again, he kept laughing at me and saying I can never go to a midnight showing of a movie again. :)

Reality Of Being A Parent.

2011-11-16T21:35:00.000-08:00

It have finally accepted I am pregnant. After doctors visits, and now a gender its real and it became even more real while I was running around all day after Max and had a little guy inside me kicking all the live long day. Its real. Also my clothes aren't fitting which is very depressing so that has made me more aware of it then ever.

In other news we are trying a new thing called time outs. Max is a sweet little boy. But he knows what the word "no" means and he has become a little too defiant, especially when it comes to throwing things. Now we kinda set him astray when we gave him a million balls to play with but he has go to start learning that not everything is a ball.

The routine is pretty simple. If i say no and he still throws whatever it is...its usually his sippy cup he gets put on time out. There is a designated spot in the kitchen that he sits on a chair and stairs at the timer. When the timer goes off he can get down. Its worked out pretty well. I am sure he has no clue why I am doing this but it calms him down from his tantrum and gets him back on track. Amazingly he won't get off the chair (for the time being) and he knows when the timer goes off hes done. Its kinda cute.

Anyways hopefully I have more eventful and fun things to say next time I post. This is the life of a mom, its fun, crafty, never ending, tiring, rewarding, boring, frustrating, and messy all in one sometimes very long day :)

It's a....

2011-11-09T13:17:00.000-08:00

BOY!!!

Max will have a little brother coming April 1st. We are pretty excited to have double the trouble and messes. I saw his little boy part right away and it was pretty clear we are doing blue clothes again! I am excited for Max, I think every little mischievous boy needs a brother to teach him the ropes. So heres to another sweet boy coming to our family! Baby looked healthy and great. The dr. are watching my fluid levels carefully and hopefully everything goes smoothly only 20 weeks left!

Staying Positive While Getting Fat.

2011-11-06T17:42:00.000-08:00

I am having a hard time staying positive and feeling good about my body. I am now officially 20 weeks and half way through this pregnancy. I have relatively gained the same weight so far as the last one but somehow this time around I feel much wider then before. I feel like I am this chubby person and I am frankly getting depressed about it. I worked hard with Max not to gain weight and worked very hard about getting rid of it. I am self-conscious and feel super bad already and I am only half way there. I don't seem to remember having this problem but I am in a mood and Its been hard to snap out of it. Any ideas?

Yes Yes I know I am pregnant...and you get fat when that happens but I am small and looking fat doesn't suit my already baby fat face. I eat right, and exercises and chase around a toddler I don't know what else to do. Larry says I should put in a disclaimer that he thinks I look great and I have not busted out the maternity clothes yet. {yahoo} small victory I guess.

Maybe I shouldn't be writing this as I sit on my bed and have just eating dinner...because that just makes things worse after you eat you never feel skinny. Anyways I must stay positive! I must I must. Oh hey we find out what we are having Wednesday fun right? Maybe I will feel better then:)

November hit and so did the colds!

2011-11-03T09:38:00.000-07:00

I have been sick and so has little Max. Its kinda a nightmare. I've been so desperate for a few moments of peace that I have taken to giving him suckers when he is extremely fussy. Bad parenting? Nope just survival. Especially when you have a husband who is gone so much and can't afford to get sick so he doesn't want to breath the same air as you. I also have taken on way to much. My plate is full watching my sister-in-laws 6 kids, plus max and the baby permanently attached inside me. Wish me luck! And Carlene while she runs her half marathon! We are hoping we feel better in the next few days and get to relax soon.

Halloween 2011

2011-10-31T21:57:00.001-07:00

We had such a fun time with Max this Halloween. We were able to go to 2 ward parties, and take him trick or treating to a whole 5 houses! He liked to get the candy and hold his little pail but walking was too much for him. Trunk or treating was the way to go because every car is so close...houses no so much. It was fun night and I loved seeing him run around in his costume. His grandma Harris made him this amazing Where The Wild Things Are costume. It was beautify made with little paw hands and feet and the cutest tail ever. Almost everyone knew who he was which was fun. Heres are few halloween nights in pictures:

The Cutest Skeleton On The Block.

2011-10-27T21:47:00.000-07:00

So I know alls I do is blog about Max. But he is my world. I seriously love being this little boys mom. He is so special to me. I love spending my day cleaning up after his messes, feeding him, wiping him down after every meal, and entertaining him even when I am not in the mood. I have learned so much about sacrifice, letting things go, and only scheduling things around nap time. Sometimes days are a blur and I am ready for them to be done come bedtime and others are so much fun I never want to forget. Nothing fulfills me more and fills my bucket then hugs from him and to hear his little laugh. I hope he is getting a lot out of me being home and being his mom. He wore his skeleton outfit a lot this month. Its fun to watch him run around outside in it.

Thoughts...

2011-10-26T19:20:00.001-07:00

Today was such a beautiful day. Max insisted we go on 2 walks, and then played outside until it was bath time. Days when Larry works all day and has class till about 10 at night can be long. 14 hours of him being gone 4 days a week tend to drag on but when I am able to stay busy, work on projects, and entertain Max with the great weather it makes the day go faster. Max really is in such a fun stage. He understands words, can sometimes talk back, and loves to play all day. He makes me laugh constantly with the little things he does. When I say "Where is your nose?" he will promptly stick his finger up his nose...his dad taught him that. Its pretty fun though and sometimes hard to not laugh.

Larry has finished all his midterms so that relief and craziness is done yet again for what the 10 million time? We still have a long time till graduation and the state bar but every week we get closer and closer. He has been working so hard and every time I see his bosses they always are so complementary towards him. Its great to see our savings account multiply month after month. It makes me feel so good to know we are working hard together towards our goal of a beautiful house here in El Dorado Hills.

Living with my parents really has been amazing. We couldn't get into a house sooner any other way, unless I went back working as a nurse. It is tempting sometimes to want to work because the income is so good but I know that we make it fine on Larrys and home is where I should be. I am so grateful thought I have an education and a valuable skill. I know so many women who need the second income but don't have the education to really have it be worth their time. Its a constant comfort I am grateful for. Its been fun planning meals with my mom and having Max know and be familiar with everyone here and his Martin cousins are always to willing to play with him.

I like writing down these things as the months go by so I can look back and remember how hard things have been and how far we have come. Hard things will always be in our lives but I do feel that once law school is finished and Larry has his JD and huge heavy burden will be lifted. But I want to remember how even though it was hard there was always some good constant things in our lives.

Nature Boy.

2011-10-25T18:06:00.000-07:00

I texted Larry the other day and said I think our child might be the next Bear Grills {Man Vs Wild anyone?} He loves being outside. I have said it a million times but from the second he gets up to bath time he is outside or escaping outside. Sometimes his feet are black if I don't get shoes on him fast enough. Luckily its getting cold out and so he gets bundled up with shoes on before he adventures out. Found this picture on my phone...

It makes me laugh every time. Such a cheesy face and no I do not let him usually wear what he is wearing...but it was warm out. Oh boys they are so fun and messy and Its a miracle they live so long because this one is daring and fearless. Found him on the piano the other day...yes stepping on the keys and loving every minute. You think he will live to the ripe old age of 2? I am trying my best to keep him safe and secure he is doing his best to test the limits.

Whats for dinner tonight:

2011-10-24T09:16:00.000-07:00

So I cook about half the week and my mom does the other nights. We are always looking for new things to make because Larry in particular gets sick of things fast { I think its because he takes the leftover for lunch so its double dipping}. Anyways I really love the Our Best Bites cookbook and online website full of tons of fun recipes that I typically always have the ingredients for. This one has quickly become a family favorite. Seriously try this one out. I make an entire batch and it feeds 6 adults and one little Max.

