Harris Happenings

When you don't know where to start....

2011-02-22T16:49:00.000-05:00

...you just start with what's on your heart! (does that rhyme? ha!!)

And here is what has been on my heart the last few weeks....

He Giveth More Grace by Annie Johnson Flint

He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,

He sendeth more strength when the labors increase;

To added affliction He addeth His mercies,

To multiplied trials His multiplied peace.

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,

When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,

When we reach the end of our hoarded resources

Our Father's full giving is only begun.

His love has no limit. His grace has no measure,

His power no boundary known unto men;

For out of His infinite riches in Jesus

He giveth and giveth and giveth again.

And there it is...so simple, yet so profound to me.

I don't have to have it all together.

I just have to trust the one who does have it all together!!

Lately, my life has needed more strength and endurance just because of some things going on.

I hope to share those things with all of you very soon,

But for now, just know that He does giveth all the grace we need for each day!

Amen!!

Birthday Blessings

2011-02-03T10:12:00.000-05:00

Yes...it's birthday time at our house....

So Happy Birthday to our GA Bulldog lovin'....

God fearin'....

easy goin'....

fun-lovin'...

fish-catchin'....

super talented.....

adventurous...

hard-workin'.....

observant.....

Jesus lovin'...

AWESOME Daddy and Husband!!!

Happy Birthday, Mike~ You are loved!

Black and White Wednesday ~ SJ

2011-01-26T10:21:00.001-05:00

I just don't get it

2011-01-22T16:02:00.001-05:00

My parents gave me a new camera over a year ago.

I still don't know what I am doing with it.

I have read the manual. Twice. I still don't get it.

Lighting is different for every picture.

Shutter-speed. HUH?

Then there is aperture. Whatever.

ISO is just not in my vocabulary.

But I will press on. Oh yes, I will press on.

In the meantime...

Enjoy this cute picture of my sweet girl!

Another Snowy Friday.....

2011-01-21T17:00:00.003-05:00

It's cold. I mean really, really cold. MINUS cold.

It's gray. I mean really, really gray. UGLY gray.

But that makes for a perfect time to "play" with your camera

while you sit on the sofa wearing multiple layers of clothes and socks.

Seriously...what else can you do when it is so cold?

Happy Friday! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!!

Matched!

2011-01-20T09:39:00.000-05:00

Oh yes!

God is so good!!

My sweet little ""Lisa" has been matched!

I just know her family is going to be so blessed!!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-12T19:40:00.000-05:00

I have to do something....

2011-01-10T12:49:00.000-05:00

We can't adopt her. I wish we could. The Chinese gov't won't approve us because of our income. We have too many people in our family...and not enough money...according to them. But look at her. Her name is "Lisa". Sarah Joy has talked about adopting "Lisa" for years now. She has always said her baby sister was named "Lisa". Where did she get that? And then, twice now, her picture has been right there in front of me through different websites advocating for children with HIV. So...I have to do something...but right now, this is all I know to do. Let me introduce you to "Lisa" and if you can help her find a family...oh, I sure would love that!

And here is more information about this sweet girl!

Children’s Home Society & Family Services is urgently looking for an adoptive family for this little girl.

“Lisa” is in Asia. She was born at the end of 2005,

Here is an incredible girl with bright eyes. She has rosy chubby cheeks. She enjoys playing physical activities. She likes to play on the jungle gym and jump on the trampoline. She has great fine motor skills and can build a bridge using blocks and string beads on a thread. She is described as a happy and bright child. She enjoys other people and likes to play with her peers. She is affectionate and gives the younger children hugs and kisses. She can speak in her native language and knows some English words. The adoption coordinator recently met her and describes her as “absolutely adorable!” She waits for her own family because she is HIV positive. Her family will be so lucky to see her smile each day. She has been waiting for a family for almost a year.

A grant of $3000 is available to eligible families through Brittany’s Hope Foundation.

Single women or married couples may apply
At the time of adoption study approval, single applicants should be under 45 years of age.
No more than 2 divorces between couples
Max of 2 kids currently in home (“in home” means 50% of the time or more).
No serious physical health issues or mental health diagnosis including depression
No criminal history including DUI/DWI
No history of alcohol or chemical abuse
Program fee $7500

Lisa Trinh, Waiting International Child Specialist
Children’s Home Society & Family Services | 651.255.2252 | ltrinh@chsfs.org
1605 Eustis Street / St. Paul, MN 55108 | chsfs.org

Resolution Retreat

2011-01-08T14:47:00.000-05:00

Last year, Life Action Family Camp started doing something new. They added another "camp" to their schedule for 2 days leading up to New Years Day. They had a great response to the retreat...and so this year, we were able to be a part of Resolution...

