...the harris home...

Buddy...

2011-12-01T11:04:00.002-06:00

Buddy the Elf...Let the adventures begin. Sweet little Buddy is super pumped to be living back at our house this year and let me tell you...there is a certain 4.5 year old that is ALL-ABOUT-IT. She loves him. Like LOVES him. She checks on him all the time, says "Good Morning" to him before anyone else, and just stares at him with amazement in her eyes. I love it. I think it is super fun to make these memories for her. So here is what Buddy was into today...Yep...he TP'ed our bathroom. Everywhere. Little stinker...

I {heart} Mominor...

2011-09-18T09:17:00.007-05:00

{Katie and Me}

It is that time of year...We walk to honor, respect, support, and remember!

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer walk has ALWAYS been dear to my heart.
This year I honor my sweet Crazy Aunt Jane for being an amazing survivor and remember one very special lady. Scootin' for Sandy was established as our team name last year when a mom to one of my favorite school biffies was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Katie and I have taught at Walton Ferry for 4 years now. I knew the minute I met her, I quite liked her. Same is true about her family...I knew the minute I met them, I quite liked them. They are best described as teacher teaching, people loving, yard sale going, crafty crafties, and overall just GOOD people. Mrs. Sandy Venable, Katie’s mom, taught in Sumner County for basically EVER. She loved to teach. She and her sweet husband, Mike, raised three beautiful daugthers...Carrie, Katie, and Cassie. They all look like their beautiful mother and carry her love for life. Mominor was Mrs. Sandy's nickname given to her by her grandson Jaxson.
{Mrs. Sandy and her beautiful daugther, Katie}

{Mrs. Sandy and her grandson, Jaxson}

, 2010, Sweet Mominor Mrs. Sandy lost her battle with breast cancer. Last year we walked the Komen walk in her memory and will do the same thing this year. We went, we cried, we laughed, and mostly, we missed her and her sweet sweet spirit. She was a wonderful woman that would have been so proud of all the friends and family that came and walked. Our team was a beautiful mess of people...co-workers, friends, family members, Mrs. Sandy's high school friends, Katie and Cassie's sorority sisters, and even friends that had never met Mominor...it was beautiful.

{Komen Walk 2010 in Brentwood, TN}

{Mrs. Sandy's beautiful daugther, Cassie...showing her love for her mom}

This year, we are going to blow the roof off of this fundraiser! Here are the details about the event:

2011 Greater Nashville Race for the Cure
Race Date: Saturday, October 29, 2011
Race Time: Race Village opens at 6am and Race begins at 9am
Race Location: Maryland Farms, Brentwood, TN
Join the largest series of 5k runs/fitness walks in the world.
Best Science. Boldest Community. Biggest Impact.
United in the fight against Breast Cancer.

How to sign up:
Go here...
http://nashville.info-komen.org/site/TR/RacefortheCure/NAS_GreaterNashvilleAffiliate/538796757?pg=team&fr_id=2295&team_id=186349

You are joining Team Scootin' for Sandy under organization it is listed as Walton Ferry Elementary School.

Click JOIN TEAM.

You can sign up using a credit card and be sure to indicate your shirt size and other important information.

I will be sending out emails to the people that have joined our team when t-shirts are available, etc. I will go pick up the shirts and have a local pick-up opportunity once all of that is settled.

The cost to sign-up is $35.00 and that includes a shirt. If you can't actually attend the event, you can sign-up under the "Sleep-In for the Cure" option that is $40.00 and your shirt will be mailed directly to you after the event.

It is a super duper fun day. So fun to be apart of something so moving!

Please join us and invite anyone to join!

Please shoot me an email if you have any questions at all.
alihol@hotmail.com

This Week...

2011-08-18T15:34:00.013-05:00

{this is a quirky owl I drew for a shirt I sewed...I quite like it}

...was a grand week. We got a routine SOMEWHAT down with going to school, getting the kiddos to Mrs. Sandi's, arranging pick-ups, etc. It was overall a really nice week. I was super tired most of the nights from just running none stop from Mrs. Sandi's to school to Mrs. Sandi's to home, then dinner, then baths, then goodnights and somewhere in between there a few smiles and coo's from Baden and a dance or two with Maggie.

I am getting to where I actually want to go to work now. Getting there. I spent all day Monday (as I could) cleaning out my office and mopping it and putting stuff back where the stuff belongs. Since I was on maternity leave at the end of April until the beginning of this school year, my office was a WRECK with a capital W. I haven't cared and have just been watching everything stack up, until Monday...I hit the wall. I couldn't take it any longer. It feels good being organized and ready for each work day as soon as I walk into school. My office is about the size of a postage stamp and has to hold 520 kids worth of PE equipment. But, I secretly love this little hole in our old, old school that I lovingly call my office.

This little man decided that it would be a great idea to start rolling over last week. Yes, on Tuesday of last week (August 9th) he rolled over at Mrs. Sandi's house. I had been back at work 2 days and he starts showing off all his tricks. So I missed it. So I cried. A LOT! But then I stopped and realized that...yes, I missed it...but I didn't miss the 3 months I got to spend with him at home all summer long. It is a little hard for me to stop and realize that when we get out of school again for our next summer, Baden will be a year old. WOW! and NO THANK YOU! I just know he is going to grow up super duper fast and I am just not okay with that.

Maggie is learning and LOVING her new schedule of events. She goes to a wonderful lady named Mrs. Sandi, who I am pretty sure is the sweetest and most Godly woman I know, now and Baden goes with her. Mrs. Sandi watches Maggie all week and even takes her to MDO two days a week for me. She loves it. Totally a God thing. She is getting so smart...like sometimes she says things and I just sit and look at her like did that just come out of your mouth? This week we worked on writing her thank you notes for the people that came to her party. I love thank you notes and notes in general. I miss general mail and how imporant it used to be. I hope I can always teach her that sometimes a personalized letter or card has a lot of meaning and weight to it.

On Monday, (payday!!! YIPPEE!!!) I met up with some great friends and we got our toes done. It was so nice to see their beautiful faces and laugh and chat about life. I miss those friends. ALOT.

Discovery Center...How We Loved You!

2011-08-10T13:00:00.014-05:00

On Monday, August 1st, we loaded up the car and went for a little road trip to Murfreesboro, TN. We were super excited to go visit a cool new place called the Discovery Center. We were looking for something fun to do on our last official day of summer break with Maggie and she doesn't love the Science Center in Nashville...so we wanted to give this a shot.

Don't get me wrong, Mags had a blast at the Science Center in Nash...she just was too small to do a lot of the activities and there were about 12 field trip groups there so the place was PACKED the one time we went. We like change and finding new places, so we got on the road and headed that way. The Discovery Center was super neat-o! Lots for Maggie to play with and do. She had some unique favorites though I must say.

Since Josh is basically 4 too, they had a blast together. Here they are riding on the awesome fire truck together. Maggie was a bit let down that none of the sirens worked...really Mags? Could you imagine how much of a headache the parents would have if those sirens actually did work!??!

They had these two sit down claw thingies that she was pretty good at. The rocks made a lot of noise, so it was her favorite for sure.

They had a station where you could work on drawings and rubbings. She did really well with this. She wasn't too sure about using the crayon on its' side though. Sometimes teaching change is so hard. Bless her heart, she didn't want to hurt the crayons!

This was probably my personal FAV!
They have a room for making rainbows and shadows. Okay...two of Maggie's loves!

Basically you stood in one spot in front of this super bright light for 10 seconds and then moved and turned the light off and your shadow stuck on the wall. I mean, I was floored. I love cool stuff like this!

Kinda hard to see, but I am on the left...Mags is in the middle...and Josh is on the right.

Maggie was pumped to try it "all by herself!" This was the stance she choose to use and away we went. She stood so still and counted...

And here is the result! She loved it. I won't tell you how many times we went back into that room just to play and make silly hand puppets!!

And where was Baden while we played, you ask? He slept for the majority of the trip and woke up right before we were about to leave to eat and scream a minute, then back to bed he went. He seemed to have a great time!

It was a great day to spend being silly and having fun as a family. Some of Maggie's favorites were the pretend grocery store and cash register, the water expo, and this old green car that was upstairs. You could sit and play with the steering wheel. She did this for atleast 45 minutes. They also had the pretend race car that you could change the oil and tires on. She loved that, but so did several other kids so she let them play and sat in the green car and watched them! :)

Maggie Moo turns 4 = SHOTS!

2011-08-10T10:00:00.009-05:00

This sweet girl turned FOUR, yes 4, on July 24th. Where has time gone? I mean I swear she was just eating from a bottle and cuddling Bunny in her crib to fall asleep like yesterday! Well, not so much. Ready or not...she is growing up!

We had a wonderful party at our home on her actual birthday but then we had to go for her annual birthday check-up. Mommy forgot that Dr. Keith is BOOKED like weeks ahead for those kinds of things so we ended up seeing another Dr. that we equally love on August 5th at 3:00 pm.

I truly believe that Maggie wasn't scared or nervous because she plays Dr. at home ALL THE TIME. Trust me, if you sit in the living room very long, you will eventually become "sick" with something and she will get out her sweet little blue and tan dr. kit that JuJu got her and go to work. She even says "take a deep breathe...again...again"...it is quite cute.

She was ready and excited about her hearing test. She aced it last year and so she was comfortable with what she needed to do. I love these pictures. She is so serious and still sometimes...sometimes!

Probably her most favorite thing to do at the dr. is to read ALL the books they have stocked in the rooms. Now, I need to be honest and say that when I have to go to the dr. with the kiddos, I am a SUPER DUPER germ freak! I can't help it. Between Josh and I teaching and bringing home all the germs that we do, I just don't want to introduce anything new. But...she wants to read...all. the. books. How can I say no?

This was the last picture I captured of her before the SHOTS came through the door. O yes, three huge shots in her upper arms. She was not a happy camper. She did great the first two shots in her left arm, then the MMR shot in her left - that was all she could stand. She cried for the next 35 minutes. Alligator tears! Tore me up inside. I wanted to take the shots for her!

She was a sweet birdie while at the dr. and even while I asked to weigh Baden, she held his hand and promised it wouldn't hurt...

I love this sweet child. truly.

Maggie Moo's First Trip to the Dentist...

2010-08-17T12:49:00.007-05:00

Maggie Moo recently checked something off her I-am-getting-older-and-trying-new-things list...She visited the Dentist! I had an appointment set up for me on August 5th and since Maggie just turned 3 and needed to start going, they asked me just to bring her in with me and we would "see how it went." Maggie doesn't mind brushing her teeth. She actually is an excellent spitter-outter of the water for rinsing. Was I nervous? Not really. I figured, worse case...it would be a terrible experience and she would cry and hate it and we would say, okay not going to happen.

But, Mags did great! I mean great! She first watched me get my teeth cleaned...which I think helped. When it was her turn, she wanted to know if she got to wear the purple bib with alligator clippies. Mrs. Marty was our amazing teeth-cleaner and she couldn't have been any sweeter to Maggie.

Maggie was such a champ! She let her do the entire appointment, complete with the cleaning and "counting of teeth." I was so proud of Maggie and she officially robbed the place blind because she asked for 2 tooth brushes so she could have one in Mommy's bathroom. So there we left...2 toothbrushes, 2 alligator toppers, 1 package of toothpaste and a purple bib. She loved the experience. I believe that she loved it most because of Mrs. Marty!

well...

2010-08-11T12:37:00.002-05:00

...if anyone still reads this blog...I am coming back. I am wanting to get back to this blogging thing before too long! I have a ton to post pictures of and tell you about!

Stay Tuned!

a giveaway you have to enter...

2010-04-20T12:25:00.003-05:00

I am hosting a giveaway over on my sewing blog right now.
It is a great one...just in time for Mother's Day...

Check it out by clicking here...

Harris/Freeman/Holland Easter 2010...

2010-04-14T07:12:00.024-05:00

...I, again, realize that I am terrible at updating this blog. But, it is what it is.

We had a lovely Easter this year. My mom, JuJu, had some surgery the Monday prior so she was forced to take it easy. We attended church at Long Hollow on the Saturday night service and it was wonderful. We met at Brea's house for a yummy lunch and a great Easter egg hunt on Sunday. Maggie had a ball! We hadn't really worked with her about what to do, so Josh just said...run and play hide and seek with the eggs. The eggs are hiding from you! She was all over that.

Can you believe how much she is growing up?
So here are the pictures from our day of fun...It's a bunch...but hopefully worth it!

Our family growing makes my heart smile. What fun times are ahead for us all.

I have no idea what Isaac is doing with his basket...they were all ready to GO!

Maggie filling up her lamb basket...

We are still struggling with sitting like a lady...can you tell?

...The Freeman Family...
Isaac, 8, Luke, 8, Anna, 11, Mary Elizabeth, 2, and Joshua Tucker, 11 months

...The Harris Family...
Maggie Holland, 2

...The Holland Family...
Poppy Eddie and JuJu
I have to explain these two pictures. We grabbed mom and dad and asked them to take a pic. We never get pics of them anymore with all the kiddos running around. So the first picture was sweet, except that they looked like they were staring off into the destiny...you know like one of those cruise pictures...so we said...seriously! Then they were being goofy and did the next picture! Too funny!

This would have to be my favorite picture from the day.
Love you Mom.

Joshua Tucker...he will be running soon!

I get this face quite often. I have no idea what she is thinking...

Serious conversation happening between Mary Elizabeth and Grandpa Charles...

...Grandma Norma Jean Holland...

...Grandpa Charles Holland Sr...

Sometimes it just kills me how beautiful my mom is...

...this picture is my second favorite...HOW PRECIOUS!!!

...the whole gang...

What a blessed day. Thanks Daddy, Josh, for all of these amazing pictures and memories to share. Hope you and your family had a wonderful Easter as well!

February Update and Happenings of the Harris Home...

2010-02-22T14:03:00.006-06:00

Well, the months are officially flying by. We are having a blast here at our house.
We have been to the circus...

We have played in the snow...

Maggie has enjoyed some cooking time with Daddy...

Maggie is seriously on her way to being officially potty-trained!!!!! You have to check out this short video of her on the potty (hopefully no one is offended!) She has gotten in the habit of "reading" a book on the potty and lately has loved to read aloud while others are waiting on her to finish. If you listen carefully, you can hear her say "Once upon a time" as she is turning the pages. She is an amazing child. So easy to love.

I have started a serious diet...it is called...get weight OFF so I can have another baby! Yep, I said it. We are going to start thinking about having another baby soon. How soon, I dunno! But, I wanna get my body fit before another baby comes along.

Have have been sewing so much that I joke I am running a sweatshop. Here are some of the latest creations...
Seems like I am missing a ton, but I will be back soon.

Giveaway Time!!!

2010-01-09T14:51:00.003-06:00

Just wanted to let you know that I am having my first giveaway of 2010 over on my sewing blog. Check it out. The new Coffee Cozies are adorable!! I am giving away one Coffee Cozy and a $5.00 Gift Card to Starbucks. Be sure to hop over there and show some comment love! Drawing will be held Jan. 18th after Noon CST.

click here to check it out!

Sneak Peak at Our Christmas...

2009-12-30T20:51:00.010-06:00

We had an amazing Christmas this year. I can't wait to collect all my thoughts and memories and share them with you. I will leave you with a few pics from around our house.

Happy New Year to you and your family!

If I didn't already have 2 blogs to keep up with...

2009-12-16T08:43:00.006-06:00

...I would totally start a new blog...all about the funny stuff that kids say. Maybe I will do a weekly installment or something on this blog. PEOPLE...you don't understand. If you are in a dark slumber and need a good laugh, become a teacher! Kids are the funniest little people ever and the best part is-they don't even know it.

