Life with Boys

Mommy's little lovebugs!

2010-12-21T21:01:00.000-08:00

I read this devotional about a week ago and it really hit my heart.

The devotional talks about the female author's son and his growing interest in a girl. She speaks about the sudden onset of him wanting to purchase pretty things for his friend and how she, as the mother, wasn't ready to let go of him. Coming to the realization that this was an inevitable stage for her son, she shares this prayer..

"The day is coming so quickly, Lord, when I'll lose the boy you have given me to another woman. Please make me ready for that time, and help me make him ready for that time."

I am that mom that quickly redirects any talk about my baby boys dating, marrying, and obviously having children in the future. It's not that I don't want these things to happen for them, it's more the fear of having to face that day when they WILL move on to another woman, along with the image in my head of my sweet baby boys that will never grow up. Come on! I know if you are a parent, whether it be of girls or boys, you have had this struggle too!
Well NO MORE! I have made a decision that I must accept that God has a plan for my sons, they will grow into young men, and I need to begin to pray that they do find wonderful and amazing wives that will love and respect them and raise me some beautiful and brilliant grandchildren. I need to pray for them to be strong, Christian husbands and fathers. I need to pray for their children and grandchildren. But I also need to pray for myself, that I am ready for this time and this growth as it comes about.

Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. Psalm 127:3 NIV

Cowboys and Space Rangers

2010-07-15T19:28:00.000-07:00

Little boys are so funny.

Caleb is officially in love with Toy Story. He is discovering all three movies and wants to watch them all of the time.

Daddy bought Caleb stuffed Buzz and Woody dolls yesterday and they are going everywhere with us.

Last night he was looking at Woody and said "sheriff hat?". I told him that we had a cowboy hat if he wanted it, he eagerly accepted. Once the hat was in place and Caleb was admiring himself along with Woody in the mirror he said, "shirt Mama, cowboy shirt?". We then moved to Bryce's closet in search of a cowboy shirt that hangs down past his knees!

I think he was finally pleased with his appearance.

Last night he insisted on sleeping in his cowboy shirt.

This morning we took Bryce to church camp, of course Caleb required his cowboy shirt, Buzz and Woody.

Thank you Lord for little boys. Thank you for the joy they bring and the love they have for their mommies.

2010-04-02T06:35:00.000-07:00

What a day out with Thomas! The weather was beautiful and the boys were able to see their favorite childhood characters. How can you not love Sir Topham Hat!

They had a petting zoo at the event. Caleb was completely astonished by the chickens. I think he couldn't believe that they were real (as if he was looking at unicorns!).

The real Thomas the Tank Engine, cool!

One day in January

2010-01-25T11:51:00.000-08:00

This was a new experience for me. Bryce, Caleb and I decided we would go to the park since it was a nice sunny 70 degree day. Did I mention it was January? Ok, so we had a great time playing and climbing. Caleb is getting so big and so capable of doing most of the slides, ladders and steps all on his own. They grow up so fast, not to mention that he has an 8 year old brother that he is running after constantly so I am sure that is making his progress that much quicker. Shortly after we arrived and began to play, Bryce heard the familiar sound of the ICE CREAM TRUCK! "OK, in January?" i think to myself. I couldn't stand to pass up buying them ice cream, so we had a fun and sticky time playing outside.

Just a little fun with the boys

2010-01-25T11:39:00.000-08:00

oh no Bryce watch out!!!!!

Got him!

There is nothing better than having a fun afternoon in the backyard running around with your kids. My boys are so blessed to have a daddy that lets them jump, pounce, and attack him the way they do.

Ho! Ho! Ho!

2010-01-25T11:31:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas! These are some pictures from when Santa himself came to visit our home. Aren't we blessed?

Brrrrr....it's cold in here, Part 2

2010-01-25T11:24:00.000-08:00

Here are a few more pictures from our visit to the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine.

Brrrrrrr.....it's cold in here!

2010-01-25T11:19:00.000-08:00

The Harris Family goes to ICE! In December we went to the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, TX. Every year they put on an ice exhibit. Not just any ice exhibit, a HUGE walk through exhibit! The temperature inside the exhibit was below ZERO and my fingers were feeling like zero by the time we got out of there. Super Cool though, we had a great time.

Caleb's 1st Day of School (belated)

2009-09-22T12:30:00.000-07:00

I know this is a little late since this was actually back on September 9th, but Caleb started Mother's Day Out and I wanted to share the few pictures that I took with him on his first day. I will get more of him with his sweet teachers, Ms. Lilly and Ms. Carrie, later and post them. He did so good and had a great time, much against his mothers expectations or fears. I am so proud to say that Caleb Troy Harris can function without his mommy around him 24/7.

God has blessed me in ways so far beyond my comprehension.