Mike played the bass guitar in the band......
nothing like singing praises to Jesus as you bring in the New Year!

We celebrated with food and lots of games....

....We bonded more as a family....

....and we thanked God for all of the blessings of 2010!

Happy New Year from the Harris Family!!

Created for Care and more!!

2011-01-05T17:32:00.024-05:00

I have no idea what God is up to. Several months ago, I saw a post on another blog about an adoptive mom's retreat in February. I sent my friend, Robyn, a Facebook message and told her we should go. Without hesitation...she was in! We have dreamed about doing something like this since I moved away...and I am still in shock that it is really going to happen...and I couldn't be more excited! I think God's timing is perfect (it ALWAYS is) for both of us to have some time to just hang out and talk with each other and new friends...get this.... ALL about ADOPTION!! YIPPY!!! Mike thinks I am not going to have a voice after the weekend...oh well! It will be so worth it!

I just took a look at the breakout sessions...and they all look amazing!! So check it out....Created for Care Retreat! I can't wait to see what God has planned for me! And don't you just love the t-shirt designed just for the retreat?? If you would like to purchase one..just go here.

And then just a few weeks later, I will be traveling to Illinois for another adoption/orphan conference. Do you think God might be up to something with all of this? And 2011 is just gettin' started!!

I Don't Want to Waste It!

2011-01-01T10:30:00.001-05:00

It seems like just yesterday we were celebrating 2010...where, oh where, did this past year go?? James 4:14 says that we are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Our lives are short! We don't know what tomorrow holds...but thankfully I do know the one that holds tomorrow!

2010 was a great year for the Harris family...our oldest member turned 40 and our oldest son turned 13. We saw God's provision for our family in ways we never expected. We were able to witness the miracle God performed with our friend's son as they brought him home from China and got him the care he needed. We saw the beauty of sunsets at the beach with our parents and friends. We saw God continue to bless our church and grow us through that ministry. We had sweet fellowship with God as we walked down an unknown road to learn more about orphans in the US. We saw God open doors for us to visit homes all over the South and see Him at work. We committed to walk in obedience to whatever God calls us to do in 2011...whatever!

But as we start a fresh new year....I am reminded how quickly this one will pass if we are not intentional about each day we are given. If you continue to read on in James, you will see that he says we are to commit each day to the Lord's will. Not ours. God's will. And I love the last verse "Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins." (James 4:17)

So my question for myself and for you is...what is it that you know you ought to do...but you are not doing it....that you need to get rid of in your life...or start doing??

You don't want to waste your life!

Whatever 2011 holds for my life and for our family...I pray that will bring God glory...that it will stretch us and push us closer to our Father...that we will fall more in love with each other and with Him.

So 2011....bring it!

....just came across this video and loved it! John Piper nails it! Happy New Year, my friends!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-23T21:32:00.000-05:00

2010-08-06T09:11:00.001-04:00

Teach me your way, O Lord,

and I will walk in your truth;

give me an undivided heart,

that I may fear your name.

I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart;

I will glorify your name forever.

For great is your love toward me;

You have delivered me from the depths of the grave.

Psalm 86:11-13

Graham H. Grade 7/8

2010-07-30T13:22:00.002-04:00

OK...this just makes my brain hurt...but here it goes. I wanted (for my own records) to make a list of what I hope Graham accomplishes between the third week of August and January.

When I first started homeschooling 4 years ago...I only used Sonlight! I still LOVE Sonlight and all that it has to offer...and would certainly recommend it to anyone! However, over these years, I have been adding to Sonlight and really developing my own curriculum based on the strengths/weaknesses of my children....as well as their interests! We gotta keep it interesting around here, right!

So here it goes (you have been warned!!)

Bible: Bible Study Sampler from Sonlight
Live Like a Jesus Freak: Spend Today as if it were your last

History: Story of the World Volume 3 along with the tests

Reading: (not in any order) getting all of these from our local library!
1. Maniac Magee
2. Year of the Impossible Goodbyes
3. Peter the Great
4. Amos Fortune, Free Man
5. Stowaway
6. Betsy and the Emperor
7. Streams to the River, River to the Sea
8. Only the Names Remain: The Cherokees and the Trail of Tears
9. I am David
10. Nory Ryan's Song

We will be doing "unit study/novel study" type activities with each book to reinforce comprehension and vocabulary. I have been spending many nights on the computer looking for ideas to download. If you have any ideas, PLEASE let me know!

Science: Physical Science Abeka 9 (bought this used...really cheap...hope it is good!)