Quick & Easy Noodle Stir-Fry
Recipe by Our Best Bites

Ingredients:

1 12-oz. package linguine (whole wheat or regular)
1-2 tablespoons canola or peanut oil
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 1/2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons Asian sweet red chili sauce (Thai Kitchen makes one that’s great and easy to find; this is not the chili sauce you find near the ketchup)
1 tablespoon dark sesame oil
1 small red onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced or pressed
1 large or 2 small orange, red, and/or yellow bell peppers, seeded and sliced
1 cup fresh or frozen green sugar snap peas, snow peas, edamame, or green beans
1 medium zucchini, julienned or chopped
Optional: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak, black sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges

Directions:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. When it is boiling, add the noodles and cook al dente. When the noodles are done, drain them and toss in 2-3 teaspoons of olive oil.

Whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, sweet chili sauce, and dark sesame oil. Set aside.

While the noodles are cooking, heat a large skillet over high heat. When the oil is hot, add the sliced onions, garlic, and ginger. Stir fry 1-2 minutes or until fragrant, but the garlic isn’t burning. Add the peas (or beans or edamame) and stir fry for about 30 seconds. Add the zucchini and peppers and stir fry for another 30 seconds or until the veggies are crisp-tender. Add the noodles and stir fry until the noodles are well-combined with the vegetables. Give the sauce a quick whisk and then drizzle it evenly over the noodles and stir fry the entire mixture for about 30-60 seconds or until everything is well-coated in the sauce. Serve immediately–if you want, you can garnish individual servings with chopped cilantro, lime wedges, and black sesame seeds. Serves 6-8.

Getting Festive.

2011-10-19T21:36:00.000-07:00

I love making Max put things on at Target. This was particularly fun because he kept trying to rip it off and I thought it was hilarious, those little devil horns on him so cute. I love the Halloween season. I am not much for dressing up but I love the decorations and I love having Max around to really enjoy it all. He loves the pumpkin lights we have everywhere and loves wearing little costumes I pull out. It really is a lot funner to enjoy the holidays with kids.

Big Brother Max.

2011-10-16T11:46:00.000-07:00

I keep telling Max he is going to be a big brother. He really has no clue what is going on but the other day I told him to go get his babies and he promptly got up from the floor ran to the toy closet and pulled out his baby dolls and brought it to me. He is such a smart little guy he might not say baby but he knows what it is! He will hug and kiss his babies but then drop them on the floor when something more interesting comes along. Its going to take him awhile to learn to be gentle but I think he will get the hang of it eventually.

My thoughts on looking Young...

2011-10-14T19:53:00.001-07:00

You know whats really funny...the fact that people think im 13 on a consistent basis. The other day I answered the door and the person asked if my parents were home. My dad thought it was pretty funny, being that I am old enough to own a house, and that this very well could have been my house with my child running around in the background.

Also I've been driving the sweet minnie van around, its basically my sweet new ride that my parents have bestowed on me. I loved it when some man came up to me as I was loading kids into the car and asked if I was old enough to be driving a van.

I was watching a few of my nephews the other day along with Max and some lady asked if these were my kids. I said no and she say oh thank goodness you are far to young. I then proceeded to point to Max and say he was mine and this baby bump was #2...she was speechless.

I know I know you're thinking but AnnMarie you are 24 going on 25 how can people think your so young. I have decided people see what they want to see and I look young. I also have started to give them the benefit of the doubt...yeah without makeup I look like I am in High School so its okay. Its just funny that it happens about everyday.

Some new guy at church thought Max was my little brother and another lady at Sams Club expressed to my mom how hard it must be for her to have a daughter so young have a baby. The lady felt pretty dumb when my mom informed her I was happily married and a college grad.

In the end they always say I am going to love it when I am 40...yeah right I am sure. I get treated differently and get a different level of service...until people realize I am an adult...my mom saw that first hand. I also am always worried about Max's appearance because I think people are thinking at least if he has a teenage mom she is taking good care of him.

I will look back and laugh at all these memories when I am old and wrinkly right?

B-Balling Max

2011-10-10T19:28:00.000-07:00

Max loves playing basketball. He loves putting the balls in the hoop all day long. It seriously is the best thing I can cook, and clean and he will just put ball after ball into the hoop for a good 30 minutes of entertainment multiple times a day. Its pretty cute. Here he is right before bedtime bottle in mouth trying to one handed it in.

In other news I cut my finger pretty deep on a cutco knife and had to go to the ER last night. It was pretty awesome. The Dr. glued it up per my request and kept laughing about how he totally knew I was mormon because I was a nurse with a husband in law school and I was pregnant with my second child and only 24 years old. He was pretty entertaining.

Also I tried to run errands today while it poured rain all afternoon. I have learned my lesson to never leave the house with kids when its raining unless its a must. By the time I got everything loaded and unloaded Max and I were soaked before we reached the store. Then I smelled something...every try changing a dirty diaper while your child's clothes stick to their little fat legs...in a bathroom stall no less. The rest of the afternoon was pretty blissful while Max napped I made bread and a yummy dinner for the family. Larry loves nothing better then coming home to a happy wife, a warm good smelling house, and Max dying to play with him.

Surprise Surprise!

2011-10-07T09:57:00.000-07:00

HARRIS BABY #2 IS ON THE WAY

DUE APRIL 1st

Once I pulled myself from the bathroom floor from the total shock of a plus sign on the pregnancy test, cried, and took a couple of weeks to be in denial I have finally come to terms with this unexpected surprise and am getting pretty use to the idea that I will have 2 kids. We have waited awhile to say anything to anyone because it really was a surprise and it took me a while to think I would be having a new baby while Max is still such a baby. I am really happy and excited now and am hoping I get some super mom powers to take care of a new baby and a 22 month old.

Lesson to learn from this: 99% effective at preventing pregnancy...there is still a 1% chance so be careful out there! My doctor laughed at me when I was asking her how the heck does this happen over and over again. She says I must be so fertile I need to be careful when my husband changes his pants and I am in the other room. She also said not to feel bad this happens all the time, and my body looks great and is ready to have another stinking cute baby!

Anyways I am 15 weeks today and have started to feel a lot better. I am tired and a tiny bump is appearing this time and I can feel the baby move a lot more. I am starting to feel pretty excited and nervous all at once. Raising Max has been a challenging joy and I hope I will continue to find joy and love for this new baby. Being a mother is a privilege and something I try not to take for granite.

Outside..

2011-10-05T14:18:00.000-07:00

We spent all afternoon outside in the cool weather. Its so much nicer to watch and play with Max when I am not melting away. It really is a beautiful time of year in northern California. Max is so funny when he plays outside. He throws his balls around everywhere then chases them all down. He has a large collection of big and small bouncy balls that he screams ball every time he sees them. He loves being outside, anytime he is grumpy it lifts his little spirits to run wild, scream and laugh in the backyard.

It's so easy to please him and I love that. He is growing up so fast. His little personality makes me laugh everyday. Yesterday there were 5 big turkeys in the backyard and he was screaming and trying to chase them, but then when they got to close he ran for it. It was so funny to watch him try to figure out what these things were and why they were bigger then him. Its so amazing that I get to stay home with him day to day. I couldn't image a better way to live my life then in the survice of motherhood.

Awaiting Happier Times.

2011-10-04T09:35:00.000-07:00

I told someone the other day if you want your marriage to be tested send your husband to law school. Oh man, I couldn't believe that came out of my mouth, well actually I could I just couldn't believe that I had the courage to admit it out loud, and to be so honest about my life. We have had some rough weeks and I am greatly looking forward to a break. I feel like life's challenges really don't pour on our life all at once, really just a drizzle through out the duration. I don't know which one is worse.

Wasn't conference just great though? It always make me think no matter how bad I have it someone has it worse. Also that things are hard and they will continue to be so have patients and at some point, hopefully, maybe you will come to the light at the end of the tunnel and that hard stuff will have been worth it.

As for now I am bracing myself for the hard stuff, muddling through life day to day just trying to see the big picture and to find happiness in the little things. I love my life, just not the law school part and I will eagerly await the day when I have a husband who no longer has to work all day, go to school sat night, and study the remainder of the night...happier times will come!

Our Weekend.

2011-10-01T15:48:00.000-07:00

We are watching General Conference all weekend. What are you guys doing?

