The Happy Hardings

Heber Valley North Pole Express

2012-02-01T21:20:00.000-08:00

So for the 1st time since I've had kids, 4 years. I had a real paying job for the holiday season. I was blessed enough to have Phil home and the help of Leah to make it work. I worked 30 days out of the 40 holiday days! It was awesome. I was Reader for the train. Basically entertained a whole train full of parents and kids who came to see Santa at the North Pole. It reminded me a lot of my days as a flight attendant. I wore my chain mail the last week, I should have worn it the whole time with my Jester hat-courtesy of Leah. It was fun to be part of a great Christmas tradition of so many people! Let me know if your in town next year and I'll get you some tickets!

I'm Thankful

2011-11-18T20:56:00.000-08:00

Well if you notice this picture has green in it. We are no longer in AZ. We had the opportunity to move to Midway, Utah. Seriously the greatest place on earth. We have finally found our home. We are praying this is where the Lord will let us stay. Phil graduated in August with his BA in English from ASU, with a 4.3 GPA. Completing it in 14 months, 1st of his 12 siblings to do so. He was having no luck finding a job, then was hired on by School Web Masters, an online web design for schools. He could work from any computer, so my parents were coming back from their 28 month mission and wanted their home back-which they deserve. Bryce and Leah offered their top floor to us. So we now live in a little piece of heaven with 8 kids and 4 adults and 2 dogs and a barn full of chickens. It is way crazy, but so much fun. We eat together every meal and I don't have to do dishes, so it works great!
We were directed to the Seminary route, Phil has been taking a pre-service training course for it. Followed by a 10 day student teaching and if picked will proceed to a 1 year student teaching job, paid thank goodness, then selected to be hired on by the church from there. We find out about the one year position, 20 students, 9 spots to fill a week before Christmas. We have had many miracles and know this is what we should be doing right now and are excited for the out come.
Phil's back is getting better, the VA has finally figured out his hips are causing the problem. A few more tests and we should find out for sure what is going on. Thank goodness.

I have started getting together a group of our missionary gals once a month to have lunch at each others home once a month. That has been a great joy and blessing to be surrounded by great women. I play most the day with the girls as we work out our differences and am enjoying the lessons being taught.
Our ward is great. The people are amazing and we have so much to learn and do while we are here.
The girls are great. Brooks is potty trained through the night, finally no more accidents during the day, yeah! She eats and eats and plays and plays. She is such a joy.
Boston is learning tons and is working through her social skills with tons of cousins! She's a smart as a whip and loves to play tough. They are so beautiful and we love them will all our hearts.

Life in Midway is great. Lots to look forward too and tons to learn.

VA trip to San Diego

2011-09-04T19:04:00.000-07:00

Phil had to go to San Diego to see the back surgeon, to make a long story short it was a waste of deodorant. We had 2 yard sales to pay for the trip and sold just about everything we owned. To find out that there was nothing they could do, we needed updated MRI's which we tried to get done before; but that did not happen because of the screwed up system they have. THANK YOU SOCIALIZED MEDICINE!!!
On a happier note, we went to a yummy Indian restaurant for his b-day dinner and tried to have fun the rest of the time we were there.

The girls and I made him breakfast in bed...a family tradition for birthdays.

The girls got bored in the hospital waiting so they played horsey on Phil's cane, very entertaining for everyone in the waiting room.

Brooks chilling at the beach, eating her snacks.

Poor kid fell in the hole Phil and Boston dug for the sand castle.

The two master minds behind it all.

Family picture at the park.

Phil is a great sport. He still wants to do everything a 32 year old dad should, but physically can't. The doc said he probably will have permanent nerve damage, because it took the VA so long to get him seen. There is nothing we can do except hope he'll get better someday and do the best we can with what we've got.

Nothing more to say about this bundle of joy-but we are so thankful for her.

National Entitlement Awareness Day

2011-08-21T21:24:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone! Check out this website for a chance to win. You can not go wrong with something from the Eyre's. They are some of the world's best parents! Learn from the best. I had the opportunity to attend a Power of Mom's retreat that Saren, Linda's daughter put on. They are the real deal. With real situations and solutions you will be so blessed by adding this book to your collection.

http://entitlementtrap.com/giveaway.htm

Thanks for reading and doing!
Have a great week.

2011-08-21T21:23:00.000-07:00

Boston's Graduation

2011-08-03T10:25:00.001-07:00

Boston graduated preschool back in June. We did a co-op school and all rotated homes and took turn teaching. It was a blast. Boston loved school and was definitely an over achiever.

Saying the pledge.

Boston was more than excited to say her letters and sayings that went with them, she is very animated and very good at what she says. She loves to get the crowd to laugh, a real natural she is.

They had to each stand up and spell their names when they got their diplomas

You can see the excitement on her face when she got to throw her hat up!

Our little family!
We love you Boston and are very proud of you. Now that she is graduated she doesn't think she has to go to school anymore. Wow, she's got a lot to learn!

Happy Birthday Phil

2011-07-27T00:02:00.001-07:00

So you never quite know what you get when you decide to tie the knot and get married! Well I guess I really lucked out and got the best of the best. I'm just not saying that either.
Today is Phil's 32nd birthday, he has finally joined the club. I'm 4 months older than him and there is not a day that goes by that I'm not reminded of it.

I just love my husband. He completes me 110%.
Inside his wedding ring I had engraved "You Phil my life completely"
And he has lived up to that. So here is to the 32 things I love about my best friend.