Let me share with you yesterday conversation with a young man in 2nd grade. We were playing a throw and catch type/dodgeball kind of game. So understand that balls are flying all over the gym. Here you go...We will call the student Ralph:

Ralph: Mrs. Harris...are you out if you get hit in the private parts?

Mrs. Harris: Yes, you are out. The only way your not out is if you get hit in the head.

Ralph: But Mrs. Harris...I got hit right in the privates!

Mrs. Harris: I understand, but your still out!

Ralph: Mrs. Harris, you don't understand. I shouldn't be out. I mean, I got hit right in the PENIS and it hurts really bad. I am pretty sure that if I go back in it would feel better, so I think that I shouldn't be out.

Mrs. Harris: Ralph, your out!

Ralph: Well, I just want you to know that my PENIS is not happy with you!

Great!!! Nothing like a conversation with a little person about his PENIS to make me laugh so much!

On a side note, Josh has been cranking out some photography orders lately. He is working around the clock and I am so proud of him...Tomorrow is his birthday and I don't know that he is very excited about it, but I LOVE birthday's so I am pretty sure that he will get over it! I had to show off some of his latest work. The first couple of pictures are of our great friends, Rachel and Jason and their son Owen! I LOVE the pictures so much! Owen is such a little handsome thing!! I could totally see Maggie marrying him one day! I would love it!

The next picture is of the sweet Cornwell family. I have never actually meet Nancy and the family but I have watched Ms. Lilli grow up through Josh's lense. Lilli is absolutely beautiful. I think this family picture is too cute. It reminds me of the song, I saw Mommy kissing Santa Clause! Enjoy and Happy Wednesday!

Long Time No Post...

2009-12-11T10:58:00.002-06:00

I realized that it has been forever since I have blogged. I have totally forgotten about Halloween, Thanksgiving...urggg!!! I SAY!!!

Hopefully, with Christmas Break around the corner (thank the GOOD LORD ABOVE) I will get back in the swing of things.

For those of you that don't know, I have been very ill since the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. After my 3rd return Dr. Visit yesterday, he is wondering if I am getting Mono again. Therefore he has decided to refer me to an Infectious Diseases Specialist on Jan. 18th. Within the past two weeks, I have had what we know and think is the following:

a mild case of the Flu
a UTI
bacterial bronchitis
pluerisy

It has been a fun couple of weeks. I have missed 5.5 days of school and Josh and Maggie are learning to live without Mommy all the time. It has been a hard couple of weeks.
Until next time, I leave you with some awesome giveaway opportunities in blog land.
Check them out!

Laura at Pitter Patter Art is giving away a $25. Gift Certificate. Love her Names of Jesus Painting!

Lassiegirl is giving away a $25. Gift Certificate over at Little Bit Funky.

Lassiegirl is also giving away a scrap pack that I LOVE over on her blog here.

Check these out! So much free stuff and so little time!

Girls Night Goes Red...

2009-11-08T07:33:00.025-06:00

This past Thursday night was my Go Red for Women Event called Girls Night Goes Red. It was held at the amazing Belcourt Theater in Nashville. What a funky old place. The event was basically to introduce the faces of Nashville that are Go Red Women and to watch a 30 minute intro video on the program. The American Heart Association introduced the Go Red for Women Campaign this year and it is to rise awareness to women about heart disease, heart attacks, etc.

Did you know that Nashville, TN is the LEAST heart healthy city in the Nation! How sad is that. Heart disease is the #1 killer in women and 1 in 3 women will have heart disease.

This is a program that I believe in wholeheartedly. All you do is sign up and they send you a red dress pin in the mail and some heart healthy food choice receipes via email monthly.

Since I am one of the faces of Nashville, I was introduced to the crowd and a portion of my Casting Call video was shown. I cried all the way through my Casting Call so it was hard to see again. Going back to what happened with Josh is often so hard, but on a night like this, it was amazing. I had the BIGGEST crowd of support ever!

My number one supporter Josh was there with his camera and he captured some sweet shots. It was a wonderful night filled with lots of RED and love from my family and friends. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to those of you that came and supported me. It makes me who I am and I am so grateful for that!

Harris Family Update...

2009-10-27T09:41:00.014-05:00

To say that the past couple of weeks have been a bit overwhelming...would be a huge understatement. Let me give you the run down.

Josh got the flu the Friday before we left for Disney World with the whole fam. We went to Disney with him feeling somewhat better. We returned from an awesome trip and he got sick again on Tuesday. Maggie spiked a high fever on Wednesday and a quick dr. visit confirmed that she had the flu. I have been able to continue to work thanks to awesome Aunt Lyndsey and my JuJu. Josh was felt strongly that I should save my days just in case I end up getting the flu.

We headed to Disney during Fall Break and it was the time of our lives. We stayed at a beautiful resort complete with an awesome room and a pool that was amazing! Maggie did wonderful on both the flight there and home. She loved the peanuts on the plane and the pull down tray was her absolute favorite. She played with it the whole trip. She did receive her first pair of flight wings!!!

I would have to say that my sister, Brea, is the BOMB.COM at planning and executing a trip to Disney. We ate great, we knew what rides were awesome, seriously...between Mom and Dad being so much fun to be around, Brea's awesome planning, and watching all the kiddos smile and have a great time...it was amazing. Here a few pictures that daddy, Josh, took...enjoy!

I am get into the giving spirit with a GIVEAWAY on my sewing blog!

I am giving away a $30.00 Gift Certificate to use how you wish for any Maggie Moo's Mom item. Head over to my sewing blog to check it out and all you have to do to enter is comment away! Drawing ends Nov. 7th at midnight.

The next event that is on our calendar is the Go Red Event Night. I know that most of you know that I am one of the Nashville Spokeswomen for the Go Red For Women campaign hosted by the American Heart Association. Basically it is a campaign that they have started to promote heart health in women. I haven't dove into the campaign yet, meaning, getting all my friends signed up, but that is on my to-do list!

This past Saturday I headed to Nashville for a photo shoot to get ready to promote the campaign. All of the representatives got to have a personal photo shoot so that they could have pictures for the promotional brochures, etc. It was awesome. Josh was able to go with me to the Grant Lovett Studio and it was so fun. Of course, I was a total goof ball!

All of the pictures will be revealed at the Go Red Event. I would love it if you could join us at this event! See the details below and if you can make it, just let me know. It is for the whole family, not just women.

You Say Disney...I Say MICKEY SHIRTS!!!!

2009-09-21T19:36:00.007-05:00

We are heading to Disney for Fall Break. When I say we, I mean 11 people. JuJu, Poppy Eddie, Aunt Brea, Uncle J, Anna, Isaac, Luke, Mary Elizabeth, Josh, Maggie, and I. Sheesshhh! We have a crew...It is going to be out-of-this-world FUN!

Apparently, I went as a child and Josh and Maggie have never been. We are Disney Virgins!!!

Mom and Dad booked it and Brea and Mom and Dad have planned it. Since I don't remember one thing about it, I had nothing to contribute...EXCEPT some awesome custom Mickey Shirts for the whole fam! Yep, 11 of them. All different, all made with TONS of love! Cool colors and cool fabrics! Even my Dad liked his!

I am so stinkin' excited about Disney I can't wait. I can't wait to see our crew sporting these awesome shirts!

An Awesome Giveaway Opportunity...

2009-09-16T15:10:00.007-05:00

Lassiegirl is one of my all time favorite sellers on Etsy. I found her forever ago and she made Maggie her first pinafore that she still wears today. She contacted me about hosting a giveaway over on her blog to help us both out. Ashley always has amazing pinafores and scrap packs available, both through Etsy and her website.

This pinafore is one of my new favorites. Since I teach and all, I am obsessed with apples!!

So hop over to Ashley's Lassiegirl blog and register to win by leaving a comment. It is a super sweet write up of me and my craft. You can win a FREE scrappy lanyard made by me!!!
Check it out! and Comment AWAY!!!!

http://www.lassiegirl.typepad.com/

My Sweet Baby...

2009-09-08T14:45:00.004-05:00

...is getting so big.

Her smile makes my world go round. Her laugh makes me laugh. Her sweet little dimples remind me of her handsome daddy.

She is the light of my world.

Change is Good for the Soul...

2009-08-17T20:13:00.008-05:00

Lately, life has been so yummy. School is going so well. All of my students and teachers are rocking my socks off. I have loved getting up and taking Maggie to Mrs. Donna's, who she loves as much as me, and then going to teach and make a difference.

I have been struggling with my hair for a bit. It had gotten so long and heavy. If you know anything about me you know that I have super crazy thick hair. So much so that I have to use at least 3 ponytail holders to keep it up in a pony-o. It was time for a change.

I decided to help a child out and donate my hair that has recently gotten super duper long to a company that makes wigs for children who are in treatment for Cancer. My amazing stylist, Nicki at Mitzi's in Rivergate, asked me while she was shampooing it...so, what do you want to do to it today. I said, I need a cut...maybe like 3-4 inches. She said, almost jokingly, well if you cut at least 6 inches, you can donate it and help out a child who needs a wig. Say no more. I said, okay...go for it. Enough said. It is: a. just hair and it will grow back and b. if it were Maggie that was bald from being sick, I would hope that someone could help her out. So off 7.5 inches went. YAY! So, I contacted Vanderbilt Medical Center today to find out what I needed to do to get this hair out of my house (yuck!!!) and where it can help others. The awesome lady that wrote me back suggested the Pink Heart Funds. After reading about her mission on her website, I could not get that hair in a plastic bag and in the mail fast enough.

I love the new look. It is fun, short, and nice to have a change.

For Meredith and CK4...

2009-08-09T20:39:00.006-05:00

This awesome sign has gone to bestie, Lyndsey's, camp director Meredith. Lyndsey worked this past summer (just returned home yesterday!) for Lifeway at Centri-Kid Camps. She was gone for 11 long weeks are everyone is so glad that she is home.

She asked me if I could create her an awesome sign, like Brea's, with their camp verses that they have founded the summer on. I loved this project. It was supposed to be personal from the whole CK4 team, which was 24 people. I wanted it to be a bit girlie, but different.

The verses are John 15:16-17...

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit-fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command:

Love each other.

Lynds said that Meredith loved it when it was presented to her on Friday before camp ended. That made it so worth the work. I loved the way it turned out and was a nervous wreck packaging it to mail to VA!

Welcome home Lyndsey!

What are you doing with your Saturday Morning? Encores and More North!!!

2009-08-08T07:23:00.011-05:00

It's Consignment Time PEOPLE!!!!!!!!

This morning is one of my most excited mornings in a long time. My awesome sis, Brea, runs THE BEST CONSIGNMENT SALE in the STATE OF TENNESSEE...Encores and More North. It is held in the old Goody's building in the Rivergate area next to Dick's Sporting Goods and Best Buy, across from Sam's. Her sale has always been unbelievable...but this one is sure to rock your socks off. She has already given out over 850 Consigner numbers...SERIOUSLY! If you want to be a WORKER, you get to shop super early before the public and the consigners. Also, Brea's BF Angie V. arranges lots of yummy food and drink stops for the workers...How cool is that!

Drop-off is happening today the 8th through Wednesday the 12th. Check HERE for appointments and information on that!

New MOMMIES get to shop early. Find out about that HERE.

Encores and More North is Open to the Public:
Saturday, August 15 10am - 6pm
Sunday, August 16 12pm-6pm
Monday - Wednesday, August 17-19 10am - 6pm
Thursday, August 20 10am - 6pm -- 25% OFF DAY!
NEW MERCHANDISE ARRIVING DAILY!
Half Price Days:
Friday, August 21 10am - 6pm
Saturday, August 22 9am - 1pm

These are the pics of my car and Josh's car of all the awesome goodies I am taking to sale. I love to CLEAN OUT and make some money all at the same time.

Check out Brea's website and if you need further info...leave me a comment and I will get right back to you!

2 Years...

2009-07-30T20:37:00.005-05:00

...this morning at roughly 1:30 am marked the 2 year mark of my life changing forever. Josh went into Cardiac Arrest on July 30th, 2007 and point in time that I will never forget. July, as I have mentioned before, is an emotional month for me. I try so hard to keep it all together for myself, Josh, and mostly Maggie...but the truth is...it is HARD. I spent today thinking about the last two years and how much my life has changed.

I remember last year when it had been a year out...I remember thinking about how we were so lucky that Josh had made it a year out and was feeling better than he had in a long time...I remember thinking how grateful we both were that Maggie was as awesome as she was...I remember thinking that life was a blessing beyond belief.

This year has been totally different in many ways. I spent today waking up to my husband laying next to me ready to start a new day. I often sleep touching him...which doesn't sound like much, but in a huge California king bed, I have to stretch. Last night I slept with my hand on his heart. I couldn't help it. It was not like it was any different than any other night that he goes to sleep, but I needed to do that for me. It was a hard night. Mr. Dick that lives at the top of the neighborhood drives a huge dualie truck that is so loud. He was the first responder that came to help when Josh got sick. I believe I heard him everytime he went up and down the road last night. That was hard. I went to go get a haircut with Josh and "my face waxed off" as I loving refer to getting my eyes waxed and this was when Maggie went up to Josh and proclaimed that he looked "pretty" after his haircut. I went to Macy's at Rivergate and was an American Heart Association volunteer for the Go Red for Women campaign.

I was lucky enough to be chosen to be a Nashville spokeswoman for the Go Red campaign and nothing could thrill my soul more. I am still in the very beginning stages of understanding what I am doing, but I know why I am doing it...so that makes it worth the while. It was an amazing day. Between myself and four other volunteers, we signed up over 60 women for the campaign in only 2 hours. I LOVED that I was surrounded by heart survivors today. It seemed ironic, yet fitting. One lady that I spoke to buried her husband of 40 years from heart disease 10 years ago. It was an amazing story. It brought tears to my eyes. And then she looked at me and said...so, what's your story. So, I told her. A total stranger. She was so touched. She had tears in her eyes and we hugged and I said that I was so glad that she was signing up for the campaign as it promotes heart health for women. She said..."Honey, I have to live each day to honor my husband. We didn't get to finish this life together so I have to make sure that I am making a difference while I can." SERIOUSLY! I was blown away. Her name was Margie. I loved her. We rubbed elbows and hugged and laughed and bonded. We had nothing in common...so I thought. I just wanted her to sign up for the campaign, she just wanted the free ice cream. I believe that we both left with a changed state of mind.

I am so thankful for today. For the feelings and emotions that always come with today. For my JuJu calling and saying...now today is the day right...so sweet, I know she didn't want to ask. I am thankful for my husband. I am thankful that we do go to dr. appts. and feel like we are on date days. I am thankful that we have each other. I would be lying if I said that I didn't miss the "old" Josh sometimes. I would be lying if I didn't say that sometimes I just want to have an Alie pitty party and invite no one. I would be lying if I haven't asked the Lord...why? I would be lying if I said that I wish all that has happened to our family had never happened and we could just be a "normal" family with normal health issues. I would just be lying. And you know what...the Lord doesn't like liars.

What I want to say to others is this...

...I miss the "old" Josh. I miss the Josh that doesn't have a counter full of prescription drugs that cause him to be in bad moods, yell alot, and shut down emotionally 99.9% of the time.

...I want to not go to bed every night scared to death that either my husband or my daughter could possibly get sick. It often freaks me out that Dexter is the healthiest one of the bunch!

...I want to be celebrating my 6 year of marriage on Sunday without saying I am SO glad Josh is still here. Who has to worry about that at 27 years of age.

...I want to STOP thinking about what happened at certain times and on certain days. I want to know that what I am feeling is okay. My therapist says it is...

