Finally!!! I've added Recipes

I have promised that I would add a recipe link to my blog. I am surprised that some of you wanted my recipes and hope that you are not dissappointed. I am sure that most of you cook better than me but I always feel that new recipes are always welcome at our family, so here it goes. You can check it out by linking from my page at Harris Family Recipes.

How we Met!! (Tagged by Casey & She's fired!)

1. Where did you meet? Blind Date! (scary huh?)
2. What was the first thought that went through your head when you met? He is such a nerd. He was so nice that I knew there had to be something wrong with him and man, was he ever shy.
3. Do you remember what he/she was wearing? Nope, but I am sure that it was a clean white tee shirt and a pair of wranglers and boots. (That was his idea of dressing up)
4. Where was the first time you kissed this person? He tried to kiss me on our 1st date! Can you believe it? It was in my apartment and I remember moving away from him. I think he almost kissed my wall.
5. Where did you go for your first date? Family Resturant in Santiquin, then driving around and "sparking" at Utah Lake.
6. How long did you know this person before you became a couple? About 2 days.
7. How did he/she ask you out? He called me on the phone. One of his friends' sisters gave him my phone number. Pretty crazy for a shy person!
8. How did he propose to you? We used to play a game that would make us have great conversations. It was that whenever one of us was quiet, the other one would asked"What are you thinking right now?" Then you would have to answer. After we had been dating for about 3 weeks, we were watching a movie at his moms house. He was a little to quiet, so I asked the question. He said that he couldn't tell me, but I was persistant. He finally said, "I was just wondering what you would say if I asked you to marry me?" I told him he better get it done. It took 3 more weeks to make it official and then it was a night of roses, dinnner, and out to Payson park where he proposed in front of the dumpster! I ruined his plan because my grandpa was at the Payson Hospital and my family was there visiting him. I told Mike that I couldn't go in to see them without my ring. He gave in and told me to open the glove compartment. There was my ring. How romantic!
9.Do you and this person have kids together? Yes! Five! Isn't that enough?
10. Have you ever broken the law with this person? Yes. (And don't ask what it is.)
11. When was the first time you realized that you liked this person? Actually, there was something about him that I liked immediately and couldn't help myself like him right off the bat.
12. Do you trust this person? Absolutely
13. Do you see her/him as your partner in your future? Eternity
14. What is the best gift she/he gave you? I love anything that he gives me. He always makes sure to find all the things I love. I think maybe its the time we get to spend together. No wait, my favorite was our anniversary that he planned in Snowbird, just us and the fall and the snow and everything else!
15. What is one thing He/She does that gets on your nerves? When he pulls the covers off me and makes me cold. I also hate it when he tries to help me make the bed and he pulls the covers to far on his side.
16. Where do you see each other 15 years from now? Our kids raised. Just the two of us and hopefully grandkids by then. That is almost scary!
17. What causes the most arguments? I plead the 5th. Can't tell the whole world. Money probably comes in 2nd.
18. How long have you been together? We got married on Oct. 2, 1993. Started dating in May of 1993, so together for 15 1/2 years. (Minus a few weeks of hunting)
19. Are you Married? Yes
20. Who Do you Tag? LeAnn, Chanda, Jackie, Jen

New Family Pictures

So my friend Christy takes great pictures. She came over one Sunday afternoon and we decided at 5:00 pm that we would do family pictures at 6:00. I quickly threw the kids and Mike something to wear, then the problem began. I had a closet full of nothing to wear. So I randomly picked out one of the oldest outfits that I have and never wear, but it matched the others so oh well...What the hell! We went to Salem Pond to have these done and to tell you the truth, I think they turned out great. She is starting up her own photo business and really knows what she is doing. She is also very cheap, hence her name....Cheapshots. Check out her website at http://cheapshotsllc.blogspot.com.
You can also link from my blog to Christy and Kendrick, then to her website. You should all try her.