Also the season has officially changed. The weather is sunny, cool, and I bought some pumpkins today to put on the porch. My favorite season has arrived and I love that it always starts with a great weekend of conference. How great is it to get an excuse to do nothing but sit and listen to uplifting talks most of your day? I always feel so grateful and privileged to be a member of such a true and wonderful church.

Whats going on day to day for us...

2011-09-29T15:31:00.000-07:00

Its really funny to watch a 15 month old socialize. Whenever we go to the park Max is always happier when there are children there. Sometimes we go and its just me and him and he doesn't want to stay long. Other times when there is kids its hard to get him to go. Its so funny to watch him go up to kids his age or sometimes 3 times his age and want to play with them. He is sometimes a little too friendly and tries to hug them and the freak out. He is so cute though he just wants little friends.

Joann's Fabric store is opening next friday and I am way excited about this new store coming to town. Its not technically in EDH but down the hill in Folsom so its basically where we live. So excited to get to go there for the big grand opening!

I am trying 2 new recipes over conference weekend. We will see how they go. I am a little nervous because they call for ingredients we never use.

I have been watching way to many BBC miniseries in the evening when Larry is at school. By the end of the day I am so wiped out alls I want to do is zone out on some good british love drama. Oh my those Brits are all about the drama and they are such gossips. I guess thats what I would do it I lived in a time before the radio or TV.

Max wears his halloween costume every day. Not all day long but for small chunks of the day. I can't resist putting it on him he looks so cute and really why should he only get to wear it one day for the holiday? Can't wait to post pictures once I get a descent on of him.

Time For A Change.

2011-09-25T17:04:00.000-07:00

It was finally somewhat cool today. Max was able to wear a long sleeve outfit and his new big boy shoes. My parents took him over to the park before church while I got ready. Its so nice having help, I know I can do a lot of things on my own because I have done them before but if your husband can't help you 90% of the time its such a blessing that my parents can, and are will too and I am pretty sure enjoy it. Anyways the weather felt like fall and even smelled like fall. I am looking forward to a change in the weather and a more winter wardrobe.

I am so looking forward to pumpkin spice cookies, pumpkin candles burning while I sew, fall colors, halloween decorations. Max halloween costume. Baking more, soups for dinner, going to Apple Hill, sweaters, boots, and an excuse to sew halloween decorations. I love this time of year when we go on walks and its cool and crisp out and it gets dark early. Hopefully it really does start to feel like the season and no more 100 degree weather....but its California so we can only ask for so much.

Toddler Max!

2011-09-21T09:28:00.000-07:00

So Max turned the ripe age of 15 months this week. He has been grouchy and fussy all week. I think there might be more teeth coming but who knows. He is such a doll. He has learned to escapes from the house and I found him across the street at the mail box the other day. We now have to keep all doors locked at all times. Whenever someone in the house is leaving he thinks he is going with them, even when he is not. He has learned if we give him the keys he goes to the door and waits for us to open it then takes the keys to the car, hes a pretty smart kid. He has learned to fake laugh courtesy of John who has been watching him for me while I take CE credits to keep my nursing licence current. The other day my mom put socks on his hands and he thought it was the funnest thing. He stacks blocks kicks them down, throws balls and loves going on walks. My mom and I can walk for an hour just pushing him in his stroller and he won't make a peep. He is still taking 2 long naps and day thank goodness and sleeps all night. He is a sweet little guy.

The Fall Line Up.

2011-09-20T15:11:00.000-07:00

I've been feeling under the weather lately and I'm not going to lie anytime Max is taking a nap or in bed so am I. I have been watching a lot of re-runs of Bones and Grey's Anatomy while those naps occur. Oh boy oh boy am I excited for the new seasons. Thursday nights have never been better! Now I LOVE LOVE being a mom and staying home. But sometimes after long days of constant cleaning up messes, and playing with a toddler I am so ready to say night night and turn on the TV and watch some good shows. Honestly its pretty nice when Larry's at school I can clean up everything fast then relax and drink diet coke, eat cookies and watch some Bones. Who's excited for Fall TV!? I am.

A little letter.

2011-09-16T15:15:00.000-07:00

Dear September,

I know you think its still summer. But could you please cool down a little bit? I am sick of wearing my summer clothes, I am longing to get out long sleeve shirts and sweaters. I am dying to burn my pumpkin candles and buy anything halloween or fall looking. Please fall come soon my little Max loves to run outside but his mom hates being in the hot sun all afternoon but if it was cool and crisp outside she wouldn't mind!

Love,

The Harris Family

Nothings Better Then A Target Icee...

2011-09-15T14:38:00.000-07:00

4 Years Later:

2011-09-11T09:50:00.000-07:00

Well we made it 4 years!

Our real anniversary is the 6th which was Tuesday. Larry worked and has school so on labor day Monday we went out to lunch and a movie. Super casual and simple. We keep joking that maybe around year 10 we will get to do something fun like a getaway. Oh well such is life for a working law student and his family. Its been a wild ride these last 4 years. We've done and seen a lot and there is still so much more ahead for us. I never knew how hard it would be to make a life with someone, raise kids, go to school, achieve careers but I wouldn't want to do it with anyone else. Larry is way to patient with my and loves me when I don't deserve it. Year 4 wasn't our finest year. Intact if that is our hardest year of our marriage I will be thankful because I can honestly say it was a doozy and I am ready to start fresh again. Here is to 4 more better and brighter years!

Max Crashes Hard.

2011-09-04T09:06:00.000-07:00

Max took an awful spill yesterday. His mouth his the corner of a tile ledge and there was blood everywhere. Now being a nurse I know what to do but man its so different with your child. After he was calmed down, and cleaned up it was time to look at his mouth and teeth. Thank goodness all his 10 teeth were intact but he tore some of this gum and it bleed for a while. After calling a pediatric dentist in our ward he said it was typical place for toddlers to get hurt and that the pooling of blood and blood blister would take a couple weeks to heal. Poor little max. This all had happened during the 4th quarter of the BYU game so it was a bit hectic! So glad max will be okay. Its hard to watch your child cry and be in pain and not feel responsible. Today he is running around and pulling everything out of everywhere so he is back to his typical happy self. Its pretty amazing how little kids can get hurt and heal so quickly.

14.5 months

2011-09-02T09:11:00.000-07:00

Well Im sorta a slacker on the blogging lately. We have just been really busy with guess what SCHOOL :) Larry works all day then goes to school... its hard, we don't see him very often in the week. Max only sees him 3 times a week because he is always asleep when larry gets home from school and leaves for work the next day. Its hard but we are going to see such a reward in the end {right?}. It also helps a lot that I am not alone all the time so being husbandless 99% of your life isn't as bad.

On to Max. He is 14 1/2 months and into everything. He has learned to run away from me and has learned to throw his diaper outside when I am done changing it. He is into everything, and that is not an exaggerations. Once he is finished destroying on place in the house he quickly moves on to another. His favorite pass time is going through all the kitchen cabinets and taking all the silverware out and spreading it around the house. He is starting to get on his tippy toes and reach for door handles and thinks when he has an empty cup it needs to be taken to the fridge right away to be refilled.

He likes to sing to himself in his crib...or his lair as my dad likes to refer to it, which his place he takes things and hides them there...in his crib which is yes still in my parents closet. He loves to go outside and thinks anytime some has keys in their hands it means Max gets to go outside. He loves to go on bike rides with Larry to the park and slide down the slides. He is such a funny little boy. He loves going to the splash pad which is sadly closed for the winter season even though the high today is 101 :)

He smiles and everyone he is familiar with and scowls at people he doesn't know. He says a few tangled words but loves to scream "Dave" really loud whenever David comes into the room, so I think he is saying David but who really know. Hopefully he starts saying more words in the new few months. I still know what he wants though and he communicates well by taking your hand and taking you to what he wants its funny. He is getting to be such a big boy!

We've been M.I.A.

