Feb 10, 2011

40 things about me ♥

A friend posted this on her blog...with 40 random things about her....I thought it was fun...here it goes :)

1. Cereal is my favorite food. If I was told I could no longer eat it, I honestly don't think I could survive.
2. I used to think I would never grow old enough to be a mom. So glad I was wrong!
3. I love gas station ice. It's my very favorite. Weird I know.
4. I love watermelon jolly ranchers.
5. When I was a kid, I always wanted to marry my brother. It was pretty devastating when I found out I wasn't allowed ;)
6. I met my husband at a Christian book store.
7. I had my own in home daycare for 3 years.
8. I'm the middle child and the favorite. You know it's true mom :)
9. I'm a lot like my Grandma Wallis, who I adore.
10. I almost died when I was 3. I choked on a peppermint candy while in church and my Grandpa saved my life. I remember it too!
11. My mom almost lost me when I was 26 weeks along in her belly.
12. Jeremy and I's birthday's are a day apart....plus 5 years.
13. Ethan was born 5 years to the day we got engaged....our Valentine's baby :)
14. We went to Siesta Key, Florida for our honeymoon.
15. I'm horrible at flossing my teeth. I rarely do it. Jeremy is the opposite.
16. I'm blind without my contacts.
17. I'm starting music class with the kids next week and am so excited about it.
18. I love frozen m&m's.
19. I love Mexican food.
20. I love Thai food.
21. I'm beyond excited that we are moving next month into a beautiful home.
22. I love to fish.
23. I love to plan vacations.
24. I think I would love to be a realtor...in a good economy that is :)
25. I'm a huge scrapbooker.
26. I love to take pictures.
27. I'm going away with my hubby tomorrow night for the first time since before we had kids. Eeekkk!
28. I could spend an entire day in Babies R Us and not get bored.
29. I talk in my sleep.
30. I love to shop at TJ Maxx.
31. I love Coca Cola.
32. I love being married. It's so wonderful....going on 8 years this August :)
33. I think this baby is a boy.
34. I love to organize.
35. I'm suddenly feeling nauseous. Blah.
36. I love to entertain and host parties.
37. My mom calls me Kerbear. She's the only one that's allowed :)
38. I'm not looking forward to labor but can't wait to hold our new baby.
39. I strongly dislike the cold Michigan winters.
40. I am blessed with amazing family on all sides!

40 random facts about me :)

All is well with the Harrison's. Jeremy and I leave tomorrow afternoon for a day/night away together. We haven't had a night away from the kids since before Ethan was born. My mom is watching them during the day and my sister is coming over to be with them the rest of the day and sleepover. We are going to the marriage retreat with our church. We'll only be a half hour away but having an entire 24 hours alone together will be such a special treat! We plan to have lunch at our favorite restaurant in Canton....maybe see a movie in the afternoon and then meet up with some friends that night for dinner. Then Saturday morning is the marriage conference for a few hours and my pastor and his wife will be speaking. It should be a great time and a much needed getaway for my hubby and I. Can't wait to spend lots of time with him :)

The kids are doing well. They've been healthy most of the winter and I'm so thankful. Ethan will be 3 on Monday, it's really hard to believe. I feel it was just yesterday we brought him home from the hospital and now he's gonna be 3! We're celebrating this Sunday with the family at Safari Playground...an indoor playground that is newly built that is our favorite spot to hang out during the cold winters. In fact, I took the kids this morning with some friends - it was great :) I'm looking forward to celebrating 3 wonderful years with my boy...he's so precious and melts my heart.

Gracelyn is 4 months away from turning 2...I can't believe how fast these little ones are growing up. I cherish each day with them so much and adore them to pieces. I think daily how they simply are the cutest little people on the planet and can't believe they're mine. What cute babies my hubby and I make :) The little one in my belly seems to be doing good, thank you Jesus! I'm 10.5 weeks and baby is the size of a prune :) I can't wait for another month or two to pass so that I can start feeling the baby kick....it's always so amazing!