Thanksgiving & Christmas Tree Cutting

Kids looking for the perfect tree!
Cody and Porche trying to make them have fun!
Aunt Phene always enjoys being with the kids.
We went to Delta this year for Thanksgiving. Mom was up here on Tuesday and took the girls home with her. They didn't have school on Wednesday so it was perfect. When we got there Wednesday night, we had a party and dinner at Portia's. Then we all played Bunco. Sunny was so funny! She would say "Ready, Go" and then yell "Bunco". She doesn't want to miss out on anything. Thursday morning we all got up and went to Dry Creek up Oak City Canyon. We scoped out the perfect tree and cut it down. It is really hard to pick the right one when there are at least 7 opinions on it. Besides that they all look really small when you are on the mountain and when you get it home, it is way to big. We'll have to do some prunning to get it to fit in our house, maybe even cut a hole in the roof. Then mom saw her tree she said that it would fit better in the city park than in her house. Our kids haven't got to do this for many years. In fact, I'm not even sure that they even remember when we used to do it. It was alot of fun for us. We ate Thanksgiving dinner at the Willoughby's and I ate enough for the next month. Unfortunaltey, I felt like I needed more leftovers so Mike will be cooking turkey dinner tommorrow. One of these next days I'll have to get back on that life long diet and do better. I am very thankful for my family and all the help, support and love that they show me. There is nothing more important to me than my family and their happiness. Hope all of your Holidays are great.

House For Sale!!!

I can't believe it but Mike has had enough! We put our house up for sale 10 days ago and have had a few people look at it. We have more scheduled this week. I am so amazed that he has finally had enough and I am very scared about what we are going to do. He has no plans on where we will go but doesn't seem to worried about it. The kids were not OK with it at first but as he explained the situation with them, they are supporting us in this decision. They have been the little troopers trying to help keep the house clean and pitching in for last minute showings. The same week we put the house up for sale, I started a new job! Could things be any more crazy? I am working at a new clothing store by KMART in Spanish Fork. It is called EDYN and they carry nice clothes for juniors, misses and women sizes. Mike thinks it would be like him taking a job at Cabelas. I don't understand his reasoning???Clothes are alot cheaper than guns and ammo! Anyway, Please pray for us that first, we can sell our house, and second, that we can find somewhere else to live. It all gives me anxiety.

Tagged by Chanda

Thanks to Chanda for tagging me! I am supposed to post my fourth picture in my 4th folder. Now that takes me back a few!! My old computer died with all my files and I was able to have a friend take off all my pictures off that computer. I really contemplated on what picture to use but this one always touches my heart, and since it was my cute cousin that tagged me, I thought that we could all reminisce about our Grandparents. I have a real hard time doing this but wanted to write about one of the greatest people I ever knew and miss everyday. In fact, after all this time that she has been gone, I still cry at the very thought of her and miss her more than I can stand. There is no one that can mention her name that I don't get teary. I miss her especially this time of year and it's not the same without her here. Granny was the strongest, sweetest, and wonderful women ever. She always had us (her kids and grand kids) in her thoughts. She always worried about us, helped us and made sure that we had everything we needed, and sometimes things we didn't need. Porche wrote the cutest story about Granny in a pop-up book. Someday I hope we can all have a copy of it because it tells what kind of Granny she was.
This picture is of her and Grandpa's anniversary the June before she died. What a great picture of the both of them. Even though neither one of them felt the best, they smiled, had a great time, and let us spend a very important time with them. I hope that as we think about Grandpa Hoot and Grandma Holler, we can laugh and cry joys of tears for the wonderful heritage that we came from. I love all of you guys and send this to you with tears running down my face!! Your the best Grandparents any kid should ever have!! I tag Anne, Christy, Rhonda, Tiffany and mostly Aunt LeAnn!!

