thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving

This year our family has been truly blessed! Last year at this time, my husband had just accepted a new job, we were in packing mode and I wasn't sure what life would be like in Arizona. Thankfully, the job worked out and I've seen so much growth in my husband's career. He is happy. My children have adjusted and have made some amazing new friends. They are happy. We are where we are meant to be and for that I am thankful. 

early chapter books

Over the past couple of months, Lucas and I have been slowly diving into chapter books. Some he reads, some I read and some we both read. He especially enjoys reading books from the Pete the Cat series and books about Superheros.  As his reading improves, I have been encouraging Lucas to branch out and try new books....it keeps things interesting and honestly I can only take so many stories about Pete or Batman before I go crazy!!!  Here are a few early chapter books that we have enjoyed this month.

1. Pete the Cat by Eric Litwin is a series favorite for Lucas. I've been reading Pete the Cat at bedtime since my kiddos were little. Now, Lucas is able to read Pete the Cat and he loves it! The stories are perfect for beginning readers, with an upbeat message and colorful illustrations to keep readers engaged.  Between our home library and local public library, I think Lucas has read every Pete the Cat book. 

2. Charlie the Ranch Dog by Ree Drummond is the perfect book for young dog lovers learning to read!  Charlie is the lovable, bacon eating ranch dog with floppy ears and short legs. He takes ranch work seriously! I love that Charlie is a Basset hound and  isn't your typical ranch dog. My daughter loves listening to Lucas read Charlie the Ranch Dog out loud...especially when Charlie howls.

3. Stinky Spike the Pirate Dog by Peter Meisel was a new find for us. This book was challenging for Lucas, however he did enjoy the story and was able to answer comprehension questions.  When Spike slips on a piece of seaweed and gets lost at sea, he is rescued by the Captain Fishbeard and his crew of stinky pirates. Spike stays with the pirates as their official super sniffer.  After a few misadventures the pirates soon realize how valuable Spike's super sniffer is for finding lost treasure.

4. The Magic Treehouse by Mary Pope Osborne is a fantastic book series!  This is my first time reading the Magic Treehouse books, and I'm enjoying the stories right along with the kiddos. In the series, Jack and Annie find a magic treehouse. The treehouse belongs to Morgan Le Fey and is able to magically transport Jack and Annie back in time. In each book, the kids experience a different time and adventure.

Halloween 2018

Happy Halloween from Little House of Harrison! This year the kiddos went as Iron Man and Sky from the Paw Patrol/Princess Elsa. This was our first Halloween in our new neighborhood. It was a fun night, and packed with kids and families. I bought the biggest bag of candy I could find and we passed it all out! We had perfect weather for trick-or-treating and got to know more of our neighbors.  Now, I gotta figure out what to do with all of the candy we collected!!! 

upstairs kids/guest bath refresh

Over the weekend, we did a bathroom refresh. My husband and a close family friend worked together to install the vanity, which was done in one afternoon. The new medicine cabinet shelves were built by the same friend, installed by me. After painting the entire bathroom and cleaning up the light fixture, I think this bathroom is much nicer. The new vanity functional. I can store the kid's things inside the drawers with plenty of space leftover for extra towels and toilet paper.  

I've been in a creative slump lately. 

I've been asking myself what is the point of blogging? 

And honestly, what is the point of most of what I do...

I was inspired by other bloggers to pause and reflect on this list.  I thought  maybe through the process of self reflection it could help me get out of the slump. 

So here you go... and yes I'm aware that it is past the challenge date. 

#1. I grew up...

I grew up in a rural community in Southern California. My parents owned a small ranch where we raised horses, dogs, a few goats and a random assortment of small animals.  Most of our dogs were strays...my Mom could never turn a stray dog or cat away. I have two biological sisters and three adopted brothers (...they were adopted after I moved out and got married). My sisters and I were homeschooled. When I turned nine, I was enrolled in our local 4-H club where I showed horses until I turned eighteen. I spent ten summers working at a summer camp as a horse instructor, counselor and programming director...which is also where I met my husband. And lastly, I graduated with a Master of Arts in Teaching from La Sierra University.