...I want to STOP thinking about the time that Mom, Dad, and Brea drove me to the hospital and I was preparing myself for what life would be like without my husband. I want to stop hearing Brea say...Alie, you need to talk to him...He knows your here. (this was when he was on the breathing machine in the ER). I want to STOP hearing people say you know he is going to be okay. I want to STOP thinking about those terrible blue recliners in the ICU waiting room where poor Maggie thought she lived. I want to STOP thinking about seeing him right after his DeFib was placed and knowing that our life was going to be totally different. I want to STOP thinking about the EMS team shocking him in our bedroom on our floor at our house 3 times and shoving me out of the way from doing the CPR so it could shock. I want to STOP thinking about the time that Dad took Maggie in to see Josh right after he got transferred to a regular room at Hendersonville and him thinking it was the first time he was seeing her.

But...the reality is...I CAN'T. So what do I do.

I have to recognize that this is part of my life now and whether I love it or not, I have to respect it and give the glory to God for being alive to have these feelings.
I lean on my awesome family that loves me and my family unconditionally, even if it is hard at times.
I lean on my best friends that surround me and lift me up when I am at my weakest.
I lean on Maggie for her strength and love for life.

Most of all, I lean on God. He is why my day is worth living. It could always be worse and I am so thankful that it is not. I just think that God loves us the most when we are real with ourselves. You are of no help to others in your life, without helping yourself first.

Two years...these two years do not limit me or define who I am. They only make me stronger.

Maggie Moo Turned Two...

2009-07-27T17:38:00.034-05:00

...in a big way. Maggie's big day was actually Friday, the 24th. Josh and I just ran some errands and he had a photo shoot that evening. I had been suffering from a Migraine since Tuesday and had to get a shot to get back to somewhat of a normal in time for Maggie big bash on Saturday.

We decided to do a morning party for lots of reasons. Maggie is her best in the morning. She always plays hard in the morning and sleeps after lunch. We didn't want to do a huge meal or even cake so we did the next best thing, Krispy Kreme donuts. Who doesn't love donuts? It was perfect. We bought a ton of donuts, had a spread of fresh fruits, and chocolate milk. It was perfect. All the kiddos loved it and it wasn't a huge ordeal, which I loved.

Of course, I had to purchase some fresh beautiful sunflowers to decorate with and some funky Martha Stewart star things, but other than that, we just sat back and enjoyed those that came.

Maggie loved her birthday. She totally understood what was going on and when asked she would answer - I'm TWO!!! (and hold up 5 fingers) - our little genius!

Many family members and friends that we love like family filled our house with lots of love, laughter, and joy. That is what I always want Maggie to remember about her birthday's...not the gifts she received, etc. She did love opening presents so Christmas will for sure be a blast. I would open the card and read it to her...she was stop and then say YAY!!! and clap for my reading. After the card, she would open the package. She got some awesome stuff. Kerri Jo and Kaitlin and Baby Boy Dillard got her the cutest cow bowling set. My mom and dad got her her first pair of Toms...they are adorable. She also got some yummy PJ's from JuJu and Poppy Ernie! Grammy and Poppy got her an adorable Dressy Bessy that she has already played with so much one of the buttons fell off! Aunt Patti and Uncle Cutie-Putie-in-his-plaid-shorts Ronnie got her some sweet Princess Crocs. They are precious. Brea and J and crew contributed money towards Maggie's new swingset, which was awesome. Gram and Papa Sam also sent some money. They had other plans already, but wanted to send their love. So sweet! Rachel and Owen got her some coloring items that are the bomb.com. She loves them and they don't color all over our walls!! YAY!!!

The West family got her a super sweet embroidered Maggie beach towel that has such fun striped colors and some sweet books perfect for the car. Grandma Norma and Papa got her a sweet book all about nursery rhymes. Lyndsey couldn't be here because she is still at Camp, but she was sooo thoughtful she sent her an adorable elephant shirt from the Elephant Sanctuary. Maggie loves elephants and that is a sweet little bond for them. It was super sweet. Overall, we had the best day with the best people.

It was so wonderful to look around the room and see people that have been in our lives and supported us through it all. I loved everyone in this house and I couldn't have asked for a better group of people to help fill the love in Maggie's heart. Enjoy the pics that daddy Josh captured from her special day.

So Much to Say...

2009-07-14T19:10:00.003-05:00

...so here goes. Hang on to your bananas.

I want to start this post with some random thoughts I have had recently. They might not amount to much to others, but I wanted to share them regardless.

What drives me crazy...

When you go to see a Cardiologist and the waiting room smells like smoke. Seriously people. Your at the Cardiologist. If you have to smoke, take a 2 hour break and a bath and come smelling fresh and clean, not like a cigarette is on fire in your be hind. That just got all under my skin. I moved two times today in the waiting room at Vanderbilt because I felt like I was gonna go home and smell like I had been in a bar. I would have rather not smelled like a cancer stick.

When my Postmaster/Postman just doesn't pick up our outgoing mail because we don't have any incoming mail. You see we bought this house from my dear sister and our lovely brick mailbox doesn't have a flag so there is no way to know when we have outgoing mail or not. So, in my mind, I would think that the Postmaster would check everyday...not true! Not true indeed!

Okay, I am sure there is many more topics, but we will save those for another day.

We returned to Indiana this weekend to attend Josh's 10 Yr. Class Reunion. It was "interesting" and so fun to go back to his roots. I love his home town. Even though you have to drive across the country to go to Wal Mart, it still has a great warm town feel. I got to see some of his buddies that we haven't seen in about 6 yrs. so that was awesome.

We also went to the new indoor water park in French Lick on Sunday night. It was fun. It was overpriced, but fun. Maggie loves water, so it was great to see her slide over and over again.

Josh returned back to the Cardiologist today. Dr. Churchwell performed a Stress Test and Echo cardiogram on him. We went last week because Josh has had three episodes of tightness and discomfort, as well as his pacemaker portion of his defib going off twice now. We were ready to get to the bottom of why he is feeling the way he is and what we can expect in the future.

Dr. C confirmed that Josh's heart looks good. His pericardium looked as well as he could expect with all that he has been through. There was no fluid around the heart, which was awesome news. He did confirm that Josh has paracardistis again, which is an infection around the lining of his heart. He had this same condition when I delivered Maggie, and then shortly after went into Cardiac Arrest. He prescribed a steroid pack for the third time hoping to knock out the discomfort until we return to his Auto-Immune Dr. on the 23rd.

It was an emotional day for both of us. Of course, we never want Josh to feel sick or to not be 100%, but just the thought of him having Paracardistis again...heck, even just to hear the word, makes me shiver. I hate it! I hate that he is in pain. I hate that he has to deal with all of this. BUT, I am so thankful that he is ALIVE.

July is a super emotional month for me. I know that I will overcome it as I have before. I just try to be real with my emotions and continue to be who I am.

For My Sister...

2009-06-27T20:25:00.006-05:00

Last Tuesday was my sister, Brea's, birthday. I wanted to do something awesome for her this year. It has been another big year for her. A new home and a new sweetie JT, I felt it would be appropriate to do something that meant a ton to her.

This is a blank canvas that I used tons and tons of scrapbooking paper on and layer it to death. Then I wrote out some awesome verses from the song Wonderful Maker by Chris Tomlin. The lyrics are kind of scattered so you have to look for them to make sense. I kinda liked it that way.

Then I added their last name and made it say "the freeman family."

I gave it to Brea tonight at her birthday dinner and I think she loved it. I thought it turned out pretty awesome.

I love you Breezy!

Our Second Trip...

2009-06-17T19:20:00.007-05:00

First of all, how hilarious is this sign. This is a sign that is hanging on one of the docks down at JuJu and Poppy Eddie's houseboat. We all giggle when we go past it so I thought I needed a picture to remember it by.

Well, let me just start by saying that we LOVE JuJu and Poppy Eddie to death. Mom and Dad were at the houseboat today. I stayed home and sewed and cleaned house all day yesterday so when I heard that Josh had to go to basketball camp with his team...I thought it would be a great day to go the to boat. We HATED to go without Daddy, but we had the best time ever!

Maggie, first of all, has no fear. Period. She has loved the water since she was first born. Even last year at the houseboat, she didn't mind it. When we went to the houseboat a week or so ago, I could tell that she was growing more and more comfortable with the water. We strapped her into her lifejacket and got straight in the "WATTIEE" when we got there this morning. Maggie loved it. She never cried, she just smiled and yelled with enjoyment.

I then realized that Maggie was kicking with a purpose...OH MY!!! MAGGIE CAN SWIM!

Let me just take this opportunity to tell you that I LOVED the water. Ever since I was Maggie's age and younger, I loved the water. I could spend hours upon hours in water and never complain or get bored. That is still true for me now. I love to swim. I love how free it makes me feel. I, secretly, always wanted my children to love to swim and be in water. My wish came true. Maggie had a great time and didn't want to get out.

Once she got the hang of it, she didn't want me to hold her or even help her if she got off balance and her face got in the water. Mom and Dad loved seeing her swim. She was a stinkin' fish by the end of the day. I loved it! I loved that we got it on video for Josh to see. I love that my parents kept saying, your just like your mommy...she loved the water. It meant a lot to me.

Thanks for another awesome day at the boat JuJu and Poppy! We love you!

Check out the video of Maggie swimming below. If you look closely in the water, you will see her little feet just working up the town. She loved it!

Living Near A Farm...

2009-06-13T19:10:00.005-05:00

I love that our house, while in a subdivision, backs up to a beautiful wood farm with tons of COOOOWWSSSS and HORRRSSSIEESSS.

Maggie loves animals. Seriously, her best friend is Dexter Bing. She loves horses and cows and will often just stare at the farm and say "Cows, Where Are YOU!" from our kitchen window. This afternoon we were outside playing and we saw the horses and cows were close to the back fence so we went back to say hello.

If you listen closely in the video you can hear her click her tongue. Ever since she was little bitty, she as always clicked her tongue when we say "What sound does a horse make?" She is sooo fun at this age, but for sure a handful. It was a great visit with the horsies...I am sure they would have loved us more if Maggie were feeding them something besides sticks!!!

I love when...

2009-06-11T14:55:00.014-05:00

...old things take on a new life...especially when I can do it for next to nothing.
Let me explain.
Josh purchased this vintage vanity stool at our favorite antique mall in Springfield, TN the Antique Barn. I think he paid like $30.00 for it. He found it and fell in love with the idea of placing a newborn on it for photography purposes. Well, I had other ideas from day one. I needed a sewing chair. I needed something that was short enough that it could get tucked under my table so that Maggie couldn't climb on it. I needed something that was comfy, but allowed me to move. Answer: Josh's awesome stool.

So I have used this stool for at least a year in this shape. Fabric was a nightmare. At least it didn't stink! But the fabric had seen better days and wasn't my taste anyway. The front, which gets the most use, was destroyed.

So, while Mags was down for her afternoon nap, I had had enough of the wood stabbing me in the legs and decided to make it more Alie-Friendly.
I will let the pictures tell the story...

...the before chair...

So for about $8 dollars in padding, I have a brand new, adorable chair. And Josh can still use it for photography purposes! YAY!

Whatcha think?

Our First Trip...

2009-06-09T15:38:00.004-05:00

...to the houseboat this year! Josh, Maggie, Dexter and I headed up to JuJu and Poppy Eddie's houseboat on Sunday morning. We hated to miss church, but it was so great to get in the car with nothing packed except bathing suits and sunglasses and just enjoy my family. The weather was perfect and we had a great time. Brea and her family made their way up there as well so we had so much fun laughing and playing. Josh went down the slide off the back of the houseboat and it was hi-li-ar-i-ious!!!

Thanks for a great time JuJu and Poppy Eddie! We love you guys!

Lucky #100...

2009-05-31T20:47:00.015-05:00

May was an awesome month...to say the least.

So much happened that I figured I would pack it all in in one post and I am sure that I will forget a couple of things. First of all, my bestie and I went on a girl's weekend to Atlanta. Lyndsey's birthday was on May 1st so we headed out of town to visit ATL for the first time for me. We had the best time. We saw an Atlanta Braves game, ate some yummy food, went to IKEA, and just were on no schedule for 3 days. I missed Maggie and Josh terribly, but I would be lying if I said that it wasn't great to get away and just be for a while. Lyndsey is one of the funniest people I know so we pretty much laughed off the pounds that we ate while there.

Couple of funny things about ATL:
(Clem-you will love this!)

1. NO ONE in Atlanta uses turning signals...at all...for any reason.
2. Atlanta does not have designated turning lanes for you to turn without backing up traffic for 5 years, which is super annoying.
3. EVERYONE in ATL honks all the time. Lynds and I would hook sometimes just to fit in!
4. IKEA is rid-i-c-u-lously huge...seriously, pack a lunch and a nappy blanket if you plan to visit. Oh!!! and don't dare get off the gray path to look at something...It might be your next birthday before you figure out how to get back on.
5. IKEA has the BEST hot dogs and chips on this planet. enough said.
6. Take a Garmin GPS. Genieve the Garmin was a lifesaver...especially if we listened to her!
7. Go to ATL with someone fun, someone you love, someone you can laugh at yourself with.

Shortly after ATL, Lyndsey graduated from Western. It was one of the coolest moments ever to watch my Student Teacher that I had become so close with, walk and graduate...all the while knowing that as soon as she gets a teaching job, she is going to ROCK IT OUT!

Josh and I both finished up our school year. My 6th (OMG) and Josh's 1st. I am so excited to have the whole summer with my best friend and daughter to do whatever we want. On this day, we were heading the Green Hills to run some errands. I bought Maggie's shirt that she on before she was even born. It is a 2T...at the time it seemed like it would be a lifetime before it fit her...guess what...she is almost 2! I can't believe it!

Field Day this year was awesome. Beautiful weather and awesome children and parents that were just happy to be there. One of my awesome teachers loved it so much she and her students decorated my office door with the sweetest letters and pictures.

They even decided to post-it note my car! I LOVED it!
Thanks Smells!!! Your the best!

Meet Amani...She is an absolute doll. She was having the time of her life. I loved that she will always remember Field Day and how cool it was to get soaked and love it!

Good ole' sack race...How sweet!

JuJu and Poppy Eddie were kind enough to bring Maggie to Field Day to see me. I loved it. I just remember thinking that I hope Maggie grows up and realizes that both of her parents love children so much that they devote their lives to teaching them and making a difference. Thanks JuJu and Poppy for bringing my Mags. I always love for my parents to see me in action!

Last night Molly Lolly came in town to stay a night with us and have some yummy steaks with the whole fam. She got to meet J.T. and see the rents. It was SO good to see her. She has been my bestie for 10 years now and we are just as close now as we were then. Actually, I think closer. When you grow and rely on each other, you learn and love someone more and more.

She couldn't believe how big Maggie had gotten and what a little character she was. We had a great visit, which included church this morning. We always have the best time, no matter what we are doing. I love you Mols. Thank you for coming to visit and being lovely as always. I miss you already.

Thanks for hanging with me on this long post, but #100 has to be special-right?

Happy May and come on June. Beautiful sunny days and laughter is hopefully in my future!

Craft Show Tomorrow...

2009-05-29T17:00:00.003-05:00

Come see me tomorrow at Beech Cumberland Presbyterian Church Market Festival.

Right down the street at Beech Cumberland Church between the blinking light for Centerpoint Road and Beech High School.

9:00-3:00

I would love to see you all there. Come see all the cutie keychains, burpcloths, hair pins, children's custom clothes, and more from Maggie Moo's Mom.
Josh will also have some photography information available.

Live band, great food, silent auctions, and lots of fun for the whole fam.
Hope to see you all there!

Mother's Day...More than Just May 10th...