1. He loves me unconditionally.
2. He is the funniest guy I know.
3. He loves his ladies.
4. He is the best dad.
5. He is perfect for me.
6. He makes us laugh every day.
7. He is an awesome cook.
8. He enjoys really good food.
9. He does the dishes.
10. He helps out with the laundry-especially when he knows I've had a hard day.
11. He sleeps on his side of the bed.
12. He loves to show PDA.
13. He knows the Lord.
14. He is a great teacher.
15. He is a great listener.
16. Phil loves to watch movies.
17. He gave up video games.
18. He loves to read.
19. He puts the kids to bed.
20. He has great faith.
21. He still opens my door.
22. Phil knows how to calm the storms in our home.
23. He has an excellent shot.
24. He relates to our kids really well.
25. He goes to the temple with me at least once a month.
26. Phil has stepped it up on his priesthood duties.
27. He is very quick to forgive.
28. He endures a great deal of pain and does not complain.
29. He is a very hard worker.
30. Phil loves to be a goof.
31. He is an excellent student-4.0 GPA, 1st Harding to graduate with his bachelor's.
32. Phil ROCKS!!!

He loves his chain mail too!

Poor guy, has to use a cane, but hopefully for not much longer.
We are headed to San Diego for the VA to help get his back fixed. He has some herniated disc and some compressed ones. Hopefully not for long.

Most of all he loves his ladies and they love him back!

Bucket List

2011-07-01T21:34:00.000-07:00

Well I'm making my bucket list right now for me and if you want to read great!
1. Train and participate in a Triathlon.
2. Go to Hawaii for a great relaxing vacation.
3. Go on a mission with my husband.
4. Have my girls married in the temple to worthy young men.
5. Go back to Phil's mission, the Caribean.
6. Finish our food storage.
7. Go temple hopping and see how many we can visit before we die.
8. Finish my degree.
9. Pay cash for our dream home.
10. Ice skating in Time Square.

These are the things I want to do in this life time. Some are silly, some are dreams I've had since I was a little kid.

August 6th I'm signed up for my first triathlon, and am very proud of myself for just getting this written down and starting to check things off on my list! Life is short and there is so much to do. I start working towards my goals a little faster and harder!
Here's to the new me!
Miken

Taking Pride

2011-06-04T21:47:00.000-07:00

Visiting our local fire station, one mile away!

Boston holding on to the hose and Brooks trying to peel off her sticker.

They really do love each other! I have proof.

Phil and I are trying really hard to teach our kids two really important lessons right now.

1. To have the up most respect for those who fight for our freedom and defend our country and to recognize them and thank them for it. When ever we pass a flag, our girls now automatically say "Look a flag". We then ask them what it stands for, they say "Freedom". We ask them who fights for our freedom? They answer "Soldiers".
They are so sweet. So when ever we see fire fighters, police men, military personal we always stop them in the store and talk to them and explain to them their jobs and let the girls thank them for it. They are doing a great job and we love their enthusiasm. I like this kind of brainwashing!

2. Is to serve others. This one has been a huge blessing in our family. We have been starting to make goodies for our families that we visit and home teach and if when we have some more we drop them by the fire station. It has been great to get our girls involved and to teach them that other people are so important and we need to show them love and serve them. I'm grateful for the Saviors example and parents who taught me and love my in-laws for what they taught Phil. We hope to keep this tradition and legacy going.

My husband....the love of my life and laugh!

2011-04-11T07:07:00.000-07:00

My sister got hair extensions and of course Phil had to model them for her.

He's one funny guy!

Thank goodness for clean cut men!

It finally came, the helmet he's been waiting for the past year.

He actually just sent it back, long story but he looked great in it!

I love my knight and shining armor!

What...Potty Trained???

2011-03-31T12:57:00.001-07:00

I'm such a slacker, I should blame it on always running to the bathroom with Brooks. She decided 2 months ago. So at 21 months she was potty trained. It started at church of all places. Thank goodness they have a little potty for the nursery kids, she did both of them when she tugged at me and said "potty" It's so nice to have both kids out of diapers!!! Thanks Boston for being such a good example and thank you Brooks for following it!

Febuary and March

2011-03-30T14:16:00.000-07:00

Hardly working

Hard at work changing the filters. Both Boston and Brooks are very good helpers and hard workers. Our girls want a dog so bad-they play doggy and owner. Boston said a prayer the other day that made me laugh so hard. "When we move out of Grandma Jo's please help us to get our own house with a little doggy and a guinea pig and don't forget the cage!" It was so funny! So yes when we get our own place we will be able to get our own animal farm!

Danny boy-he's one of our most favorite people on the planet. We met him in Monterey. He and Phil were in Arabic together and was our adopted family. Had dinner every Sunday with him and even took him to church for about 10 months. We were able to meet up with him in Tuscon for Laura's wedding. He is on his way to travel the world-he just got out of the Air Force. We love Uncle Danny!

My birthday was perfect this year! We went to the temple and did my grandma's sisters and brothers work for them. Then went for sushi and they made this for my b-day cake...it was yummy! Then on Saturday we went to Romeo and Juliet Play. So much fun.

Our nudest. She loves the water.

Valentines Day, Phil bought the girls a red rose and balloon. Poor Boston learned a hard lesson this year, if you take your balloon outside that you will never get it back. So then we got her another one-Phil could not take the heart break so he brought her another one. Then the next day her friend Jake took it outside with out her knowing and he thought it was funny to watch it fly away. She cried and cried and cried, she still talks about how heart broken she is about it. She will say "well next year I'll get another balloon."

Pig Night, Adopted Family Tradition

2011-03-29T13:25:00.000-07:00

Phil's family(Bryce and Leah) do this Pig Night. So we decided to invite the other Harding's in the ward over to feast with us. Sarah and Matt were good sports.

