Harperism of the Day

Today, my stomach was hurting a little bit. Harper said he would get his doctor kit and fix me. He grabbed the thermometer and said 'Let me get my Mominator'. That's just awesome, right there. After he took my temperature, he said I was 43 pounds. Don't be jealous, ladies. I eat small portions.

Swim Trauma

Tonight when we got to swim lessons, Harper's regular teacher, Eric, was there, but he was teaching some other kids. Harper and one girl had a teacher I hadn't seen before.

She was good, but from where I was sitting, it looked like she was teaching the stuff that Harper learned when he first started swim lessons. She said something to him and he got really mad and would scream everytime she tried to touch him. David, who runs the swim team, walked over to me and said Harper just didn't want to go under water. I told him to remind H that he'd get a sucker if he went under on his own. He passed on the message, but Harper didn't care.

The drama lasted about ten minutes, when finally, Dylan walked over to Eric, relieved him of his current task and sent him over to help Harper. Once Eric was in the water, it took about two seconds for Harper to smile and be all about swim lessons again. He went under on his own more than once. He paddled and kicked and had a great time.

Harper's used to Eric's teaching style and thinks he's pretty cool. So to know he was there, but have a different teacher who's showing you stuff you already know? Not very fun for a buddy. When we left, I told Eric that Harper and I are just creatures of habit. I hope it made him feel good to get in there and save the day.

Just Another Day at the Beach

Ang and I loaded up the boys and took them to Skiatook Lake for a few hours today. There's a small beachy area at Cross Timbers. They had so much fun! They had lunch, then built sandcastles, threw rocks, buried themselves... several times. We were going to fish, but I left H's fishing pole at home. Instead, we fed the HUGE catfish by the docks.

Adventureland

We went to Melissa's parents' house so her dad could change my oil and replace my brake pads. Harper and Gaby were instant friends and had a fantastic time. They had lunch, jumped on the trampoline, went fishing, ate watermelon, rode bikes... I'm exhausted just thinking about it!

Happy Birthday to Jack!

Aren't their pull-overs cute? Angela made blue ones for Thomas, red for James and green for Percy. Of course, all the kids wanted to be Thomas, but they each took an extra one home.

Blue Dome Arts Festival & Mayfest

Harper, my friend, Melissa, and I met up with Jody at Blue Dome Arts Festival today. It was really hot, but Harper was SO good! He got his face painted with a strawberry ice cream cone. Later we found a nice shady area that was set up for kids to paint little figurines. Harper picked the baseball playing turtle.

Bad Blogger

So I am so beyond late with this blog that I'm guessing I'm out of excuses. But in my defense, the last month has included complete madness with my new job, stormy weather and power outages. Oh, also? I have been very busy couponing.

I will now be posting and backdating blogs all the way to April 4th just to try and get you all caught up.

Mother's Day Weekend 2009

This year, Family Fun day was on our agenda. Afterwards, we went to Leon's for lunch.

Running Man

I bought new hairbands the other day, but I think Harper thought they were headbands...

Thomas Party

Today was a Thomas party at Toys R Us. We met the Strodes at the store and stayed until we couldn't stand it any longer. They colored, played with trains, there was a story time and free stuff.

Lions, Pirates and Dragons, OH MY!

Angela came over with the boys today. Harper and Jack decided they needed to get dressed up and play outside. It was a little warm for the dragon costume, but H didn't seem to mind.


Do you like the chia pets growing in the backyard? Insane!

Easter Sunday

We had a late lunch/early dinner with our friends, the Strodes, on Easter. The boys had a ton of fun hunting Easter eggs, coloring eggs, wrestling, running and playing with trains.

Kung Fu Movie Day

Harper got 'Kung Fu Panda' from the Easter Bunny, so we curled up on the couch to watch it. How comfy are we?

Philbrook in April

Harper working on his next masterpiece.

Me and my little man.

Close up!

H and Mimi

I love this pic of H and my mom.