Well, that's all for now folks...enjoy the weekend :)

Much Love,
Momma Keri ♥

Feb 8, 2011

Exciting news :)

The Harrison's are moving!!! Yes, again I know! This should be the last time for a very long time. We've found a house we absolutely love at a fantastic price. We placed our offer last week and it was accepted within 12 hours! The home inspection was yesterday and it went great. No major issues! We will be closing on the home next month.

We are so excited about this house. It's just gorgeous and I can't wait for our kids to grow up in this house. I look forward to the many Christmas mornings around the fire place together, family gatherings and just to build new memories in what we believe is our forever home. I can't wait to bring our new baby home in the fall ♥ There are enough bedrooms for the kids to have their own rooms - I'm so excited.

We feel so blessed by God. He's so good and so faithful.

Here's a couple photos from the outside ♥

Isn't the gazebo fun? Lots of fun memories to come :)

Beyond Blessed,
Momma Keri ♥

Feb 7, 2011

Please pray for Kate

Hi Family and Friends,

I ask one simple thing from you all today. Will you please take a few minutes of your day today and pray for this little girl? I'm sure you've heard me mention her before here on my blog, as I've been following her journey for the past year a half.

For those of you who don't know, Kate was diagnosed with a brain tumor about a year and a half ago. She has gone through very high doses of chemo, radiation and many other things and a few months ago her parents shared the most amazing news. Kate's latest MRI was clean - no more cancer. Glory to God!!! Millions of people have heard of Kate's story, she's been on the Dr. Phil show - and we were all rejoicing in their glorious news. It has been a long and hard journey for Kate and for her parents. I've come to love Kate so much - she is such a sweet and special little girl.

Every few months for the next few years Kate has to have an MRI to see how things are going. Well, this last week on February 1st she had her MRI and they were all believing for a continuous clean scan. They were devastated to hear there were some new spots. I can only imagine their pain. Just imagining it hurts my heart so much - it brings me to tears. It is not definite yet that it is cancer, but, obviously that's what the doctor's believe it is.

They should know I believe this week if those spots indeed are cancer. They are boldly praying and believing for the PET scan to come back showing it's not cancer or for the spots to simply be gone. They know it would be nothing short of miraculous.

I'm just heartbroken for them and yet I believe that God can completely heal and restore Kate. I truly do. He has answered so many prayers throughout this journey for them already. The doctors didn't know if she would be able to walk again after all the treatments she went through. She's walking, riding her bike and her hair is growing back. I firmly believe that her story has reached so many...in countries all over the world because God has a very special plan for this little girl's life. I believe it's so that she will grow up to proclaim God's goodness, love, grace and healing power and what He did for her as a little girl. I believe her life will be a testimony - that those who don't believe - will believe. I've been praying this and believing this from the first day I heard her story.

So, I'm asking you today to please join me in prayer. This family needs our prayers desperately and Kate has been close to my heart. Holly (Kate's mom) shared on her blog last week that once they received that devastating news they had a talk with Kate. Kate is 7 and she understands what's going on, that's she been battling cancer and of course throughout her journey they have inevitably talked about heaven. She cried to her momma and said, "Mommy, I don't want to go to heaven without you. I would miss you too much." Holly replied, "I don't want to go without you either baby." Kate then whispered in her mom's ear, "No matter what....I'll always love you."

Tears roll down my face as I even type that. The thought of having to even have that conversation with one of my kids is so painful. We know heaven is going to be amazing...but as parents we don't want our babies to go there before us. Holly shared how they try to not cry around the kids (Kate has a big sister Olivia and little brother Will) but sometimes they just let it out. She shared how after that conversation with Kate she had to go alone to her room and cry. I can only imagine her pain - it's painful to even think about.