The kids LOVED it! Will, he even had 2 helpings!

Jessica and Jake.

Hannah digging into our chocolate pudding with green cool whip, it was St. Patti's day, so the Lepercon came and visited the house with turning the milk and cool whip green!

YUMMY!

The Super Star of the show!

The Master behind it all. You can't use your hands, so we put cheap table cloth and slopped everything down right in front of them. Then drank apple juice out of the bowls with straws.

Brooks LOVED it. She thought it was the coolest thing. Boston not so much, she can't stand when her face gets dirty, not to mention anyone else's she covers her eyes and says-"your face is dirty mommy-yuck!" And doesn't look at you until it's clean.

Not this child-she's all about Pig Night!

Laura and Chris's Wedding

2011-03-21T16:07:00.001-07:00

My sister Laura got married last weekend in Tuscon to Chris.

They are a great couple. Best of luck to them.

The beautiful bride heading towards the church to tie the knot!

A great picture!

Lindsey and her friend Chelsea provided the music while Laura walked down the isle.

Laura's ladies from all walks of life.

Laura and brother David

Uncle Ron and Aunt Peggy were able to make it from California. So good to see them.

Addy and Brooks loving on each other.

Uncle Ross! She could not figure out his beard.

Boston was entertained at the kids table! Every wedding needs one, they had 3 people there doing arts and crafts with the kids it was awesome!!!!

Cousin Ross and his wife Jackie came and stayed with us 2 nights! We had a blast catching up! Thanks Jackie for the pedicure-2 years is to long. Can't wait to see everyone in September for our reunion.

Can we get any more random?

2011-03-20T18:04:00.000-07:00

We started Carrie on Dave Ramsey's Total Money Make over, so we helped her sell everything we could get our hands on! Even this treadmill, had a yard sale and she had her emergency fund in 2 weeks! The girls loved exercising on this until the guy came to pick it up!

We received this flag for Christmas, it plays a couple patriotic songs and waves, it's pretty cool! Brooks loves music and this is music I can listen to over and over again!

Brooks and Addy, trying to be twins with their hair and eating something! We started watching Addy for Tuesday's so Aubrey can do her class on line. We love cousin time. It has been so awesome to live down the street from them.

Connie and the kids at the park with Buster.

Carson, is her biological grandson-Jeff's son. We are her adopted ones!

Boston loves animals, I can't even begin to tell you, as soon as we are out of my parents place we will be able to have one, it should be fun!

Family Pictures

2011-03-17T13:23:00.000-07:00

So I know these are 4 months late, but like the saying says "better late than never".

My sister Carrie took them just down the street.

I forgot how stressful it is to get pictures done with little ones!

We may be broken, but we still manage to have fun!

This is Brooks, loves to eat!

This is Boston and her favorite blanket, she does not go any where with out it!

Brooks's Surgery

2011-02-15T13:41:00.001-08:00

Sweet Brooks had to have her Adnoids out and a new set of tubes in. Feb 8th.

She was a champ. She had to be knocked out completely. Waking up was really hard for her, and you better have not taken away her popsicle, or she would wake up screaming!

Right before surgery. She's the sweetest baby.

Brooks has been such a blessing to our family. She has the happiest attitude you could ever imagine. She chooses to be happy no matter what. I know she was sent to us to help me to do a better job! Surgery went great and after her nap that afternoon, you would have never guessed she had surgery.

Bruce's Story Time

2011-02-09T20:58:00.000-08:00

Bruce is the neighbor's mini pony. Boston loves this horse(even though he is quite mean and tries to bite her often). She came inside and said "Mommy, I'm going to read Bruce Go, Dog, Go! He needs a story before I go to bed, so he can sleep good too."

So off she went and read the whole book to him!

He was sniffing her hair.

We love our Boston. She is super smart and LOVES her animals. Thanks for bringing so much joy to our family!

7th knee surgery 7th year wedding anniversary.

2011-02-02T14:04:00.000-08:00

Well I had my 7th(3 of them which were in the past 10 months) knee surgery on Jan. 10th. It went great. I had my 5th one in April. It did not work, so the new doctor had to take everything out on surgery #6 and put in a bone graft. Non weight baring with 2 small kiddos for 10 weeks was so insane! Then 3 weeks ago I had my 3rd one to correct the problem and put the new ACL in for good. I'm excited to get back into shape again. I had lost all my weight in April, had surgery and ended up putting 30 of it back on. It's a new year, just signed up at the gym, get up at 5am and go every single day! Feels great.

Anyways, even after being 15 pounds lighter than when I got married I was still not able to fit in my dress. My ribs expanded about 1 1/2 inches from being pregnant with Boston. So I have a pretty wedding dress that does not fit and will never fit again. So I decided to have my mom help me on my anniversary and cut the dress up so we can make the girls baptism dresses out of the material. I'm really excited to share that with the girls. I wish I would have thought about that earlier so I could have made their blessing dresses out of it also.

Thanks mom for all of your help! You are the greatest in so many ways.

January 2011

2011-02-02T13:44:00.000-08:00

We started the new year off in Concho. Went up to play in the snow and see Roy and Iris. Boston had the best time out of all of us. She played for hours and hours outside. She'd come in warm up and go right back out!

Thank goodness there was no wind. It was -22 one morning and -7 when Boston went out to go play! Phil did most of the supervising along with the dog Ender. I went on a walk with her and this is the view I saw!

I love Iris!

She's my hero.

Our cold family!

Boston got a kick out of snow angels. She could not wait to get up and see the finished product.
She also learned not to eat the yellow snow!

Brooks trying it out for size. Poor baby was sick with a fever and ear infection.