We were on our way home and decided to have Taco Bueno for lunch. They do a discount for people over 55, so I told Mimi to show them her i.d. Harper yelled 'I have an I-75!" I don't know if he meant the highway that runs through Tulsa, or if it was Bingo talk, but it. was. funny!

Crick

I went in to check on Harper tonight and this is what I found.

Little Fish

Harper was pretty tired on his way to swim class tonight. He said, "Mommy? I'm going to take a nap on our way there." I love sleep, why would I argue?

H is doing great at his swim lessons! He's learning to float on his back and "bob".

HTV

Jody gave me a bunch of videos of Harper. You can view them below or check them out on my YouTube page.

May 2008
Harper dancing and singing to Troublesome Trucks on Nana and PaPa's bed.


October 2008
Harper wants to show Daddy a trick with his hackey sack.


October 2008
Sometimes we make up words... sometimes, they sound a *little* like words that we're not supposed to say. I like how Jody tries to get him to say it again, but it's never the same word twice.


November 2008
Harper loves 'It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown' and can quote it pretty well. Jody turned the camera on him when H was watching, and he didn't know it.


March 2009
There is a Thomas the Tank Engine story called 'A Close Shave for Duck'. I recommend you look it up and read it, then watch Harper recreate it here. He's so smart!


March 2009
I love this video of Harper singing along to 'Surprises' while he eats a snack. So cute!


March 2009
Lastly, our favorite video... Turn down your volume! In this, Harper is screaming at Jody (for who knows why), then he shakes his head and says, "I'm so disappointed of you dad."


Remember, if you can't view these, please visit my YouTube page by clicking HERE.

The Joy of Snow

Well, joy for some, disappointment for others. We were supposed to go to Kenzie's 3rd birthday party today. However, when we woke up it was pouring down rain. I called Mimi and told her I'd be more comfortable waiting until it eased up a little, before getting on the road.

After about an hour, Harper and I were ready to go, and I heard the rain stop. I yelled, 'Harper! Put on your shoes, let's go!' Then I looked out the window to find HUGE snowflakes falling, really quickly, to the ground. And sticking! Now... the meteorologists predicted this, but quite honestly? I don't believe them anymore. But now? Well... maybe I'll take a little more stock in what they say.

Harper and Mona had a blast. They were so funny!

Snuggle Buddies

I take a picture of Harper every night while he's sleeping. This is what I found tonight.

Isn't he sweet?

Baby Bump

Harper asked me today if there's a baby in my belly. Um, no.

I think it's time to start doing some sit ups.

Spidey Eyes

Harper has started swim lessons... the only thing is, he doesn't really like to go under water. We bought some goggles, and he tried them out in the shower last night.

He didn't really like them. He felt like they were too tight, then he said they smelled funny. I took them back today and exchanged them for a remote control Percy.

I've also included a picture of Harper practicing his 'Blue Steel' look a la Derek Zoolander.

King of the Jungle Gym

Well, it's not a jungle gym, but Harper has really been into climbing lately. Here is his demonstration. Isn't he proud?

Phamily Phun Day at Philbrook

Today we went to 2nd Saturday at Philbrook. This is an event that takes place every month on, well, the 2nd Saturday. It's free admission, kids get art supplies, a mission (to find a piece of art in the gallery), and there are fun craft projects to do.

We picked up our art supplies.

Went searching for the art... Harper found a painting he liked and wouldn't turn around for a picture.

We painted...



Then had lunch in the garden. It was a little chilly, but Harper didn't care.

Swim Lessons

Harper started swim lessons today. He was so great! He got his kickboard and waited for them to start. He marched over to the side of the pool where they were going to do their lessons. He blew bubbles in the treasure chest. He kicked and held onto his kickboard... He was awesome! Going under water freaked him out, and he didn't like that very much, but I told him it takes time. He just needs to be brave and push through.

Two Little Sickos Sitting in a Tree; C-O-U-G-H-I-N-G

Well, Harper was spending the weekend with his Nana, when she called to tell me he woke up with an ear ache and wanted to come home. I was sick, too, laying on the couch, but I know, when you're sick, you want your mom... So bring him home. We'll be sick together.