If you would like to follow Kate's story, here's her mom's blog. You can receive email updates every time there's a new post.
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mcraekate

Also, today they are asking those who can and are able to fast for Kate. To stand in the gap for her and pray, pray and pray some more. If I wasn't pregnant, I would do it in a heartbeat. Regardless, I will be praying all day. Here is a link to Aaron's blog (Kate's dad) on fasting today and their hearts cry. http://aaronmcrae.wordpress.com/

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and for praying for this precious little girl.
Believing for healing,
Momma Keri

Jan 27, 2011

Baby's First Photo ♥

I got to see our little peanut today!!!

Let me go back a few days.

I had my first dr's appt. on Monday. I just met with the nurse and we went over all my paperwork, family history, etc. She was such a sweet nurse, I loved her. And I was sure to tell her that too! I went yesterday morning to get my blood work done...8 tubes of blood...oh what fun :)

I talked with her briefly about my miscarriage. She mentioned the doctor may do an early ultrasound due to my history but that she wasn't sure. After a little while of talking about other things she then tells me she was going to order me an ultrasound...just for me, just to put my mind at ease :) It truly was God caring about the details of my life. My favorite verse. (Psalm 37:23) While I have had total peace during this pregnancy that all is well, He knows how much it would mean to me to have an early ultrasound.

Our last baby stopped growing at 7 weeks, 5 days. I'm 8 weeks, 3 days today. I went in with a hopeful heart and my heart was overjoyed to see that little heart beating away at 168 beats per minute and I even got to hear that beautiful sound too :) Thank you Jesus!

I go back on the 1st to meet the doctor and hear the heartbeat again. I think I will like her...the nurse had wonderful things to say and I just really have a peace about being back at Genesys Hospital....where I delivered our first little miracle, Ethan Craig ♥ Although I will say if I could use Jeanne (my midwife I used with Gracelyn) I would use her in a heartbeat. She is amazing and I will forsure miss her.

The tech said baby was great, everything looked great and that I'm measuring right on schedule! Yay! A Labor day baby it is :)

Everyone thinks it's a boy. Jeremy is already calling the baby by our boy name that we have chosen if it should be a boy. Sooo funny. I'm not that confident ;) He's been right on each time though so it wouldn't surprise me if he's right again. I will say that I'll be surprised if this baby is a girl...because I too feel boy...but I will be so happy to have either gender so it really doesn't matter to me. My dad feels strong it's a boy also...as well as other friends. My mom originally said girl but she has now switched to boy seeing as everyone else feels so strong it's a boy :) I love you mom, you always switch on me :) LOL.

Here is our precious miracle ♥

We are celebrating tonight by enjoying Filet Mignon's for dinner (my hubby is a professional chef when it comes to making filet's), baked potatoes and really yummy bread I picked up from Lucky's Steakhouse. Yum!

In other news, the rest of the Harrison crew is doing well. Kids are healthy and happy - so thankful!

I had a wonderful getaway weekend scrapbooking with my girlfriend. It was really nice, I'm really glad I went. I called on Friday night to talk to Ethan...which was so cute....as he kept saying my name and telling me he was eating popcorn. But, it was hard for me and made me miss him oh so much. So, I didn't call again. I just waited until I got home and could snuggle him in my arms ♥ Daddy said the kids were really great while I was gone and no injuries :)

I was able to scrap 20 pages....which was a lot for me! I got caught up on my pregnancy album (although as of today I have a new page to scrap :)), did a few pages in my Christmas album and got caught up to almost 2 and a half in Ethan's album. Yay! I'm only 5 months behind on his album, not too shabby! Gracelyn on the other hand....I've got some work to do! I'm only at 5 months on hers. My goal is to be caught up on theirs by time this new little one comes. Anyhow, it was a wonderful weekend, thank you baby for being such an awesome daddy and husband and letting me enjoy some "me" time. Love you forever!!

Much Love,
Momma Keri ♥

Jan 20, 2011

Psalms and Photos

"Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart's desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you." Psalm 37:3-5

I read these passages yesterday morning while I was reading my Bible and decided they were so good that I must memorize them. I haven't memorized scripture in a long time and I want to get back into doing it. It's so important to hide God's word in our heart. Life is full of ups and downs and I know when I'm down it's reading the Word....the Bible...that encourages me. It gives me hope, joy and peace.