2009-05-15T18:51:00.010-05:00

Mother's Day...I remember Mother's Day so vividly as a child. I always remember that time of year coming around and going to the store to get JuJu a card and something. If you know my mom, she just loves everything...yet, is hard to buy for because she has most of what she "needs." Mom was NEVER one of those moms that had a list of items that she expected to receive or else! She just loved the day and looking back I think that she loved the handmade cards and flower pots from school more than she did just "stuff."
(feel free to correct me if I am wrong JuJu!!)

I have been a mother now for two years. But really, so much longer. I remember my first year teaching when my awesome principal said to me..."Congratulations! Your now a mother to lots of children." So true. I love my students more and more everyday and honestly, I do believe that I might be the best example of a mother to some of them. Children now days carry so much "baggage." They come to school and know way to much for their own good. They know that their Mom can't pay the bills and their Dad is not at home. They know that their brother is in jail and the have no lunch money because they don't have money, period. They know that the stuff of the world is just really stuff because they are covered with love by the people that they do live with. They love their life because it is the best life they have to live. I am a mother to some of those children.

Then Ms. Maggie came along. Have you met her? She is quite possibly one of the coolest kids I know. I know, I know...she is mine and I am totally on her team, but seriously, have you met her? She loves life and that silly little adorable bunny more than anything. I admire her awesome spirit and love for a fresh new day. She loves Mrs. Donna and her friends at daycare so that is the highlight of her day. She loves when she sees my car pull up and can't wait to love on me. She loves when I sing silly songs and just sit with her. She loves it when her daddy gets her out of the bath tub and throws her over his shoulder to "find" her. She loves to reach for Josh during prayer time just to play with the fan strings because he is tall enough to get her up there.

After I had my miscarriage in August of 2006, I remember feeling like I had failed as a Mom, even though it had nothing to do with me. I just wanted to be the best Mommy to the child that was inside of me, but it didn't work out. That sweet child never formed and it wasn't meant to be at the time. When we got pregnant with Maggie, I felt like I was so undeserving of the ability to devote my life to loving a child. I knew that the Lord had placed that child in my life for a strong reason...and boy did He ever!

Last Thursday, my sister, Brea, became a Mommy again. Number 5. Mr. Joshua Tucker was born in Texas and Jonathan and Brea are, as I type, on a plane home with my newest nephew. Some people say I can't believe that your sister has five children...Honestly, I can't either...but have you met her children. They are the best kids and love their parents and life just as much as Maggie. Brea and J are awesome parents and if they want to have a house full, my heart will just grow bigger to love more and more. I can't wait to get my hands on little J.T. He is just beautiful. I am so thrilled for them and for the awesome life that this little man is going to get to experience because they loved him enough.

Moms are such special people. I doesn't really matter how many children you have or if you don't have any, your always special to someone. Like Mrs. Patti that I love so much. She is JuJu's bestie and I love her like mother. Or Mrs. Jamie...Molly Lolly's mom...what a lady. Or Grandmother Barbara...Jonathan's mom...She loves my family just like we are her's when we really aren't even related. And then their is my AWESOME grandmother Norma Jean. O Mercy...get to Greenbrier and meet this lady. She is responsible for my love of Dr. Pepper's and Little Debbies and so much more. She has love for me that I feel everyday. If you ever knew my Granny, LouEllen or LuLu as I loving called her, she was a woman that loved Hallmark, Yankee candles, and Shoney's on my birthday just to make me feel special. There are so many special people within my life that have molded and shaped me into the woman and Mom that I am today. I am so grateful for all of them.

My Mother's Day was so low key and lovely. I loved every minute of it. I asked Josh to do a shoot of us out in our back yard to just have some pictures of the day after church. I love them. I love the love you see in our eyes. I love that my daughter is growing older and going to "chuuurrrcccc" to learn about the Lord and looks like her daddy while doing it. I love that we live in a community were I see lots of those children that I "Mother" at church and they hug and love me and then say they can't believe I had on "real clothes" the next day at school.

I love that I am a Mom. I thank the Lord for that opportunity.

Maggie Moo's Gone to the Zoo Again...

2009-04-29T20:09:00.001-05:00

Maggie giving Daddy her "big girl lips"...SO FUNNY!

So it was a Saturday morning and I roll over and asked Josh what he wanted to do today. First thing out of his mouth...I want to go to the zoo! OKAY! I love the zoo and since Maggie is loving animals more and more, I knew she would love it as well. So we got up and got out the door. It was the fam...me, Josh, Maggie, and Lyndsey. Lyndsey is such a kid at heart and I thought she was gonna pee pants when I told her we were going to the zoo! We are loving her as part of our family!

How great does Daddy look!!! So stinkin' cute!

So off we went. The weather could not have been nicer. It was crowded, but it was a Saturday so we expected that. All of the animals were looking beautiful as ever. One of the giraffes even came up so close like he wanted us to pet him. He was beautiful. Maggie just stared at him. (Kerri, I am pretty sure it was Congo the Giraffe!! hahaha)

I have to say that of course my child....her favorite part was all the WATTTTIEEE...which Maggie's way of saying water. She LOVES water and if it is within a 15 mile radius, she knows it and gets so excited about it. She literally stood at the fish area where there was a little waterfall and just had a ball for at least 10 minutes and screamed when we pulled her away.

She is so fun these days. She knows certain things and words and boy will she tell you about it. We are working on patience daily...all of us. She loves to be outside and as long as she has about a cooler full of snacks (snnnnaattcck), she is a ball.

All in all, it was a great day that provided tons of memories. I was telling Lyndsey that Maggie came to the zoo when she was in my belly, and a couple of times since, so I was so excited to see her interact and point to the animals and wattttieee of course.

And just a Maggie UPDATE: She is doing so great! Back to her usual self! Thank you again for your prayers and thoughts for our family! We loved them! We will keep you posted on her health!

Maggie's Sick Part 2...

2009-04-27T09:18:00.003-05:00

We returned to Dr. Keith Thompson yesterday afternoon. He ran several tests including a flu swab and a strep test, just to be sure that those things were not going on. Honestly, when we (Josh, Maggie, JuJu, and I) got to the dr. office, Maggie seemed to be more playful and upbeat. We got back into the room and she was talking and be silly, which was a huge blessing to see. All of the tests that Dr. Keith ran came back negative so he just recommended that we stay the course with the Motrin and Tylenol routine that we already have going, which is around the clock. He is just thinking that this is a viral thing, but they are culturing all of her tests to see if anything grows over time. I would say since about 4:30 yesterday that Maggie has been fever free. She was getting back to herself last night including shaking her booty and telling Dexter Dog to HUSSSSHHHH DEXXXTTTTYYY.

This morning she is right back to her sweet self. Her cheeks have great color and she has been playing and being silly since about 6:30 this morning, since Dexter decided to go in and check on her. Dexter, while I often act like I can't stand him, loves this little girl as if he were her daddy. He has stayed right with her since she came home from the hospital and even slept under her crib while she was napping. This morning he wanted to see how she was so he went into her room and scuffed his feet to wake her up. She was thrilled and screamed with excitement saying HI DEXXTTYY. She then proceeded to jump in her bed until I got in there, which was a great sign of how she was feeling. She ate a yummy pop-tart and some milk, has used the potty (GO MAGGIE!), and has been making pretend phone calls all morning.

We are so thankful for all the emails, texts, and phone calls to check on Maggie. She is such a special little girl. I will keep everyone posted!

Maggie's Sick...

2009-04-26T13:39:00.002-05:00

Just asking for prayer for my sweet Maggie. Long story short and for now I will just give you the quick update. We went out to eat last night for my brother-in-laws birthday and Maggie went into a febrile seizure and was transported via ambulance to Hendersonville Hospital around 7:30 last night. When we arrived at the hospital her temperature was 104.6. We were given a dose of antibiotic, Tylenol, and Motrin and sent on home for her to rest. She ended up having between 2-3 mini-seizures because her temperature was so high.

...Maggie at Hendersonville Hospital...

We are at home today just resting. Her temperature has been up and down but up again as high as 104.1. We are returning to Dr. Keith this afternoon at 3:00 to follow-up with him. Please pray for our sweet girl. She is just pitiful and it is such a terrible feeling that we can't take her pain and hurt away.

Giveaway Time Over on the Sewing Blog!!!

2009-04-13T09:35:00.003-05:00

My latest obsession! Homemade Fabric Keychains/Keyfobs.

I am giving 5 away over on my sewing blog just for leaving a comment! Be sure to check it out!

Happy Spring to you and your family!

www.maggiemoosmom.wordpress.com

Maggie Moo is Almost Two...

2009-03-28T15:39:00.004-05:00

Can you believe that my sweet little itty bitty baby is only 4 months away from being a 2 year old. Seems like time is just flying by when all I want in the world is for it to stand still.

Maggie is an absolute joy to have around. She is so fun and so funny all at the same time. She is into EVERYTHING...but is so smart! Some of her favorite activities include texting on mommy's phone (oh dear), working a puzzle, reorganizing mommy's sewing area, riding and playing outside, and watching a "SHHHOOOWWWW!"

Her best friend is still sweet little pink bunny that she goes no where without. She as also taken to sleeping with a blanket. I always said that I didn't want to be one of "those parents" who allowed their child to have an item that they can't live without. Well, guess what. Maggie needed bunny when daddy was in the hospital and she hasn't let go of him since and that is a-okay with me.

Josh, Mags, and I headed to a beautiful local park one day last weekend to take some pics of Maggie. Josh's skills are blowing me away. He is just so comfortable with the camera. I loved how they all turned out and hope you do too. It is just unbelievable that the child in these pictures as already had two haircuts, is walking, carrying on conversations, and has the best manners of any child I know. I love her with all that I am. Enjoy!

How sweet is this picture. She was really reading to bunny. I just love it!

Of course, Daddy caught one of me too. Just thought I would share it too.

My Heart...

2009-03-10T15:14:00.000-05:00

Thinking about all that our family went through after Josh got sick, can often be an amazing pill to swallow. I have been asked several times if I wish it had never happened. That is also an interesting question to answer. Don't get me wrong, I would never wish for a day that Josh would have been so sick...but do I "regret" it...NO! It was God's plan. Just like lots of different things in life, I didn't understand God's plan at the time, but more and more lately I am seeing it unfold and I am so thrilled with the path God is laying down for my family.

Josh is loving school and while it often presents challenges that could make you want to pull your hair out, I know that he goes to work every morning happy and proud of the person that he as become. Maggie is growing like a weed. She decided to use the potty last night for the first time ever! She was so proud of herself and so were we!!! I am loving my job and just life in general. I feel like I am making a difference in the lives of my students and just happy to be in the building I am in and working at such an awesome "job."

On Friday, Feb. 6th I did something that changed my life in a way that I could have never imagined. As you all know, I am a PE teacher in Hendersonville and love it. I have participated in Jump Rope for Heart events before both while I was in Elementary School and as a teacher at my former schools. I was thrilled when my awesome principal allowed me to do the fund raiser this year here at school. I wasn't sure what to expect...to say that I was nervous, would be an understatement of the year. I just wanted my students to understand why we were doing it and that sometimes in life, it is not all about the prizes. I have an amazing JRFH coordinator that I LOVE. I was researching online some information about my event and came across something that immediately struck my attention. Go Red For Women was hosting an open casting call for women from all walks of life to come on down and tell their story. SERIOUSLY! So I immediately thought...there is no way they will even be close to TN even if I could go. They were coming to Franklin, TN on Feb. 6th, which just happened to be National Wear Red for Women Day!

I immediately got tears in my eyes and knew that I had to do this. PERIOD. There really wasn't anyway around it. My heart was pounding and I was so excited to walk downstairs and tell Josh that I was "going to do it...I have to this!" So...I did. I left school as soon as possible on that Friday and headed straight to Franklin Macy's. The open call was from 4-6 and I had no idea what to expect. Thankfully, my awesome Molly Lolly was there with me by my side, being a bestie...as usual. I had thought about it, prayed about it, had others pray about it, and wrote down my thoughts so at least they were organized. Lyndsey took me to Barnes and Noble one afternoon, which was proved to be so productive! (Thanks Clem!)

So I went, I cried pretty much from the time that I sat down, I made some new friends, and I felt so proud of myself. The interview lady was awesome and by the end of the videotaped interview, the camera man and video runner guy were both teary eyed! They said that it was the best interview of the day. The interview was not exactly what I expected. They had a set of questions they wanted you to answer...pretty basic stuff. I just decided that I was going to be honest and if it worked out for me to tell the true story, then so be it. I felt from the moment that I walked into Macy's that God had his hand in that whole situation.

I was able to tell my story about Josh and how CPR and awareness saved his life. I told how I told my story here at school and teachers here are getting their CPR training soon because of that. I told them that Maggie was absolutely the highlight of our lives and that essentially she saved Josh's life. That she was his angel from day 6. I told them how it didn't matter if my stitches from the C-Section ripped or if I cracked a few of his ribs while performing CPR, he lived. I told them that I didn't think that Josh really started living until after he had gotten sick.

It was an amazing experience and one that I will always carry with me. I don't know what if anything will come of the opportunity, but I am so proud of what I did and for the example that I created for Maggie that day.

All submissions will be available at the end of the month for the public to view and if I am chosen, I will be notified by mail by May 1st. I would be one of the spokeswoman and face of the Go Red For Women Campaign. Imagine how many that would reach! I have turned it over to God. If it is meant to be, it will be. I think it would be one of the most amazing things EVER!

It Truly is the BEST Show on Earth...

2009-02-21T19:39:00.016-06:00

So has it been forever since I blogged...YES! We have been having so much fun lately that I haven't made time to blog. Whoops!

Last month on Jan. 24th, we took Maggie to her first CIRCUS. It was awesome. Ironically enough that was also her 18 month birthday. My awesome student teacher, Lyndsey, randomly said one day, man I want to go to the circus. I had no idea they were even in town. So what did we do...we WENT and it was amazing!

Truth be told, it was a bit long. It was right at 3 hours. Okay, I am 27 and it was almost too much for me and my backside. But, it was so cool for Maggie to see all the animals and clowns and to just have the experience. We arrived an hour early so we could go down and meet and greet with the members of the circus and the oobbeeerrr awesome animals.

Josh, of course, came fully equipped with his camera so we got some amazing shots.

I took one picture the whole time with his camera. He NEVER gets in pictures anymore since he is always behind the camera. So, I got this shot of him and Mags. She is watching the before show elephant act. It was so cool!

So, I already mentioned Lyndsey. She came to Walton Ferry right after Christmas and is moving to Hawkins Middle next week. We have had such a ball together. She is so fun and just lovely to be around. As soon as we got down to the pre-show, I snagged "Slim the Clown" (I have no idea if that was his real name or not, but TRUST ME...the clown had about 0% body fat) to take a picture with Lyndsey. Too funny! I had no idea she was making that face until Josh developed them, but it suits the person standing next to her!

The show itself was awesome! Tons of kids, tons of adults acting like kids, what more could you want for a Saturday morning.

Lyndsey was kind enough to take a family pic of us.

I ABSOLUTELY love this picture of us. It is for sure a framer. What a blessing our relationship has been to my life. I can't wait to see where God leads Lyndsey's life, but I am so thankful that I was lucky enough to get to work with her for 8 weeks!

What a great day with LOTS of awesome memories!!!

Our Little Dane...

2009-01-18T22:25:00.000-06:00

...is here. He is so stinkin' cute and so loveable! We are so glad that he is growing and that Lori is recovering quite well. Mr. Dane decided to come a little more than a month early, but he is healthy and just beautiful! We had a great trip up to see him this weekend! Enjoy a couple of pics here and be sure to see the rest on Josh's photo blog!

The Beckoning of Lovely...

2009-01-18T22:18:00.001-06:00

There are not many videos on YouTube that I just love. I just love this one. I love everything about it. I hope you love it too!

Happy Holidays From The Harris Crew...