His doctor called in some meds and I picked up some ear drops. When he got home, he took his medicine and played... you'd really never have known anything was wrong.

Until...

Bedtime. Now, I've been deteriorating all day. And while he was sleeping, he had such a coughing fit, he projectile vomited all over the place. Ugh... I just couldn't do it by myself. I called Jody and he came over to help. I got H showered off, the sheets changed and in the wash, while J held H and comforted him. Thank goodness! He went back to bed and slept uninterrupted until about 7:30 the next morning.

Next day, I'm SO sick. I pulled a Harper and called my mom. BEGGED her to come help. Poor Harper... I couldn't even comprehend playing with him. Fortunately, he was content to lay on the couch and watch a movie with me for a while. That killed enough time for Mimi to get to the house. She took good care of us for the last couple of days. He felt great and wanted to play. I'm glad it was nice enough for him and Mimi to play in the backyard.


I took H to the doctor and he said that Harper had the beginnings of an infection in both ears, so it's good we got him on his meds on Saturday! He also said that Harper will be good to go on his swim lessons that start Tuesday. Can I get a hooty hoo?!

I still have a thermometer in Harper's room and he picked it up tonight and said 'I need to take my temper tantrum.' 'Yeah, bud? That's temperature.' 'Oh, ok.' Funny bunny.

Donut Day

Today, Harper's actual birthday, we took donuts to school. We came to this idea, since he wanted to invite ALL of his classmates to his party. There are 31 kids in his class, so uh, that was a no.

Everyone loved it, though, so the donuts were a hit!

Harper is FOUR!!!

Harper turns four on Monday, so we had his birthday party yesterday. We. Are. Exhausted! It was an early day... party was from 10a til noon. There were a ton of friends and family and it was a wonderful day!

We, of course, had a Thomas themed party. I originally wanted to have Mickey, but Harper was adament... it was his birthday, so who was I to say no? His main request was he wanted a lot of balloons. Balloons everywhere. So that's what he got. Balloons in his bedroom, the living room, bathroom, hallway, and dining room.


I'm not going to upload all the pictures here, just a few highlights. I'll post a link soon to the pictures on shutterfly.com.




Today, Harper and Mimi had a great time popping the balloons. Afterwards, we went to Baskin Robbins for his free scoop of ice cream. He picked some crazy colored sherbet, then decided he wanted my cookie dough ice cream. Crazy boy... he'd better just pick the right one next time.

The Giving Tree

Harper forgot how much he loves the story about 'The Giving Tree'. When we re-read it he fell in love with it all over again. I heard him in his room reading it...

Thomas Jammies

I got Harper some Thomas jammies and he loves them! Even Mona looks happy.

Beauty Queen

Introducing my brother's daughter, Brooklynn Jane Harris. She was born February 17, 2009 at 10:10 p.m. Weighing in at 6 lbs 6 ozs and 18 inches long.

Not too shabby for three weeks early!

Valentine's Date

For V-Day I got to spend my day with my best guy. We went to a 3-D movie called 'Under the Sea'. It was scary in parts (snakes! sharks!), but we had a good time.

Afterwards, we went to TGIFridays for lunch. H had a minor meltdown, mostly because he was so hungry, but it passed quickly. Then he got to have dirt for dessert! Chocolate pudding, with crushed Oreo cookies and gummy worms. Yum!

Fashionisto?

Harper came home from school today and changed clothes...

Harperism of the Day

Harper told me today that I made his heart smile. How sweet is that?

To Enid We Will Go

Harper and I went to Enid to stay with my Aunt Linda and see Grandmother. We squeezed in a little time with Grandad, too. You just can't go to Enid and not see Grandad!

We went to Leonardo's and played, did puzzles, ran mazes... there was a minor breakdown when he saw the Thomas trainset and didn't want to do anything else. I admit, I was frustrated trying to explain we have Thomas at home! Why play with it here when there's all this cool stuff to do? He wouldn't listen to my logic. The place was closing soon, though, so it wasn't an issue for long.