English: Finish Rod and Staff English 6 book, worksheets, and tests

Math: Saxon Algebra 1 with Dive CD

Additional Language Arts: Analogies 1 and Wordly Wise 3000 Book 8 (both purchased from Sonlight)

Competitive Robotics Team: Computer class via Stanford University- cs106A (no college credit, though)
Weekly meetings to discuss class and assemble robot for competitions.

Piano and Guitar Lessons

I sure hope I am not leaving any holes or gaps in his studies. If any of you see or know how I might add anything we are lacking, PLEASE leave me a comment!

Hope your head is not hurting too bad after reading all of this! Blessings, Leigh Ann

Every Family Needs One

2010-07-28T13:50:00.002-04:00

That's right...every family needs one of these....someone who loves the Lord and then loves his family, who is level-headed, who is loving and gentle, who doesn't easily jump to conclusions....

who makes wise decisions for our family, who is compassionate, who is loyal, who works hard, who knows how to relax and have fun.....

Our family is beyond blessed to have this man in our lives!
We love you, Daddy!

The Crafty One

2010-07-21T17:16:00.001-04:00

Meet Grace. Certainly The Crafty One in our family.

Usually her crafts involve a big mess of paper, glue, paint, play-dough, scissors, markers, etc....but lately these very simple, very clean, very neat friendship bracelets have caught her attention.

You will most often find her doing exactly this....and lovin' it!

I sure am glad there's one crafty one in this family!

A Few Things I Love...

2010-07-20T16:48:00.001-04:00

I don't really have a lot of time to blog...but I was just cooking dinner (tacos...yum!) and thinking about all of the "little things" in life that I love....
Like....

clean laundry....especially when that laundry has been folded and put away!

the smell of cookies in the oven

flowers blooming in the summer

my shirt from 147 million orphans

Michigan cherries

clean toilets

anything from Chick-fil-@

and adoption videos....

This one happens to be one of my favorites. I hope you love it as much as I do!

Friend or Foe?

2010-07-18T16:47:00.000-04:00

In the winter, Lake Michigan is just not my friend.

We get so much "Lake Effect" snow...it really is not funny.

But in the summer...that same lake becomes my very good friend. This weekend we spent some time with my friend (Lake Michigan) and our good friends, The Whitlow's, at the Venetian Festival.

Sarah Joy is always happy if the pink blanket is around!

Still not sure where this handsome young man came from! HA!

Grace and Taylor had a lot of fun together!

We cooled off with Snow Cones!

And enjoyed a beautiful evening with friends!

Tent Camping...Oh Yes!

2010-07-18T16:23:00.003-04:00

So here is the proof that I actually did this....and if I hadn't been so sick with a
sinus/allergy/something, I REALLY would have enjoyed it.

We spent the weekend with about 60 friends from our local church...the kids rode bikes, made bracelets, did face painting, played games, went on scavenger hunts, ate s'mores....but mostly just bonded and made memories with each other....

In fact, I don't think any of us will forget the fun we had....

...we talked, we laughed, we cried, we sang, we ate...

and we are looking forward to doing it all again next year!

9 pounds!

2010-07-02T17:05:00.003-04:00

Some of us (well, OK, talking about myself here!) wait all year for this day...

blueberry heaven (aka Blueberry Ranch).....

....and thanks to my really great helpers.....

....who are very particular about which blueberries go into the bucket....

...but look so cute while they are pickin'....

....we brought home 9 pounds!

Happy Friday, Friends!

Will someone please tell me.....

2010-06-29T21:27:00.002-04:00

....what happened to my baby girl???

Thankful Thursday

2010-06-03T11:14:00.001-04:00

This little boy stole my heart before I ever met him.
But it wasn't my heart that was the concern...it was his.
You see, he was born with a severe heart condition. On the other side of the world.
Without a family to care for him.
That is...until a remarkable family that I have the joy of knowing took a giant step of faith and accepted this little boy into their home and into their hearts.

And weeks after his heart surgery, this precious little boy is growing and
thriving in his new family...although he doesn't look so sure about me!
He truly is a gift from the Lord!

I am so thankful that you are now a part of our lives, John Asher! You are loved !!

One Word Wednesday ~ VACATION!!!!!

2010-06-02T16:38:00.001-04:00

Caterpillars and the girls

2010-05-11T09:52:00.001-04:00

Sometimes I wonder

2010-05-06T16:54:00.000-04:00

Six years ago we felt like God was telling us we were supposed to adopt. We didn't know what country. We didn't even know why...I mean we already had two kids biologically....why would we want more? There were so many questions running through our heads. It scares me to death to think what our lives would be like if we had not obeyed God. Sometimes I wonder...what if we had missed this blessing?