2008-12-31T15:24:00.013-06:00

...Maggie, Anna, Mary Elizabeth, Isaac, and Luke...

Well, we sure hope that everyone had a great Christmas and is looking forward to a fun and safe New Year's Eve. Our Christmas break has been unbelievable! Josh and I both having all this time together to spend with each other and our families has been the best present of all.

Maggie had a wonderful Christmas as well. We spent the first part of last week here at home. Josh and I treated ourselves with a special gift to each other. We bought a new Christmas tree. It is beautiful and it was a BaRgAiN! We have always had a tree. It was the first tree that we purchased at Target together when we first got married. $16.99, not pre-lit, and even had the individual sticks that you place in a pole to create the tree. It was time for an upgrade for sure!

We spent Christmas morning at my sister's house. It was so fun. Her kiddos racked up (in a good way) from Santa so there was so much for Maggie to play with. We always start with a Christmas morning breakfast with JuJu cooking. Grandma Norma is a master with the eggs and this year the first thing I saw when I walked into Brea's house was Anna in the kitchen with her American Girl apron on manning the sausage! How cool is that! She is growing up so fast!

After breakfast, it's presents time! I am so happy to say that everything I (we) gave to Brea's kids was completely homemade! It was so cool to see them be excited about something that Aunt Alie made them!

I was jazzed when I opened up my new Dyson Root Vacuum! I am so excited to clean!

Notice that Maggie is sporting her new hair do...PigTails! Her hair is getting so long and thick that we needed to do something...and why not piggietails...or as Molly Ledford would say Kibbibs!
Maggie got a ton of really great presents from everyone! JuJu and Poppie Eddie got her a Pottery Barn Kids Anywhere Chair that she already loves to sit and and climb on! Love it!

The Freeman Crew got Maggie this Step 2 Rollercoaster! She loved it from the second that she saw it at their house! She loves to go "weeeeeee" all the way down it!

This awesome painting was a huge surprise. My dad, Poppie Eddie, created this painting for us. I absolutely love it. The first thing we did when we got home was hang it up! It looks so beautiful above my sewing table...and means so much because Dad created it for us to love!

I just had to include this picture. This was at Brea's house and the boys are trying to teach Papa Charles how to play the Wii MarioCart. It was too funny to watch. Papa had no clue what he was doing, but what a great memory for the boys!

After Christmas here in TN, we jetted up to Indiana a day early to surprise Josh's family! It was great! His mom just couldn't believe we were there! We stayed there for 5 days. It was so nice to be there with his family for longer than a weekend. We even got to spend a morning shopping with his MawMaw. That was great! Our sister-in-law Lori decided to go into labor when we hit the Kentucky/Tennessee border, but she is a bit too early so they stopped her labor. She isn't due for a couple more weeks, so hopefully little Dane will wait a bit longer to make his appearance!

We had a great Holiday with our families. We are so blessed to have such awesome people in our lives that love us so much!
Happy New Year's to everyone!

Happy Thanksgiving from The Harris Home...

2008-12-01T19:53:00.007-06:00

Hope you all had a wonderful and relaxing Thanksgiving. Josh is sure in love with "the teacher's schedule" as he was able to have an extra day off this year. He is not going to know what to do with himself around Christmas time with two whole weeks off.

We had a great Thanksgiving. Very low key and just about being a family. We went to my JuJu's house and had a yummy Thanksgiving lunch on Thursday. Josh, of course, brought his camera and captured some beautiful pictures of everyone, especially Brea's kiddos.

He captured this image of me and Anna. She is my beautiful 10 year old niece that I still feel should be Maggie's age. She is such a fun, loving, and sweet young lady. I love her so. She will always hold a special place in my heart as she was my sister's first child. I still remember standing out in the hallway waiting to hear her cry. I was a Junior in High School and had no idea how cool is was going to be to be an aunt to such an awesome little girl.

I was lucky enough to get some sewing done over the break, including this skirt. This was the free skirt that I custom made for the winner of my sewing blog contest. I love the way it turned out!

Now we are looking forward to Christmas and all those memories they will hold. Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Maggie's New Do...

2008-11-22T19:53:00.007-06:00

Today was such a fun day. I love days where Josh, Maggie and I just get to hang out and be us together with no real agenda. We decided to get a couple of things done today.

We first headed out to Phillips Toy Mart in Nashville and spent some time in there just looking around and picking up a few Christmas gifts from Santa! That place is so much fun but so packed full. No strollers can get through, which is fine with us because Maggie is going through the "I don't want to be in a stroller when I can just walk or jog anywhere I want to go" stage. I say stage...Lord, I don't know if it is a stage.

After taking care of that we headed over to Green Hills Mall to check out a couple of things there and then headed back north for Maggie's first haircut. To say that Maggie was overdo for a haircut is the understatement of the year. She is so cute and as much as I love her peacock hair, it was out of control. I mean, you know it is BAD when strangers come up and ask Maggie in their "I'm talking to a baby" voice if Mommy has been rubbing a balloon on her head!

We went to see Ms. Nicki at Mitzi's...we love her. She was great with Maggie. They were used to each other because Maggie always goes along for Josh's haircuts and my services (i.e. waxing the bushes off my forehead). Maggie did great. She didn't love the cape, so we got hair all over her, but that was okay!

This is the before picture...oh My!

And the after picture...

She is getting so big. She looks like such a little girl in this picture. Ms. Nicki rewarded Maggie with a sucker, which Mags loved. How cute are those overalls...Thanks Aunt Brea! Also, I just have to say this...Maggie LOVES bracelets. We found this one at Phillip's for a $1.99. She loved it! Overall, it was a great Saturday with great memories!

For Patti...

2008-11-19T10:30:00.006-06:00

I have never been a huge fan of sending flowers to a funeral home when someone passes. I get the point and I value the beauty that flowers provide, it is just not my thing.

Last week, my mom's best friend lost her mother. Let me just say that my mom's best friend, Patti, is one of those women that you love to be around. She is little, sweet, beautiful, and just plain fun. Patti and her hubby, Ronnie, have been in my life for as long as I remember. We ALWAYS did things with Patti and Ronnie, and still do. I remember going over to Patti's mother's house and playing volleyball in the backyard and searching for Easter eggs. We are not related to Patti, but it always felt that she was just our family. I love her. She used to fix me the BEST ice cream sundae's when we would go to her house, just because she knew that I liked them.

When I found out that Patti had lost Mrs. Per, I wanted to do something that would hopefully hold more long term meaning than flowers. I decided to make her a hanky with a calendar cut out of the month and date that her mom passed. November 14th has a heart around it. It is not to constantly remind her of the date, rather to constantly remind her that she is loved by so many. I got this awesome vintage calendar cut out from Etsy seller chakrapennywhistle. I contacted her to make sure that she had the right date to line up with the right day of the week. Since they are vintage, you have to double check those things.

I love the way it turned out and I hope that Patti will love it for years to come as well. Mrs. Per was a wonderful lady who had a wonderful family. Heaven just got sweeter...

love...

2008-11-11T19:09:00.001-06:00

...this girl so much!

Happy Halloween...

2008-11-01T21:28:00.007-05:00

Happy Halloween to all of you!

Maggie had a great Halloween. This was her second Halloween, but since she was only 3 months old on the last Halloween, this Halloween was soooo fun!

I purchased her costume about a month and a half ago. I was searching on Ebay for some cute ideas. I came across this costume made by Babystyle and LOVED it. If you have ever met Maggs in person, you know that her hair is generally standing straight up as if she has been living inside of an electricial outlet. It is cute and funny, but not so great when your going to church or somewhere more serious. I love her hair. I think it is great. When I saw this peacock costume, it was perfect. She has always been my little peacock with that hair.

I got a great deal on it and Maggie loved it. The costume itself is beautiful. Huge, but beautiful!

We were excited to trick or treat with Brea and Jonathan's kiddos. We love those guys so much!

They always have the cutest costumes. This year they were characters from Alice in Wonderland. Anna was of course Alice and she looked so beautiful and grown up.

The boys were Tweedledee and Tweedledum. Little Mary was the Cheshire Cat.

How great is this picture. I can bearly look at this without tearing up. Those girls are going to be the best of friends.

Hope everyone had a great and safe Halloween! Hard to believe that the Holiday season is coming so quickly. We were so excited to have warm weather for trick or treating last night.

Since the Holiday season is right around the corner, be sure to hop over to my sewing blog where I am giving away an awesome Maggie Moo Skirt. I am going to custom make one lucky winner a skirt of their choice. Be sure to check it out!

Maggie's Sweet 15 Month Photo Shoot...

2008-10-11T21:13:00.014-05:00

Today was a great day! Josh and I headed up to my mom and dad's house in Greenbrier to do Maggie's 15 month photo shoot. We tried so hard to get some great 1 year pictures 3 months ago...it just didn't happen. Today Maggie was in top form. She was smiling, laughing, playing some serious peek-a-boo...and just plain having fun.

I love my mom and dad's house. Josh and I had our wedding pictures taken there in the backyard before our wedding. They have a beautiful pine tree row that is practically famous, beautiful flower beds, and some cool old barns.

My mom and dad were so much help today. You should have seen my dad playing with Maggie to get her to smile. I just sat and watched how my dad interacted with her and it made my heart happy. I am very close to both of my parents. I only hope that Maggie will grow and love her parents as much I as I love mine.

These two shots are not the best of Maggie's face, but I just love the simplicity they hold of her just sitting and playing in the grass and looking back at us from the chair.

Of course, daddy, Josh, took all of these amazing photos of Maggie.
I just love every single one of them and the memories they will always hold!

jdharrisphotography.wordpress.com

Buying Homemade...It Just Feels Good!

2008-10-10T06:29:00.008-05:00

If you have not been to Etsy.com lately, GO NOW! That site is unbelievable!

Since I craft myself, I LOVE to purchase other crafter's work there and either keep it for myself or give as gifts. 98% of what is on Etsy is homemade. You just feel good when you shop there. People are friendly, they want you to love what they have spent hours creating.

Here are some of my most recent purchases off Etsy.

My Joshie actually purchased this print for me. We all know how obsessed I am with birds. I have been talking about this ever since I order a print for Anna. I just love it! It is from seller dazeychic.

This is the print that I ordered for Anna's birthday. It just said ANNA to me. She loved it! Art is also by dazeychic.

I purchased this shopping cart cover from a great seller, MichaelMoooDesigns. I hated the store bought shopping covers because they didn't really cover the buggy the way I wanted. This cover is the best. We get compliments on it every where we go.

I ordered this beautiful brooch from PrettyinPosies. Jenn is the BEST to work with. She has created tons of clippies for Maggie. I got this brooch for my mentor at school. She LOVED it.

So, if you have not been to Etsy lately...GO! You will be purchasing a one of a kind item that someone made with tons of love and time. It just makes your heart feel good.

So, Going Back to Number 3...

2008-10-05T16:25:00.005-05:00

If you read a couple of posts ago, I admitted that one day I would LOVE to have my own children's line of clothing. Since I just started heavily sewing a little over a year ago, I have always wondered what it would be like to make Maggie's clothes. Not really for others to compliment, but for me to know that I could do it.

I love Sunday afternoon naps for Maggie. She loves to sleep for a really long time, partly because she is worn out from the week, partly because we don't make a sound in order to let her sleep. Today, I thought I would work on an awesome skirt for Ms. Maggie. We are fixing to do her 15 month (can you believe it?!!?) photo shoot and I wanted to have something special for her to wear. It took about 2.5 hours to make and I LOVE the way it came out!

So, who knows about that clothing line. Maybe one day, maybe one day soon...

I would love to know what you think about it...I hope Maggie will love it!

What Do You Get...

2008-10-02T20:27:00.004-05:00

...when you combine a kitchen window being close to the ground and a really tall hubby?

6 Fun & Interesting Things About Me...

2008-09-26T11:23:00.004-05:00

So my sister, Brea, tagged my hubby, Josh, a couple of weeks ago. I think she would have tagged me, but I was in the bed sick with Mono. Long story, crazy story...maybe later. Anyway, she tagged asking to know 6 fun and interesting things about yourself. Josh never has done it, so I thought I would.

So here goes.

1. I get the weirdest of all weird kinds of illness. IF it is gross, scary, weird, from another country, or has hair, I am going to get it. I always get very sick, when I get sick. Since I am around children all the time, I usually have a pretty good immune system. BUT when I do get sick, it is bad. It is not something that I am proud of...most of my friends make fun of me, in a nice way, because I have been this way forever. I hope not to pass that onto Maggie!

2. I am a terrible test taker. BAD! It doesn't matter what test...I am just not good at taking tests. I finally diagonsed myself with a test taking disorder...(another weird illness!!! HaHa)

3. Secretly, or not so secretly anymore, I wish to have my own clothing line for children. I want children all over to have Maggie Moo clothing. Right now, it is just me, my sewing machine, a buffet table in my bonus room, and two lamps. Maybe someday....

4. I love to tell people about Josh's story. It amazes people to know that CPR can save someone's life. It is hard sometimes, sometimes I cry, sometimes I pray, but I want people to know that just making a point to learn CPR could save someone's life. I feel that one day, I would love to be a CPR instructor.

5. Everyday, I make a TO DO list. I list things that I have to get done at school and things I have to get done at home. I try everyday to not go to bed until have completed my checklist. Sometimes, it is too long. But, this helps me stay organized. I like to be organized.

6. My freshman year at Cumberland University, I was on the home coming court. Now, if you know me, you know that I am the furtherest thing from a homecoming queen there is. I played tennis and every sport had to have a representative for all of the homecoming events. It was basically, "Alison can do it...She is the freshman." I loved it though. I got to wear my prom dress that I had just worn to prom the May before, got my hair done, makeup, everything. I was also in a parade around Lebanon where I rode on the back of a corvette with a friend of mine at the time Brittany, who was the Men's Tennis Team representative. I was dating a guy at the time from home, but since he couldn't escort me, I had to ask a guy that attend CU. That is were Mr. Josh Harris came into the picture. Josh and I met the very first day of school at CU. We were standing in line for physicals (I played tennis, he played basketball). The story has been told several ways, but basically from that day one, we were best friends. He was one of the only guys I knew at CU so I asked him to be my escort. It was great. Homecoming day it was about 109 degrees and I am in my prom dress looking nice...Josh shows up in a green and black FLANNEL shirt and a orange and brown basketball tie. He looked so nice, but did not match at all...so cute! He was so nervous to escort me. Needless to say, I didn't win or place or whatever, but it was a great memory. My sister STILL jokes with Josh about that outfit he wore that day. She just couldn't believe that he would be in FLANNEL (did you hear me say flannel) in September.

So there you have it...That was fun.

Now, I get to tag...

1. Courtney W.
2. Heather T.
3. Karin G.

Have fun girls!

You Can Call Him Mr. Harris...

2008-09-21T20:19:00.004-05:00

As many of you know, Josh is a very loyal person. He has worked at his job at AccuImage, LLC in Nashville for 5 years and has loved it. The people he worked with were like family to him. They all loved him very much.

Josh recently accepted a path for his life...

Mr. Josh Harris accepted a teaching position at T.W. Hunter Middle School located in Hendersonville behind Beech (like 3 minutes from our house!!)! He is teaching 6, 7, and 8th grade Math! Josh majored in Mathematics at Cumberland so all he has to do is teach on an Alternate License until he goes back and gets the hours he needs to tack on his licensure. He is actually going through the Master's Program that I went through because he can teach, do online courses, and at the end he will have his license and master's degree.

I know it sounds crazy, but after Josh got sick last year he made a couple of goals for himself that he wanted to accomplish...One of them was to go back to school be a teacher so he could impact a child's life...instead of yelling at customers on the phone all day because they forgot to plug in their computer! He is just so fun to watch. When we go to the Parent Teacher Store you would think that we went to the moon. He is so pumped to look at teacher stuff. He has also fulfilled his other goal that he set for himself of being a photographer. He has gotten more and more into that lately with several photo shoots under his belt.

