Welcoming Warm Weather

Grant and I are welcoming warm weather....swimsuits and all. And what's a little outdoor fun without buckets on your head?

A Little Practice

I've gotten a little practice with this big brother thing. Mommy watched baby Asher for a friend a few weeks ago. What I've got to say after the experience: I think I'm gonna like being a big brother. Yep. I couldn't keep my eyes off Asher. I even bounced him a bit in his bouncy seat and gave him some gentle pats to the head (I'm known for my awesome patting abilities). Hannah, of course, adored him. But, she's already had practice being the bigger sibling. So it comes naturally to her. Oh and check out my Mickey pjs. Did I tell you I L-O-V-E LOVE Mickey Mouse? I do. And I'm hoping there just might be a Mickey waiting for me for my birthday. That'd be awesome. Then I can stop carrying around my Mickey Mouse diapers everywhere. Yes, yes, I take them in the car with me just so I can stare at my awesomely cool mouse pal. But, I admit, it's a bit uncool to be walking around carrying a diaper. It's cramping my style. So, hopefully, hopefully, Mickey will be waiting for me for my birthday (don't tell Mommy but I overheard her talking to Grandma about where to find a Mickey Mouse...let's hope Grandma followed through).

I Make This Look GOOD

I know, I know, you're wondering why hasn't anyone contacted me to do some modeling? Well, give them some time. It takes awhile to find raw talent like mine.

The Start of Something Beautiful (or something like that)

Our new bedspreads came in a few weeks ago. And from there, our new room transformation began. Last week, Mommy and Daddy put our new room together. The pink dots are gone. The green paint stayed. And fun times have begun to be had by me and Grant. Since we've begun to sleep in the same room the following has occured: late nights (now slowly simmering down), sleeping in my dress up clothes, eating pennies, wetting the bed again (I'm ashamed to say that's me), coloring on the walls and dresser (yep, that's me again too), reading bedtimes stories to Grant (proud to say that's me), getting out of bed, spankings, and giggles, giggles, galore. Mommy will post the final pictures soon. She just hasn't taken them yet. She has a few decorating touches to add. As for Grant's first few nights, well, I'll leave him to share his thoughts on those pivotal moments in his life. As for me, I'm loving having my brother with me in "our" room. It's such a blast!

Our Easter Get-Up

Yes, we are aware Easter was over a month ago. However, Mommy couldn't resist putting a picture of my Easter dress on here. And then there's Grant, looking ever so dashing in his handsome yellow shirt. He has been nicknamed "Peep" by Mrs. Katie at church because of his peepish look...yellow shirt, light blue crocks(the only shoes he will wear, by the way). Too bad he doesn't taste like a peep. This is my bubble dress, perhaps because it bubbles at the bottom. Sort of. Who knows. But I love it. Don't worry, these are our last Easter pictures. Mommy hasn't taken as many pictures as usual lately and so we hopefully can catch up here quickly. But there are new posts on the horizon including Grant's and my new room, my new haircut, Grant's new haircut, and just the usual silliness of our everyday lives. We know you're on the edge of seat!