Wordless Wednesday

2010-05-05T16:25:00.000-04:00

Spring Piano Recital

2010-04-29T14:52:00.001-04:00

Grace....Piano Recital from Leigh Harris on Vimeo.

My Boys!

2010-04-29T11:46:00.001-04:00

Untitled from Leigh Harris on Vimeo.

2010-04-15T20:56:00.002-04:00

Let the light of your face shine upon us, O Lord. Psalm 4:6

And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:5

Be joyful always. 1 Thessalonians 5:16

pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus
1 Thessalonians 5:17-18

Praise be to his glorious name forever;
may the whole earth be filled with his glory.
Psalm 72:19

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galations 5:22

All men are like grass,
and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;
the grass withers and the flowers fall,
but the word of the Lord stands forever. 1 Peter 1:24

Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-07T09:46:00.000-04:00

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T19:06:00.006-04:00

Mark 16

The Resurrection

When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. ²And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. ³And they were saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?" ⁴And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back— it was very large. ⁵And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. ⁶And he said to them, "Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. ⁷But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you." ⁸And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

He Is Risen!!!

p.s. Daddy had already gone to church for rehearsal with the worship band. Oh Well..we'll try to get some family pics soon. Hope you have had a wonderful Easter...we sure have!

2010-03-23T14:37:00.002-04:00

Would you stop right now and pray for the phenomenal ministry opportunities Life Action has this week? The photo of Moody Church with our team yesterday is an amazing reminder of how good God is in allowing us to share our passion for revival in strategic places.

All of this is happening this week within the ministry of Life Action:

THIRST Conference - Chicago

True Woman ’10 - Chattanooga, TN

Heartcry for Revival - Southeast TN

Summit - Sylvester, GA

Summit - Temple, TX

Who knows, maybe this will be the week God comes down in great might and power and displays His glory in revival across our nation!

And, again, thank you for your prayers and financial support for our family so that we can serve within this ministry!

Finally Spring!

2010-03-21T15:36:00.002-04:00

Oh Yeah!!

Hip Hip Hooray!!

We are jumping for joy....

We made it through another winter!

New Student!

2010-03-09T15:40:00.005-05:00

Looks like we have a new student in our house....

....who is learning how to write....

....and growing up so fast.....

....and still sweet as ever!

Nothing but sweetness....

2010-03-08T16:40:00.001-05:00

Oh how Sarah Joy loved this moment! She finally got to meet and hold precious Gigi!

A Little Kitchen Makeover

2010-03-08T16:34:00.001-05:00

Here it is before....

and here it is after! Yeah! Finally!!

We are so grateful for my parents help in this project! We absolutely could not have done it without them! Thank you so much, Mom and Dad!

Well...what do you think?

Journey to John Asher

2010-02-26T21:00:00.003-05:00

Hello Everyone....
Just wanted to let you know that my best friend from GA is in China now to bring home her son, John Asher. You can follow the journey on her blog here.
Have a great weekend!
Leigh Ann

Random

2010-02-10T16:54:00.003-05:00

We have had so much snow lately....doesn't look like I'll be using this chair anytime soon.

We finally bought a new fridge!! Yeah!!

And one of our supporters paid for us to have a new window put in our kitchen!! Thank you so much!! It is so much warmer now in the kitchen!!

Last week, we celebrated Mike's 41st birthday with our small group....lots of fun!

Happy Birthday, Honey! I love you!

And speaking of love....I love these...and could eat every one of them! hugs!!

The girls baked today with the Easy Bake Oven...um....
I don't think it was supposed to look like this.

Finally Friday!

2010-01-29T08:50:00.000-05:00

My friend, Shannon, got home very late last night with her precious daughter, Gigi! It was so wonderful to watch their kids just look at Gigi for the first time. She is now the youngest of five....and her life is going to be so fun and full! Congratulations Nelson Family!!

Crazy Hat Day

2010-01-18T14:47:00.000-05:00

Oh yes! Our local Chick-fil-a celebrated Crazy Hat Day today...and of course, we couldn't miss it! So here we are about to enjoy our FREE chicken sandwiches and a little fun! Graham was sporting the famous "hot dog" hat. Sarah had on a sweet little hand-knitted berret. Grace was all Mexican. Tyler (Graham's friend) was a poor widow. And...I'm ready for the beach!! Oh well...it's January in the north...what can I say?

