8 months ago TODAY

Dearest Mckenna Rose,

8 months ago today, I was at Overlake Hospital in Belleve (you know, the city daddy promises we will live in one day), giving birth to you.  Meeting you was one of the BEST days of my life.  I always knew I wanted to be a mom and I won't lie, I always knew I wanted to have a little girl.  At age 15, I knew you would be named Mckenna.  You bring so much joy to all of our lives.  You are sweet, loving and the most ADORABLE baby I have ever seen.  I know all mom's think that about their kids but I have a feeling everyone would say that about you.  You have grown so much these last 8 months.  You have your first tooth (bottom right), you sit on your own, and yes, you sleep in your own crib.  Oh, and you learned to clap your  hands this week! We love you baby girl.  "Daddy loves you, Mommy loves you, Roderick loves you, Jesus loves you, EVERYBODY loves the baby." Ok, I stole that line from Roderick but it's true.  You are daddy's kitten breath (don't ask), mommy's angel bug, and Roderick's sissy bear.  We love you more and more each day. 

All my love,
Mom

XOXO

Mom on a Mission

Yep. That’s me. I am a mom on a mission or two.  Or three. 

A few weeks ago, my friends at Healthy Child, Healthy World contacted me.  They asked me to send in a video clip for their website in which I was to finish the sentence, "I'm a mom on a mission because..."  That's all they wanted.  One simple sentence.  If you know me at all, it won't surprise you that one sentence just would not cut it.  Not a chance.  I had more to say.  SO, I did what any mom would do. I waited until the kids went to bed, drank way too much wine and had my husband film me on our ghetto flip camera.  Note the frizzy hair, the CLOSE UP camera and the wine bottle in the background. Don’t worry. It’s organic. :-)

Here is take 100:

Part II (Because there is no way I could do it all in one shot. Not a chance.  And forget about editing.  Who knows how to do that?)

After filming my videos, I went to bed feeling both empowered and proud.  I was making a difference.  What I had to say was important and anyone who knows Healthy Child, Healthy World would see that I was doing my part.  I was defending the children of the world.  Tom Hanks and Gwenth Paltrow might even be inspired by me (they, as well as a number of other celebrities, have partnered with Healthy Child, Healthy World).  I felt good.  I slept like a baby.
The next morning, still feeling very proud, I watched my videos again.  WHAT HAD I DONE??? Who was this serious person behind the camera and why were her teeth purple? This called for drastic measures. I needed a re-shoot. And Fast. This time I added some adorable props and they make a huge difference. Wouldn’t you agree?

BLOOPERS: Just for fun

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

― Margaret Mead-

Stay tuned for the final "Mom on a Mission" video created by Healthy Child, Healthy World.  Sure hope I made the cut! :-)

GO COUGS!!!

Let the Christmas Shopping Begin

It's never too early to give Santa a little heads up. 

After all, even St. Nick needs a hint from time to time...

Precious Moments

When I used to think about precious moments, I would envision those little ceramic figurines.  80's babies, remember these?

Now when I think about precious moments, I envision this:

Video Blogging... a whole new world

F-A-M-I-L-Y

This last weekend we made yet another trip to good ole Anderson Island. This time we hung with the Harvies! Grandma Oh-La (translation: Laura), Auntie Amy, Dana, Auntie Sam and Jon were just a few of the fun peeps that joined us for some small town Island living. Uncle Sean, Uncle Prita (yes, according to Roderick, she is Uncle Prita), Kiki, Marnie and Heidi, Bryan and Peyton stayed at the upper cabin.  Here are some pics from our fun weekend.

The boys fished (or tried to anyway).  Jon CLAIMS he caught a fish and let it go.  The girls aren't buying it.

The boys tellin' lies

Peeing in the woods - CAUGHT YA-

And Riding Scooters

Another thing I love about the island is that EVERYONE takes a nap.  It just has that lazy appeal

We also eat and drink a lot- Calories just don't count on the island-

While the boys did their things, us girls went on a family run, went to the beach and entertained the kids

I think its safe to say that after this weekend, Auntie Sam and Auntie Amy won’t be having kids for quite some time- thanks to Roderick’s many temper tantrums.  Amy even said to me, “ I think you should film your mornings with Mckenna screaming while you change her and Roderick having a melt down at the same time.  Then send it in to Teen Mom and I promise you, no young girls will be having babies before they are ready!” This is my life girls.  This is it.  And while it has its moments, I LOVE where I am.  Take your time though ladies.  Enjoy your 20’s.  In a few years, this will be you.  If you are lucky! :-)

Oh, and in the mean time, let the boys be boys.  Let them work hard, play hard, and pass out early. 

HEY PARTY POOPERS- Next time you fall asleep on us gossiping girls, we are putting your hand in hot water! Remember that dirty slumber party trick? It's supposed to make you pee your pants. :-)

All in all, it was a GREAT weekend.  I am so blessed.  I often hear people complain about their in-laws.  I even hear not so nice jokes about inlaws.  I have NO COMPLAINTS! I am so lucky to be a Harvie.  Love you guys! XO

The Boys of Fall

FOUR WORDS...

PRIVATE

JET

HUSKY

GAME

There are 2 things wrong with this sentence.  ONE- I am not a fan of flying and TWO- I am not a fan of the Dawgs (GO COUGS).  But last weekend was not about me.  It was all about the boys.  Harv, Sean, Blake and Paul flew on a private jet to Utah to watch the Dawgs play some football.  Apparently, it was "the best day of my husband's life."  I quickly reminded him that he is married and has two amazing children so it could be the 4th best day of his life.  :-)

Coach Holmgren once said, "My priorities in life are faith, family, and football- in that order."

FOUR WORDS HONEY...

THERE

IS

A

GOD

And he LOVES the Cougs!  Just check out the scores of the last 3 out of 4 games.  Just sayin.

Back to School

No. Not me this time.  Roderick and Kennedy! That's right! The two cousins are officially in preschool on Monday and Wednesday mornings.  Last week, Prita and I enrolled the kids in Northpoint Co-Op Preschool, a "place where children and parents learn together."  We have a good thing going here actually.  On Mondays, I have Mara and Mckenna while Prita is with the kids at school.  On Wednesdays, she has the babies while I take the kids to the preschool.  Most of the time, we are working in the classroom as an art parent, a snack parent or a TA.  It has been so much fun!!! Lots of singing, painting, laughing and playing- so up my alley.

This is officially Roderick's first school pic.  Despite the grumpy face, he had a great time.  Oh, about the hat... HE WOULD NOT TAKE IT OFF!!! Sorry Bud. Summer is over.  Time to pack up the sun hats!

Kiki's first school picture.  This is so cute I can hardly stand it.  I mean, come on...

Take a close look at the picture.  Now look to the left.  Do you see that little boy in his Wiggles hat standing outside of the circle??? Now look at his little cousin Kennedy in the green dress.  She is clearly an active participant.  It took her no time at all to join in the activities and engage with Ms. Melissa and the other classmates.  Roderick on the other hand, had to think about it.

BUT, it didn't take long for him to join the group.  And yes.  By the end of class he was all smiles.  Now he asks me to take him to school.  I love it!

Day one at Northpoint Co-Op Preschool was a success! Looking forward to all the fun times ahead. 

"While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about."