Honoring A Scouting Friend

Last weekend I got an email from one of Mont's Scoutmasters from his Timberline Leadership Scout Camp. It was to tell the boys of a tragedy of losing one of their friends that they had there. I felt so bad and Mont was on a scout trip to Moab so I couldn't tell him about it. I worried the whole weekend about Mont and about this sad event. I couldn't even think about it or talk about it without crying (not to mention the anxiety). His friend Calvin Hansen had been killed in a car accident while traveling out of town with his family. His father was injured badly and the rest of the family was sent to the hospital with injuries. Anyway, last night was his viewing. Mont wanted to go and so he and I went. The wait was long. There was so many people there. The hardest thing for me was watching the pain and sorrow of my 13 year old son and the other kids that were there. I truely hope I never have to have this kind of tragedy in my family. There can't be anything worse than loosing a child. My prayers have been with this family and I don't even know them. The Scoutmaster had put the email out to all the scouts and wanted them to be at the cemetery with their uniforms on, holding flags, and saluting the family as they drove there. This was such a thoughtful thing and the time the Scoutmaster has spent in teaching our boys about love, kindness, charity, and brotherhood is amazing to me. I truly appreciate him. These are a couple of the pictures he sent to me and with respect to this cute family I want to show you what kind of tribute it was to them. Amazing to me!!! It sends cold chills down me and brings tears to my eyes. Look at this wonderful site!!

Garrett's and TaNeils Deer Hunt

The night before Mike and Uncle Neil took Garrett out to practice shooting on sticks. We were a little worried that he would get so excited when he saw the deer that "Buck Fever" would set in and he would miss. (Kind of like his mom does). He was shooting pretty good with a dead rest, but no so good on the sticks. I murmmered and hoped that it would not be a waste of time for Uncle Neil. Garrett was disappointed that Grandpa Clayton was not going to be able to go but the morning of the hunt, Grandpa woke Garrett and Mike up and said Neil and TaNeil were ready, they better get going. Off they went and when I hadn't heard from them by 8:00am I thought all the negative things a mother could. I went to the car and Mike had forgotten the camera. Off course, I thought, since he forgot the camera, Garrett will probably shoot one. This was the first year that Garrett and TaNeil had drawn out for a deer tag. They were so excited. At 9:oo am, Grandpa called and said that Garrett had just shot the front shoulder off of a nice 4 pointer and it was running. I said that I would be right there with the camera!! He said not to come yet that TaNeil was shooting at another nice 4 point. Minutes later he called and off we went to see the trophies...with the camera of course. We went to TaNeils deer and it was great. As Neil and Mike were dragging through the brush to the truck, the horn that Neil was pulling on came right off. We were laughing so hard and TaNeil just wanted to know if someone had some super glue to fix it. She was such a good sport and we continued laughing. Then the girls went to Neil and Toddy's to get the rhino so that we could get to Garretts deer. The guys kept looking for it. It had ran right towards Grandpa and then turned and he couldn't see it but knew what direction it had gone. Grandpa, Mike and Garrett had gotten to about 10 ft from it when it jumped up and started to run again. That is when Garrett shot at it a second time. Just as we pulled up in the Rhino, we heard the second shot and off the deer went, with both lungs hanging out the bullet hole, a broken front shoulder, and determined not to die. Neil shot to make sure it would go down and it did. We went to where it was and it was almost identical to TaNeils deer. How fun for these two kids. We took so many dang pictures that the only way you can see how much fun they had is to see most of it yourself. They were both so happy and it seemed like the best day these two kids, their dads, and grandpa could ever have. It was one of those memories that will never be forgotten.... The two big 4 points those great kids shot with their heroes right the side of them. Thanks to Uncle Neil, TaNeil and Grandpa for letting us be with you on such fun times. We appreciate the time and efforts that you give for our family. We love you!!
P.S. Uncle Neil shot a 5 point later that night!! What a hunt!

I've Been Tagged!! Thanks Aunt LeAnn

4 things I love about my husband:

1. He has a testimony of the Church
2. He is a great dad
3. Now that we all know he can talk, he is quite funny!
4. He loves me no matter what kind of snot I am!!