The Nelsons

2010-01-14T19:46:00.002-05:00

Hey Ya'll....a good friend of mine just arrived in Hong Kong...headed for China to adopt their daughter. Just thought I would pass along their blog so you could follow their journey too. I am so excited for them and cannot wait to see them holding Gigi!!
Here is their blog....
www.waitingforgigi.blogspot.com

Wordless Wednesday

2010-01-06T21:24:00.000-05:00

"SNOW" much fun!!

2009-12-10T15:20:00.000-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2009-12-02T13:51:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!

2009-11-26T20:58:00.001-05:00

Thankful Turkeys

2009-11-25T21:18:00.000-05:00

Wordless Wednesday!

2009-11-18T15:39:00.000-05:00

Happy 12!!

2009-11-17T22:06:00.000-05:00

Happy 12th birthday Graham! You are an amazing young man.....and I am so proud to be your mom! Love you!!!

Our Little Artist

2009-11-17T22:01:00.000-05:00

One thing for sure...our Grace loves art! She just finished an 8 week class and wanted you to see some of her work! She won "Most Creative Clown" at the Art Festival. We are so proud of her!

New Wheels

2009-11-08T19:36:00.000-05:00

Very soon (well, like 3 weeks), Grace will be celebrating her 8th birthday. We had already decided to give her a new bike for her birthday....really not the ideal gift for late November in northern Indiana. This weekend, however, the weather was just too perfect to pass up. So...we headed to the local W-Mart and bought our beautiful girl some new wheels.

Of course, she just loved how well the helmet matched the bike. You know...it's all about accessories and lookin' good!

And here she is lookin' happy....cause I told her to! After all...she did just get a new bike!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-11-04T09:12:00.000-05:00

2009-10-25T20:11:00.001-04:00

I am just so thankful for the path that the Lord has us on right now....especially for all of our prayer and financial supporters that sacrifice their time and money so that our family can serve full-time with Life Action. We are so humbled and grateful....

I run in the path of your commands,
for you have set my heart free.
Psalm 119:32

Happy Fall Ya'll!

2009-10-16T14:41:00.004-04:00

My three pumpkins...

GUNK!!.... Just like the sin that is in our lives before Christ comes in....

But Christ takes all of that out of us...

And we are made new.....

And then the best part...

A light is placed in us for the whole world to see....

....and we get to shine for JESUS!

Happy Fall Ya'll!

One Word Wednesday....MATH!

2009-10-14T11:21:00.000-04:00

Nana and Graham

2009-10-06T22:42:00.000-04:00

Sometimes it is really hard to be so far away from our family. We sure do cherish the moments we have together. This picture was taken over a month ago while they were here visiting us. I can tell you that is one happy boy with his Nana!

Bible Study

2009-09-19T22:12:00.000-04:00

This past Thursday we began our first EVER ladies bible study for Harvest Bible Chapel Granger. It is our first ever....because we only launched our church in February! Look at how many ladies turned out for our morning classes. The group in the top picture is doing a Beth Moore study and the group in the bottom picture is doing a study based on Titus 2...God's Priorities for Women! It is such a blessing for us to be a part of Harvest.....and we look forward to what God has in store for our church as we continue to grow!

Five More Weeks!

2009-09-16T13:46:00.000-04:00

Graham went to the orthodontist this morning and received the great news that he only has to wear his braces for Five More Weeks! Yeah! Isn't he handsome!

If Only Ya'll Knew....

2009-09-14T14:53:00.000-04:00

.....how much joy she brings to our lives!

Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary!

2009-09-12T22:12:00.001-04:00

We recently made a trip to Georgia to celebrate Mike's parents 50th Wedding Anniversary.
Here is a picture of his parents with their three children and grandchildren.
What a blessing it is for me to be a part of this family!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-08-26T18:47:00.001-04:00

Lincoln Park Zoo

2009-08-25T21:35:00.004-04:00

This has to be the best zoo I have been to in a long time....and even better, it is FREE!!! We had such a great time Monday afternoon just strolling through and checking out the animals. Talk about a perfect opportunity for me to try out my camera!!

So Blessed!

2009-08-23T16:26:00.000-04:00

I am so grateful for a gift my parents recently gave me.....a new camera!!! They thought it was a win-win for them....mainly b/c they love to see pics of their grandkids and also b/c they never know what to give me. And let me just say....I have a lot of learning to do...but I am lovin' it so far!
For my first photo shoot, I took the youngest one out to the backyard....what do you think??

I Could Eat Them Up!