2011-08-10T21:23:00.000-07:00

hey haven't blogged in forever. Me moved all our stuff into the house and have been painting, carpeting, and much more. its been crazy couple of weeks. Larry started back at law school last night so I am once again a single mom...but not alone this time! Here is to another horrible year of law school. Oh wait...I also haven't blogged because I am trying to be less negative these days so scratch that last true statement. Anyways hopefully we get back to the normal programming around here once the boxes of things are unpacked and Im not so stressed out its making me sick. Here here to another year of school and a new place to live!

Splash Pad Fun.

2011-08-01T10:58:00.000-07:00

So I love splash pads. I love pools too, but with a very active toddler you have to watch him like a hawk and never not be holding him or else he will run straight into the pool. The splash pad though is so much more safe and less worry some for me. I can sit and chat while he runs wild through the water and have no fear or him drowning. He was timid at first and every time we went I had to play with him. Now he will run right in and thinks he is a big as the big kids around him. He screams and laughs and its so fun to watch him be so happy.

Our Stuff.

2011-07-30T10:00:00.000-07:00

Well I guess its no secret anymore. We are moving. Again. Larry is down in San Diego as we speak packing up another truck yet again and moving our stuff. Seriously are stuff has moved and been stored countless times I start to think we should get rid of everything because I am sick or moving it. I even had a slight thought or fantasy that our storage unit went up in flames leaving me with nothing but the insurance money...it was a second of a fantasy though. Really though I think out of all my stuff I just want my bed back and Max's things.

Anyway why are we moving you as? Well to keep it short and simple Larry got an offer he couldn't refuse. He will continue working as a law clerk/case manager at his current firm full time and finish studying the law in the evenings for the rest of his life..haha well no just the rest of law school. He transfered up to a school in Sacramento and will be there for the duration of his law school career. Its been an up and down roller coaster of emotions for us but we are on a set course and will not stop till he has pasted the California Bar in a few years time.

I have learned a lot about myself through these trials and tribulations. I hate change, hard things, and most of all uncertainty in my life. Now we are good to go to finish law school and MOVE ON from being students. It will take him a year longer being that he is switching to the part time program but he has a great steady job and will most likely work for this firm as an attorney when its all done so its pretty much win win for us. There still is the gloom and doom for the bar hanging over our futures but I am trying to put it in the back of my mind. So year two of law school starts in a week and some normalcy will come back into our lives. I am still really uneasy about our future but we will just keep praying everything turns out great.

So our stuff will be back in El Dorado Hills and we will be living here for who knows how long. My parents are welcoming us with opens arms to stay in the house with them so we are going to do that for awhile and then see where things go. It will be nice to have a stable income and I pray Larry will be able to juggle it all. Thats life right? I am happy to be around people I know and can get help if I need it which is awesome and Larry won't worry that I am constantly lonely while he is at work/school/studying. Hopefully this is a good change and no more bumps in the road for a little while. I just want to get done with it and feel some stability in my life!

The Quilting Bee

2011-07-29T15:23:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday night we headed down to Fresno with the Foell's for a quilting bee or as my grandpa likes to call it a "hen party." We got together on Wednesday morning with a lot of my female Draper cousins and tied quilts, sewed, talked, ate, swam and talked some more. It was really fun to get some projects done and to just hang out with everyone.

The quilts, The First Cousins that were all there with Grandpa Draper, Max & Jessie {2nd cousins}Aunts/Mom working on a top, and the tail end of the party while Holly busted out a really cute quilt top!

My 13 month old Max!

2011-07-27T19:44:00.000-07:00

Living with a mobile 13 month old is a little crazy sometimes. Max decided he wanted to start walking last week and within days was a pro. He had taken steps here and there but all of a sudden he was walking and doing it really well. He runs after me and sometimes I forget he can walk. He is still such a happy little boy and has had a lot of attention this summer. He has learned to give hugs and can saw a few words. Sometimes I can't believe how much I love him more and more. He loves playing with blocks and balls and has the cuttest little laugh. He also has a strong bond with his grandpa and will hug him every morning and run straight to him every time he sees him.

Updates.

2011-07-26T09:52:00.000-07:00

Okay so I haven't blogged in forever. Things have been go go go. What with Max deciding he could walk really well last week, us moving to EDH permanently, going to six flags with 11 of my nieces and nephews, max teething, me being tired and stressed so much I can't stop eating....So yeah its been a lot for this tired little mom to handle. I am planning to update on my crazy 13 month old Max and on law school business in the new few days. Hope things are wonderful with everyone. We are enduring through life at the moment trying to smile and remember the eternal picture!

Tom & Max

2011-07-25T20:06:00.000-07:00

My mom found these old overalls the other day that belong to one of my brothers and we tried the on Max. Unfortunately the boy has some chunky thighs and no way these babies will be working on Max..maybe on the next one :) Tom and Max are little buddies, it has taken Max awhile to warm up but now Max loves him.

Cousinly Love {HP Day 5}

2011-07-15T15:38:00.000-07:00

Well it happend the final installment of the Harry Potter saga movies premiered last night at midnight! Alas being a mom and feeling kinda old we did not go to the midnight showing. It hasn't been since high school that I went dresses no less for the late night of excitement. It makes me sad to think there is nothing to look forward to anymore. While I will continue to watch/read/listen to the beloved HP books until I die it still is sad that an era is ending...I literally grew up with these books.

Anyways today I thought we would discuss a random assortment of things. First lets talk about the Harry and Tom Riddle connection. After long discussions with my brother John we have decided that Harry and Tom would have to have been cousins maybe distantly but most defiantly related. We learn this while harry discovers the hallows and what they are. Harry was descended from the Peverell family because he had the cloak of invisibility that is handed down from son to son. Also in the 6th HP book we learn the the resurrection stone is park of the gold ring that Marvolo Gaunt wears to prove he was part of a pureblood family...remember him? He is Tom Riddles grandpa.

Interesting right? I know most people don't really talk about it but they are connected through families and bloodlines but interestingly enough they are from very prominent blood lines but are both only half bloods themselves. John points out that most wizards are related in some ways but I think its crazy how they are distant cousins who duel it out to the end and Harry finishes him off in the end!

So it has come to an end. Cousins killing each other, families broken apart, favorite redheaded twin being killed, Hogwarts in shambles and the future of marriages of our favorite characters. There is so much more we could talk about like the mirror of Erised {what is your greatest desire} or the end of worm tail like Dumbledore predicted. So many things so little time. I hope everyone has enjoyed these books as much as I have what are you favorite parts?

Horcrux... What?? {HP day 4}

2011-07-14T21:13:00.000-07:00

I remember the summer I was engaged to Larry. The 7th book of HP came out and Larry took me to Safeway at midnight to buy it, funny place to buy it but I got it right away. I remember reading it and then trying to explain it to Larry. He had never read the books {gasp} and so trying to explaining a horcrux was hard, and as I was speaking I began to think how dumb I sounded. Later Larry eneded up listening to all the audio books and now we talk about them all the time and I don't feel stupid.

Anyways I think you know where I am going...these crazy things called a horcrux:

The Diary

The Ring

The Cup

The Locket

The Tiara

The Snake

The HARRY POTTER

Do you have a favorite? I do. I love the story of how Tom Riddle acquired these one by one but I love the story of the house elf Hokey and the cup of Helga Huffulpuff. I loved each time we took a trip into the pensive and into the past of Tom Riddle. I think that the cup has an interesting background and then of course when the horcrux killer trio of Harry, Ron, and Hermione had to break into the bank, steal the cup, and then escape with a freaking dragon is pretty much genius writing.

Also what did you think of the twist at the end when Harry is one? I thought it made sense sorta and it was interesting when he dies {kinda} and is in a weird version of the spirit world. It all makes sense and really ties the battle into the end of the story....I mean Harry had to die right or did he? Its kinda crazy and some people don't like the end with the fake death and the wand switchawroo fiasco but I personally loved it all.

The Different Houses Of Hogwarts {HP Day 3}

2011-07-13T12:51:00.000-07:00

Imagine being a first year little witch or wizard sitting up in front of everyone at the school putting on the sorting hat and being sorted into a house. Realistically certain personalities and traits are one of the reason you are put into a certain house right? You can kind of tell what kinda person you are based on the house your sorted in. Some questions are to be raised thought, like Neville being in Gryffindor, he seems more like a Hufflpuff kinda guy but later he proves his worthiness.