4 Movies I would watch more than once:

1. The Notebook
2. Waterboy
3. Mamma Mia
4. Anger Management

4 TV shows I watch more than once:

1. Channel 2 News ,Channel 4 News, Channel 5 News,
2. Deal or No Deal
3. Don't Forget the Lyrics
4. Good Things Utah

4 Places I have been:

1. Hawaii
2. Alaska
3. Florida
4. Boston, MA.


4 People who email me regularly

1. Portia
2. John & Julie
3. Nikki
4. Misty


4 Favorite Foods

1. Fried Shrimp
2. Prime Rib
3. Chicken
4. Cheesecake


Places I would like to visit

1. Hawaii, again. This time with my husband
2. Cancun, Mexico
3. Alaska, again. This time inland
4. Italy

4 Things I am looking forward to this coming year

1. Pedicure
2. Going to St. George to see those 2 new babies
3. Paying off some bills
4. Learning what to do at my new job!

4 People I would like to tag

1. Jodi
2. Nikki
3. Jen
4. Lerin

Anniversary at Snowbird

Mike and my sister Penny Jo planned us a getaway to Snowbird for the weekend. It was fabulous. The weekend started by dropping off the kids with her for the weekend and she greeted us with this edible arrangement!!Then we headed up Little Cottonwood Canyon and on our way up we saw a cow moose and a bull moose. We were only about 30 yards from this bull moose!!We had the cutest room with a fireplace and kitchen and beautiful look at the mountain.

We walked around the Octoberfest, rode the tram to the top of the snowy mountain, and enjoyed the colors of the trees.

It rained, it snowed, and the mist was so pretty over the mountains. I wish I could show all the pictures but I took to many!

We dressed up in our best clothes and went to the city for dinner at one of my favorite places...Red Lobster. The weekend was the best and I love Mike more today than yesterday. I hope our relationship continues to be better each day and many years of happiness to come. Thanks for the incredible weekend!! I love you!!

Violin or Cello?

So Chloe and Morgan are taking orchestra in school. Chloe is learning to play the violin and Morgan the cello. One night when they were practicing, I decided to see if I could play them. The girls thought it was quite amusing for me to try and they told me which strings were which notes. Then I took the test. Low and behold, I could play the silly things, not to say that I will ever remember the notes. We all laughed and they took pictures for proof.

Sighting in the Muzzleloaders

Mont and Garrett had a muzzle loader tag for deer and Mont had an antlerless tag. We went up Ty Fork in Spanish Fork Canyon to sight in their muzzle loaders.
The leaves were so beautiful and we picked chokecherries and made jam and syrup that was to die for. In fact it was so good we had to make a couple of more trips to get more berries. Then came the big day of adventure to find those darn deer. The problem wasn't finding them, but shooting them was another story! Mont shot his first deer the first night they went out. Then we headed for Delta to get his antlerless. He succeeded! Unfortunately, Garrett was unsuccessful and will have another chance on the Rifle hunt. The most important thing is that they had a great time. Once that hunting is in the blood, seems like it goes forever.

15 Years of "What"?

Today is our 15th Wedding Anniversary. I thought it was supposed to be "Total Bliss". Someone obviously forgot to tell us that there would be a few "Intermissions" along with "Family Fued", "Let's Make a Deal", and "Funniest Family Videos". If we knew then what we know now, would we still have taken the plunge? Of course we would have! We have definately had our trials but over all it has been a pretty great 15 years. I once had a friend that would say she and her husband had a pretty good fight last night. I never understood what that ment and hope I never feel that our fights and disagreements are "GOOD". Nothing comes out of them that makes you feel better. I want my dear husband to know that I love him very much and through the good times and the bad times, he has always been there to pick me up, apologize, and make things right. I couldn't have asked for a better husband, although I probably should have followed muy moms advise about "Marrying more in a minute than you could make in a lifetime." Love is blind and it is a good thing. We got married in the County Barn in Delta and my dad drove me to my wedding in his Model T Ford. I will never forget it although my dad had a heart attack the day before the wedding. He his my hero and I hope that I can learn from his example and advise on makeing marriages work. MIKE...... I love you and hope that we can continue to work out our differences. You are amazing and I am so thankful for you becoming active in the Church and guiding our family. You are a wondeful man and I LOVE YOU!!!

The Big Black Bag!!

