Is Christmas really over?

I have been so busy this month I really haven't had time to post anything. I am kind of looking forward to things getting back to "normal"..whatever "normal" is?? The month of Dec. was filled with plays at Brayden's school and Church. Church functions to attend, and Christmas parties for all of us.

The month started off with Sam's MANY parties at work. He tells me on Wed. night around 9ish.."oh, by the way I need 26 stocking stuffers Friday morning for the secretaries at work.." just 26!!!!! Got through that ordeal..and then Brayden was bringing a paper what seemed like everyday..about needing $2 for this $5 for this...I do pay tuition is that not enough?? Then for his play for school he needed red sweatpants..and, well, couldn't find those nowhere..they had them in every size but his. So, he ended up with plaid pants..it actually ended up being really cute.

One week before Christmas we find out that Brayden had strep and pneumonia. I had been treating his cough with over-the-counter stuff for a couple of weeks..I wasn't concerned no fever, no loss of appetite..daycare called me on Wed. said he had thrown up..get to the peditricians office (by the way..if you or your child aren't sick by the time you go to the peditrician..you will be when you leave)..and bloodtest was positive for pneumonia and culture test was strep.. So, I offically declared myself a horrible mother..how was I to know!!

Then Christmas rolled around..and this was the FIRST Christmas ever that I was still shopping on Christmas Eve morning. We have been so busy with work and everything else..their were several gifts I hadn't purchased. So, Christmas eve day I was a women-on-a-mission!! Did get everything accomplished though. We went to Jasper on Christmas Eve and spent time with my dad and step-mom..then that night at my g'mothers.

Santa did make a mistake and not get some things put together..so my WONDERFUL husband spent about 8 hrs. Christmas day putting a ferris wheel and roller coaster together!!..which he was thrilled about. Christmas was a bit different for us this year with not having Sam's mom..it was hard on he and his father. But, everyone got through it. God has just been seeing everyone through one day at a time.

I am anxious to see what 2009 brings!! We had an awesome Church service today. I am reading a book on Fasting by Jensen Franklin..and it is opening my eyes up a lot. It has allowed to see that their is another level of intimacy with God that is right at our fingertips..if we are just willing to sacrifice. That is what I want..I desire to not just be brought into His presences on Sundays..but to live 7 days a week in his presence!!!

I'm excited about what lies ahead!!

Thought for the day...

"...Why would He teach you to ride the bike, and not watch you..." That is the statement that Bro. Bryant mentioned in his sermon this morning, and has just really stuck with me. I have been at this crossroads lately and not really knowing what direction to turn. But, I think this morning I got a little clarity..

My friend Donna and I were talking this week...and you know how when you were in college you were certain of what "God's plan was"..I had it all figured out..I was at Lee University (the New Jerusulem..the Mecca)..:)..I was going to marry a minister, travel throughout the world and see millions come to Jesus..because I had been at 'The Lee University'..when in reality that wasn't God's plan..that was Amy's ridiculous plan. Now in hind sight my whole college time has planned for now.. God sent me a man who was raised Baptist, but has allowed God to teach him more about the Holy Spirit...who has more of administrative gifts..and has planted me in the outskerts of B'ham, I work a 6-3 job, and have my little brick home. I attend Church weekly and am very involved. So, my question has been..Now what God...what's next?? The answer has been sitting there in front of me the whole time...

I am excited about what God is doing..and where He is leading me. Every step I have ever taking since seeking his direction I know now has been ordained by Him..when I thought I was still "seeking"..It is truly amazing how God works! I just don't want to be a 'pew sitter'..if I am not making a difference than I am a waste!

Busy Busy Busy

Am I the only person that feels like I am constantly in a rush? I feel like my 'to do list' is never done! Last week was a busy week. I was extremly busy at work..I think everyone is having surgery before the holidays. After work I drive to G'dale to get Brayden, then it's home to start my 2nd job..cooking and cleaning!!

Brayden had Scarecrow day at school on Friday so I spent most of the week getting his costume together..(i will post pics soon). I ended up finding him some OshKosh overalls at the consignment sale..I bought some leaves at Hobby Lobby and hot glued them to the overalls..they were cute. Friday morning while I was getting him dressed he was singing, "Farmer and the dell, farmer and the dell.."

Friday afternoon Brayden and I went to Jasper and had dinner with my parents. I sometimes miss living in Jasper near my parents. Their is something about a small town, especially one that you consider home. After dinner, it was back to Trussville.