Each house has certain traits and a history, you decided which on you want to be in...but maybe the hat will choose differently or maybe you would be like Harry and plead not to put into Slytherin? Personally I am a fan of Gryffindor but Ravenclaw seems pretty cool too.

Gryffindor House: Founded by Godric Gryffindor and are known for their courage. The house colors are scarlet and gold and the dorms are located behind the fat lady in the towers on the 7th floor. Some known past Gryffindo's were all the Weasly family, Serius Black, Remus Lupin, Dumbledore himself and even Hagrid. As everyone knows there was no horcrux made from a Gryffindor relic thanks to Dumbledore keeping it safe.

Hufflepuff House: Founded by Helga Hufflepuff and are known to be just and loyal. The location of this house is known to be near the kitchens in a dungeon level area very "dissimilar" from a potions classroom. The house ghost is the Fat Friar and their colors are yellow and black with a badger on the banner. Some well known Hufflepuffs are Cedric Diggory, Nymphadora Tonks, and Hanna Abbott.

Ravenclaw House: Founded by Rowena Ravenclaw and is a house fit for those of whit and learning. The ghost is the founders daughter Helena Ravenclaw and the Grey Lady. The location in the castle is also in the towers on the west side. There is a talking bronze handle for the entrance of the dorm and they do not have a traditional password, rather a question and when answered correctly they may gain access to the dorm. The house colors are blue and bronze with an eagle on the banner. Cho Change, Luna Lovegood, are well known members.

Slytherin House: Founded by Salazar Slytherin their colors are green and silver with a snake on the banner. They are known for their love of the dark arts and are pretty much hated by everyone. The location of their dorm is in the dungeons under the lake. The Bloody Baron is their ghost. Tom Riddle, Phineas Nigellus Black, all the Malfoys, and most of the Black family are well known Slytherins.

The Unanswered Questions {HP Day 2}

2011-07-12T10:23:00.000-07:00

Through out Harry Potter there is so much history, detail, names, places that sometimes the little things get forgotten. Today I want to talk about the things that were never said...never answered like:

*What does Harry end up doing for work?
*Do you think Luna and Neville get married {wouldn't that be cute}
*Does Professor McGonagall become the reinstated headmistress after the death of Snape?
* Does Kretcher move in with Ginny & Harry to be there house elf, or does he get freed?
*Where do Ginny & Harry live...maybe Grimal Place?
*Does Harry, Ron, and Hermoine end up going back to school for their 7th year of education?
*What ever happens to the Dursleys?
*Does Harry ever go back to Hogwarts and talk to professor Dumbledores painting?
*Does Harry ever tell anyone about the memory Snape gave him before his death? Does he get the credit he deserves for being faithful until the end?

There are so many questions that are unanswered if you continue to think of them. I think that is was is so great and amazing about these books, it continues to make you think and have constant conversation with other HP lovers out there. For me the biggest question really has to do with Snape. I hope that Harry told everyone in the Order of the Phoenix the truth about Severus and the memory that he was given. I think they all had a right to know the deep details and truth about he and Dumbledores plan. I wonder if he every told people about the horcruxs?So many questions so little time to discuss, what do you guys think?

Harry Potter Appreciation Week Once More!! {Day 1}

2011-07-11T11:30:00.000-07:00

In honor of the final installment of Harry Potter Movies I have decided to once again do...drum roll please...Harry Potter Appreciation Week!! {aren't you excited}

Really I know my love for these books might border on the obsessive line but I'd rather think of it as a really great hobby. So today I thought it would be fun to do a short Biography on of of the characters in the book. My brother John is a huge fan and is helping me with the topics of the week hopefully they are as fun and interesting to read as they are to write!

I decided to do a short bio on a great character that sometimes gets over shadowed by his son. Really Arthur Weasley was not suppose to be a all out shining character but rather a great supporting role but I always thought he was really funny and was always their for his children and Harry when they needed him. So here is the scoop on Mr. Weasley....

Born 1950 into a pure blood family he had 2 brothers and no sisters. His mother was from the Black family and was blasted from the family tree when she married his father. He is an easy going guy who has a an obsession with muggles and all objects that are foreign to him like airplanes. He met Molly Weasley a fellow Gryffindor at Hogwarts and shortly after completing school they eloped and went on to produce 7 children. He has always worked at the Ministry of Magic until it became to dangerous for him and his family due to the fact that they are muggle lovers. His patronus is a weasel which I think is very fitting and he loves to collect batteries and plugs. A cool fact that you might now know is that J.K. Rolling was planning on killing Arthur off when he was attacked by the snake Nagini in book 5 but then changed her mind. {All info found on Harry Potter Lexicon...go check it out}

Well there you go...I hope everyone is as excited as I am for this big week! We have so much to discuss about the books and maybe even the movies..will everything be explained? Will the Malfoys get killed, like my dad is hoping? Stay tuned for more exciting Harry Potter Week fun!!

Happy 4th!

2011-07-04T23:59:00.000-07:00

We had a super fun day hanging out in Provo. Dang I miss this place and everything great about Utah...I keep throwing a small pity party that we no longer live here. But alas we move on right?? and I still have my Utah license and number so that is a small constellation.

Anyways we had a fun day hitting the mall, going to Cafe Rio {free meal!} and then hanging around my grandpas house. Larry put on an awesome fireworks show...well as good as 30 bucks can get you and then we sat outside watching the rest of the Grandview neighborhood doing it as well. In Utah style it rained in the evening for while and then dried up...such silly weather maybe that's why we no longer live here?? Tomorrow is C-day meaning camp day, the day I have been dreading for awhile...camping with a one year old kinda a nuts idea I think. Before that though I get to hit the bookstore and DI haha the wonderful things I miss about this great state!

Happy 4th of July! Remember how great it is to be an American?? Its pretty great, despite recent times it truly is the best, safest, freest, country to live in.

{the on picture we documented of the day}

Utah Or Bust

2011-07-03T23:35:00.000-07:00

Well we made it to Utah...did I mention we were going to Utah? Well we did and we made it in one piece. We drove in a 15 passenger van with a trailer attached {pictures to come} with 11 people, 2 which were babies. It was intense. 13 hours later we arrived in once piece feeling very frazzled. We are so excited to be here for the week. As we drove into the Salt Lake Valley I got pretty emotional and really couldn't believe I was feeling this way. Utah is the longest place Larry and I have lived together as a married couple so far and seeing the city made me really miss all our memories here. It was weird but it felt like I was coming home...crazy I know. I was pretty surprised how much I have missed this place and I think Larry was surprised how emotional I was. We will be camping and hanging out with my grandpa for the rest of the week and I am getting excited to eat some Cafe Rio and hit up my favorite stores!

Mornings around our house...

2011-07-02T20:22:00.000-07:00

If you had a mom like mine she would love documenting her children {minus Larry who was sleeping} in the morning because we were all in the room. Jealous your family is not as cool...I know. Fun memories we are making.

Yummy...

2011-06-30T11:06:00.000-07:00

We went on a family date one hot evening and splurged on a Jamba Juice. Max chowed it down seriously he ate like almost all of mine that little piggy :) It was a fun treat and Max was crying when it was all gone, he hasn't figured out the once he eats it all its all gone theory. Sorry I post so much about Max thats kinda my whole life ya know "being the mom" I need to get better at "being the wife" part again... oh and "being cool & interesting" those things have seriously slacked since Max has entered my life, but he is so cute so Im okay with that.

Being home brings back a lot of memories.