#2. Someone who has influenced me is....

This is a tough one to answer. Of course, my parents and Dadi have all played a role in influencing and shaping my life and for that I'm an eternally grateful. However, if I have to pick one person I'd pick Dr. Siegfried Roeske - religion professor from college. It is because of Dr. Roeske that I am still a Christian and an Adventist. Sadly, Dr. Roeske passed away last December. He will always have a special place in my heart.

#3. A thing that changed my worldview was...

Going to college! My freshman year was an eye opening experience. I was woefully unprepared - socially and academically. It took a couple of months to get on my feet..ok maybe a couple of years...but I finally did and I walked away with my Master of Arts in Teaching.  

#4. I am strangely good at...

Snail mail! Love writing and receiving snail mail. There is something extra special about handwritten notes and cards.  

#5. I have mixed feelings about...

Should I leave my hair long and just do a nice side swept longish bang? Should I dye the tips of my hair teal blue just in time for the holidays? Or should I go short and bold with a sharp diagonal lines? 

#6. A defining moment in my life was when...

I found out that I was going to be a mama. I always knew that I wanted to have kids, but I didn't expect my oldest to come so soon. I didn't even know that I was pregnant until I was about thirteen weeks. I went to see my doctor for a routine check-up. The next day while I was teaching, the doctor called to give me the news. My husband and I had just talked the night before about starting our family in about five years. Little did he know that plan wasn't in God's plan for us...Just FYI, my husbands reaction when I told him about being pregnant was to go to Red Robin and eat his weight in french fries, then go to Costco and buy me earrings and fuzzy boots. 

#7. Recent discovery I can't stop talking about...

The Churro Place! Gilbert has some amazing places to eat and one of those places is the Dulce Churro Cafe. If you are ever in town...please check this cafe out! You will never be able to eat churros anywhere else. 

8#. Something I'm struggling with right now is...

In two years my youngest daughter will be starting kindergarten. I'm not sure what the next step in my life will be. My role as a Mama is changing..yes..my kiddos will still need me, but with both kids in school I'll have time on my hands. Do I get a job? Do I continue to stay at home? I'm not really sure what my plan is..but one thing I do know is that I need to figure it out soon. 

9#. My magical reset button is...

Being outside in nature. After living in triple digits for three to four months, I'm ready for cooler weather. It's time to get outside and explore Arizona..away from technology..and possibly my kids. Also, if I can't get to nature...Target and Starbucks alone is always a great alternative...the garden section counts..right? 

#10 In 3 months, will you ask me about...? 

In three months, I'll have lived in Arizona for one year! Feel free to ask how that is going. Also, ask me if I survived my first Holiday travel season. I'm curious to see how it is going to be traveling, visiting family and trying to see everyone in a short amount of time. I'm going to miss being home on Christmas morning. However, I'm also looking forward to making new memories and traditions as the years go by. 

Grandparent's Day

The older I become the more I understand that family is everything. In our home, my husband and I do are best to instill in our kiddos the importance of family. Both kiddos have close relationships with their grandparents, and moving away was hard...for the kiddos and their grandparents. Thankfully, Arizona isn't too far away and Dadi and Dada are able to visit whenever they wish. This Grandparents Day, instead of the usual day spent with Dadi and Dada, we facetimed over the internet...modern technology for the win. Although it wasn't the same, the kiddos enjoyed chatting with their grandparents, sharing about their day and asking for new toys (working on that).

This week at the library we gathered four of our favorite books about Grandparents. Our local library has quite the collection and I've loaded up my amazon wish list for future purchases. I'd love to expand my book collection on this topic and would love recommendations.

Four Favorite Books About Grandparents:

1. How to Babysit A Grandpa by Jean Reagan

Babysitting a grandpa is fun - if you know how. This adorable picture book is written from the perspective of a small child. Written in a "how-to" style, the narrator - the grandchild - shares tips for how to babysit a grandpa. Some of my favorite tips are: Snacks for a Grandpa,  How to Wake up Your Grandpa and What to Draw For a Grandpa.   