Egg Hunt: Part Two

Well, like Grant said, my story didn't go quite as smoothly as his. You see, shortly after Grant finished his hunt they called my age group to our place of hunting. Quickly, we all hurried to the 3-5 year old spot. But as soon as we got there, the kids had already begun hunting. There was no, "on your mark, get set, go," like Grant's. There was no polite waiting for those who had a farther distance to travel. Nope. It was a free for all or survival of the fittest. And, you know me, I may be spry, but let's face it, when it comes to a race for something as coveted as eggs, well, I'm just not going to win. And win I didn't. I spotted one egg left and I was hurrying toward it only to be outwon by a quicker, larger boy. And then I lost it. I turned to look at Mommy and tears plummeted down my eyes. My basket was empty. My heart was broken. My Mommy was furious. But, it gets worse (well, not so much for me but moreso for Mommy). Soon, a glimmer of hope arose. An unexplored egg spot was teeming full of brightly colored plastic eggs. We overheard two ladies ask if it could be hunted by a little girl (we assume one of their daughters) who apparently also missed out on some of the eggs. (but, between you and me...and Mommy, the little girl was a lot larger than 3-5 years old). They were told to go for it. So, what did we do? Mommy quickly grabbed my arm to let me join in the mini egg hunt. I was thrilled...except for the part where the two older (older than Mommy) women grabbed MOST of the eggs in front of me. Yes, their shirts were overflowing with eggs they had stuffed in them. I couldn't keep up with these ravenous women. And Mommy, well she could...so much so that she finally asked them to leave some for me, who had gotten none in the last hunt. Their response, nothing really. They did leave one here and there but continued to stuff their shirts full of eggs along with that strangely large and mature 3-5 year old girl. I think that was the first time I saw the Mama Bear come out of Mommy. I did leave with 5 eggs. Nothing compared to their oh, forty something. But for a three year old, five eggs are amazing. Now the eggs you see in the pictures here...well those are the eggs I proudly collected AFTER kids pulled out their candy and left them on the ground. So, that's my story. We'll just say we're already training for next year's probably not well planned neighborhood egg hunt. And I'm bringing my knee pads.

The Egg Hunt: Part 1

The day had finally arrived. The neighborhood egg hunt. Last year I was too little to participate. Not so this year. It was a rather cool day. Yet coolness didn't deter my enthusiasm. What's a little cold, windy air when you get a free hot dog, Capri Sun, chips, candy, and most importantly an egg hunt, all while listening to loud, funky music? Weather, you can't stop this machine. And for the first part of our egg hunt experience, nothing did. Hannah and Ellie were posing for their many pictures while I, I, was visualizing my game plan to gather the eggs (hence why I'm not in those photo ops). It wasn't long until they called my age group. Mommy and I were ready. My heart was pounding. On the, "ready, set, go," we were off. I was like a gazelle weaving my way through the crowd of unsuspecting egg hunters. I gathered as quickly as I could while Mommy directed me. We made a good team that day. Then, it seemed,within a blink of an eye, the hunt was over. Disappointed? Just a tad...I wanted more time. I needed more time. My nerves didn't get the chance to fully unwind and allow me to perform at my top level. But, as an egg hunt rookie, I gathered 5 eggs, none being the golden egg, but hey, like I said, I was a rookie this year. So, overall, I was pleased with my performance and the experience. But,unfortunately, I can't same the same for Hannah. Here's where our story takes a turn for the worse. And to tell this next part of the story I must pass the baton to none other than my big sis...stay tuned.

The Fearless Hunters

And...in light of the last post...

The Fearless Hunters.

Turkey Season 2010.

The first of many pictures of the dynamic hunting duo.

Deer, beware (and turkeys too for that matter).

And So It Begins...

Mommy, Daddy, and I dedicate this post to Grant. Not only is this his first photo with a turkey but it also is most likely one of many shots with a turkey...or a deer. You see, yesterday Grant got his LIFETIME hunting license in the mail. It was a proud moment for Daddy. Perhaps it will be for Grant one day too. So while Daddy and Grant begin their lifelong hunting relationship, Mommy and I will do what girls do. She says we could go see a play at The Fox. Or maybe go shopping. Or (what I really want), go run in a race together. Yes, I want to run. I even practice running around the cul-de-sac. I wave to Mommy while she says, "Go Hannah Go!" But wait, this post is about Grant. So Grant, buddy, here's to a lifelong love, hunting. You have fun. And we'll just have to wait and see who this new little squirt will join...will it be me and Mommy as we race across the world or will it be Grant and Daddy as they shoot living creatures dead to the ground? We shall see.

These Days

These days we've been spending a lot of time in the cul-de-sac. Me, riding my bike and Grant riding/pushing his truck. And, on some special occasions we have friends to join us. Good thing for Grant that this day was one of those days our friends were here. Ellie was his only support after throwing a major fit in the neighbor's driveway. Mommy isn't too sympathetic when it comes to those meltdowns. And, good for me too that Ellie and Nolan were here because I got to ride Ellie's scooter. I've put that down on my wishlist. And, when we're not riding bikes, scooters, or trucks, we're playing in the dirt (getting ready to feed the chickens) or throwing leaves in the air. While these days are fun and keep us busy and entertained...there is one downside, for Mommy that is, baths every night.