2011-06-28T09:58:00.000-07:00

Growing up in the same place your whole life is pretty great I have decided. I love being back home. It just fits and feels right for us to be living here and raising our little family here. I have such great friends who I have know forever and will be life friends. Ones that you can talk to once a month and feel uplifted and refreshed every time you speak to each other. Ones that you can go to their house often and hang out and ones you drive to go see maybe every couple years, but its like you saw each other yesterday. Just yesterday my mom and I drove to Reno to see one of her best friends whom she has known for over 28 years. They moved away from here when I was pretty young but we always saw each other at least once a year growing up. They don't speak to each other every month maybe 3 times a year and when they get together its a long day of conversation and catching up. It was so fun to see their family and to talk to everyone.

Those seriously are the best friendships where you leave knowing you might not see each other for a while but you know they are there for you when you need them and its a constant long lasting friendship.Being back home makes me remember all the friends I have had and the ones that have lasted. I know I will have friendships like my mom has that last a lifetime. Friends that you can cry to and tell them your problems and you know they won't judge only help. Friends you can talk with for hours and never get bored and ones you can admit how things really are in your life. Its amazing we have family units that we can count on and live your way through life with but friendships are the cherry on top.

Meet My Swimmer Fish Max...

2011-06-24T21:51:00.000-07:00

We have been swimming every day this week. Its our little routine. I go swimming with Carlene and then Larry comes and picks me up when he is done with work and we eat dinner together. Its been so hot and its nice to just get in and out of the pool all day long. Max is loving swimming with me and all his cousins/friends. Sometimes when its just me and him in the pool he looks around for everyone, apparently I am not his best friend. I am even getting a little tan from being in the sun so much. I do believe that we will be doing this almost every day for the rest of summer! Larry's job is going great. He loves the law firm he is at and is busy all day long. He has been offered a permanent position and we are waiting to hear back if he can transfer up to Sacramento to finish off his last 2 years of law school here. Its been some ups and downs but we are being patient and I am starting to realize law school isn't everything and we need to adjust when things don't go how we expect them to go!

Just another day with my buddy Max.

2011-06-22T20:11:00.000-07:00

Today was a dream day. Really everyday taking care of Max is a dream day. Cheesy? I dare say so but man that little boy just melts my heart. He is so happy and just a joy to be around. He laughs all the time and is really learning everyday. He is getting really good at trying to copy you and loves to be chased around. He screams with joy when people play with him and crawls like a mad man to wherever he wants to go. I want to record his laugh and play it all the time because its so infectious. He would spend all day in the pool and then take a good hour bath if I let him in the evening. He just seems to be growing up so fast recently and I want to remember every little funny thing he did and the way I feel about him, it truly is amazing to be his mom.

What We Are Watching Lately...Because I know You Wanna Know!

2011-06-21T21:43:00.000-07:00

When your a law student, working, taking care of a toddler and many more excuses you kinda get behind on the "it" things in life. Most of the time I have no clue what is the new cool thing out there and I always sound really old when I can't keep up in a conversation and I am always like...who is that, what is that and so forth. That being said Larry and I have gotten on the Mad Men bandwagon. We have started and finished the first season and are really liking it. Haven't heard of it? Well we hadn't either until it was recommend to us via Netflix. It is set in the yearly 1960s...you know the good days when Men where Men and being a housewife was normal and not seen as degrading {yet} in societies eyes. Really the 60's were a time of radical change and political turbulence but this show is so good. It makes me think sometimes how I would have been the perfect 50s or 60s wife. Really I love staying home, having babies, cooking, cleaning, sewing, and taking care of my husbands needs and business. Sure I am much more opinionated and feel very free to express my wants/needs to my husband without repercussion and I see myself has his equal but how fun would it be to wear a cute dress around the house all day long?

You've Had A Birthday Shout Hurray!

2011-06-20T12:10:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we had a low key birthday celebration for Mr. Max! He is now 1 year old and had no clue what was going on but enjoyed his 10 minutes of nonstop sugar eating. I rarely give him sweets so he was really loving eating the blue frosting. He cried when I put his party hat on and for the rest of the night tried to destroy it. Seriously I can't say it enough I love him SO much and I can't believe how fast a year has gone by. It seems like yesterday that he was brand new in the hospital the whole 5 pounds of him just sleeping away. Now he is crawling/walking everywhere, talks constantly, screams a lot, has 8 teeth and still takes 2 long naps and sleeps all night long. My parents continually say how lucky I am to have such a happy baby. He is active and curious and is always on to something new.

Max does some pretty funny things. He likes to put things places. All his toys end up in this big pot by the TV and he will pull all his blocks out then put them back. He likes to take anything that is sitting around and put it in the trash can. He loves his dad and wrestling with him. He is cuddly with soft things like his blankets, pillows, and hugs stuft animals...and also bites them. He shrikes and yells along with the rest of us and loves to jibber jabber all day long. He loves sleeping in my parents closet and gets special treatment from his grandpa everyday. He also loves being outside and will crawl all around the cement but will not touch the grass its funny. We love having him in our family and are so excited to see how he grows and develops more. Its pretty amazing how much one little person can change in just a year. Happy Birthday baby Max!!

What Would The World Be Like Without Dads...

2011-06-19T14:05:00.000-07:00

In my life there would be a lot less mess at bath time, dinnertime, or really anytime spent taking care of Max. There would be no socks left anywhere and everywhere and when baby max'x bed time came around it would be serene and quite no wrestling, and rough housing. Pretty sad life with out those dads I would have to say. Happy Fathers day to the father of my fat Max and to all those future babies that are dying to join the family! Also to my dad who is gracefully sharing the fathering duties while we are living together in the same house hold!

Summer Is All About...

2011-06-18T08:46:00.000-07:00

Getting dirty being outside, eating watermelon, swimming, and getting a bath in the kitchen sink.

Tomorrow is Max's one year old birthday and I am pretty excited about it. Max has no clue but I just keep shouting "Happy Birthday" and he smiles and shrieks back. It's not only a monumental day for him but for me as well. I survived the first year of sleepless nights, teething, baby colds, diaper rashes, major spit up, rolling over, crawling, falling down stairs, walking and getting to take care of this little chunk everyday. Overall its been pretty amazing.

Summer Update.

2011-06-14T19:37:00.000-07:00

Despite some crazy things going around our house we are still soaking up the summer fun around here. Larry goes off to work everyday and I get to hang out and play with Max in the summer sun. We have been going to my sister-in-law Carlene's house almost everyday swimming, playing, eating and talking the day away. Seriously is there nothing better the girl talk? I would say no, and it really is therapeutic for me. Its been such a fun time and really eases my worries about our life and makes me realize things happen and in the end everything works out fine. Max has been taking little steps here and there and today he took like 7 in a row! He is loving all the attention he gets and is constantly getting into everything. In just 5 short days my baby will turn 1!! Seriously time flies, last summer I was about to have a baby and this summer he is walking, has opinions and is his own independent human. We are looking forward to this weekend when we get to celebrate fathers day and Max's big birthday and getting to hang out with Larry who is working so hard for us! What guy!

HARD

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

Life is so hard. Larry and I just got some crappy news the other day. News that makes me sick to my stomach and burst into tears everytime it crosses my mind. We now have to make some really HARD decsisons in the coming weeks. At first I was completely over run with emotions and was really feeling like seriously I cannot handle this and felt like we are doing everything right so why are things going terribly wrong? I am now trying to understand and believe that there is a reason but its hard to not have a lot of self pity and resentment. We are in need of prayers and I will fill everyone in once it doesn't hurt as bad to talk about it.

Chocolate is getting me through...

2011-06-02T11:42:00.000-07:00

It has been a doozy of a week. Yesterday morning I was like man this week sucks and then I remembered it was Wednesday and really didn't want to get out of bed but alas a crying baby came before my wants and needs. Max has been sick which is a super downer he crawls behind me crying all day and its making my ears ring poor little guy. The entire day I look forward to him going to sleep so I can eat chocolate, drink diet coke, and watch TV that's a sad confession {but only when he is sick} Also the weather has been awful trapping us inside watching as it rains, hails and whatever else it wants to do. Larry and I had a fight last night I'm tired, stressed, and it always ends up in a fight...why is that? Trying to be nice to each other and working on a marriage sucks sometimes. I know this might seem like personal info but this is my blog about our lives and right now things are tough and I am learning that is real life. Larry's grades come out tomorrow and I really want to just want to put my head under a pillow and forget this entire law school mess. Its hard watching your husband study for countless hours being second in his life all for the sake of grades which could or could not be bad...its like expect the worst right? At the moment I am enduring to the end without grace and being very selfish I need to snap out of it and fast! Any Ideas?