I love the Psalms. They are so refreshing and just full of encouragement. Great verses to dwell on.

It's been a little while since I've posted....sorry! All is well here :) I'm 7 1/2 weeks along with our new little one and doing pretty good. Still feeling nauseous at times and am still extremely tired all the time but doing good - nothing to complain about! I have my first appt. on Monday but it's just for paperwork and blood work. Fun! Ha. In a couple weeks I'll meet my new doctor and hear the heartbeat. Oh how I can't wait for that appt! God truly has given me peace during this pregnancy and I really have no fear of miscarriage - but, I still am anxious to hear that sweet sound...our new little one's heartbeat. It just makes it so real and exciting.

The kids are well. I can't believe Ethan will be 3 next month - time sure does fly by. He is such a joy and melts my heart daily. He's so fun and silly and yet so sensitive too. He couldn't be any cuter and I just love him with my whole heart.

Gracelyn is 19 months and full of life! She makes the funniest expressions with her eyes and mouth and she's just a hoot! I love that little girl so much - and can't seem to stop kissing her cheeks. And brother bear's too.

Jeremy and I were just saying the other day how it's kinda weird to think about a new baby entering our lives. We're so used to just Ethan and Gracelyn that it's hard to imagine another little boy or girl. What they will look like, what their personality will be like....it's fun to think and dream about! At least for me :)

Well, tomorrow morning I leave for an entire weekend getaway! Ahhh! I am really excited but also going to miss my babies and hubby like crazy. I've never been away from Gracelyn overnight and I've only been away from Ethan when I went in to the hospital to deliver Gracelyn. I am just not that mom who desires to be away from her kids much. While I know it's good for me, I just miss them like crazy.

For those of you who don't know, I'm going about an hour or so away to a Bed & Breakfast that is only for scrapbookers. That's right....an entire weekend to work on my albums! I've always wanted to do something like this - so it really will be a nice time for me. I'm almost at Ethan's 2nd birthday in his album so I plan to try and get a little more caught up on his album and then also work on my Christmas album. We get served and cooked for all weekend too - it sounds wonderful :)

My cousin's baby shower is on Sunday at 2 so I am going straight from there to her shower...so I won't be home until probably 6 or so on Sunday evening. I will be sooo ready to see my babies and hubby! And I'm sure he'll be ready for me to be home too :) Thank you sweet angel for letting me go this weekend and enjoy myself. You're the best husband and daddy ever! I love you forever.

Well, I've been slacking a bit with pictures of the kids lately so this morning I did a little photo shoot of them. I love capturing these moments of their lives - they are just so sweet and I couldn't be more in love with them!

Enjoy the photos :)







Jan 9, 2011

Blah

That's how I've been feeling.

Pregnancy # 4 has brought on nausea. Thankfully I haven't thrown up but I woke up Friday night in the middle of night thinking I might. All day Saturday I felt sick to my stomach and had no appetite. I finally ate at like 6:30 pm.

Today has been a bit better but it's come in waves today and I just feel really blah. I've never really had morning sickness in my other pregnancies so this is new for me.

And....if one more person tells me maybe I'm having twins....I might cry. I love babies but the thought of twins has always put me in a panic. No thanks! I always pray for one baby. So, don't even joke about it...or you may make this pregnant girl have high blood pressure.

Nothing much else to report. Everyone else is well. Thank you Jesus.

It's time to put the kiddos to bed....hope you are all well and enjoyed your weekend.

Momma Keri ♥

Ps. Happy 19 months to my sweet Gracelyn Joy! I love you my little rascal.

Jan 1, 2011

Goodbye 2010, Hello 2011!

Happy New Year Friends and Family!

Can I just say how excited I am for 2011? Jeremy and I have been talking about how we both feel it's gonna be a really good year. I'm excited to see all of what God has in store for our family. I know it's gonna be GOOD!