I am so proud of him. I truly am. He is just amazing! It is so cool to watch him turn what happened to him last year into many positive things for his life.

So...

2008-09-06T08:00:00.001-05:00

So...I have a ton of catching up to do.

I am going to get this blog caught up and try to stick with it. Our summer just flew by, but what a great one!

Where to start...

hmmm...

Maggie's 1st Birthday! What a great time! Her birthday was on July 24th, but we celebrated with a fun party at home with all of our family and friends on July 26th. It was wonderful.

Josh and I made her birthday cupcakes from scratch and for Ms. Maggie she got her very own giant cupcake. I wanted everything to be perfect, of course. She loved it. Our "theme" on our invitations was birdies! So we had an adorable birdie cupcake holder for the centerpiece, along with some beautiful fresh roses.

I custom made Maggie her very own birthday banner using some of my favorite fabrics, that we can later put up in her room. I loved the way it turned out!

I think over all, she had a great first birthday. She got some wonderful presents, including some adorable Crocs and a yummy Encores and More North gift certificate. My mom also passed my childhood locket that my Granny got for me onto Maggie. That was a very emotional moment for me. I will always cherish that locket for little Maggie.

Maggie loved her cake. I think she was a little overwhelmed at first, but before long, she jumped right in. She LOVES sweets, so this was right up her alley.

Maggie loves to kiss everything...including her cake!

Aunt Brea captured this picture. I believe at this time the party girl was getting a bath. I love what it shows...her cake, a complete mess, her dress and converses in her dirty highchair.

Overall, we had a great first birthday...Wouldn't change one thing. Thanks for all of those that came and helped us make sweet memories.

Day at the Zoo with The Dillard Family...

2008-09-06T07:17:00.010-05:00

I love the zoo. I love everything about it. I love that it is great exercise. I love that you get to see beautiful animals. I love that you get to people watch! I love that they offer discount to educators in Tennessee!

On June 26th (told you I am going to catch up)...Kerri, Scott, Kaitlin, Maggie, and I all went to the Nashville Zoo. It was burning up, but so fun. We saw lots of awesome animals, and even was introduced to Congo the Giraffe.

We had a great time Dillard Family. Thanks for the memories!

The Day Has Come...

2008-07-30T21:35:00.006-05:00

So, I have been asked by many, "Why have you not posted on your blog in forever?"

I believe I answered this question with lots of different ways...except maybe the truth. The truth of the matter is that July is a very exciting, overwhelming, and sad month for me. Today marks the ONE YEAR anniversary of when Josh got sick. I know that may sound silly to be emotional about this, but to live with a person that you almost lost, is a very unusual and surreal feeling. I have been thinking about how to write about this for most of the month. I wanted to write...I wanted others to read and understand...I just didn't know how to put it into the right words.

My mom, JuJu, wrote this awesome letter to Oprah about Josh's story. Nothing has come of it...but she is a wonderful writer and I think the way that she details everything make such an amazing story.

I have a very risky feeling by putting this out there. My sister, Brea, talks often about getting "real" with others in your life. I know that it is a long story, and I understand if you don't care to read it all...but understand that today is a day of beauty in my eyes. I see my hubby with all the love of the world in his eyes and my daughter that loves her daddy so much.

God is good.

In the words of JuJu...

____________________________________________

I made CPR count……..

Our daughter Alison Harris is so happy she can say this after saving her husband Josh’s life on July 30, 2007. It is quite a story to tell……

Josh was diagnosed with Pericarditis in late June and hospitalized on July 15 for 4 days while a team of specialists including a cardiologist and rheumatologist did tests to be sure nothing else was wrong. The tests confirmed the diagnosis, Josh was given several medications and sent home to rest and recuperate with assurance it would take a few weeks to recover.

It was a busy and exciting time as they had just moved on July 10 and their first child was due on July 28. Although they hadn’t planned to move, when our oldest daughter Brea, her husband Jonathan and their 3 children learned that a home with a full basement (something they had always wanted) was going on the market, they offered to sell their home to Alison and Josh “by owner” at a price that would make it possible for both families to pursue their dream of living close together. Brea, Jonathan and the kids would remain and share the current home with Alison and Josh until their new home was vacated on July 31. They planned to make the best of both families living under one roof for a couple of weeks.

On July 24, 2007, after a full day of labor, Alison and Josh’s daughter Maggie was delivered by Cesarean section at 7:11pm. Josh had run fever and had chills off and on all day. Their wonderful OB, Dr. Kyzer, checked Josh to be sure he was okay before could be in the delivery room when Maggie was born.

On Saturday, July 28, Alison and baby Maggie were released from Baptist Hospital and Josh drove them all home to start their new family life -- a dream come true after losing a child to miscarriage in August 2006.

Sunday, July 29 was a busy day with family and friends’ coming by. Alison had been told to take it easy due to the c-section and Josh preparing to return to work the next day. Everyone went to bed around 10pm, then at 1am, baby Maggie woke up to eat. Alison was breast feeding and woke up Josh to get up for a towel as Maggie had spit up some of the milk. As Josh got back in bed, Alison said he did not look “well” and after only a short time, Josh made a “horrible” noise and seemed to have some sort of seizure and look through her with a trance like stare. Alison jumped up and ran into the other part of the house yelling for Brea and Jonathan to come and help her. After taking one look at Josh, Brea grabbed the phone and dialed 911. The 911 operator told Brea to check for his pulse and Brea realized then he had no pulse. The 911 operator wanted to know if anyone knew CPR and Brea said yes, Alison did, but that she had just had a c-section and was recovering. The 911 operator told Brea there was no choice. Alison remembers handing Maggie to Brea and then beginning compressions and breaths – the breaths came right back out and his body was rejecting them. The 911 operator told Brea that they had to get him to the floor –Josh is 6’9” tall and weighs 250 pounds – and Brea told him she and Jonathan could not possibly lift him and that Alison could not help due to the stitches she had from the c-section. In what seemed like forever but was only a couple of minutes the first responder was at the front door. As soon as he arrived, the responder and Jonathan pulled Josh off the bed to the floor and compressions were continued. Shortly the ambulance arrived; Josh was shocked 4 times before they could restart his heart, and then transported by ambulance to the local Hendersonville Hospital.

Brea called us (Julie and Eddie H. – Brea and Alison’s Mom and Dad) to tell us Josh was very sick and to “come now” – and Jonathan called his Mom Barbara F. to come and help with the children. Within minutes we were all at the hospital ER waiting room.

Dr. Lee was the cardiologist on call and he continuously advised us that they were doing everything they could, Josh was being closely monitored as they tried to get him “stable.” We called Josh’s parents, Pam and Jerry Harris, who got on the road from their home in French Lick Indiana for the 4+ hour drive to the hospital.

Around 5am Josh was moved to CCU/ICU and Alison, 6 day old Maggie, Brea, Jonathan, Eddie and I moved to that waiting room. Pam and Jerry arrived and tears were shed as the story of what happened was repeated and we tried to make sense of this nightmare.

Josh remained in Hendersonville Hospital for 4 days as specialists did test after test trying to find out what happened and why. This hospital is part of a group that includes the first hospital Josh was at two weeks earlier, so Eddie contacted the first group of specialists, let them know what happened, and request that everyone work together.

We quickly realized he had no memory of what happened, did not know where he was, why he was there, at times he would look at Alison and want to know why she wasn’t in bed (he thought she had just had Maggie), and he seemed to loop through thoughts. He realized his tongue was swollen (he had bitten through it in the seizure) and he could not grasp everything but was reassured by family members. He also did not retain information from visit to visit indicating possible brain damage from loss of oxygen.

It was a very painful and confusing time for Alison, trying to take care of Maggie and breast feeding in hospital waiting areas every 3 hours, meet with the specialists, talk to Josh and reassure him, remember to eat, rest, and accept the enormity of it all. On day 2, Alison developed mastitis in her right breast and her OB put her on antibiotics, she also had damage from administering the CPR with pain in her abdomen, but through it all she never complained and said she would do it all again, she just wanted Josh to live and recover.

By Thursday, the Hendersonville specialists agreed Josh needed to be moved to Centennial Hospital where he had previously been admitted. Late that afternoon, Josh was transported by ambulance with Eddie riding with him. All of the Specialists previously involved were now re-engaged and most of them came by shortly after he was admitted. We were told that unless additional testing could determine anything, they expected Josh would have to have a defibrillator. At age 26, the doctors did not want to have to take this life changing step, making him uninsurable and destined to the live changes, but with no explanation for what happened or why, this was the only way to assure Josh and Alison that his heart would not stop again.
After extensive and invasive testing and procedures over the next 5 days, Josh was carried to surgery on Tuesday, August 7, for the defibrillator.

Eddie stayed with Josh at the hospital almost every night while I stayed with Alison and Maggie to help with Maggie and encourage Alison to get a few hours of sleep.

We joked that Maggie believed her home was a recliner in a hospital as this is where she was the first 3 weeks of her young life. We knew Maggie was being exposed to germs and illnesses, but there was no choice as Alison was nursing Maggie and she needed to be with both Maggie and Josh trying to do everything she could to help this young family survive.

Josh was released to come home and recover on August 8, 2007. The instructions included rest, very limited activities, restrictions about moving his left arm, no driving, no lifting, and lots of medications.

On August 28, Alison’s 26th birthday, Josh had a stress test at Vanderbilt hospital. While riding home in the car, Josh became violently ill with nausea, sweats, and vomiting. After a phone conversation with his Cardiologist, we took Josh back to Vanderbilt ER where he was given IV fluids over the next 8 hours and carefully monitored. This was the 4th hospital experience in Maggie’s young life, but through it all Maggie did great and has been the best baby ever.

It is now October 7, two months since this life changing surgery. How is Josh doing?? He is getting stronger every day and returned to work full time a week ago. Thankfully the company he works for has been very supportive and understanding. Josh continues tests and monitoring by the specialists at Centennial and also two from Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville that specialize in heart research. Every indication is that Josh is doing well. The doctors have started reducing some of the daily medications. A concern remains about his long term prognosis – whether the Pericarditis is cured or if it will come back and what options exist if it does.

Alison returns to work tomorrow, Monday, October 8. She is a PE teacher at two local elementary schools and has been on a 12 week leave of absence. It is amazing how much has happened in the time she expected to simply be at home with a new baby. Thank God for her job that provides the only health insurance this young family has. We know the medical costs for everything so far are close to $500k and will only continue. For Alison, returning to work is no longer an option – as Josh is now “uninsurable” keeping the insurance through Alison’s work is a necessity.

As it has been all along, this is in God’s hands and only He knows the ultimate outcome.

Making CPR count – it saved Josh Harris’ life!! We remain so thankful that Alison volunteered for the training that ultimately allowed Josh to survive.

Everyone needs to know how important CPR can be – at any age, at any time! I hope that this real life story helps to prove just that!!

Julie H.
October 7, 2007

I know...It has been forever...

2008-07-27T09:01:00.004-05:00

Well, I know that most of you that are reading this are wondering if I even remembered my password to blog again. It has been a while, I know. But I have REALLY been enjoying my summer with Maggie and family, and as it quickly draws to a close, I am cherishing every minute of it.

I have so much to blog about. July is such a bitter sweet month for me.

First things...My sister, Brea, is fixing to start up here AWESOME consignment sale here locally in Rivergate called Encores and More North. This is one sale that you will not want to miss. Brea does an absolutely amazing job and values all of the workers and shoppers equally. She is very organized, has GREAT stuff, and at GREAT prices. I got all of Maggie's summer wardrobe at the last sale and Maggie has worn every single piece of it...I think I got like 40 pieces for under $150...name brands, great condition, smelled good...the whole deal.

Brea also specializes in buying out boutique stores so there will be a boat load of brand new with tags clothing there at a serious fraction of the price. And Gymboree clothing galore!

The Sale Information can all be found on the Encores and More North Website!

You can click HERE!

If you haven't been before, you are sure to love it and get hooked like the rest of it. Keep up the great work Brea. I know you are heading into a very busy time! It is sure to be a great sale!

I have a ton to post soon...Maggie's 1st Birthday...oh my word! What a fun Day!!

Maggie Loves to PattiCake PattiCake...

2008-06-25T22:01:00.004-05:00

Maggie loves lots of new tricks. Seems like she is learning something new all the time.

Lately, her favorite thing has been to Patti Cake Patti Cake Baker's Man. She LOVES to roll it up, roll it up...It is so cute! Thought we should share.

She also loves to play Peek-a-Boo. She is so funny. She cheats all the time. She will throw her hands up to her face and peek out one side. Little Stinker!!!

Hope you enjoy these sweet videos as much as I do!

Doctor Results...

2008-06-24T22:45:00.004-05:00

First of all, thank you so much to each of you for your love and support through calls, emails, and prayers. We felt your love today.

Josh's appointment went as scheduled. Echo cardiogram at 8:15...can I just say that the parking garages at Vanderbilt University Medical Center are utterly ridiculous. We went in one, out that one, into another one, out that one, only to find out that we were originally in the right place...urggg.

Anyway, arrived just a tid bit late for the Echo...but they were running a tid bit late, so that worked out just fine. I was able to go back and be in the room for the test (have never been able to do that before)...It was amazing. It is basically like an ultrasound they do when you are pregnant, only of your heart! It was too cool. To see his heart just working and pumping and his valves so clear, it did my heart good. Test concluded around 9:15.

We went straight in to wait to see Dr. Keith Churchwell. Okay, allow me to just go on record and say that Josh's team of doctors are all just out of this world, especially this man. He is so thoughtful and comfortable to be around...and I swear the best dresser I have ever seen. Not the point, I know...but worth mentioning.
Dr. Churchwell reviewed Josh's Echo and reported the following:

~no fluid in or around his heart (answered prayer)
~no issues with his pericardium (another answered prayer)

~he does have some inflammation around this heart

Dr. C acted as though this was a normal finding because of the issues Josh had been feeling over the past week. He was concerned about it, but not overly concerned. He reviewed the lengthy list of medications that Josh is on...only to look at us and say, "What is all this stuff for?" Too funny. That is just the Dr. that he is. He remembered that Josh was still under treatment with his rheumatogist for any auto-immune issues...he just didn't understand the meds. Let me just tell you, Josh (bless his heart) takes a ton of medication a day. He doesn't mind, necessarily, but it is a lot.

He prescribed Josh a steroid pack plan of action to get him back off of the devil medication, prednisone. He wants to see Josh again in a month, probably around the time of Maggie's Birthday. Dr. Churchwell is hoping that this is just like a one time case...hopefully, the steriod pack will check it, especially since he caught it early.

All in all, it was a huge load off for right now. Josh doesn't feel great, but getting some good news today made him feel better. We were both very worried about how it would all turn out. The Echo involves quite a bit of pushing and re-positioning for them to get the images they needed, so Josh was a bit sore after the whole ordeal. We stopped by his work to arrange some things, and came home for an afternoon of resting.

I love this man. This adventure we have been on over the past year has really shown us how you can get through almost anything...especially if you love each other enough. It was kinda fun today to go through the hospital just us, holding hands and playing silly games in the waiting room. Josh is an amazing man, one that anyone would love to be around. I am just so blessed to be able to love him as much as I do.

Again, thank you for your prayers and concern. I will continue to update everyone on how he is...

Maggie's Daddy Is My Hero...

2008-06-23T21:47:00.004-05:00

Maggie got a new pair of shoes for her upcoming 1st birthday (Can you believe that???).