Our Memorial Day

2011-06-01T11:17:00.000-07:00

Monday the weather finally seemed like it wasn't going to rain so I jumped at the opportunity to get out and do something. My sister-in-law Carlene gave us this amazing bike trailer/jogger and I wanted to test it out! We did an 8 mile bike ride and it kicked my butt seriously it was so sore when we were done. Larry toed Max and had to really slow down for me haha it was pretty funny I kept yelling he owed me a big diet coke when we were done. Look how cute Max is ready to ride! He loved it and half way through totally conked out and slept until the end he really is such a fun little trooper. I am hoping I can bike him to the park and play and bike home pretty often and do more things outside with Max as the weather gets better. It was a fun afternoon and at the end Larry got me my big diet coke!

What Is Happening To Me On The Last Day In May...

2011-05-31T09:36:00.000-07:00

Its last day in May and I am sitting in the house freezing contemplating putting the fire on. Last night while watching a movie with Larry the fire came on and we didn't even noticed, it seemed like a normal thing to do like it really was winter. This weather has been weird but at least its not hot right?

Here are some funny things that have been happening at our house:

Larry & David mowed the lawn both barefoot and at the same time weirdo boys.
My dad and Larry make milk shakes almost every night together.
My dad reads the newspaper everyday literally from cover to cover and Max enjoys tearing the pages apart when he finishes.
Max eats watermelon at almost every meal and gets a bath in the sink almost every time he eats.
We eat dinner together as a family almost every night just like it was when I was growing up.
I call carlene whenever I am going anywhere just to see if she needs me to grab something for her and she does the same for me.
Max is teething again and its really not funny.
Harry Potter is coming out in 46 days and I have been working on another Harry Potter appreciation week...stay tuned!

We Took A Trip To Fairy Tail Town!

2011-05-28T11:39:00.000-07:00

One our of good friends from the singles ward tied the knot yesterday and had his reception at fairy tail town! The best part about this friend of ours is that its a third generation friend. We have known this family going back to my grandparents, my mom, me, and maybe Max one day its pretty cool growing up in huge families that interact with other huge families.Now growing up in Sacramento it was always so fun to go to the zoo and then over the fairy tail town. It has all sorts of slides and play structures to climb around that are about fairy tails like the old lady who lived in a shoe or mother goose and so forth.

It was such a fun night seeing tons of old friends and the happy couple and getting to catch up. Max had a blast crawling everywhere and playing on the fun toys. When we were driving home Larry was all sentimental remembering all the fun times we had with all our friends in the singles ward and how much we love living in this area. Such a fun night and such a cute place to have a wedding reception...I love going to these because it makes you remember when you were first madly in love and your wedding day its the best feeling in the world to know you have someone who loves you unconditionally.

10 things I am really Lovin Right Now!

2011-05-26T14:45:00.000-07:00

1. Drinking cold diet cokes all day long.

2. My new aqua green nail polish on my toes

3. Listening to the Deathly Hallows while sewing, cooking, cleaning.

4. Meeting larbear for lunch once a week.

5. My new brown salt water sandals I found in a women's size six that are in the mail.

6.Larry coming home from work and giving me a big kiss in the kitchen each night.

7. Getting new mascara.

8. Finding really good clearance deals on clothes for Max.

9. Planning a bike ride this weekend.

10. The Bones season finale, sad there was no make out sene between Booth & Bones but I am keeping my fingers crossed for next season!

Also that me and Max love to wear stripes: {notice his baby doll in the pictures, he loves her}

Our Life Before Law School.

2011-05-24T22:00:00.000-07:00

Recently I have been re-blogging our 2009 summer living in D.C. I love pouring over the pictures remembering every little crazy thing that happened to us. At the time I thought it was crazy to pack up and move across the country without a home, car, and knowing no one. Looking back I laugh because it was such a fun summer and really a simpler time. We still were in the throws of undergrad and had a pretty easy cheap life back in Utah. I look back on our time pre max and sans law school and sometimes really miss those times. On hard days my heart breaks for simpler times where our rent was small along with our incomes but it all worked out and it was just the 2 of us spending every second together.

I know we have to progress and move on and grow up but sometimes its the pits right? Any tiny second I get alone with Larry it seems like we should make the most of those precious moments but sadly it usually turns into practical conversations about work,school, bills, no romance no butterflies. Sometimes I feel like I am past my prime. I've been to college, fell in love, got married, had a baby the steps of growing up and I feel I've peaked. I tell Larry this all the time, he just laughs and reminds me of the exciting things that are yet to come; buying a house, more babies, having 2 cars, a dishwasher, vacations, and it we are blessed a steady income worthy of 7 years of schooling.

Its true at times I feel old and that everything is behind me but its not true and I have to continue to remind myself of that, and that I need to be content and happy. I am hoping I am not the only one out there that feels these things at times because apparently my husband doesn't but I am still trying to figure this entire growing up thing out.

Fortunately I have great people in my life that encourage, support, and give much needed advice and conversation to make me realize things are good. Things might be unstable and uncertain but I have people that care and want us to succeed in whatever we try. I am feeling a little nervous as the weeks go by and Larry's grades will be posted. I continually pray we will be blessed with the necessities we need to continue on for the next year of law school, I may not be the one that is studying and taking the tests but I would say I am the one that is pushing our small family onward and getting us through the the highs and lows of law school. We have come a long way and I need to not look away so much and remember how far we have come! If anyone wants to send some good thoughts towards us in the next week we would be most appreciative...fingers crossed his grades come back and we can party hard!

Tahoe or Bust

2011-05-22T19:20:00.000-07:00

This weekend my family packed up and went to stay in a huge house up in South Lake Tahoe. Growing up we really never went up to Tahoe to vacation even though it is pretty close. There is a lot to do during summer & winter but we are more of a national parks or Hawaii kinda family not a lake and snow family. It was a relaxing weekend with no plans just hang out, swimming, watching movies, playing games and eating. We had a good time enjoying the huge TV and sleeping in a king size bed {we will be buying those when we get a house} and enjoying the beautiful view! Check it out it was breathtaking from the house.

Oh we also stuck Max in the pool, and he hated it. It was a sad day for me but we will continue to try {force} him to be a water baby. Maybe if he was naked and it was the bath. This might turn out to be a long waterless summer. It was fun to get away hopefully we can do a lot of little weekend trips this summer.

11 months later...

2011-05-19T15:00:00.000-07:00

Max is almost a year old and I kinda cringe every time I think about it. Its great to see him grow and develop and learn new things but I do miss having that tiny newborn around. Max is kinda amazing :) He is everywhere and into everything. He loves crawling around my parents house and has particularly favorite areas. He loves taking all the magnets off the fridge, the drawers under the oven and some drawers with random things in it, its his go to spots. You can look around the house and see everyplace he has been. He is starting to say lots of different sounds and really learning to scream when he is in a particularity happy mood. He stands everywhere but his very hesitant to take a step. He loves to kiss you which turns into biting usually. He loves to blow on the glass door and thinks its so funny. Really I love watching him play all day long and take care of him, it truly is so awesome and he is such a sweet boy. He still sleeps really well all night long and two glorious naps a day {thank heavens I need the time to clean up his messes}. He loves eating anything you give him and especially the ice cream his grandpa is always giving him. He has a sweet spot for my dad, really sometimes the first person he will give a smile to once he has woken up is his grandpa its pretty cute.

Max your amazing, I love you and so does everyone else. Happy 11 months!

Rain Rain & More Rain

2011-05-17T16:01:00.000-07:00

It has been pretty rainy here the last couple days. And while anyone who knows me knows I love me some rainy days with the dark clouds and the warm clothes but not really so much in May. Plus I packed all my winter clothes in the storage unit so I have one light weight hoody that is not cutting it in these wet times. Also when it rains I can't take mister Max to the park or on walks...kinda a bummer.