A couple of years ago, we gave this book to Dada for his birthday. My oldest son loved reading this book with his Dada. He is older now, but when he saw this book tucked away in my library bag he suddenly asked me if I could call his Dada for a quick chat. The relationship between a grandfather and grandson is special. Having a son, I love finding adorable picture books that show the love between a grandfather and grandson.

2. Because Your Grandparents Love You by Andrew Clements

This picture book is all about the unconditional love between a grandparent and grandchild. I love that this book is set in the country. It reminds me of home. The little boy and little girl in this story make little mistakes here and there..."when you run into the pasture and step right into a big cowpie and you yell GRANDMA!" The grandparents are patient and kind, and absolutely adore their grandchildren. Highly recommend this book!   

3. What Can Your Grandma Do? by Anne Sawan & Sernur Isik

What a fun story! At school, Ms. Appleyard announces to the class that they would be having a special Grandparents day talent show.  Jeremy loves his Grandma, however he isn't sure that she has any special talents to share. Stella's Grandma is a doctor, Celeste's Grandpa is a baker and Theo's Grandpa is an artist. What is Jeremy going to do? What is his Grandma going to do?

The message of this book is that everyone has a talent, no matter how young or old. We can all do something really well. For Jeremy's Grandma it is basketball. And although, Jeremy didn't think that basketball was Grandma's special talent...he soon realizes that in fact his Grandma is a talented player and that talents come in all shapes and sizes. 


4. Llama, Llama Gram and Grandpa by Anna Dewdney

My daughter loves the Llama, Llama book series. We picked this book up several months ago, and since then we have checked it out more then a half of dozen times. It is Llama's first time sleeping over with Gram and Grandpa's and he is a little nervous. Gram and Grandpa help Llama feel at home, however Llama forgets his fuzzy llama and becomes upsets. Instead of brushing off Llama's feelings, Grandpa shares with Llama that "he also had a special toy...Big or little, young or old a llama needs someone to hold."

Happy Grandparent's Day!

Mr. Lucas Goes to First Grade

Today this guy started 1st grade. Technically, its his first day...everyone else's second day.  We are starting a day late due to a family wedding in California. However, the first day was just a half day and his teacher insisted that missing the first day wasn't a big deal.

The weeks leading up to school starting, Lucas was excited. He was ready to go. He had his backpack, shoes, lunchbox and uniform all picked out. However the night before school started he suddenly decided that he didn't want to go...it was a combination of nerves, exhaustion from driving from California to Arizona and missing his Dadi and Dada. Although we got him to bed on time, he didn't fall asleep for at least 40 minutes.

Thankfully, the morning went well. Once he saw his friends from Kindergarten and his new teacher everything was ok.

I'm looking forward to seeing what this year holds for Lucas. First grade is an exciting time...learning to read, and do math...but also meeting new friends and becoming more comfortable in his new home environment.

I'm also looking forward to having some more one-on-one time with my girl. I have two more years until she starts school...that's going to be hard for me...so I need to soak up as much Mama Alara time as I can.

Please pray. 

PS. Happy Seventh Anniversary to me!

July Summer Reading

With temperatures hovering in the triple digits, it has given the kiddos and I ample of time for reading. Mostly picture books about Curious George or Peppa the Pig, or short chapter books about superheros, however occasionally I do find time to read a grownup book for myself. This month I consider myself lucky that I was able to finish three grownup books. I choose The Great Alone and Hillbilly Elegy based on several recommendations from friends and fellow bloggers, and Rembrandt's Shadow at random from the library bookshelf.

I finished The Great Alone in one weekend. I could not put this book down. Leni has lived a fairly chaotic life. Her father,  Ernt is a Vietnam veteran and former POW. He struggles with anger issues, depression, and is unable to keep a steady job. After loosing yet another job, Ernt decides that his family needs a fresh start and they move to a small remote homestead in Alaska. At first everything seems to go well, Leni and her family enjoy the hard work on their homestead, their neighbors are friendly and Ernt is happy. However, as the Starks say - winter is coming- and it is during those long cold dark months of winter when things go south.

This book is heavy. It deals with abuse, depression and what happens when "biggest danger of all was in her [Leni's] own home."