The true sport! From sun up to sun down she was outside. She got to witness Ender the dog catch his first rabbit ever. She still talks about it today! It was totally awesome!

Not so sure about the white stuff.

Hated the car ride, she screamed for an hour and half straight. Her ears were killing her I'm sure.

Boston waned to ride with the window down the whole ride up there.

We got stuck only 3 times. If we go to BYU for grad school, we will probably get something with front wheel drive, just to make Phil happy!

The end of 2010

2011-02-02T13:21:00.000-08:00

Since we live in Goodyear and it's only snowed once since I've been alive, the city was nice enough to provide Christmas at the Park and bring in snow. Here we are all bundled up, it was still 70 degrees outside. But we had a blast!

Still my favorite boy!

Thank goodness for daddy's cane!

My new hobby is yard sales! We have a yard sale every month! We live in a perfect place and have some ladies from church come and bring their stuff too! We make our extra play money this way and it's been a blast spending Saturday mornings with the whole family.

Brooks is so funny. This is one of her random poses she does through out the day!

She cracks her self up!

Christmas lights were hung my the girls this year. Between Phil and I with my bad knee and his messed up back we got it done with out hired help. They have been so patient!

Checking to see if the lights were working!

My parents got to come home for a month! We had a great time together. They watched the girls for 2 nights while Phil and I were able to get away. Thank you mom and dad . A break much needed and a great way to celebrate 7 years!

Addy and Brooks! Best of cousins.

2011-02-02T12:52:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2010 family picture!

Boston was really into Christmas this year. She got a few movies and a little people's doll house!

Brooks followed Boston's every move! She got a piggy bank that she is still playing with.

This year Phil and I are up to $8 present. We do that $ amount for the years we've had Christmas's together. So I went yard sale shopping and found Phil 2 Fondue pots, never been opened and we've had fondue Friday's ever since Christmas! Best $8 I ever spent. He was nice enough to get me a scrap booking kit.

We did nuts in the stockings so they could eat while they waited patiently for their turn to open theirs.

Boston was in her first production! For preschool they did The Nativity. Boston was the Shepard boy. Each kid had their line memorized. Boston's was "Teach the children that the lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell. And that all man kind may be found by the bell. The bell symbolizes Guidance and Return." She had it nailed down. Well she gets up and just goes off on her own little line....went something like this. "Teach the children that Santa Clause will bring them presents and the sheep will sleep and it will be just fine" Oh MY WORD....we laughed so hard! She loved the laughing and decided to keep going. WOW! We love you Boston.

Love and Logic Give Away!!!

2010-12-28T13:43:00.000-08:00

I've read the books, would love a chance to win. Go and check them out!

www.kerimaughan.blogspot.com sign up to win a free class!

Our November

2010-11-29T12:35:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving 2011 was spent at Lynn and Cyndee's with Phil's family. We had a great time while the girls napped and we ate dinner at 2pm! No interruptions, it was awesome. Wednesday night we went to Gilbert to be with my mom's side of the family, that was great too.

We have so much to be thankful for this year. I don't even know where to begin. We are most thankful for our health, it's not the best, but it could definitely be worse.

I'm most grateful that the girls are getting along better and we are having more fun with them!

And I'm thankful for a husband who puts up with me!

The girls are having a blast together! I'm so glad we have girls. I bet you anything if we have another baby, it would probably be a girl.

Phil's redneck ways are rubbing off on them!
Helping build their imagination and creativity!

I took the girls hiking as soon as I could with my knee. We had a bast.

Boston and her walking cane and striking a pose every chance she gets!

Outside enjoying the weather and toys.

The girls love to play their computer game. I finally taught Boston how to use the mouse. www.starfall.com if you've never checked it out, you should!

We have some brains in the family!

Brooks Lynn Harding

2010-11-29T11:26:00.000-08:00

Brooks is by far my favorite 18 month old!

She's a total ham. She loves to eat and laugh.

Her hair is finally long enough to put in pig tails!

Brooks loves to eat, have anything in her mouth.

We had pineapple upside down cake and quite a few pieces left over. Left the room to tell Phil something and it got super quite. Yep, Brooks had eaten every last bite! Phil's family tells me that's how he used to be. After everyone was done at the table, he'd climb up and eat the left overs and every ones left overs. On Thanksgiving, she ate for 5 hours straight. I'm not lying!

She's hilarious!

I hope you all get to meet Brooks sometime in your life. She ROCKS!

Halloween 2011

2010-11-18T13:13:00.000-08:00

This year for Halloween we went to a couple parties.

Our ward party, Uncle Lynn and Aunt Cyndee's ward trunk or treat and

Uncle Glen and Aunt Deena's home party on Halloween.

Boston was Bruce the Shark!

She would run around all night and say

"Fish are friends NOT food"

From Finding Nemo.

Brooks was Squirt the Turtle from Nemo also.

Phil and I were able to go to an adult party, we had a pizza buffet and played clue!

Boston trying on Phil's 26LB chain mail and showing you her muscles.

Phil decided to crave a pumpkin 3 weeks before Halloween.

Let's just say it didn't last. But we had yummy pumpkin seeds.

How cute can she get!

Bobbing for apples with cousin Kaylyn and Ethan.

Good old root beer with dry ice!

My most favorite costume all year. Deena with her Trecky!

***Oh yeah, happy engagement anniversary to us, Phil proposed on Halloween 7 years ago.***

Phil's Insane Summer

2010-10-27T20:42:00.000-07:00

This is what we saw of Phil this summer. He was able to get out of the service and jump right into school. He is attending ASU West for his English major. He wants to teach and write his books. He's a huge sci-fi nerd. He was crazy, this summer he took a total of 18 credits, two 5 week crash courses, a total of 30 books read, over 20 essays written and a minimum of 14 hours a day at the computer. He ate, slept and was a slave to this computer all summer long. I think I'm just now getting around to blogging about it because I can use the computer. But he passed with straight A's. He was just nominated and elected President of ASU's Writing Club.