2009-08-17T20:13:00.003-04:00

My parents recently went on a mission trip to work in an orphanage in Guatemala. It sure didn't take them long to fall head over heels in love with a few of the kids there.....and I guess you can see why. They seemed to really bond, though, with one sibling group....an older sister who is nine and twin girls who are five. It just breaks my heart that these kids (and many, many more) just need a mommy and a daddy....and yet the government won't allow any adoptions from Guatemala right now. I am convinced that if it had been at all possible...my mom would have done everything she could to bring them back with her. For now, I think the only thing we can do is pray for these children and pray for the government to change their minds about the adoption process and allow these children to be placed in homes where they can experience what it is like to have a family!

Back to School!

2009-08-13T21:00:00.003-04:00

Hard to believe it is that time of year again! We did start a little earlier than most homeschoolers...but this mama likes to be done early too! So...on Monday, Graham officially began 6th grade and Grace began 2nd grade. What a blessing and privilege it is to teach our children at home! I feel like the luckiest mama alive!!!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-08-12T12:06:00.002-04:00

Another Video....but please watch!

2009-08-03T15:13:00.003-04:00

The staff of Life Action Ministries is having our annual Revival Week this week. Our service last night was awesome and included this amazing video. Very Powerful Stuff....don't say I didn't warn you!!

A Glimpse of the Baptism.....

2009-07-29T21:29:00.001-04:00

Remember Us?

2009-07-29T09:10:00.000-04:00

Just so you don't forget what we look like....here is a picture of us at Family Camp last week. I have so much to say (blog about) but can't quite find the time to sit down and write it all out. I want to tell you all about my baptism. I want to tell you all about Family Camp. So...those things are coming. For now...we are heading to Lake Michigan to see some more friends that we traveled to China with. Of course, more on that later too!
Have a wonderful Wednesday!!

Don't be fooled!

2009-07-16T21:46:00.002-04:00

Today is Thursday. On Tuesday, this cute little girl got lipgloss on my white comforter. On Wednesday, she poured an entire bottle of hand soap in the sink. And today, she spilled pink fingernail polish on her sister's comforter. So...don't let all of this cuteness fool you!
I wonder what tomorrow holds....

Gratefully Overwhelmed!

2009-07-15T15:44:00.004-04:00

I cannot begin to tell you how grateful I am to homeschool friends in our area!!
These are most all of the books that Graham and Grace will be using this next school year....and I didn't have to buy any of them!! Thank you, Lord, for blessing us with friends that desire to teach their kids at home and then share their blessings with others.
We are so grateful!

In Case You Are In Need Of A Good Laugh....

2009-07-13T21:18:00.002-04:00

There's just no limit for what we will do for something fried, something sweet, and something FREE!!

Our kids even got some of their friends from church to join them in the fun!

And here is Mike with one of his co-workers from Life Action, Jeff! How fun!!

2 out of 9

2009-07-13T10:00:00.005-04:00

Last week I found out through Facebook that one of the eight families we traveled to China with was going to be in our area for a wedding. This was obviously a special treat....because this family lives in Albany, NY and came to the very small town of Niles, MI for a wedding. Once we realized how close they were going to be to us...we had to make plans! We met them Saturday night at the beach for some ice cream and the sunset. It was a perfect evening! It was also such a blessing for Sarah Joy to spend some time with one of her "sisters" from Jiangxi. Aren't these two out of the nine just the sweetest?

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-08T16:31:00.001-04:00

Where does the time go????

2009-07-08T16:15:00.005-04:00

Last weekend we celebrated the 4th of July in Ohio at America's largest indoor waterpark

Here it is....Kalahari Resort!

Well...as you can tell by the photos, we have been enjoying every second of this summer...almost like we know what is coming next..ha! I do enjoy the fall here in the north, but the summer is surely my favorite!!

On a more "spiritual" note....God continues to bless our church! We are still hosting small group in our house every week (and we had two new couples join us this week! yeah!) This is the time of year that Mike is busy at work getting everything lined up for the new road team members. He has to make sure all of their support and insurance stuff and other paperwork is all ready for them to hit the road in August. We are working on getting a support newsletter out within the next week or so. Lots of great things happening within the ministry and within our church!! Thank you for praying for us!

And this is the time of year that my mind is wrapped up in homeschool stuff.....curriculum choices, organization of our time, goals for the year, etc....all of that just gets me so excited about the next school year (6th grade for Graham and 2nd grade for Grace! yikes!)

Have a wonderful week!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-01T17:58:00.002-04:00

What's on your "To Do" list?

2009-06-30T14:17:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, the kids and I made this list of things we want to do this summer before the cooler weather returns. Funny thing is....we have already done all but 5 of these....guess they want to do them again. You know, I could do a couple of them every day....like eat apple pie, play in the sand, and eat cupcakes and ice cream....but that wouldn't really help my training for the 5K in July....
Well...I hope this inspires you to be more intentional about the summer days...they will be gone before we know it. Thanks to Meg for the idea!