2009-09-22T12:03:00.000-07:00

I was just thinking today about how blessed I am. Sometimes I just have to STOP and meditate on the things that I have been given without earning or deserving anything at all. I didn't do anything to deserve the beautiful family that I have. God loves me so much that he gave me two boys to raise and teach to love Him. He gave me an amazing man to lead me and be my partner in life, to love me and deal with all of my faults. A man that loves our children so much that he is even more overprotective than I am sometimes. When I think to myself all that I have and all of the stupid things that I put myself through, why have I been so blessed. Then I answer my own questions, I know why. Because Jesus died for me, because God loves me, and because I made the decision to give my life to Him. Boy I wish I had made it easier on myself and done that long before I did, but what a beautiful thing God has done.

How blessed I am to have two boys that are so full of love towards each other and towards everyone they are around.

How blessed I am to have two boys that think their dad is the coolest and copy all the silly things that he does.

How blessed I am to have two boys that love love love their mama! (I don't care what anyone thinks about that, it's a good thing)

How blessed I am to have two boys that are so full of life and happiness that you can't help but to smile or laugh when they look at you.

How blessed I am to have a Godly, handsome, smart, driven man in my life to raise them both and show them how to follow God and receive all that He has in store for them.

Wow! What a Mighty God!

My new Tricks

2009-08-27T06:26:00.000-07:00

Caleb has found himself a new trick. He likes to look at you through his legs.Now this is very entertaining in itself, but then he stumbled upon a front roll while peeking through his legs. So this video is him trying to reenact his new experience. So cute! What a silly boy I have.

Of course, Bryce thought this was extra entertaining!

What good manners I have taught them.

2009-08-20T20:06:00.000-07:00

This is a quick entertaining post about my silly boys. I find myself going through the day frustrated that Caleb is whining constantly and Bryce doesn't listen. I feel like I am having to follow Bryce around and nag him to make sure that he does as I have asked. Then of course, Caleb is following me crying and whining about, well, I am still not quite sure most of the time.

But these are those moments when I remember why I am so in love with my boys. They brighten my life and make it so impossible for me to always be the conservative, controlling woman that I try so hard not to be. I love you both Caleb and Bryce and I can't wait to look back on these moments frozen in time with you and laugh at how much fun you two had together.

How do you not laugh?

2009-08-04T19:11:00.001-07:00

This is going to be a short post, but one of the many examples of why I LOVE my baby. He is so silly!

Tonight he discovered my glasses, not that he hasn't played with them before; but tonight he was proud of himself for discovering them. Not only did he figure out how to get them on the right way but he has now decided that he will pose for pictures and say "chzz" in the process. Here are a few pictures that deserve some laughs.

2009-08-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

This weekend we had friends and their families come to Fort Worth. We have all moved away from Amarillo accept for one family and we like to keep close by having these little gatherings.

I have included several pictures to tell the story of our weekend full of adventure, fun, and fellowship.

DaShawn and I at NRH2O

(a water park in North Richland Hills)

Mr. Bryce drinking much needed refreshments

Jared and Snap (R.L.) lounging

Mrs. Jessica, Tomas, Saylor and Sarah

Sweet Saylor

Caleb after too much excitement

That night, a good game of Guesstures took place...

Snap, Superman?

Rainforest Cafe was a fun place for fellowship and food

Annie and Pretty Tatum at Rainforest Cafe

Caleb and Tatum loving the fish tanks at Rainforest Cafe

Bryce and Cha Cha

What a cutie! Miss Bennett

The Garmons

The Harris Family

The Hunnicutt family, The Wrotten family, The Garmon family and the Harris family.

We had such a great time with all of you and cherish these special get togethers with close friends. We are so excited about our upcoming Adults Only trip together. I know DaShawn and I are in need of some time away.

repeat repeat

2009-07-16T07:56:00.000-07:00

Caleb is such a little repeat! He has a super cute book titled Moo, Baa, La La La" that he likes for me to read and he has learned to say the animal sounds from it. Here is a little tid bit.

Also, for those out there who don't quite understand the degree in which Caleb LOVES dogs, here is a little taste of that as well.

Today is the Day!!!

2009-07-16T07:22:00.000-07:00

Today was a remarkable occasion at the Harris household. This evening, Dara Harris aka Mom aka amazing macaroni cooker turned cuisine chef prepared an amazing dish entitled "A taste of Olive Garden at Home". This fine dining cuisine included Chicken Parmesan Bundles, Fettuccine Alfredo and delicious green broccoli.

Now there is something much more remarkable than just the sheer talent that Dara has shown here this evening. You see, these delicious chicken bundles were full of a cream cheese mixture stuffed full of SPINACH!!! Yes, I said Spinach and no that is not yet the remarkable event..............

I will let the photos speak for themselves. Here is a before picture of this amazing cuisine...

And this is Bryce's plate after dinner was served....

I couldn't ask for a better eating child.

He must think he is Popeye now!

Just for fun videos....

2009-07-11T13:27:00.000-07:00

There has been a lot going on lately and here are some clips from our adventures....

if you listen closely to the video of Caleb swimming, he is saying "CHEESE"!

He has been adding new words to his vocabulary every day. He now says "Jetta" for sure (which is our neighbors dog!). Bryce is the best big brother Caleb could ask for, he plays so well with him and they have lots of fun running through the house.