He is applying for Grad school at BYU and ASU. There are 5 spots open every fall, out of about 300 applications. He's grades are good enough, his new President position helps alot and he's Phil. He'll get it in, this is just one of those things I know.

They let him teach the English 101 and 102 classes, pay him and pay for his schooling. BYU is our first pick. So we'll find out in April hopefully. Our fate once again is in some one else's hands. But am so grateful to know the Lord will have us be where he needs us, this I know. So I don't have to stress about any of it. Go PHIL. We are so proud of you.

This semester he is taking 15 credits and still pumping out those A's!

****yes that was a recurrence with Brooks, she loved climbing up to see her dad***

Time Out for Women

2010-10-27T20:34:00.000-07:00

This year I got to attend Time Out for Women. I was also very lucky to serve my mission with Mariama Kallon from Sierra Leone, West Africa. We served 9 months together. We went on splits and I accompanied her a few times on the piano as she sang some soul songs.

It was great. I loved having about 12 hours to myself and just recharging. I learned so much about myself and how much more I need to trust the Lord. I'm working on doing all things cheerfully that are in my power. What a difference just that one trait makes. I used to be a pretty cheerful person, but have let it slip slowly over the years with life as it has been deck as been delt to me. I'm doing better and can't wait to Ace it soon!

B is for Boston

2010-10-27T20:17:00.000-07:00

I'm only doing this for journal purposes. I might be a little proud too, but that's what kids are for, so their parents have something to talk about, right?

Thursday night Boston and I sat down to do her short vowel puzzle. She picked up the card and on her very own, she sounded out each letter and put them together. I was dumb founded. I said "Phil did you hear that?" Then she did it again with the next piece, she then said " Phil did you hear that?" She thinks its funny to call us by our first names. You have got to be careful on what you tell this girl, she has a mind like a sponge times 1000.

She's 3 and some change, she can now sound out and read 3 and 4 letter words. She knows all 50 states, learning the fifty nifty state song right now, all her colors, counts to 30 all by herself, has every nursery rhyme memorized, the pledge of allegiance and her address-very important to know. And to much more than a 3 year old should know.

It has always been a challenge being Boston's mom, but more and more it's starting to pay off. I feel very fortunate to be her mom. Thanks for listening, even when I don't think you are.

Boston started a co-op preschool on Thursdays, with some ladies from church. This is the coolest ideas, there is Velcro on the second line, so they peel it off and have to put it back on and then write their names. We are working on making one for her. I love learning new tricks. Some of my favorite resources I've used to help this brain along are:

http://www.starfall.com/

Letter Factory and Talking Word Factory movies from Leap Frog

Flash cards and a map and lots and lots of patience. We started doing school every night after we put Brooks to bed for about an hour and that has helped out so much! I just hope I can keep up with her.

Left over summer days!

2010-10-12T22:43:00.000-07:00

Boston took this picture of Brooks-she's getting pretty good.

Boston has two dead teeth, they happen to be her two front teeth. She fell and hit her mouth on the tile when we first got here. Dentist says she is okay and will just have gray teeth till they fall out.

Brooks first bubble bath!

I had to get creative this summer, so we took the big pool and put some dish soap in it and turned it into a huge bubble bath. I'm all about cheap entertainment!

The girls watching a movie on our bed, they are getting better about sharing; which will be life time of learning, but by small and simple things great things are come to pass!

My favorite summer activity. Mud baths, don't worry, I was right down there with her. I remember growing up playing in the mud. Boston didn't like it at first, but she learned to love it when I got in. Brooks wanted nothing to do with it. She just likes to eat dirt!

Our September...so far!

2010-09-22T20:53:00.000-07:00

Brooks and Boston love to play together. They are becoming quite the good little buddies. Sad to say that this is Brooks first bubble bath at 16 months old. They had a blast. My camera died, but later Boston ended up in with her too!

I love kisses, but Brooks is all tongue. It's so funny!

Boston is quite the pizza maker. I try and make homemade pizza every Friday, trying to establish one new family tradition. This one is Basil, fresh mozzarella and tomatoes with a balsamic vinegar/olive oil base. YUMMY!

****This month our sweet Boston found our food money envelope that had the whole month's food allowance in it of $360. She put it down the paper shredder. I was very proud of myself for not loosing my cool with her. She ran off to her room crying because she saw the shocked look on my face. She said "it's okay mommy, you can just buy some more money" The FED's said we just needed to send everything into them and they'd hook us up. Thank you! What a way to start our month off! We saved a couple slivers and added it to her baby book!

We finally got to go to the duck pond. Cris and Connie were with us, thank goodness. Between Phil and I we can't move to fast and we have nothing but spirited daughters. A fish jumped out on to the land and Boston got to save it by putting it back in the pond. Brooks ate most of the bread but it was fun to say the least.

Notice the crutches and the cane. Our trial in life for the past 6 months has been our health. When all is said in done by December I'll have had to have 3 knee surgeries. Phil injured himself in the Air force and can barley walk. Boston said to us the other day, "when I get older I will need a little cane to help my hurt hip". Hopefully the second coming comes fast! We are still waiting word on Phil's hip, we'll keep you updated! Thank you for all your prayers and support. We need all the help we can get!

1 year with out CHOCOLATE!!!