Aunt Linda lives on a pond, so there were a ton of ducks. She and H had a blast feeding them. The swans came out, too, and they were HUGE!

Aunt Linda's basement is a child's heaven! SO many toys... Harper loved it.

Now we're anxiously awaiting their return so we can go out on the canoe in the pond.

Ice Day

Bad weather in Tulsa today resulted in spending the day at home with Harper J. Yay!

He was so good and we had a lot of fun. We played with trains, read stories, colored and played doctor... on each other AND Mona. She was actually a very patient patient.

"Mommy, make her cough."

Checking those reflexes

Taking her temperature

Time for shots! "It'll only hurt for a minute."

At one point, I was picking up Harper's room and I heard him say to Mona, "Don't go in there! Momma, er, Jasie is in there."

While we were coloring, I was being really silly and he said, "You're a cutie patootie."

Teaching Politics to a 3 1/2 Year Old... Kind of...

The other day, we were driving home, and Harper pointed to the church by our house and he asked "Is that where you voted, Mommy?" I said that yes it was. He asked if Obama was going to be our next President and if he won all the races. I said, "No, there are a lot of races, but Obama won a very important one."

That night, we were eating dinner and he wanted to race. When I finished first, I said "I won! What do I get?" He said, "You won! You're Obama! Good job, Momma!"

So now anytime anyone wins anything, they're Obama.

Hotburn

Harper kept saying his chest hurt today. I thought maybe it was heartburn (which he pronounces "hotburn"). He seemed to think that by using an ice pack, it would help.

We were eating, so the only way I could think to keep one pressed against his chest was to wrap it in my scarf and tie it around his chest.


It actually worked really well.

Now... for entertainment's sake... here are some pics I took and caught Harper with a funny look on his face. Oh man... I have practically wet my pants laughing at these pics.

Toots McGee

After church today, we went to Goldie's for lunch.

The most entertaining part of that was that Harper kept farting and announcing 'I tooted...' as if I couldn't smell it.

Ick.

Swimming with the Fishes

H and I went to get donuts this morning, then we hit up the Oklahoma Aquarium. We saw sharks and sting rays, fed turtles and petted starfish. His favorite part was seeing the Nemo and Marlin fish.

He was scared of the octopus, freaked out by the snake and a little grossed out when I told him that Daddy and Uncle Matt ate Piranha while on their mission trip over the Summer.

Welcome to the Oklahoma Aquarium!

Checking out the Nemo and Marlin fish

Feeding the turtles

Swimming with the sharks!

Spell Check

Tonight Harper asked me how to spell 'snot'.

That's all I'm going to say about that.

Little Drummer Boy

Harper and Jody invited me over for dinner tonight. H has a drum kit at his Daddy's, but I've never seen him use it. I had a front row seat tonight.

Enjoy.



My favorite part is the end when he says "DONE!" and throws down the drumsticks. I laugh so hard when I see that.

Word Confusion

Okay, this is kind of embarrassing, but really funny...

The other day, I had a pimple on my forehead. I admit, I'd messed with it, so it was a little red. Harper said, "What's that?" I told him it was a pimple and went on a slight rant that when he hit puberty, I would do whatever it takes to make sure he has clear skin (I've battled with it for years).

He climbed up onto his stepstool so he could see himself in the mirror and he tightened his eyes like he was really scrutinizing what he saw. Then he said, "Sometimes I get nipples, but sometimes I don't."

"Pimples," I clarified through giggles, "they're called pimples, honey."

The Reader

Harper read a book to me tonight with VERY LITTLE help!



I'm honestly not a fan of board books, but I've held onto a few for when he shows an interest in reading himself. He recognizes so many words, I may get overly excited when he reads to me. Picture this:

Mommy: "What does that say?"
Harper: "This. Little. Piggy."
Mommy: "THAT'S RIGHT! OH MY GOSH! YAAAAYYYYY! I'M SO PROUD OF YOU!!!!!"