Saturday I cleaned house mostly all day. We are about to start a remodel (which I am not looking forward to)..so I was looking at paint colors and cabinets. And that night we made our infamous 'walmart outing'!!

Yesterday was Church..had a good service. And the afternoon we had a choir outing at the Comedy Club..we ate and saw Mickey Dean..he was hilarious!! It was good to just have the evening with my husband..mom had came over and kept Brayden..

So now....the work week begins.......

Update..

Well..it's Sunday and this has been a LONG week. We got through the funeral, and now somehow we move forward. Sam had the whole week off; he definately needed it. I went back to work on Thursday, and I was glad to get back into some sort of a routine.

I got off work a little early on Friday..so Sam and I had some time before getting Brayden from daycare. We went and walked at the Gardendale Civic Center. Sam and I have made a pack that we are going to try to start working out together..Sam has been working out at work on his lunch hour for awhile now. I occasionaly walk on our treadmill, but I will be honest I simple just get bored. So, we have decided to do it together. But, I will not go into detail my first attempt in US doing sit-ups..all I will say is the next day I thought I had been ran over. But, we are making baby steps..and we both need more exercise.

Friday night we simple played it easy..I don't really get into the whole 'trick or treat' thing..we rented movies, ate chili, and gave out LOTS of candy. Brayden loved seeing all the kids come to our door to get candy..Saturday night he asked, "where are all the trick or treaters?"

Saturday we spent most of the day with Sams dad. We ate breakfast at IHOP (yummy), and helped his dad get some things organized. We then went to wal-mart and did our weekly mexican restaraunt run..hince..why we need lots of exercise.

Today was Church. Sams dad went to Church with us..and WoW what a service..it just gets better and better. I am so excited what God is doing in Sam and my life but also my Church family. His love is so amazing!!!

One of the hardest times..

Well...I have been on an emotional roller coaster since Friday. I had taken off work on Friday b/c we were supposed to be camping. Well..Thursday night Sam had told me that his mom had fallen a hit her head..around 8 pm Sam called and checked on her and my father in law said that she seemed o.k. she was sleeping..well, around 9ish he called and told Sam they needed to take her to the ER. Long story short..she had a hematoma in her brain that had moved her brain stem over 1" and that she needed a miracle!! They ended up taking her off the ventilator around 12 30 and she passed at 1 pm..she was only 59 yrs old!

Sam and I have only been married almost 6 yrs. And this is the first 'tragic' thing that we have faced together. I can tell you that as a women who loves her husband with all my heart I HATE to see my husband hurting! I feel so helpless. I have both my parents, and have no idea what he is going through. All I can do is pray from him and hold his hand. He was very close to his mom. We do have the reassurace that his mom was a Christian, and had a relationship with God. So, we know where she is.

So, today Mon. Oct. 27th, 2008 we will lay to rest the body of Mrs. Harris. It is going to be a tough day, but we rejoice in the fact that she in the place that one day we hope to be!

My Baby is 4 yrs old!!

Well..my baby turned 4 yesterday! I can't believe how fast he has grown. He is becoming such a little man. My prayer is that he will be a God-fearing man of God. Even now..every time he gets hurt, before eating weather it be a snack/meal, and before bedtime he says his prayers. I hope it always will be like that..their are some adults who haven't caught on to that.

We had the b'day party on Sat. well..Sat..was a story in itself. The party was from 3-5 at Celebration Park in Gardendale. I went to Party City (which by the way is ALL the way in Irondale) to get balloons..and I just didn't get a few balloons I got A LOT of balloons..can't have a party without balloons, right? When then travel to Wal-mart to get the cake/cupcakes and chips..well..we got to the car and Sam told me to just get in the Tahoe and hold the cake and he would unload the groceries..well, I then hear Brayden say, "mommy..the balloons are going to Jesus!" Yep..Sam let the balloons go and I then began crying..because I was soo frustrated I just wanted to get the pary over with and have everything go well...we ended up get balloons from walmart..and made it to the party. Then at the party..their is another party beside us by the soccer fields..and, well..that not only had a jumping thing..but a pony for pony rides..and a clown!! Yep..I am offically a bad mother..all my child got was access to a rented $30.00 pavillion..:) Brayden had a good day and that was all that mattered!

Yesterday was Church..and we had another great sermon delievered by Bro. Bryant..I am excited about the place that I feel that God is taking our church! We came home from Church and rode bikes. Brayden got a new bike for us b'day..Sam and I bought us new bikes a couple of weeks ago..so we all rode bikes yesterday afternoon..

And now it's Monday..and nothing but the work week ahead...

Busy Weekend..