July 4th Home Celebrations

2009-07-08T06:42:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I have posted, but I have lots to show so here is the first set of happenings. Our 4th of July weekend was pretty good. DaShawn had to work so the boys and I set out to get some donuts first thing in the morning to get out of the house. Our donut stores have these sausage wraps, which is basically like a breakfast pig in a blanket. We all three were loving these! We enjoyed the pool, the slippin slide and little cooking out before all was said and done. Later that night, Bryce and I went out in search of fireworks and boy did we find some. Apparently when you live in the country there is no need to go downtown for fireworks. There were so many people doing fireworks you could see them across the skyline driving home, Bryce loved how close they were.

Sunday our friend Jessica came in town with her sister and cousin and we all 4 girls went to the Beyonce concert in Dallas. Wow what a performance! She was so great and I danced my feet off....literally my feet ached as i layed in bed trying to go to sleep that night.

But it was so worth it!
Overall, a great but busy weekend!

....and counting

2009-06-20T12:14:00.001-07:00

I realize that I should be keeping up with Caleb's words and what he has learned to say so far. So here are the things that I am sure he is saying accurately.

He clearly has been saying "mama" and "dada" for about 2 months or so. There is a little game we play in the car, he starts saying (or yelling, we all know he is LOUD) "mamamamamama" over and over again and I start yelling back "caleb, caleb, caleb", then he begins to laugh. Hey, whatever makes your child laugh is worth doing. Besides that, I have gotten use to his loud voice.
Caleb has also been saying "bubu" for about the same amount of time also. But just within the last week he has started occasionally saying "bice" when he is in Bryce's room or when Bryce walks by.
"wa tis" is the big one that is said to everything. We have come to the understanding that he must be saying, "what's this?". He points at everything or shows you things and says it.
"Ba" has taken on the word ball over the last day. I don't know how long and how many MILLIONS of times I have said " ball" to Caleb, thinking that would be an easy one to pick up. But he finally is getting it.
"ta tu", yes that was thank you! YIPPEEEE! As of only moments ago he handed me a towel I was asking for and he told me "ta tu". Good boy! If this is the only word he says for the next month i will be satisfied....of course I guess we need to work on "please" also.

I think the next word on the list is going to be our neighbors dog's name, Jetta. He points and chases her around on a daily basis.

Fort Worth Water Gardens

2009-06-16T12:03:00.000-07:00

This morning Bryce, Caleb and I went to the Fort Worth Water Gardens located in downtown Fort Worth. The pictures don't do it justice to just how incredible the deep water fall is, but they turned out pretty neat. We met up with some family friends of ours and had a great time exploring. I didn't hear a single complaint about the heat!

New Experiences

2009-06-16T11:26:00.000-07:00

This was a morning to experience new things. Caleb was going to give the spoon a try with his yogurt. As you will see in this video, he has mastered holding the spoon....maybe just not the function of it. Oh well, I am sure in time he will get it.

Bryce Harris is officially a 2nd GRADER!!!!!

2009-06-03T09:55:00.001-07:00

OMG! My sweet little Bryce is now officially a 2nd grader. I am so happy that he is growing into the wonderful, silly, loving young man that he is; but I am also so sad to remember that it wasn't that long ago that I was laughing and chasing him around like I am Caleb now.

I remember when .......

Bryce LOVED little people toys

LOVED watching Thomas the tank engine

LOVED playing trains ALL OVER THE HOUSE

LOVED watching veggie tales

LOVED laughing at simple things

LOVED to kiss with sloppy wet kisses

LOVED sticking his feet on you to make you laugh

and I LOVED his sweet little words that were so jumbled that only I knew what he was saying.

Bryce you are getting so big and so handsome that I dread the day you want a girlfriend, drive a car, and want to go to the movies with your friends instead of me.

You are my sweetpea and will always be my baby.

Mommy's little cleaner

2009-05-29T09:56:00.000-07:00

This is too cute! Caleb has never been afraid of the vaccuum cleaner, if anything he would like to ride on it. So when he discovered the power button, his curiousity got the best of him.

Running over from another busy day

2009-05-29T06:28:00.000-07:00

My little Lego fanatic son, Bryce. We decided to get Bryce a good little collection of Lego Star Wars kits for him to enjoy over the summer. He has been "admiring" them for several months now EVERY TIME we go to the store. He is so excited about them and keeps saying how he "can't believe" that he has 4 new Star Wars kits. So now the obsession can continue. Every morning, afternoon and night I catch him in his room constructing a war ship. I know little boys have their own obsessions in stages, but Bryce eats, sleeps, and drinks Star Wars! Here is a glimpse of the pics he wanted to take to post onto Lego Starwars.com.....yes there is a website for this :)

A New Trial Run

2009-05-27T08:16:00.000-07:00

Today is a new day, Dara is going to start a blog for all to see. I must give the props to my friend Sarah, who has inspired me to better track my children's lives now that we live away from our friends and family. I do, however, have a website with pictures posted at www.babycalebtroy.shutterfly.com for those who haven't been there. You are more than welcome to visit and see updated pictures. I vow to to my best to update both of these websites with all of the new and exciting things that are happening in our lives.