2010-09-07T10:10:00.000-07:00

Last September when we were in TX our world had been turned upside down. We moved into the Parker's home, Phil was put into the bishopric, Brooks was born in May, Boston had just turned 2, I had no idea how to parent of two a and there was just a lot of frustration and anger in our lives with learning how to deal with our very SPIRITED child! Since I was breast feeding Brooks I could not participate in a real 24 hour fast. So I usually just gave up something for a week. Well I decided and needed to give up chocolate for a year. I made a deal with the Lord that if I gave up the very thing I loved he would help me and Boston to learn to communicate better and help me be a better mother. I can honestly say that it worked. I actually LOVE my daughter more than I ever imagined and we have a great relationship and I have been a much better mother because of my little sacrifice. I love how the Lord truly knows us and shows us our weaknesses and helps us overcome them so they are our greatest strengths!

So my two best friends from college were able to come and hang out with me! Tommie Bonner and Sarah Cipriano, we did everything our 2 semester of college. Sarah actually talked Tommie into going on a mission, she's not even of our faith. She was my favorite roommate in college! We are planning a reunion next year with all of our other "Church Street Girls". We lived in a house of 8, what a fun time.
I cooked them lasagna, salad and garlic bread. Then we went to the store to buy fruit snacks and between the 2 of them, they bought me a basket full of groceries! What great friends, what a huge blessing! I am so blessed in my life, I have so much to give back to people, for with how much the Lord has taken care of our little family lately.

A Perfect Weekend

2010-08-24T13:53:00.001-07:00

Iris did it!!! She finally got baptized. She has been married to Roy for a couple of years. She started going to church and Roy started following. He has not been since he was a teenager. So to see this happen and witness it was a miracle. Phil was the lucky one to baptize her. It was an amazing experience. We love everything about Iris.

They have 2 beautiful kids together. Garin and Kimber. Aarian is Roy's oldest from a previous marriage. One happy family working their way to the temple!

This amazing woman Iris is the reason for all of us getting together!

This was the first real family reunion of any sort here in AZ that we have had since I've married into the family. The Harding's are awesome people, rough around the edges but nice as they come. They would do anything for anyone-I can't say that about to many people I know, but if Frank and Margret Harding did one thing right in raising their kids that was it!

Brookise is a trooper!

Sisters making a plan to catch those chickens!

This picture reminds me of the book "Jimmy's Pet Boaconstictor"

Yup, she climbed all the way into the chicken coop!

Boston LOVES animals. This is Ender, the most beautiful Rotty I've ever seen. We need to get Boston and Brooks a dog, but need to get a place of our own.

Iris and I with our guns! Our men really like that!

I LOVE ROY!

This man is hilarious. Iris loves him, all parts of him. They are so in love with each other and you can see why. My favorite thing about Roy is he can pray like I've never heard a man pray before. He says the most sincere, heart felt prayers I have ever listened too. He's brought tears to my eyes and I've even opened them up to see if the Savior was in the room.

"Let me tell you a story about a man name" Roy....

There is probably not another family like Roy and Iris's. They are as hillbilly as they come. They live in the middle of no where, 15 miles off the main highway on rough dirt road. Running water, they have a generator, never leave the house with out a gun to shoot what ever may be lurking around. You have to experience them to believe me! They have a sign at the beginning of their property that says "Trespassers will be shot, Survivors will be shot again"!

Yes, that is a cane my husband is holding. The doctors are trying to figure out what is wrong. We had a family fast while we were up there and Lynn gave Phil a blessing. It was a very powerful experience. We know everything will be okay and Phil will be back to his normal self someday. I'm very grateful for the priesthood and love what it does for us!

The man of my dreams!

Best Summer Birthday's Ever!!!

2010-08-24T13:10:00.000-07:00

I just realized we have 3 months of parties, what a great way to spend the summer!

July 27th is Phil's b-day. He turned the big 31. This year I had Chelsea King come over and bake a cake for Phil. Then we had aunt Callie and then Connie watch the girls. This would be our first time away from the girls. Phil was a little nervous-I could not wait! We went to the temple with Nate and Aubrey. Afterwards ate at our favorite buffet. Hong Kong Buffet in Chandler. It's got everything from a sushi chef, crab legs, Mongolian grill to everything from around the sun. It was our splurge of saving all summer! Then we went and saw Inception later that night. Slept in till 9:30am, HEAVEN! Went to breakfast at TJ's. Picked up the girls and went swimming at the Jerrell's. It was a great birthday. Thank you Phil for marrying me and helping out so much.

My top 10 favorite things about Phil.

10. An amazing father.

9. My best friend.

8. A perfect husband for me.

7. A most excellent student.

6. Makes me laugh every single day.

5. Honors and takes his priesthood responsibilities very serious.

4. A fabulous cook.

3. Never does a half A@$ job.

2. His goofy personality.

1. He completes me!

Making the cake with Chelsea.

Boston's 3rd birthday was June 14th. We celebrated with cousin Addie who turned one.

We had it at the city splash pad. Thanks to Aubrey's family we had a snow cone machine, cotton candy maker and hot dogs and all the fixings!

I love how everyone in this picture is try to blow out the cupcake!

I can't remember if she sneezed or not!!!

But I love this picture. I love our cupcakes, all those are is mini marshmallows cut in half and dipped in sugar crystals and stuck on by the icing! Thanks Aunt Callie for the fun idea.

Matt and Ashley and kiddos were able to make it for the party. We had a great time!