What a busy weekend we had. Work was extremely busy on Friday..and after a long day..I piced up Brayden around 4ish..we headed to get him a much needed hair cut. Brayden and I then met Sam at Golden Rule and had dinner. I was starving and didn't feel like cooking, so we did something we are trying NOT to do..and that is eat out.

Saturday was Lance's b'day. We left out for Jasper early and went and spent some time with my g'mother who is recovering from an open-femur fracture. I am so blessed with a wonderful g'mother. I never get tired of hearing her stories. That is one of the many things I miss about my g'father..is hearing those stories of how things 'used to be.' She is doing much better!! She is still has to have someone with her at all times, but God has definately brought her a long way.

After MawMaw's it was on to the b'day party..Lance had his party outside at my parents house. They rented an inflatable slide, grilled hotdogs, and everyone just had a good time sitting around and talking. Sam and I had to enjoy our time on the slide..I think Sam a little more than myself..my step-mom even tried it. It was fun!! I can't believe Lance is already 8. He is growing up so fast, he is growing into a little man. Eric had a seizure before the party began. That was a little scarey. Even though Eric has numerous seizures, it is never something you get 'used to'.. As he was laying on the ground trying to recoperate..I just thanked God in advance for the healing that I believe is coming his way! That little boy has been through SO much in his life. Those of us who have 'typical children' have no idea how incrediable blessed we are. People who don't know my parents..have no idea what they go through on a daily basis with a child with special needs. But I stand firm and know that one day Eric Cabaniss will talk, and will be able to share his story with Millions!!! God will be Glorified!

Yesterday was Church...and we had a wonderful service! We had a pastor from Uganda, Africa who spoke..and he definately spoke 'The Word'...God is doing something really intense with our Church. It is a move of the Holy Spirit that is much needed. He spoke on Prayer..and not just those wake up in the morning prayers, not those lay me down to bed prayers, not those uh-oh I am in trouble I need You prayers..but, those prayers that you fall on your face and you don't get up until things change type of Prayers! We all get some caught-up in our daily BUSY lives..we think we don't have time for that 'prayer closet type of praying'..but, I think if we really examine our days..we have time for it..we just don't see it as a priority.

After Church..I had to buy groceries (which I saved $12 in coupons..YEAH ME)..and then it was home to get ready for the week. So..I guess the rest of the week will be filled with me trying to get ready for Brayden's B'day party..I can't believe my baby is going to be 4 years old!!

Already Monday..

The weekends go by way to fast. We had a really good weekend. Friday night..Sam and I went out. My mom watched Brayden and went to dinner and went to see Fireproof! I cannot stress about how excellent the movie was. I think I cried throughout the whole movie. It not only makes you think about your marriage but also your relationship with God. Sam and I are so guility of getting caught up in the day to day activites..that we sometimes neglect 'us'..that one time their was a boy and girl who fell in love and got married. I am a firm believer that God intended for our homes to be God first..then us...then our children. Sometimes I am guility of getting those priorites out of order.

Saturday I cleaned house ALL DAY!! Sam finally got the pool covered. And, I got all my fall decor out. I cleaned out Brayden's closet and got clothes/toys ready for Kids consignment in Palmerdale. Since Bs b'day is around the corner..I figured it was time to get rid of toys that he know longer plays with.

Yesterday was Church. We had an excellent service. I am so excited about what God is doing in our Church. Brayden has moved up to Children's Church and yesterday was his second sunday. He is getting so big. He looks so little with all the 'big kids'..but, he is doing good. He has FINALLY decided that he wants a Hot Wheels b'day party..so, I guess Hot Wheels it is. He is going to be just like his daddy..he loves cars!

So..I guess it is on with the work week.....:(

Update on Us..

WoW..what a week/weekend it has been. Last week was so hectic at work, I think everyone around had some sort of surgery..:) I was off on Friday..but, spend from 10 am to 7 pm at Church helping get things ready for Misty and Les's wedding.

The wedding went well. At one point, I did say.."kill me next time I agree to help a friend!"..of course, I was kidding and would do it again..but, somehow I got placed 'in charge' of the reception..wow..people really do come to weddings to eat lunch/dinner! The ceremony was beautiful and, of course, I cried like a baby. I cry at everything though...weddings, baptisms, baby dedications, commericals....So, they happy couple are living it up with Mickey Mouse now! JEALOUS:)

We got home from the wedding around 6 pm..then Krystal and Bill (a couple from Church) came over and watched the Bama game. I am by no means a self-proclaimed bama fan (i wouldn't stoop to that level) :) , but I was rooting for them!!