Mommy's Moment: Mommy's Moment

Running. It's been a companion for the past 17 years. Although its purpose, intensity, and location has changed over the past decade and a half, it's been a constant in my life. And I've found as I've grown older I've also grown to love it and appreciate it more. Years ago it served as a social outlet and a competitive drive. Many of my fondest memories from my youth centered around running. And, for a time, I could hold my own on the track. And, for a time, running was my identity. Thankfully, running is not my identity anymore...for...if it were...my identity would be quite insignificant. But running does help remind me of my identity. After a long day of being a mommy to two kids, running allows me to escape and remember me. Paired with music (another of my favorites), running opens a door to worship the Lord and remind me of my true identity in Him. And, on a less spiritual note, it also allows me to unwind and get lost in music that brings back fond memories of the past. It's my 30 minutes to myself. Alone. Without a watch. It's not about how fast I can run anymore. Most of the time it's not about losing weight (though it does help). And, unfortunately (sorry Biggest Loser) it's not about staying in shape (though, of course, it helps). It's about escaping. Having my moment. Working off stress. Worship. And, though I'm pregnant, it's my goal to run as long as I possibly can. Not to prove anything. It's just my season to run. I need it. I want it. I love it. It's my true Mommy's Moment.

A Plea

Dear Mr. Bee,

Perhaps I should rent A Bee Movie. I'm not totally familiar with your job. But from what I've gathered during these three and a half years of my life, I'm pretty certain the words bee and pollen go together in some way. Therefore, I'm writing you to plead on my mommy's behalf (and mine and Grant's) for some help. Yes, we need you. I know, I know, I've screamed at you several times. Forgive me. I'm young. You see, Mommy is having a hard time going outside with us. She says the pollen is making her sick. And, well, if Mommy doesn't go outside with us, it means we can't be pushed on the swings, we can't ride our bikes in the cul-de-sac, we can't leave the premises of our backyard. This is a problem. So, can you do your bee thing and like, suck up all that pollen and put it where it should go? Like on flowers? Forgive my ignorance. Just chalk it up to the fact I'm three. But surely, there is something you can do. For the sake of our sanity. We must go outside. I can't watch Mommy iron anymore clothes. So please, quit playing around. We need you. We need you desperately.

Sincerely,

Hannah E. Harman (the one who's bike you're on)

Our Favorite Ashley

A few weeks ago Aunt Ashley and Maggie stopped by for a short visit. Did you know we LOVE when Ashley and Maggie stop by? She even brought us icecream. YUM! I made sure I gave Maggie some extra special lovin'. Especially after I bopped her in the head with her ball. But you know, the great thing about Maggie is that she just goes with the flow. She's about as laid back as you can get. I like that. Maggie, our friendship will continue for many years. Thanks Ashley and Maggie for stopping by!

Puddle Jumping

Last you saw me in the rain, I was a bit hesitant. All that has changed. I am officially an experienced puddle jumper. And I owe this prestigious title to the GREAT PUDDLE. It's the puddle that surpasses all puddles. It measures 4 sidewalk squares long. It's depth, well, it's deep. The splash each jump creates can extend extremely far. For any small creature, it would cause a deep fear to stir in them just as a tidal wave may evoke a similar fear into our own hearts. Yes folks, it's that big. Only experience puddle jumpers who have the right puddle jumping wear should attempt such a feat. By puddle jumping wear, I'm referring to a durable, water resistant raincoat and some serious rain boots. I prefer my pink ones. As you can see, Grant is a novice. Why, might you ask? Well, notice, he has no raincoat. His hat (Go GSU!), well, at least he has a hat but his head will easily become soaked because it's not water resistant. The boots, well, he lucked out that I have TWO pair of rainboots aka puddle jumpers. Thankfully Grandmama found him some manly rainboots...bugs on 'em. Next rain day he'll at least have those. With time I'm sure he'll earn his raincoat with a water resistant hood. And by then, he'll have studied under me long enough in puddle jumpenomics that he will be able to hold his own as a puddle jumper. Experience takes time and dedication, something I've invested in and soon, he will have too.