Top 10 for Boston:

10. I love when she walks up to someone and introduces herself.

9. How obedient she is.

8. Her questions and answers she gives.

7. How extremely intelligent she is.

6. How much better she has gotten in the past year.

5. How she makes Brooks laugh.

4. How much she loves and trust her daddy.

3. When she tells us stories.

2. How well she eats and tries new food.

1. I love how much she loves the gospel already!

Ah sweet Brooks. She turned 1 on May 1oth. We were up visiting Roy and Iris in Concho, AZ. We try not to feed our kids sugar. So for Brooks cake she got watermelon and she was so stinking happy. We celebrated it twice, once there and then once down here in the valley, we had an open house/meet the girls/birthday party for Brooks!

10 things I love about Brooks

10. Her crooked smile.

9. She loves food.

8. Her cuddles.

7. How she needs a blanket fix(she will find her blanket, stick her head in it for a few seconds and then leave it and move on to her next activity)

6. Her squeal.

5. Her simple joy.

4. When she blows kisses.

3. Her ability to make anyone smile.

2. Her laugh-especially when Boston can make her.

1. She completes our family for now.

Best Sister Ever

2010-07-25T21:32:00.000-07:00

So Ashley is my younger sister who lives in Vegas. She was a rock star and offered to come and help me after my knee surgery since Phil has been super crazy busy with school. I can't put any weight on my knee for another 6 weeks. She came to cook, clean, babysit and teach me how to make beanies so I don't go crazy with nothing to do. She sacrificed a lot to come. A special thanks to Matt and Kim for watching Charlie so Ashely could come and be my hands and feet for a few days. Tuesday-Friday. Ashley is as Christ like as they come and I'm so humbled to have her for my sister and love when we do get to spend that time together. Thank you, sis!

" THE CATS"

Boston and Brooks have found a source of new entertainment. My sister Carrie found some new kitties and brought them home to help entertain all of us. They girls love them and are pretty good around them. The cats really do put up with a lot, but they have not run away yet!

Brooks gets so excited that she squeals when she sees them, and tries to squeeze their eye balls out by squeezing them so hard!

Knee surgery #6

2010-07-10T15:53:00.000-07:00

Seriously you thought I would have a bionic knee in by now. This is my sixth knee surgery in 10 years. 2nd one in 3 months. I will have one more in December before it's all over. My 5th one we had done in TX did not work. So this time they took all the hardware out, placed a bone graft in and have to let it heal. Then in December after my parents get home from their mission I will have the reconstruction of my ACL. I don't know why I have been blessed with bad knees. Other than my 6 knee surgeries, C-section, appendix taken out and my 18 sets of tube I'm a healthy person!
Phil on the other hand has had to triple his load, he's taking 9 summer credit hours and trying to hold down the fort. My sisters help out where they can. Aubrey and Nate down the street and Ashley is coming next week for a couple of days. Thanks for all the meals and prayers everyone.
What I have learned from all of these health trails is #1 it could always be worse. #2 I need to fully rely upon the Lord and #3 I can't do everything by myself!
Pictures to come.

My life changing weekend!!!

2010-07-07T13:19:00.000-07:00

I went on a long weekend road trip with my sister-in-law Aubrey. Our fist stop was Las Vegas, we picked up our sister Ashley and a night out on the strip!

Me sporting my sexy leg brace and the costumes people were wearing were great!

I even met President Obama, well someone that looked like him, but the picture didn't turn out so great.

Inside the Bilagio. What an amazing hotel. They change the flowers and theme every 3 months. Beautiful talent and gardens.

Then Aubrey and I headed to St. George, UT for our Mother's Retreat. It was the Power of Moms retreat that saved my life. Words can't describe what a blessing this experience has been for me. Maybe I just needed a 3 day break from everything, thank you Phil for holding down the fort, while taking 9 summer school credits.

These are 3 of my most treasured people. Linda, Shawni and Saren. I have never seen so much admiration for people as these ladies had for each other. I want my daughters and I to have what they have with each other. The love, spirit and admiration they have. Something definitely you have to work at, but I think the end result is pretty much amazing.

Thank you ladies for more than you know.

Alyson, April and Saren.

April and Saren are the two that put this whole thing together. You can learn more about the power of moms at www.powerofmoms.com Join the group, you will not regret it. Their goal is to reach as many mothers as possible, so go check them out.

We had wonderful topic discussions. Some of my favorite things I took away from the discussions were:

Life is long, you don't have to do it all right now.

Picture yourself 30 years from now, where do you want to be in relationships, work your way backwards.

Power Hour.

Laugh, play and have more joy.

Teach children ownership.

Seek to bless not to impress.

Repenting bench.

Love languages for children.

Taking care of the inner self.

Mind Organization.

Praising the girls more and just loving them.

Words can not describe how great this has been to try out so many different techniques and watch them work. I am forever grateful for the AMAZING change that has happened in our family. WOW...WOW.....WOW!!!

I love being a mom now, I might even try to have another baby because of how our lives are now. It was a great swift kick in the pants for me.

It was a small group of 30 ladies from all over the states. They all brought lots of great suggestions, support and love to the retreat.

Mind Organization. Check it out on the website. You won't regret it.

At each gourmet meal we had table topics and yummy food.

One evening we played games and felt like we were all at EFY again!

At the very beginning we had speed friendship, it was great! Susan here has 6 kids and is one of the most amazing people I've ever met. She was a power house at the retreat. Next time I go or host one of these I want to be the cool, calm, collective mom there!

So here's to the beginning of the rest of my life. What a great year this has already started off to be. 1st getting out of debt, 2nd loosing a bunch of weight and 3rd learning to be a better mom!

5th in the NATION!!!

2010-06-29T15:23:00.001-07:00

This is the picture that inspired me to do the unthinkable!