Some of my favorite moments of 2010:

♥ Gracelyn's 1st Birthday. What a joy to see her growing so healthy and strong.
♥ Ethan talking more and more. I'm so thankful.
♥ Moving into our friends rental home. It was a true answer to prayer for us.
♥ Celebrating 7 years of marriage with my hubby. I love you baby!
♥ Ethan turning 2. His party was so fun and filled with lots of family.
♥ Our weekend getaway to Kalahari. America's largest indoor water park. So fun!
♥ Our amazing 1 week beach vacation with my family to Virginia Beach. It rocked.
♥ My friend Bekah getting pregnant. After 3 years of longing to be a mommy, she's gonna be one in March! I'm so happy for her.
♥ My cousin Tara expecting her first baby. So excited for her and Jesse.
♥ Nicole telling me they are pregnant with baby # 2. A day I thought would never happen. I picked up the phone, called her, ran outside and screamed as loud as I could.
♥ 2 successful garage sales at our house.
♥ Play dates at Safari with friends.
♥ Buying an awesome camera.
♥ Pool days with the Maddock's.
♥ My mom calling Elmo "Red Grover". Probably my hardest laugh of the year.
♥ My Birthday celebration with 8 of my girlfriends. It was an awesome night.
♥ The cards, messages, packages, texts and prayers from my family and friends after my miscarriage. Love you guys.
♥ Developing an even stronger bond with my BZ girls.
♥ Reconnecting with Lisa. An old friend who I loved dearly and made so many amazing memories with. It has warmed my heart to see us back in touch and to know how you're doing.
♥ My positive pregnancy test on December 23rd. We're having a baby!!! So happy!
♥ My mom's reaction to my news. Love you mom, thanks for always being so excited for me.
♥ Jude's reaction to my news. It was fun to tell you and thanks for the long hug!
♥ Multiple people telling me it was strong on their heart I was pregnant. Such a cool way of God telling me that all will be well with this little one.
♥ Tommee Profitt's new CD. His music blesses my life. You really should get a copy if you don't already have one!
♥ Nursing Gracelyn until 16 months. That's something to be proud of!
♥ Both kids sleeping through the night. Usually :)
♥ Seeing healing taking place in my sister. I love you Kris.
♥ My brother putting an offer on his first place!
♥ My dad thinking Barney was a hippo.
♥ Thanksgiving with the Petke's. Love my family!!
♥ Buying our van!!! I was beyond excited and love having a van!
♥ July 4th parade with the kids on our street! So fun. Especially watching my dad grab as many tootsie rolls as he could. Ha.
♥ GMG. The company my husband works for. God is blessing it and it's exciting. My hubby works so hard.
♥ Lots of Thai food. And I hope even more to come in twenty-eleven!
♥ Girls nights with my friends. Dinner, movies, starbucks. Lots of laughter and great conversation.
♥ My friendship with Layne. Pretty sure we will be friends for life. Love you friend and am so glad our paths finally crossed ;)
♥ Brooke. For being you. An amazing friend.
♥ Taco nights with Angela and Tommee. Wish you two lived closer!!
♥ Scrappin' days with Bonnie.
♥ Seeing Joanna over Thanksgiving. Great seeing you Jo!
♥ Developing new friendships. Rachel K comes to mind. I'm enjoying getting to know you!
♥ 2 fun jewelry parties at my house.
♥ Date nights. Thanks mom for babysitting.
♥ Being a part of an amazing church that isn't phony.
♥ Kate getting a clean MRI! Cancer free! Yay God!!!
♥ Sagebrush, Target and Starbucks with Jer the night after we lost the baby. Thanks Ray and Jude for coming over to babysit for us. I really needed that.
♥ Watching Brady.
♥ Having great neighbors.

And most of all, being loved by an amazing God. He's so good. So faithful. I'm thankful for 2010. Despite the hard times it brought - it was still filled with so many good memories and blessings. My heart is full of hope and joy leading into 2011 and I can't wait to see all the good things God has planned for our family.

Thankful,
Momma Keri ♥