Sunday morning was Church..and, again, we had a wonderful service. God is so good!! He is doing some great things in our Church..I anticipate each Church service..I realize more and more everyday how incrediably blessed I am..and it is only because He loves me!!

After Church, we then had a b'day party at 2 00 at celebration park in G'dale (which is were Brayden's party is going to be)..and we had so much fun. The little water park was open..and the kids had SOOO much fun. It was a beautiful day, and we just sat and watched all the kids laugh and have fun in the water.. We headed home around 4ish..made a pit stop by wal-mart and then home to get ready for the week..iron clothes, laundry..

So..that pretty much sums up the weekend for the Harris'...I am looking forward to the weekend..got to get Brayden's b'day invitations done, order his cake..and get my fall decorations out, and I think Sam is covering the pool!!

What a week..

WoW..this has been one of those weeks that have been just rough!! It started with me being sooo sick..I felt like my sinus were going to explode followed by being ran over by an 18 wheeler. I am feeling some better now...but, then I get a call from my mom about my g'mother..

MawMaw was painting her porch and tripped over the hose and well has an open femur fracture. They have already given her a couple of units of blood..so, they are going to try and do sx in the morning assuming that her crit is good and her electrolytes are balanced..so..please say a prayer for my MawMaw! So, Sam and I will be making a trip to Jasper in the morning to be with her and my family.

I think my little brother, Lance, who is 7 yr. old is going to be spending the weekend with us. My step-mother is working on her doctorate and has to travel to Tuscaloosa for the weekend..so, my dad needs a little assistance..and Brayden loves having Lance around. We had planned to go to the state fair on Sat..it is at OakMountain..and the weather is so nice I thought it would be a good way to spend the evening. It will be lots more fun for Brayden to have Lance around. So they can ride things together.

only Wednesday??

What a day it has been already! I was at the drs. office at 8 this morning..because my sinus' have been feeling like they were about to explode..and well I was dx. with a sinus infection. So, a steriod shot, a $20 c0-pay and 2 hrs. waiting there..I am finally back home!! I am already feeling some better.

I am already ready for the weekend. We don't have to much planned. One of my best friends..Misty..is getting married next weekend..and I am helping cater the reception..so, Misty and I have to go to costco/Sam's on Sat. to get the remainder of the food. And, I have got to start planning Brayden's b'day party. He has been saying for monthes that he wanted a scooby-doo party..so, I had all that worked out..we were getting a costume and having "scooby-doo" crash the party..well, last week he has decided that he wants a Fire Truck party!! I found a 3D Fire Truck cake at Edgar's..and a lady I work withs husband has a fire truck and they go to b'day parties..so, I guess we are having a Fire Truck party!
I guess we will be having the pary at Celebration park in Gardendale. I have tried numerous other places and they are booked up the weekend we are having his party..and, I REFUSE to have another b'day party at home..I did that the first 2 years..nope, not doing that one again! BTW, what is up with having to buy gift bags to give to other kids? Who came up with that? Why should I give someone else a present on my child's birthday?? Just curious.. I birthed him why don't I get presents?? :)

First Blog

Well..welcome to the Harris blog. I seem to be one of the last ones to have one of these things..so, I thought that I would start one for family and friends to keep up with us. We live in Trussville and so many our our friends and family are scattered everywhere so this will help everyone keep up with Sam, Brayden and myself.

Well..Sam had to work today so Brayden and I have spent the day cleaning house and doing some grocery shopping. I cannot believe that he will be 4 yrs. old next month. He is getting so big and growny. It is soo funny some of the stuff he says. We were coming home from daycare yesterday and he told me, "Mommy..turn off the music and talk to me.." I asked hime what he wanted to talk about and he said "my day".. I guess he has learned that because every evening when we have dinner we talk about his day at school..and, well, I guess he just decided that we would talk about it on the way home from school..

This morning Brayden woke up around 6:30 and I heard him over the monitor singing. He is learning so much since I changed his daycare from Pinson to Christway (which is where we attend Church)..he was singing some song, which I had never heard, about .."I love Jesus and he loves me..he loves me sooo much"..that just really blesses my heart. I not only want Brayden to learn the practical stuff in school..colors, shapes, numbers..but, I want him to learn about Jesus. So, many children are clueless about His love and it breaks my heart. As parents, we will one day stand before God, and I believe, be responsible for how we raised our children..a statement that I heard a few weeks ago by a guy who does childrens ministry.."Allow your Children to be reached at an early age..so they are not having to be rescued later in life.."