Mommy's Moment...Again:More Changes to Come

So, with baby on the way, it's time for yet another transition. This time, Grant will be moving out of the nursery and into a big boy bed. Hannah and Grant will soon become bunk mates. With the new move must come new changes. I can't hardly make Grant move into a pink and green room. So another makeover is on its way. And it's not without some work. Neutral bedding is most impossible to find. Aren't there other families out there with boy/girl rooms? But finally, I stumbled upon this. I love it. And it's not expensive. I'll need two. Hannah's bedding will be put away and I'm sure pulled out again later. This screams fun and neutral. We already have Grant's big boy bed thanks to the IKEA gift card I got awhile back from doing an online offer. Other than paint, two ceiling tiles (for artwork over their beds), this will be the only cost into the makeover. The nursery, will, as always, remain unchanged. I will be sad when one day we have to say goodbye to the nursery. It is honestly my favorite room in the house. I hope the baby has similar sentiments! I've been trying to earn Swagbucks to put toward this bedding. However, they're slow coming lately. I did earn enough Swagbucks to get Grant's $50 birthday present for FREE. I'll post more on that later. And, hopefully, within the next couple of months we'll have a finished product for the new brother/sister room. Stay tuned!

Mommy's Moment: And Baby Makes Five

Yes folks, we are pregnant. 9 1/2 weeks. It was a bumpy road to start but the Lord has blessed us with what looks to be, thus far, a healthy baby. Little squirt should arrive around October 23rd...so the doctors say. We have had FOUR, yes FOUR, ultrasounds due to some minor complications. But, the last three I have seen the sweet comfort of a rapidly beating heart. Though we're never "out of the woods" I can rest peacefully in knowing that NOW, at this moment, we have a healthy child. So we are excited. Hannah is convinced it is a girl. She already has offered to get her "little sister" a very small pair of Crocs, to hold her, to let her sleep in her bed, to feed her, and to let her wear a large array of her clothes. Needless to say, she is highly anticipating "her" arrival. Should it be a boy? Well, we've tried to prep her for that possibility, to which she often replies, "no, she's a gurl." Oh well. We'll take it a day at a time. For now, I am simply grateful for this little life inside of me. And, I try to remind myself through the tiredness, nausea, and headaches, that these are all healthy signs of a normal pregnancy and for that I should be thankful. So, here we go again....

Did We Tell You It Snowed?

Okay, so that's no new news for you. But, we have to post pictures from our biggest snow yet! We were so excited we got to share our snow with Grandma (when know she was too!) We made a snowman. It could have been bigger. Way bigger. But the snow the next morning was too soft and really, we just weren't willing to work too hard to make another. What's worth noting the most here? Our clothes. You can tell if you're from the south if your little brother is wearing his sister's boots. Our mittens: scored at the dollar section in Target. Grant's hat: borrowed from our friend, Nolan. My hat? The hood of my jacket. Mommy's gloves? (though she's not pictured, she has none nor does she have a hat or boots). We are misfits, clad in a hodge podge of clothes we gathered around the house to make this snow an experience to remember! Stay tuned for more snow fun as these misfits really take to the snow!

Valentine A'Makin

Yeah, yeah, we know Valetine's Day was OVER a month ago. But this post is fitting because I'm still asking Mommy if we can make Valentines for (you fill in the blank). Most recently I have asked to make a Valentine for Papa, Maggie, Strider (the dog behind us), and Daddy. Unfortunately, because Mommy has been under the weather, we haven't gotten the chance to do so. But I'll remeniece through these pictures. My favorite part was using the big girl glue. Grant's too. We know, we know, Grant is too young to use it but how can you tell a fella no when everyone else is using it? He just didn't realize the cap wasn't opened. Works like a charm. Oh yes, and there's the duck costume that makes any Valentine creation that much more fun. Put on a duck costume and you can't help but enjoy life just a little bit more. If you didn't receive a Valentine from us, but would like to next year, just leave a message. It will give me a great excuse to get started early, you know, just in case I get a lot of orders!