So, I was told that I expect to much of my kids and that they have to many chores. Needless to say, I let Mike take over as the "chore master". The kids don't take him very seriously, and today they had all gone to play with friends....That was after they had done their chores. One was supposed to clean the bathroom, one to clean out the Fridge (better known as the Science Project), one fold clothes, and one vacuum the living room and family room. I opened the fridge to get a drink and there were still projects growing that would have for sure earned a "A". None of the other chores were done either. I of course blew a gasket and didn't hold my temper very well, or should I say at all. I started cleaning like a mad woman and before I was finished, everyone was pouting and bawling their cute little heads off. The best part of it was when the "BIG BLACK GARBAGE" appeared and everything that was not put away ended up in the bag. it only took 4 super big contractor bags, one which was so full it ripped. Let me remind you of how strong these bags are. They are something like 6 mil or something. You can throw everything from a construction site in them, but don't under estimate the power of a mad woman. I really did rip a couple of them. Everything in them is now mine and if they don't tick me off anymore, maybe they can earn some things back. Mike did remind them that they were lucky that I had done it this way, he threw everything on the front lawn last time he cleaned their rooms. If any of you need me to come and bring the big black bags over and show you how fun it is, let me know. I am a pro!!! By the way, I may have some super deals for a yard sell. Maybe I could buy some more bags with the profits!!!

Kite Fest

So Oaklee had colored a picture for the Spanish Fork Kite Fest at school and had been telling me that she was going to win the contest> I didn't want to get her hopes up to high, so I kind of blew it off!!(No punt intended). I was at the orthodontist with Mont and she called to tell me that she had won and we needed to go up to the Fest to get her prize. I had Portia's kids and thought that we would just run up, get the prize, and come home. When we got there, it was wonderful.
She had won a kite, along with other kids from different schools and grades. I decided to browse the fest and see what other things they had. I didn't have a stroller for Sunny so was a bit hesitant, but we rode the golf cart to the top of the hill and walked down.
The kids played on the playground, had slushes, made kites, and we watched the kites. We spent 3 hours there and had a very relaxing. Congratulations to Oaklee. My kids are so lucky that they got their artistic talent from their dad. Everyone knows that their mother has none!!! Anyway, we had a great time and suggest that if they do it next year, everyone goes to see it.

Living Planet

We decided to do something fun for Labor Day. Since it was raining, we took them to the Living Planet Aquarium in Sandy. It was alot of fun and priced very reasonable. They have lots of different fish to see, touch and feel, a movie and even a restaurant. I think the kids had a great time. Here are a few pictures.

I almost forgot School!!

I almost forgot to take pictures of my kids on the first day of school. Truth is, I did until last minute when I ended up taking 3 of the 5 pictures. It is to bad because it is Garretts first year at High School, and Chloe and Morgans first year in Junior High. Here are the three pictures I did get!!

Garrett has joined the swim team (Thank you Michael Phelps) and taking classes that are over my head. No way can I help him. He also is taking a Social Dance Class. He is actually enjoying despite the wishes of his dad. I think it's the cute girls. Mont is also taking very hard classes for the 8th grade. Good thing they got Mikes brain. Morgan is taking orchestra and learning to play the cello and Chloe is also but learning to play the violin. (Thanks to the Warnicks for loaning us a violin) Oaklee is busy chasing boys and giggling. I have to fight with her to do her homework and read. It is frustrating to me because my other kids have great study habits. Guess that is part of being the youngest. I am to old and tired to care. Lucky her.

Let's Start in Park City

So I haven't updated for a while. I will start with our week vacation with Granny and the cousins in Park CityIt was such the blast. It was the first time that I actually got to take the whole week and be with all of them. We went swimming shopping, play guitar hero championships
karaoke rock band, b-b-ques, and of course our favorite... The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Then we went to Snowbird where Phene entertained us with the Zip Line
, Rock Climbling, Bungee Jumping, The Alpine Slide, Mechanical Bull, and ATV and Ranger Tours. It is so beautiful up there in the back country of Snowbird. All of you should take a tour with her to see the beauty. It's amazing. The week was so much fun and I thank my mom for taking all of us up there every year without fail. It is certainlya traditin worth keeping.