Hannah does a fantastic job moving this story along, giving readers just enough light to get through the dark and ending on a semi-happyish note.

The Hillbilly Elegy was an interesting read. And my final read for July was Rembrandt's Shadow, the story of how one painting saved the lives of 25 Dutch Jews in WWII.  

I really know how to pick a sad stories. 

I'd like to write in more depth about Hillbilly Elegy  and Rembrandt's Shadow at a later date.

Also, I'd like to point out that we have lived in Arizona for six months now.

summer recap and wrap up

I know it's still July, however for our family the vacation part of summer is over. Summer breaks in Arizona are shorter, usually between 6-8 weeks, with a longer breaks for fall, Christmas and Spring. I like this schedule, because it allows for us to have time off of school during the nicer months of the year. This also means Lucas goes back to school in a week and a half, and that this is our last week of summer break.

Looking back at the beginning of summer, I asked the kiddos for a list of activities they wanted to do. We were able to accomplish everything on Lucas' list, and most everything on Alara's. She is still working on writing her own name. Her A's look more like awkward H's, but hey...maybe this fall?

Lucas:
1. Learn to read - yes!
2. Playdates with friends - yes, yes, yes!!
3. One on one time with Mama and Daddy - yup..
4. Learn tennis - he did tennis camp for one week..
5. Go to the beach - twice!

Alara:
1. Play - everyday!
2. Learn to ride a bike - yes!
3. Learn to write my name - still working on it...
4. Eat ice cream -by the bucketfuls
5. Go to the beach  - twice!!


Next week before school starts, we have one more tripped planned for California. My husband's cousin is getting married. Pictures will be posted once we return.

California Vacation pt. 2

One thing I miss about living in California, aside from friends and family, is going to the beach. I've always loved the beach. There is something so refreshing about the salty sea water, the fresh sea breezes and the warm sand beneath my toes. My kiddos miss the beach as well. At the beginning of the summer I asked each kid for their summer must do list and both listed "go the beach" as one of their top five things we must do this summer. 

I should note that my husband does NOT miss the beach. He does not like sand. He does not like beach parking. He dose not like sticky saltwater. He does not enjoy hauling our umbrella, and other beach essentials from the car to the beach and from the beach (all sandy) to the car (which is now sandy). 

On Wednesday we packed up the car and drove to Crystal Cove State Beach. The weather was perfect, the beach was empty and the water warm. The kiddos played. The football got tossed around, sandcastle were built and wildlife was seen - one grumpy crab, one hungry squirrel, a plethora of rude seagulls and one coiled rattlesnake.

We left early to avoid traffic (we hit traffic) and ended the evening at VBS. The kiddos came home tired, but happy.  

California Vacation

The Sunday after the 4th, the kiddos and I drove out to California for a mini vacation. This trip was my first semi-solo Arizona to California trip. I wasn't nervous about the drive itself,  but I wasn't looking forward to dealing with bathrooms breaks alone with two kiddos and our dog.  And I knew that it would be hot, possibly windy with a high chance of thunderstorms across the desert. 

The drive was uneventful, and we arrived safely. 

This trip coincided with our home church's VBS week. Prior to driving out, I did register and plan on attending VBS. My kids love attending VBS and were excited to go. VBS this year did not disappoint. I was a little worried that my kids would feel out of the loop being gone for six months, but nope...they both jumped in and loved every minute of being back at our home church. 

We've been home for about a week and the kids are still singing VBS songs and sharing what they learned with everyone. 

Tuesday we spent the morning with my parents. 

Lucas has been reading the "Billy and Blaze" books and was looking forward to riding a "pracing pony." My Mom gently suggested that maybe we should start with less pacing and more basic riding skills...not as exciting...but safer. After having a mini riding lesson Lucas did work his way up to a trot. He was smiling from ear to ear. 

I'm not sure what Alara enjoyed more...horseback riding or riding the quads. Alara loves horseback riding. I think she would have stayed on Rembrandt (the pony) all afternoon. While riding, she talked the whole time...I'm not sure if my mom could follow everything Alara said...there was a lot of happy chatter going on. 