Her JuJu and Poppie Eddie got her these adorable bright pink All Star Chuck Taylor's. She loves them...She also loves to untie them. Josh has a pair as well. He loves his Converse tennis shoes. He will put together outfits that look ridiculous together and come out wearing his Converse tennis shoes...I think he just dresses to wear his shoes.

I wanted to capture a picture of Maggie and Josh in their new digs. I love the way this turned out. I am terrible at photography...I can sew, I can do laundry, I can organize, I can use a label maker like a champ...I can't take a good picture to save me. But this one...I did! I love it!

Tomorrow is a big day for us. Josh returns to his Cardiologist tomorrow morning at 8 am. At the end of last week, Josh mentioned that he was having a bit of trouble breathing when he went to lie down at night. He said it felt like his breathing was "heavy." So we watched it and took note of it and waited to see how he felt on Thursday. Thursday came and he was now laboring a bit to breathe comfortably so he decided it was time to call the Dr.

He goes to the Cardiologist for an Echo cardiogram tomorrow morning at 8 with a visit with Dr. Churchwell at Vanderbilt at 9:30ish. We are VERY nervous. We are VERY anxious. We are VERY worried.

Josh doesn't want to be sick again. He hasn't jumped to any conclusions, I don't want to give you the wrong impression, but he knows that the symptoms he is feeling currently feels like Pericarditis...

which is what he was diagnosed with last year before the whole Cardiac Arrest issue. I think he is scared to death that the illness that he feels like is coming back, could also be the illness that tried to take his life last year. That is a very scary thought.

Josh is almost one year post-trauma. July 30th will be one year. In some ways, that is so hard to believe, in others it literally feels like it happened yesterday. I know that Josh is so grateful to be alive. I know that Josh thanks God for that blessing...I also know that Josh loves life too much to be sick again.

Please pray for us tomorrow. Pray that Josh will have the patience and understanding he needs to wrap his mind around what is going on currently...Pray that I will hold it together for us both...Pray that Maggie will be a good little stinker while JuJu watches her (thanks JuJu!!!)...Pray that Dr. Churchwell has the information he needs and a clear mind to provide us information...Pray that we will rely on God to get us through whatever may be going on.

Thank you for your love and concern. Thank you for your prayers!

How Cool Is This...

2008-06-09T20:27:00.003-05:00

So a great friend of my sister's, Alison B., emailed me today. She wanted to be sure it was cool if she did a giveaway on her blog of one of my custom Maggie Moo Creations. Of course, I said SURE! So I just wanted to pass the word along to you guys.

All you have to do is hop over to Alison B.'s Adoption Photo Blog and leave a comment under the current post where she mentions the giveaway. She will pull out a winner among the comments and the winner gets to work with me to create a custom shirt (or one of my previous designs) for FREE!

Love it...Thought you might love it too! Thanks Alison B.!!!

You can click HERE to hop (not skip) over to her blog!

Where Has Time Gone...

2008-06-01T11:30:00.009-05:00

Man, it seems like forever since I have blogged on here. I am blogging like crazy on my new sewing blog...which I love. Let's see...what has been happening with The Harris Home...

Josh and I have been enjoying a lot of time together lately. We have been doing some cool things that we have never done before.

We went to the Zoo with some great friends of ours. We met up with Molly and her family, which is just like a second family to me. I love every single one of them and they have always loved me. We had a great day together and it was fun just getting to see Karin (Molly's sister) and her son, Matthew...We have never met Matthew. They live in NH...Karin and I are determined to make sure that Matthew and Maggie get married. Karin even got Maggie the cutest bib...Maggie's reads "I love Matthew" and Matthew's bib reads "I love Maggie." So cute and so thoughtful! It was an awesome day and we were blessed to be surrounded by such great people!

...Daddy and Maggie...

...Matthew and Maggie...
...little love birds...

...Molly and Alie...

We also went to the Franklin Main Street Festival with Aunt Molly and later met up with Uncle Josh. It was great day! We have never been there before, but I heard about a great craft show called Mamamade and I wanted to check it out along with the Festival.

...Uncle Josh and Maggie...
This picture was actually taken at the Zoo, but I love it of both of them.

Next...

My great co-worker and friend, Courtney and her husband, Kerry, welcomed their sweet little girl, Kaylor into the world. Kaylor is such a beautiful baby and apparently is a champ at sleeping! Courtney and I have become very good friends, and it is such a sweet thing that we both have little girls now. She is just a cutie!

Lastly, I introduced and launched my new sewing blog. I have loved this little adventure that this sewing craft as taken me on. I have met some great people and feel that for once, I am creative at something! :)

maggiemoosmom.wordpress.com

Be sure to check out my new home...

Here are a couple of pictures of some of my most recent work...
Just in case you were wondering, Dexter Bing is doing just fine...cute as ever!

I know this has been a super long post, but a fun one at that. I leave you with an adorable picture that Josh captured of Maggie yesterday. She is getting so big. It is so wonderful to have a photographer at hand all the time. Have you seen Josh's Photography Blog lately? Check it out as well. He is so stinkin' talented and I love him so!

jdharrisphotography.wordpress.com

Hope your all doing well and enjoying the summer!

...Happy Mother's Day...

2008-05-10T22:20:00.007-05:00

Mother's Day...What a day of love.

I know that I am loved everyday of the year, both by Maggie and Josh. It is just wonderful to celebrate my first Mother's Day tomorrow as a mother. What a year. I remember being pregnant last year on Mother's Day and receiving the sweetest cards in the mail from family and friends talking about how I was going to be the best mom. I remember reading those cards and thinking, I truly wonder what motherhood would be like.

I have to say that being a Mom is the best job I could ever have. I love little Maggie with all that I am. I know that she is the best gift from God...I don't think Josh and I could have ever imagined what a little sweetheart she would be. She is so happy and loves to be Maggie.

I feel a love like no other for her...I love my Mags.

Happy Mother's Day!

Maggie Moo...

2008-04-27T06:59:00.003-05:00

Just in case you didn't make it over to Josh's Photography Blog, I wanted to post some more of Maggie's 9 month pictures. She is just a true beauty and it is impossible to describe how much we love her!

My Maggie...Little Stinker...

2008-04-27T06:54:00.003-05:00

Maggie has about $400 dollars worth (Holland exaggeration, of course!) of nice toys...what does she always want to play with?

The TRASH CAN and the trash that is in it!

Does anyone else have this problem?

My Sweet Maggie Moo is 9 Months Old...

2008-04-21T05:44:00.003-05:00

Words can not describe how much this little girl means to me. I can't believe that this week she will be 9 months old.

Josh and I started to get her 9 month pictures going this weekend. This is just first picture of a ton of beautiful ones. YOU MUST check out Josh's Photography Blog for the others. They are just beautiful. I just love Josh's work.
Leave a comment and let us know what you think!

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE REST OF MAGGIE'S PICTURES!

Happy 9 months Maggie Moo...I love you!

Baby Gates...Here we come!!!

2008-03-31T21:57:00.004-05:00

Tonight, Josh and I had placed Maggie on the floor while we cleaned up her room and got everything ready for bed. We decided to get down on the floor with her for our nightly prayers, when Maggie popped up and crawled over to us.

Josh ran and got the camera (of course!!), she was a little tired at this point, but you can see her in action...We can't believe it! She is getting so big...Just thought we would share! Hope you love it!

We are so proud of her!

Maggie's At It Again...Prepare to GIGGLE!

2008-03-30T14:59:00.003-05:00

So Ms. Maggie is full of herself these days!

She loves to laugh...at anything. Bless her heart...She is teething so bad, it just breaks our hearts. We are trying to keep her in good spirits as much as possible.

You may not know this, but Dexter Bing (our dog) is Maggie's best friend. She LOVES him. She could be doing something and completely stop and just smile and laugh at Dexter whenever he comes in the room. Dexter loves Maggie equally. It is really sweet!

Turn up your volume and listen to Ms. Maggie giggling her head off at me barking at her...Hope you love it!

Just stop the music to the right and and hit play!

Maggie Daddy Day...

2008-03-30T07:44:00.003-05:00

So every now and again, Josh will want to take Maggie to have some "Daddy-Daughter Time." I love it when he wants to do this because Maggie LOVES her daddy and doesn't get to spend as much time with him through the week as I do. Yesterday, I had to run a ton of errands...you know those errands were you literally have to run in, know exactly what you need, check out and your done. Well, with Mags, sometimes those 5 minute run-ins, take 30. Josh wanted to spend some time with her at home yesterday while I ran around town...he was a little jealous of all our "Mommy-Maggie Time" I got this week because of Spring Break.

Josh never ceases to amaze me. He was playing around with her yesterday and when I got home, this was these were two of the beautiful pictures he captured of her. I just love his eye for a picture and how he makes Maggie's eyes sparkle.

You can check out the rest of his awesome pictures from his sweet day with Maggie over at his photography blog or by clicking HERE.

Maggie Moo Went To The Zoo...

2008-03-27T15:24:00.021-05:00

Today was awesome!

Maggie Moo and I headed over to the Nashville Zoo. We went with Aunt Brea, Anna, Isaac, Luke, Mary Elizabeth, Ms. Kim, McKinley, Jack, and JuJu. We kind of totally invited ourselves, but I am sure glad that we did. We had the best time ever! I love the zoo. The weather was PERFECT for a good day in the sunshine with all the animals.

Isaac and Luke were the best tour guides ever. Seriously, they knew where everything was and all about each animal. They are so smart.

We looked like something off of the Christmas Vacation movie...With 4 adults, 7 children, 3 little ones in strollers, with 3 strollers, 3 diaper bags, 2 car seats...if you needed it, we had it. We used everything from washcloths to q-tips...You gotta love moms...we had it ALL!

Little Jack and Mary Elizabeth cruising along in their strollers...

Maggie and her JuJu...

Anna, Isaac, and Luke...

Anna, Isaac, Luke, and McKinley...

You gotta love the animals...

We even ran into some awesome people. I meet Amy, mom to Savannah that I made Georgia the Giraffe for, and Erica, mom to Jazmyne and Parker that I made Ms. Edna, Thelma, and Louise and Parker the VW with Surfboard on top for. It was the coolest thing...I had told Erica in a previous email that it would just FLOOR me to be out in public and see a child wearing a Maggie Moo Original...Beautiful Ms. Jazmyne had her shirt on. She looked so sweet in it and said that she loved it. I have never meet either one of these moms, but from pictures we all recognized each other. How cool is that!!!??!! Erica and Amy, it was great to meet you both and your sweet children. Thank you for supporting my craft!!!

Here is a group shot including everyone but JuJu...

Maggie loved the zoo! We had a great time!

Aunt Molly & Maggie's Day Of Fun...

2008-03-26T18:46:00.017-05:00

So, I love Spring Break. Period. It is the best stay-at-home, run errands, be on no schedule what-so-ever, hang out with Maggie, shop with JuJu, head to the zoo with Aunt Brea and the kiddos, and hit up an awesome fabric and notions sale week ever...that I am getting paid for. I think Spring Break is so important, because it gives teachers and kids the opportunity to refresh and get ready for more learning...ok, ok...I just like the time off...Who could blame me.

Today was an awesome day. Maggie Moo and I headed down to Franklin to meet up with our Awesomest Aunt Molly. Molly and I have been the best of friends since orientation before our Freshman year at Cumberland University. We roomed together for four years, played tennis together, celebrated birthdays together (21 years old four years in a row!!! wink, wink), did everything together. She is a great woman and one that I truly admire. She recently relocated from Hendersonville to Franklin, we were very sad to see her go, but we were all excited for her and her new adventure she was taking on.

We met Molly at her new house...Love her place! So cute and so Molly! We then headed over to do some shopping and eat some yummy, yummy lunch at Chili's. It was so good. After we refueled, we headed over to the mall. We did some retail exercise, you know were you get all your exercise walking from store to store...

These pictures were taken at Chili's for lunch. Maggie is such a sweet little girl and loves to sit in a highchair. She is very nosey so she loves to be able to see and hear everything. She also loved the coasters.

I captured this picture as we were heading on an elevator. She is so laid back and having such a great time. She even helped pick out her new pair of BabyLegs...not sure about these things yet, but we will see.

After our fun filled day, we had to take Aunt Molly back home, which we hated to do.

We love you Aunt Molly and we are so blessed that we got to come hang out with you today.

Thanks for having so much fun with us.

Happy Easter from The Harris Home...

2008-03-23T19:27:00.002-05:00

... Happy Easter...

Love,

Josh, Alie, and Maggie

Being Proud...

2008-03-17T07:38:00.000-05:00

There are so many people in life that I am constantly blown away by.

My sister, Brea, is one of those people.
I love Brea with all that I am. I have some of my best memories from my childhood because of her. Sure we had our fights, mainly about chores...go figure...but we still always knew the bottom line was that we loved each other. I will never forget Brea leaving for college and feeling like I had lost my best friend. Brea is such an amazing woman...period. She is a Christian and not afraid to tell you that. She is a wife to an amazing man, J, a mom to four beautiful children, she is a daughter, a sister, a sister-in-law, an auntie Brea, a business woman, a comedian (she is so stinkin' funny), and a friend to many.

Brea just finished up her Consignment sale, Encores and More North Children's Sale here in Hendersonville. The sale was out of this world. I have never seen a sale run so smoothly, with so many wonderful workers, wonderful consignors, and wonderful shoppers. I just couldn't believe that she was so well organized (not because she is not, but because it is a huge sale to organize) and in such great spirits the whole time. She makes it possible for hundreds of people to unload their goodies that they no longer need to make some extra money. She provides a great opportunity for new moms to shop for their upcoming bundles of joy.

When I went today to pick up my check and goodies that didn't sell (yes, the pick up time was today and she had checks ready TODAY!!!), I just looked at her with such admiration for her creativity, responsibility, and beauty. I know that there have been times when Brea and I have had our differences, but the bottom line is just the same as it was when we were kids. I love her more than I could ever tell her. I always want her to know how much I look up to her and how much her impact on my life has made me the woman and mother I am today. I will never forget when Josh got so sick and was in the ambulance in the driveway...she just sat with me and prayed. She just looked at me and said words that I will never forget..."Alie, you know...God is in control." I saw God through her that night. It is a night that I will never fully be able to wrap my mind and thoughts around, but I am still trying. I just remember that I knew that even with Josh being shocked with an AED with CPR right behind it, that he was surrounded with love.

I love her...I don't tell her that enough. She ALWAYS supports me and guides me through times when I am uncertain.

She is my sister, my cheerleader, my best friend and I am so proud of her.

Sweet Baby Jack...

2008-03-16T21:29:00.002-05:00

...This is sweet baby Jack...

Our long time friends of our family, Kim & Chris came over today for their photo shoot with Josh. Mr. Jack is 3.5 months old and so sweet. He was such a joy just to watch.

Josh had a great time with his photo shoot.

You can just tell by Jack's laid back personality that he is going to be such a fun little boy. His big sister McKinley is a doll as well. She is so smart and couldn't wait to get out back to visit the "cooowwwsss."

It was great to see all of them and I hope that Kim & Chris love their pictures!

To see the rest of Jack's sneak peek to his shoot, jump over to Josh's photography blog by clicking here or going to http://www.jdharrisphotography.wordpress.com/.

Maggie Moo and Her Butterfly Buttercup...

2008-03-16T21:22:00.004-05:00

Sweet Maggie got to wear her new shirt that her mommy made her today.

This is Buttercup the Butterfly made by Maggie Moo Designs.

She looked so cute in it and couldn't stop picking at the button. She is getting so big...quickly approaching 8 months old!

We can't believe it and love every single minute with her.

Guess Who's A Blogger...

2008-03-10T21:32:00.011-05:00

Josh finally started a BLOG about his photography venture. I am so excited for him. He plans to use his blog to showcase his photography sessions.