Then he keeps reading and if I don't respond to him like that, he points it out. "Say 'Yay!!!!' Mommy."

No one can ever say he wasn't encouraged.

Birthday Party Ideas

Well, it's hard to believe, but Harper J will be FOUR in less than two months!!!

I've been mulling over a couple of party ideas and could use some feedback.

1. Have a Mickey Mouse themed party at the house. Late morning (so it's after breakfast, before lunch and naptime), maybe 10:30-11ish. Presents and cake as usual.

2. We can rent out a movie theatre, but we have to have a minimum of 20 people. Shouldn't be a problem (I have about 40 people on my invite list), but quite honestly, it's too expensive for me to shoulder the cost. I was thinking that instead of gifts (he really has more than enough toys) everyone could just pay for their own admission package. The package includes one admission ticket and one Kid’s Snack Pack (drink, popcorn, snack-size candy) per person with one hour of auditorium rental time pre or post movie screening. The more people who go, the less it will be per person.

I won't know what movie it is until about a week beforehand. There may not even be anything appropriate showing... I'm not really sure how it works. I'll get more details soon.

In the meantime, let me know your thoughts. I've included a poll on the right.

Biker Dude

It was gorgeous outside today, so we took advantage of the weather. H got to ride his bike around the block twice... I don't know why, but he insists on wearing these black gloves. It was actually a pretty good thing, he fell once and they would have been pretty scraped up if he hadn't had them on. Mostly he's a well practiced rider. I have to give props to his Daddy here, they go riding fairly often, I guess.

Leaf Relief

Harper J enjoying the pile of leaves on the side of the house.

Trainspiration

I was uninspired while H was gone, so I waited til he returned to put together his tracks. But when he got home from Christmas with Daddy, he immediately ran to his trains. He helped me decide what should go where and we built some of the best tracks ever.

We love the new rug from Robin and Susan. It's so bright and colorful!

Mommy's Helper

And no, I don't mean Harper.

Every morning when I wake up H, or afternoon when he's getting up from his nap, Mona has to run in with me and help get him out of bed. She licks his hands and on this particular day she got halfway into his bed. It was so cute... minus the hair that was left behind...

Christmas Joy 2008

Christmas morning we woke up and headed to the living room. (Don't you love his shirt?! He's been really into the Charlie Brown Christmas story, then we found this at Target... I couldn't resist!)

Santa brought him a bike and a Thomas helmet.

He got some new Thomas stations from Mommy.

Some Pick Up Sticks from Grandmother.

Then we headed in the car to go to Uncle Steve's for the day. He doesn't look very excited, but he was tired because of the dramamine and didn't want to sleep.


He got some great new toys and books, and had SO much fun playing with his cousins. I love this picture of Kenzie... someday I'll show this to her and laugh at how innocent she looks, I'm sure. And the following picture of Conner. The sheer joy on his face fills my heart.


Every year we try to get a picture of all three kids. When Kenzie covered her eyes, I had a burst of inspiration...

Our Little Monkeys

He slept hard on the way home.

We left shortly after lunch so we could have time to ride that new bike before dark. The helmet is obviously too small, I'll have to exchange it for a larger one before he rides again.

Christmas Eve

Well, Harper had a VERY busy Christmas Eve! We had lunch at The Brook, then went home for a nap. I had to wake him up so we could go to the Christmas Eve service at our church. He wasn't really very happy with me... it's the first time he's ever said 'Just let me sleep!' lol ~ at least he likes his naps when he takes them.

Once we were at church, he had a really good time. (Not that you can tell by this picture...)

They told a story and asked the kids who were 5-12 to go up front. Harper asked if he could go and I said yes. He sat up there for 30 (!) of the 40 (!!!) minute story. Once that was over, we headed home.

We ate some dinner, then I let him open a present before bed. He picked the present from JoJo...

Can you tell he loves it?

Before bed, we set out cookies and milk for Santa and carrots for the reindeer.

Now he has visions of sugarplums and Santa will be here any minute... I'd better get to bed, or he's going to skip our house!