My parents have push quads...the kind that only good when pushed or by using gravity. 

After a fun, but exhausting morning we said our good-byes and heading back to VBS. I wasn't sure if the kiddos would make it through the program, but they got a second wind.  Needless to say, after such a busy day we got home from church and both kids went right to sleep.    

summer romper

It's an awful picture of me, but it was getting hot, the kids were fussing and I needed to wrap up this photo shoot ASAP before I melted. The summers here in Arizona are brutal! Comfortable, light weight clothing is a must for this desert climate. This little romper took longer to make then I would like to admit. However, I'm happy with the final product and know what to do different next time. 

I often get impatient with myself. It's hard not to compare my sewing skills/projects to what I see on IG, pinterest and from friends. This romper project was labeled "easy" and it still took longer than it should have. I have to constantly remind myself that I haven't been sewing that long, and it takes time to build up the skills necessary for more advanced projects. Until then...the seam-ripper has become my BFF.  

happy 3rd birthday to my sweet baby Alara

My sweet baby Alara, who really isn't a baby anymore, turned three today. We celebrated over the weekend in California with family and friends. It felt amazing to be back in California. The weather was warm, but perfect compared to what we are all experiencing in Arizona. Alara asked for a purple breakfast Sky party, and between Dadi and myself I think we delivered.

After brunch, the kiddos and a few grown-ups painted some beautiful art. I think everyone did a fantastic job. I loved watching these kiddos get creative with their art. Kid art is the best.

A big thank-you to Alara's Dadi and Dada for allowing us to host this party in their backyard. And to all that came out to help us celebrate our sweet baby Alara - Thank-You! It takes a village and I'm so happy that our village is strong and full of loving people.

On our drive home, Alara slept hard blessing us with peace and quiet for most of the drive home.

Until next time.

Last Day of Kindergarten & Summer Plans

Summer vacation starts today, and Mr. Lucas couldn't be happier! Our summer breaks in Arizona are short, so we plan on making the most of it before Lucas goes back to school. We do have a couple of California trips planned to visit family and a wedding later in the summer, and we are hosting family and friends on different weekends throughout the summer. However, other than that, our summer plans are simple...to relax, and keep cool by the pool.  

Look at this guy, this is the face of someone who rocked kindergarten and is ready for first grade. 

Bonus: I've been collecting some quotes from Lucas..mostly from on our drive home from school. I can't help but smile when I read these..I apologize for the randomness of this post. 

Lucas: Mama, for my next birthday its going to be Bible themed. 

Lucas: I'm 1/2 spider man, 1/2 aquaman, and 1/2 Captain America 

Lucas: My head is round, why don't people have triangle shaped heads? 

Lucas: (Alara hit Lucas with a pool noddle) Ow Alara, that hit my heart!! 

Lucas: (Walking into Bas Pro Shop) Oh my goodness, if I had all of these toys I'd be so inspired! 

I asked the kiddos what their goals for the summer are...or what they would like to do and or learn this summer. I feel that by asking the kids this question it helps me plan our summer activities. 

Lucas: 

1. Learn to Read

2. Playdates with friends

3. One on one time with Mama and Daddy

4. Learn tennis 

5. Go to the beach

Alara: 

1. Play

2. Learn to ride a bike

3. Learn to write my name 

4. Eat ice cream

5. Go to the beach

All of these things sound reasonable to me. Especially the one about eating ice cream... 

It's Graduation Day

This weekend we celebrated our oldest's kindergarten graduation! It has been a busy year for Lucas. He started kindergarten, moved to a new state and joined a second kindergarten class midyear. Everyone said that this year would go by quickly, and yes it has! From our first day at LSA, to our second first day at TCE, Lucas rocked his first year of school. My son's TCE family has been amazing, and supportive this year. Lucas was able to adjust, make new friends and succeed academically. His teacher, Ms. Gloria has instilled in him a love of learning and a love for Christ. I am so proud of my now first grader and I am looking forward (with many tears of course) to what this next school year brings.

Love you so much Mr. Lucas.

Forever and always,

Mama