We got mail!

2009-06-29T19:27:00.004-04:00

Oh! the excitement.....

and anticipation.....

what can it be...

wow!

books, shirts, movies.....

Thank you, Grandma! We love it and we love you!

Trying to catch up.....

2009-06-26T20:53:00.005-04:00

Lake Michigan before sunset

Daddy with his kids

Very deep conversation as they were walking out to the lake

Harris Family of Five

Sarah Joy loved Uncle Mike

Jackie and Mike at the Stray Dog...New Buffalo, Michigan

Hanging out with the gorilla in downtown South Bend

Touring the South Bend Chocolate Factory

I feel like the last two weeks have been a whirlwind. We have had guests in our home (which we absolutely love)...which explains for my lack of blogging. We said goodbye this morning to my sister-in-law, her husband, and her son. It is always so sad to see family go back to GA...but we had a blast while they were here!
You know...what I love about summer...we never have a "normal" day. There is always something to do, some place to go, some way to get dirty, or sweaty. We are trying to savor every minute of this warm weather...knowing that it won't be too long before the cold returns. But for now...we are loving it!

Silver Beach!

2009-06-20T22:32:00.004-04:00

Yes! Finally! The sun came out....it warmed up....

we made a run for it....

thrilled......

just plain happy.....

to spend the day at the beach with our friends!!

When all else fails......

2009-06-19T15:52:00.002-04:00

POP SOME POPCORN!!

Stronger!

2009-06-17T08:40:00.001-04:00

We sang this song last week at Harvest. I just love the message it contains and thought you might too! Happy Wednesday!

Wordless Wednesday!

2009-06-10T10:53:00.000-04:00

Sweet!!

2009-06-07T22:23:00.000-04:00

Sunburst 2009

2009-06-06T19:18:00.001-04:00

Almost to the stadium....

Crossing the finish line.... walked the 5K in 43 minutes!

Mike and the kids were right there to cheer me on....

Mike dropped me off early this morning and then he and the kids grabbed some breakfast and waited for me to walk to Notre Dame stadium. It was so much fun! I am just a little worried though....Mike really wants us to train for the 10K run next year! Stay tuned!

Monkeys

2009-06-05T17:02:00.000-04:00

I do love these monkeys! They are such a blessing to me and sometimes I am amazed that God would allow me to be their mom! They are all growing up right before me eyes....so I am trying to savor every minute I have with them. This afternoon we had to go to downtown South Bend to pick up my race packet for the 5K that I am walking in tomorrow. Hopefully I will have more pictures tomorrow from the race. By the way, my little monkeys really believe I am going to win....that just cracks me up!

It's that time of year

2009-06-03T09:36:00.000-04:00

Oh yes, every time I turn around I see the signs and balloons. It's Graduation time! Last weekend our coop held its First Annual Christian Home Homeschool Graduation....complete with caps and gowns, diplomas, tears, and the cutest little choir you have ever seen. I especially thought the little girl on the front row on the left side was just precious....and before I know it....she will be wearing one of those caps and gowns and we'll have those balloons out in front of our house. Oh...the tears!

Wild Olive.....I love these!

2009-05-28T21:03:00.002-04:00

Hello Friends....
Just wanted to let you know about one of my favorite websites for awesome tees. I mean...who doesn't love a good t-shirt...and especially one that promotes our Savior. Be sure to check it out...and get your verse on!

How Marvelous! How Wonderful!

2009-05-28T10:22:00.000-04:00

Last night I grabbed Mike's Ipod and headed out the door for an evening walk. I really don't know how to use the Ipod....but I did manage to find some Chris Tomlin on there....and so I just listened to the same song over and over. But it was marvelous and wonderful!

I stand amazed in the presence....of Jesus, the Nazarene
And wonder how he could love me....a sinner, condemned, unclean....

How Marvelous! How Wonderful!

Mickey and Minnie....Grandaddy and Nana....Georgia and Florida....and more!

2009-05-27T11:50:00.005-04:00

That pretty much sums up the past couple of weeks for the Harris Family of Five. We had a wonderful time with friends and family in Georgia and Florida....hope you enjoyed the highlights!

A Few Changes 'Round Here.....

2009-05-12T14:58:00.001-04:00

Last week, we had 5 trees cut down out of our front yard. I think it looks so much better and really opened up our front yard.

The azaleas are in full bloom around here!

And...a few weeks ago, Mike rented a wood chipper and chipped all the limbs and sticks we had in a huge pile near the playset. It definitely looks better. I'm liking the changes 'round here...what do you think?