I am so impressed with the beautiful pictures that he takes, not only of Maggie, but also of others. He has a great eye and a true skill.

Hop over and say hello...

jdharrisphotography.wordpress.com

These pictures were captured at our nephews, Isaac and Luke's, baseball practice yesterday. Brea and Jonathan couldn't take them to their practice so my dad, Poppy Eddie, and Josh took them. Josh said it was great! The boys are getting so big, it is hard to believe.

There are many other pictures to look through with more that will be added with time.

I am so proud of you honey!

Help! I am a SLOB...

2008-03-09T09:58:00.008-05:00

I hate to admit it, but my sewing area in our bonus room is out of control! It is quickly taking over the whole room, which is a HUGE room. Here are some pictures to back me up.

Check out that little cutie, Maggie. She loves to be apart!

Don't worry, JuJu, I am turning into Captain Organization today!

Check back soon for updated pictures with a nice, neat sewing place for me to craft!

Have you been over to my sewing blog lately...LOTS going on with Spring Fabrics galore! Be sure to check it out...You can link to it HERE!

Maggie and Mommy...

2008-03-06T22:02:00.001-06:00

...Maggie and Mommy...

...What a sweet little girl...

Baby, It's Hot Outside...

2008-03-02T21:28:00.006-06:00

It was a beautiful day here in Hendersonville. I haven't been out of the house since last Saturday (unless you count hospitals and doctor's offices), so we decided to go outside and enjoy the nice warm weather.

We went for a short walk as I am still working up my energy and just enjoyed some time together.

I loved these pictures of my two favorite people in all the world.

Alie's New Baby...

2008-03-02T21:17:00.008-06:00

So, long story...but the good ole' Brother sewing machine that my wonderful hubby, Josh, bought for me bit the dust last weekend. I LOVE my sewing machine and use it more and more all the time. We still had the receipt, because we are just that organized...we took that bad boy back to the store and got a cash refund. We then headed over a local sewing shop to check out a new one.

I got a BABY LOCK! I LOVE it. It was a really nice machine and best of all...it was on SALE!

I hated to see the ole' Brother machine go, but I am thrilled about it's big sister!!

Alie is a sickie Chickie...

2008-02-28T19:23:00.005-06:00

Some of you may know that I came down with the stomach bug on Sunday. Seems like I haven't been too healthy since my recent Gallblader surgery.

Still waiting for some blood work, etc. but just wanted to ask that all of my loyal blog readers to be praying for me.
I am still not well. Not sure what is going on. Hoping to know more over the next couple of days.

Your prayers would be greatly appreciated.

Love you all.

Great sign...

2008-02-22T20:09:00.005-06:00

So I do a lot of driving throughout my day. I pass the same places everyday as well. I never really take note in much, just get to and fro as quickly as possible.

Yesterday, I was driving past one of my favorite spots in good ole' White House and passed a sweet little country church. I got a quick peek in at their church sign that was out by the road and thought it was pretty great.

It read...

"When in doubt, God always answers knee-emails"

I thought it was good stuff.

Introducing Lola the Ladybug...

2008-02-16T22:30:00.007-06:00

This was a custom order for a little sweetie named Norah. Her mom, Alison, is good friends with my sister, Brea.

She contacted me and asked for a ladybug design for her little and oh so adorable daughter, Norah. This was a great project and so fun to work on.

...Alison, I hope you love it and I can't wait to see Ms. Norah in it...

If you haven't been over to my sewing blog lately, there is a lot happening. I signed up to sell on http://www.etsy.com/ under the username Maggie Moo's Mom.

I am loving it. I am so excited to see what the future holds for me and my sewing machine!

What do you think?

Happy Love Day from the Harris Home...

2008-02-14T16:17:00.004-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day to all those that we love...

Beautiful Maggie...

2008-02-13T21:29:00.003-06:00

I just love this picture. Josh captured this last Sunday while I was resting and left it on my computer as a surprise.

You just can't find anything to complain about when you see something so precious.

Sweet Maggie...6 1/2 months old....

Please pray for the Harris Family...

2008-02-12T17:23:00.001-06:00

Hello everyone! Thanks for checking in on us.

Today, I am asking for prayer. My gallblader surgery was a success, happening last Thursday. I took it very easy over the weekend with lots of help from my WONDERFUL parents, in-laws, family, friends, etc. I returned back to work today with a dr. appt. set-up for this afternoon because last night I notcied that one of my eyes was really glassy and pink...thinking, great...pink eye.

My appt. today was a little too much. I am still recovering, obviously, from surgery. I am sore and just taking it very slow. By the time I got to my appt. I just didn't feel that great. I just thought to myself...okay, I have overdone it for the day.

My appt. proved differently. I have conjunctivitis in both of my eyes which is really contagious by touch, an upper respiratory infection that is going down into my lungs, likely to end in bronchitis, fluid behind both of my ears, and a terrible sore throat and cough. But, NO STREP. That is the one positive out of the visit.

In all honestly, I probably should have stayed home and rested today, but I felt okay and didn't start feeling so rough until the end of the day. I don't have a temp, but he did prescribe some antibotics both by mouth and for my eye.

Maggie is returning to the dr. tomorrow for her ear check-up (since her double ear infection two weeks ago) but the dr. looked at her and noticed that she probably has conjunctivitis in her eyes as well.

Josh is doing okay. Just need to be praying for him also. With a sick wife, a some-what sick baby, and pulling a full work load...he is tired.

We have the best family and friends in the world. I can't thank you enough for the phone calls, food, etc. that you have provided.

We just really need your prayer right now...
I know the Lord will take care of us, just a little stormy right now.

...Who really needs a gallbladder anyway?

2008-02-05T17:26:00.000-06:00

...apparently, not me.
After a trip to the ER yesterday from school via ambulance, I found out that I have gallblader stones...Yeah!

My grand ole' gallblader is coming out Thursday morning at 10:30 at St. Thomas...

Prayers would be appreciated as I am very nervous and scared about it.

Poor Ole' Gallblader...

The Launch of Maggie Moo Designs...

2008-02-01T16:10:00.001-06:00

So after a lot of talking, praying, talking and praying some more, I have decided to launch my own design logo for my custom items that I sew. I have LOVED making items for friends, family members, etc. over the past couple of months.

It has been a WONDERFUL way for me to release some stress, especially after Josh got sick.

Ms. Maggie has been such an inspiration to me and I love being able to go buy a yard of fabric and make something unique for her.
Above you will find my new logo that my ever so crafty husband made for me. If you know me, you know that I have a complete obsession with birds...I always think of Maggie as my little birdie...that is where the love began.

I plan to specialize in custom unique clothing and baby accessories. I want to do custom work for others to give as a gifts or keep for their little sweetie. My goal is to stay at home this summer and sew full-time. It would be awesome!

I have created a seperate BLOG for my line. You can find it here...

http://www.maggiemoodesigns.blogspot.com/

I would love for you to check it out often. I plan to post items that I have made for Maggie, for others, and for custom orders.

I am happy to create something for you. I am happy to work within your budget and with your ideas with a touch of me, of course.
I like funky and fun...that is what children are all about!

I thank you for your support for this project. I am happy to be doing something that I love for others that will love it as well...so if you want to order, purchase, or chat...let me know! I would love to hear from all of you!

Thank you again for loving me and my family!

Guess Who's Six Months Old...

2008-01-27T20:04:00.000-06:00

Ms. Maggie turned 6 months old on Thursday of this past week!
I can't believe that so much time has already passed. We went for her 6 month check-up on Wednesday...only to find out that Maggie had a double ear infection! She was still a trooper through her shots and all.

She weighed in at 15 pounds 14 ounces and was 26 inches long.

I feel like she is more beautiful with every day that passes. Josh and I love her so much and feel so blessed that we have such an awesome little girl in our lives. She is so much fun!

Here are some photos that Josh took today of Mags.

She wasn't feeling the best so we didn't do all that we wanted, we just decided to wait on some of them. Even with her ear infections, she still gave us some really cute ones.

Hope you love them...

Maggie's Taggie...

2008-01-21T11:03:00.000-06:00

I have been sewing a bit more here lately working on some presents and orders/requests that a couple of people have placed with me. (thanks girls!)

Yesterday, I decided that I wanted to make something special for Maggie!

She is getting bigger everyday and absolutely LOVES buttons, ribbons, and zippers. She has one Taggie Book and seems to really love it. So, I thought I would try making a taggie blankie for Maggie. I used some adorable pink dot fabric on one side and a super duper soft chenille on the other.

Of course, I spiced it up with some ribbon and button flowers and a cute little birdie on the back.

I thought it turned out really great for my first attempt. Of course the bottom is not as straight as I would like, but hey, that is what gives it personality!

I haven't given it to her yet. I do think that Mags will love it!

What do you think? Would love your opinion!

Josh's First Photo Shoot & Maggie's New Friend...

2008-01-12T21:42:00.001-06:00

Today, Josh had his first photo shoot.

It was at our house and it was so much fun.

It was with Heather, Peter, and sweet little Isabella. Heather is a great friend of mine from one of the schools that I teach at. She liked Josh's work and asked if he would be willing to shoot Isabella's 6 month pictures.

Here is a little sample of some of the adorable shots from today!

Maggie for sure found a new friend today. Maggie and Isabella are only 13 days apart and they really seemed to take to each other.

They are such a neat family.

We hope you love them Heather and Peter!

...If you view these, Josh would love your feedback...

Do you like them? Which one is your favorite?

So, I like to Sew...

2008-01-10T17:08:00.000-06:00

Last year for Christmas, my wonderful husband surprised me and said that Santa had brought me a present. We had both agreed to not exchange gifts that year, so I was really surprised when there was something under the tree from Santa. It was a huge box and very heavy. I had no idea what it could possibly be.

It was a sewing machine!

I had been playing with the idea of teaching/reteaching myself to sew. I took Home Economics in High School where Mrs. Fentress and Mrs. Williams taught me how to use a sewing machine. I will never forget that I made this adorable fleece pullover jacket in that class. It was really well made, I remember...I just picked a TERRIBLE pattern of fabric. I was really proud of myself though. My grandmother tried to teach me how to stitch, but I just liked what a machine could do better.

Anyway, he got me the sewing machine and I have been teaching myself every since. I love to make things, even if they are ugly. The first thing I made was a shirt for Dexter...It was bad. But I loved that I could "make" something out of a roll of fabric. That is where the love began.

Josh had been talking to me about finding a hobby. I honestly think he just wanted me to find something to do that I enjoyed like he enjoyed playing paintball. I started working on a purse at that point...I still haven't finished it, but I am working on it.

So, I sew. That's my story.

I made some curtains for a wonderful friend, Beth, for her new home. She gave me the nicest compliment saying that every time she pulls in the driveway, she can see the curtains and immediately thinks of me and how much love I put into them. They actually turned out great! I was proud! I personalized them on the bottom, which I love to do.

Recently, I made some burp cloths for my beautiful new niece, Mary Elizabeth. I adored them and I know that Brea did too. She hugged me and immediately said, "OH MY...Did you make these!!!" I was so touched by her reaction.

Currently, I am working on a couple of dresses for Ms. Maggie and a Valentine's Day shirt for Ms. Anna. I will include some pictures of them, but they are not finished at all. I will update the pictures when I am done with them.

(Not of Anna's shirt...It is a surprise!)

Sewing has been a great way for me to relax and make something beautiful all at the same time. Even if it is ugly and I am the only person that likes it, I still made it from the heart.

~Please excuse the terrible photography...That is not my talent!!~

Sick Ole' Maggie...

2008-01-06T20:05:00.000-06:00

What a crazy past couple of weeks here at the Harris Home...

Maggie and Josh have both been sick here lately. Josh came down with what we thought was the flu but just turned out to be the "funk" and was sick most of my break from school for Christmas break. Maggie got sick on New Year's Day and is just now starting to feel better. She had the "crud" with some nasty drainage out of her nose and eyes. Thankfully, they are both getting back to their happy and healthy selves!

Here are some pictures that Josh captured of her this morning.
Mom and Dad got her these adorable PJ's...We love them.

You Can't Get Any Cuter Than This...

2007-12-30T20:41:00.000-06:00

~TURN UP YOUR VOLUME~

So...
Maggie, Josh, Dexter, and I returned from Indiana today after celebrating the Holiday with his family this past weekend. We were winding down in the bonus room tonight and since Maggie is becoming quite the pro at sitting up, I decided to play a bit with her.

Little did I know that beating on the floor would thrill her so.

You just can't get any cuter than this!!!!!!!!!!!

Merry Christ-MOOSE from Maggie...

2007-12-28T13:41:00.000-06:00

Merry Christ-MOOSE from Maggie, Alie, Josh, and Dexter!

Our Christmas this year was out of this world. We had a fun filled Holiday season. On Christmas Eve, we headed over to Long Hollow Baptist Church for their Christmas Eve Service. It was wonderful. Maggie loved all the singing! I can tell she is really going to have a true appreciation for music as she continues to grow. I wish you could have seen her dancing, swinging her legs, and "talking" while the choirs were singing. Too funny!

Christmas morning we headed over to Brea's house to celebrate with them. It was awesome. Maggie opened her presents and honestly, loved the ribbon that JuJu attached to one of Maggie's gifts the best. Go figure. She got an awesome Tickle-Me-Elmo from the Freeman crew that is too cute. She really enjoyed playing with her goodies. JuJu and Poppy Eddie got her tons of goodies including clothes and some great toys for the car. Grandma and Papa Charles got Maggie (really Josh) this cool Build Your Own Straw kit and a 12 Days of Christmas Elmo. Aunt Janie and Uncle Dickie got Mags an adorable outfit. We loved everything!

After Brea's house, we returned home. We decided that we would celebrate our Christmas with Maggie. We "Santa" got her a ride on car for when she is little bit bigger, Taylor the Talking Turtle that is too cute, some clothes, building blocks, and some other smaller toys for playing around the house with. She is really starting to get into her toys because she can really hold and pick up stuff now. It is awesome to watch!

She is learning everyday more and more. Now she is really working on sitting up, which she loves to do so she can play with her toys.

As you can tell, the building blocks were a HUGE hit with Mags. Taylor the Talking Turtle is adorable as well (you can see it behind Maggie).

Then it was time for pictures with Mommy and Daddy!

We had a great time hosting the family Christmas Get-Together for Mom's side of the family this year. Everyone got to come and it was wonderful to see how much our once small family has grown to about 40 adults and children. We had a house full, but it was for sure filled with lots of love.

Hope each of you had a very Merry Christmas!

So Normally I Am Not That Competitive...

2007-12-21T09:12:00.000-06:00

Normally, I am not that much of a competitive person. Sure, I teach PE and I am always wanting my kiddos to win in games, but in life, competition doesn't matter much to me.

Until today!

Our awesome photographer, Angela Crutcher, who did Maggie's newborn pictures is having a contest. She is allowing the public to vote on their favorite picture of 2007...

Guess who just happens to be Number 9...Ms. MAGGIE!

I am pumped and would love to win the awesome prize that she is offering of a mounted 11X14 or 12X12. Check it out and vote for Mags if you feel she is the cutest one.

What a great idea!

Click here to get to her site!

Go Maggie Go!

...Happy Birthday Honey...

2007-12-17T16:45:00.000-06:00

Today, Josh turns 27...I wish him the best birthday yet.

I am so proud of him and all of his many accomplishments.

He is the best father to Baby Maggie.

He is so brave and such a happy person to be with.

Thank you for always loving me!

Happy Birthday Joshie!

Mags & Mary Elizabeth

2007-12-17T16:36:00.000-06:00

How cute is this?

...Maggie Holland Harris 4 months 3 weeks...

...Mary Elizabeth Freeman 4 months 1 week...