So dear rain, I love you but why don't we heat up a bit so I can bust out the kiddy pool and put Max in some sweet swim trunks and get some sun on our white bodies!? I am dying to teach my baby cakes to swim.

thanks. love annmarie.

A dry spell.

2011-05-16T10:51:00.000-07:00

I keep thinking of things I want to blog about when I am in bed or the shower, but then I get on the computer and it all falls out of my brain. Things have been really great around the house. Only a few blow ups and that is to be expected when your entire family moves back into one house for the first time in over 7 years. We are packed to the brim in the house and are all sharing one upstairs bathroom while my parents remodel theirs.

Living with lots of boys can be challenging. Sometimes they forget I am their sister and think I am the live in cook and maid :) It is like I have 6 children sometimes. Its okay though I put them in their places {Larry frequently says stop being so bossy}.

I have been trying lots of new foods and have been sewing a few quilt tops and some banners for holidays and taking Max to the park everyday. Really its been a dry spell of things to write about, in short my life is pretty boring but I love it. I love planning out the week and having little random events like visiting my nieces and nephews back to school nights, or going to the fabric store with my sister-in-law Carlene. Sorry for the boring post its just whats up with us :) We are looking forward to warmer weather so we can start swimming more often!

Random things I thought You Ought to know:

2011-05-11T11:11:00.000-07:00

I love this handsome max of mine.

Also I thought it would be fun to jot {type} down some random facts about me:

* I listen to Harry Potter whenever I am sewing, cooking, crafting, doing dishes...anytime I can.
* I drink a lot of diet coke and visit Target way to much.
* I am super frugal and will walk away from anything that is not an amazing deal, this is a big fault sometimes because then I am always bummed when I can't get it anymore {drives Larry nuts}
* I rarely wear makeup and do my hair during the week.
* Larry and I watched a lot of documentaries and have recently discovered PBS Masterpiece theater on Netflix.
* I constantly am worried about my weight...but still eat whatever I want.
* I worry about money constantly if you haven't noticed.
* I talk on the phone a lot and really loud.
* I LOVE being a stay at home mom.

Living with your Parents 101.

2011-05-10T09:00:00.000-07:00

So a lot of people keep asking me...So how is it living with your parents again?

Really it has been great. I knew it was and never was stressed or nervous about moving back in. First its not permeate and second my parents love having us around. I cook dinner and clean lots because my parents are both still teaching till the end of the month and its nice to have space to spread out. Larry and I can just be ourselves if we are fighting everyone knows and we don't care. I made a lists of some great perks of moving back home with a baby and husband in tow.

1. Babysitters whenever you need.
2. Cars whenever you need...this is big when you only have one car your husband takes to work.
3. No rent & no grocery bill.
4. Having someone around at all hours of the day..parents, brothers ect.
5. Having a washer, dryer, & dishwasher.
6. Always getting to go on walks with my mom.
7. Having my sister-in-law to hang out with everyday.
8. Living in EDH.
9. Eating dinner with my family everyday.
10. Larry watching Sports with my dad and their constant conversations.
11. Larry watching random old TV with my mom.
12. Max roaming everywhere and getting constant love and attention.
13. David will always go to Sams Club with my when I get a hankering for a hot dog.
14. Seeing movies with my brothers.
15. Sharing one bathroom with my brothers again...we are way to open in this house!

so there are a million more thing that I really do love. Yes it is tight with everyone upstairs and it will get tighter when Tom arrives this week, but these are seriously precious memories and times we have. Really who gets to move back in over the summer and ALL their siblings happen to be living at home again for the summer...its been almost 7 years I think. Its been really fun and I love being home...I know I say this a lot but I love El Dorado Hills and feel so lucky to be back!

The day I became a mom.

2011-05-08T15:58:00.001-07:00

Today is my first official mothers day. Last year I was big and pregnant relishing those last few weeks alone with my husband and sleeping through the night. This year I fit back into my clothes..somewhat and am chasing an almost 11 month old down the church halls. I could say so much about being a mom but I just wanted to note and remember a few things.

The day I became a mom I had know idea how much I could unconditionally love another person. I had no idea the impact it would have on my marriage. It is both challenging and rewarding to raise a child with your best friend. Some days are better then others, and other days are just amazing that you get the entire picture of how important family is. I also had know idea how much love and forgiveness comes with bring a new baby into your family.

I love being a mom. Personally I think it is the most important thing I can do. No job, degree, or amount of money will be as rewarding as having a sweet baby come into your life. For me Max has been the biggest blessing Heavenly Father has given me and I continually look forward to the day when we can bring another baby into our family.

The last of many things I have learned is that motherhood is not glamorous. I knew that but to actually live it everyday you really learn how it is. Poop, blood, sweat, and tears is all in a days work. Sometimes when Max goes down for the night I do a little dance knowing he will be peaceful and still for 12 hours, but I always manage to go back into his room and watch him sleeping so peacefully and am so happy he is mine.

Happy mothers day to all the moms in my life. Thanks for the advice, play dates, and constant support you give me! I am grateful to be a mom and to have a great mom in my life who constantly supports and uplifts me to be a little better everyday.

Friday Favorites.

2011-05-06T19:45:00.000-07:00

We have been busy soaking up sunshine and playing outside all week long. Larry finished his first week of work and has been super busy. I am super busy too, making cookies, cooking for a family of 8, making crafts, shopping and such. Busy Bees we are.

Friday Favs? These Oatmeal cookies are so good...I ate like 7 last night no exaggeration. I watched Country Strong ate cookies and drank diet coke, my kinda night.

Vanishing Oatmeal Cookies
2 sticks butter softened
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 1/2 cups flour
3 1/2 cups oatmeal {use real oats not instant}
16 oz large milk chocolate chips

** Mix wet ingredients with the sugars until creamy then add the flour and oats. Place large chocolate chips on top of the balls on the cookie sheets and Bake 375 degrees for 6-8 minutes. I think the key is just placing the chocolate chips all over instead of mixing them into the whole dough**

Another Friday Fav...Taking Max to the park everyday so he can swing to his little hearts content. We are so happy living here, its been amazing! I can't say it enough times.

Random things on my mind:

2011-05-03T11:35:00.001-07:00

Larry started his PAID job. We haven't had a real paycheck in almost a 10 months...crazy right??

I really want to go to Old Navy & Johann Fabric but I am trying to tighten our budget...grr maybe I can swing this somehow....I am dying to start some new projects.

I hear Max crying in his crib...we are pulling a wanna be Harry Potter and he is sleeping in my parents closet, to bad its not the cupboard under the stairs that would be legit.

Spring has finally made it to El Dorado Hills and we are enjoying every minute being outside...lets face it I live in San Diego but still have a Utah tan.

I am trying hard to relax, find happiness, and be continent...pretty hard right?

Stairway to Heaven...Literally

2011-05-02T14:26:00.000-07:00

Max loves going on walks. We take at least two a day. One in the afternoon and one right before bedtime. It kinda lulls him into a coma and then he sleeps really good. It also breaks up the sometimes monotonous days of feedings and naps while Larry is off at work and I am on mommy duty alone. Here he is in all his glory after a particularly sunny day so he had to wear his hat, which he hates but he is so cute in it. He's a ladies man in that hat don't you think??

onto the stairway fiasco...

I have to admit being in a house is 1000 times better then a small apartment. Max can roam and open cabinets, drawers, and scream to his hearts delight in a spacious house. He is really loving it and giving me a heart attack all day. He really likes the stairs which he can climb up perfectly but has zero clue how to get down, I am afraid he might die on those stairs. I turn my back for one second and he bolts to the stairs...and man that baby can crawl fast. He is like a little dog panting with his tongue out obliviously crawling to his death...oh those stairs! I will keep you posted on the stair debacle of 2011, hopefully he doesn't fall to his death, he does have a lot of "padding" though so maybe he would just bounce?