You know you are a mom when.....

2009-05-10T16:04:00.003-04:00

OK....you get to help finish. I'll go first....you frequently stop eating to go clean your child's bottom...and then go right back to eating.

Just leave a comment with your ideas. Happy Mother's Day!!

p.s. I am enjoying a very nice, quiet Mother's Day. The kids are with the grandparents over 700 miles away...and I miss them so much...but gonna enjoy this time with my hubby!

Moments Like These....

2009-05-03T17:41:00.000-04:00

Being a mom is a tough job. I mess up more times than I get it right. Each child brings his/her own challenges....and joys! Moments like these just bring tears to my eyes. And make me want to squeeze them real tight. I found this envelope and note on top of my dresser this morning. Definitely a great start to my day. And...it is not even Mother's Day!

ps. That is a great picture of our house. We have a tree on the right side of the front door. And I love the gutter too! Looks like we need to work on spelling her first name "Esther"....she left out the H.

What an awesome big brother!

2009-04-29T19:03:00.001-04:00

Apparently Sarah Joy would not leave Graham alone this morning while he was trying to get his schoolwork done....so he promised her that they would get up on his bunk bed and read books this afternoon. She took advantage of the relaxed atmosphere to grab her pink blanket and her thumb (of course) and snuggled up next to her big brother to hear all about the princess, Gigi. What an awesome big brother!

Don't Judge A Book By Its Cover!

2009-04-27T18:59:00.000-04:00

Wordless Wednesday

2009-04-22T19:23:00.000-04:00

Just Yummy!

2009-04-19T16:20:00.001-04:00

We have had just a yummy weekend! The sun was out Thursday and Friday and Saturday...and it was warm! I actually got a little blistered on my arms! We spent Friday evening and Saturday morning participating in Small Group training for Harvest. It was awesome and we were given some great tools to implement in our small group....really refreshing! After the training, Mike and Graham went to see the annual Blue/Gold spring game at Notre Dame....I am not sure, but I think Notre Dame lost (ha!). The girls and I enjoyed a little shopping while the boys were at the game....very sweet! We spent Saturday night hanging out and cooking on the grill with some of our friends. Oh how I love to grill out and hang with friends! Just yummy! And this morning we went to church. I am telling you the truth....our pastor is nailing it! He preached from 1 Thess. 4:1-8 and focused on sexual purity. It takes some boldness for a pastor to preach on this topic without "watering it down".....and he has that boldness! In addition to the great message, my friend, Mal, was there! Very sweet! We enjoyed lunch today with some other friends from Life Action. Mark and Amy Bearden and their kids are here from Texas....so great to spend time with them! This afternoon is kinda rainy and cool....so the girls decided they wanted to make cookies. I thought it was the perfect way to end our yummy weekend!

If you are interested in listening to the sermon Trent preached this morning, you can listen online at

http://www.harvestgranger.org

Hope your weekend was just as delicious!
Leigh Ann

Barefoot with a side of rice

2009-04-16T13:06:00.001-04:00

Equals one happy girl!

Monkeys, Bunnies, and Ice Cream

2009-04-15T20:06:00.003-04:00

For months and months, the girls have been wanting to go to Build-A-Bear Workshop in the mall. And this Easter, they were surprised to find gift cards in their baskets.....so off we went!
Grace chose a lovely bunny (not a bear...go figure!)

And Sarah Joy chose a beautiful monkey (also not a bear....)
Graham was so awesome! I knew he didn't want to be there....but he was such a good sport and really helped Sarah Joy. Here they are giving her new monkey a bath.
I think she liked it....
And brushing, of course...
Oh! the decisions one must make to clothe these creatures....

And then we registered them in this Build-A-Bear database so that if we ever lose them, they will be returned to us....I think it was just a very clever way for them to get my email address...

The wonderful boxes to take them home in...

And then...my favorite part (and Graham's too)....an ice cream cone!

Easter 2009

2009-04-12T17:19:00.000-04:00

Happy Easter! He is Risen! What a wonderful day of celebration!
We went to church this morning, but I didn't get any pictures...sorry! Mike left early for worship team practice and I just didn't have my act together enough to take some pictures before we left home. But...the pictures of our family all dressed up are not the most important part of the day (right??). We want this day to be about Jesus!!
After church, we enjoyed lunch together as a family (missing all of our family back in GA) and then a little egg hunt in the backyard with the neighbor kids. The weather is beautiful here....hey...we are just thankful for the 50s...and we didn't have to wear snow bibs to church!

One of our traditions...

2009-04-10T16:02:00.000-04:00