November 1st-April 2nd I cut out all sweets, soda and snacking in between meals. I went from a size 12 to a size 4. In January Gold's Gym had a $45,000 challenge and I entered it. Down below are my before and after pictures. Since May of 2009, after having Brooks I have lost 64 pounds. Since November when I got serious I have lost 44 of the 64 pounds.

I still don't eat chocolate, drink soda or snack. I have dessert on special occasions, holidays and b-days!

January 2010 official weigh in. 154 pounds. (sorry the pictures are small) At this point I thought to myself, "I don't have anymore weight to loose", but little did I know what working out 5-6 days a week for 1-2 hours a day would do and could do.

April 4, 2010 official weigh in 141 pounds. 15% body fat loss and total transformation.

I was ranked 5th in the Nation for Gold's completion. I won for my personal gym, then got sent off to Nationals and took 5th.

Words can't describe the feeling and accomplishment of hard work. The discipline and dedication totally paid off.

Starting weight from November 1st was 178. Current weight now is 133.

Here is my story that I had to submit for the competition. Feel free to read it, I'm putting it in here for journal purposes. Enjoy!

Every morning as I’d walk through the front doors I would read, “Know that showing up is half the battle.” This statement has a lot of truth to it, so throughout my work outs I would decide what kind of day I would have, what good foods I would eat, how much water I would drink and what things I would eliminate that would cause extra stress. I would be so focused for that upcoming day I couldn't’t afford not to show up. At the start of my journey I decided I was going to enter to win the grand prize, I’m very motivated by money. As the work outs increased and my results started to show dramatically and my workout buddies would verbally express the physical changes in me, is when and where I found my drive. I never knew how much strength I really did have and it has been very humbling to be an inspiration to others along the way.

I have absolutely loved seeing my body physically transform, but the greatest gift that I’ve gained from knowing and finding my own strength in this process has changed my family for the rest of our lives. I have learned to be a better wife, mother and friend to all I meet along my journey. There isn’t a big enough check to be presented to me that could replace the life lessons, trials and blessings that have come to me in the past couple of months. You can’t put a price tag on those life lessons, (**That’s priceless.) It has taken this challenge to help me realize how empowering I really am. I never knew I had the self discipline that I’ve discovered, I know I can do and have anything I want in this life if I set my goals high and work as hard as I can to achieve them. I have the choice and I have chosen to overcome my weaknesses and turn them into my greatest strengths, physically and spiritually. Raising the bar for myself, I’ve been able to push when my body was screaming to stop and push through the pain to build the new me. Doing this the old fashion way with balance in all areas of my life, no magic pills, no special diet or shakes, just all the hard work, watching what I eat and exercise, shows that it pays off, to give it all you’ve got and especially when you don’t think you have any left to give. (that’s priceless?)

I’m so thankful for the awesome staff, instructors and especially my trainer at Gold’s Gym at Goliad. Their support and motivation has been above and beyond. To be able to help encourage, inspire and share my success with others at the gym and around me has made me want to succeed even more and become an instructor for Gold’s Gym in the near future and be part of this great family.

I’m completely, 110% satisfied with who I have become through this amazing experience. Thank you for the opportunity to do that. I’m glad I chose to take personal responsibility and win each day. As I’d leave the gym after each workout I’d read the sign that say’s “know you’ll be back tomorrow for more” that’s where I’d find more strength to come and do it again day after day. That’s what will help me continue the next chapter in my new book of life!

Essay by
Miken Harding
Contest 2010

Glen and Denna's sealing

2010-06-23T21:24:00.000-07:00

On June 5th Phil's older brother Glen was sealed to Denna. They now have 5 kiddos combined. Good luck to the rocking couple! They make a great team.

Glen and Denna Harding.

Kaylin, Ethan, Jake, Niki and Luke.

One happy family!

The happy couple with Momma and Pappa Harding

Lynn and Cyndee, 2 of our most favorite people.
They are who I have to thank for civilizing Phil!

The love of my life!

A perfect day and one eternal family!

Everything under the Sun

2010-06-03T14:00:00.001-07:00

Brooks turned 1 on May 10th. We had our family over for a welcome home/birthday party/meet our girls party and it was great! Brooks didn't get any presents this year, but had her 1st taste of sweets. We had carrot cake cupcakes, yummy. Our little baby is growing up way to fast. She loves to eat, sleep and play as hard as she can while she's awake.

I have always known Phil to be the handy man. But our whole marriage we've lived in apartments or on base where they do everything for you. So we moved to my parents home until December, and he has had to be come quite the handy mandy! He takes Boston up on the roof with him, tied to him of course with about 10 feet of freedom. She learns a lot from him. They are great buddies!

As for me, I'm enjoying being back to AZ. It's so awesome to have Carrie and Callie live with us, they are a huge help to me as I am recovering from knee surgery #5. I just found out I have to have a 6th one done soon. I am blessed to have legs, but as Phil says "if you didn't have legs you wouldn't be having all these surgeries!" I am definitely loving my new skinny, sexy self. I have lost 65 pounds since last year after having Brooks. I was 200, now I weigh 135. I went from a size 12 to 4. I am the strongest I have ever been, I'm the super skinny buff chick everyone checks out in the gym-never in a million years would I guess that's who I'd become. WOW! I completed my Gold's Gym weight loss, over all transformation in April. I won from my gym and was submitted to Nationals, winners were announced on Tuesday, didn't win, but had a blast wishing and hoping and absolutely love my new transformation!

Brooks is amazing! She is pure JOY! Her laugh and snuggles are priceless.
She loves when Boston will play nice with her and loves to eat!

This gem if you notice is not wearing a swim diaper! She finally did it, she is potty trained, night time trained too. It took 3 days for everything. Her motivation was real gold fish, she named them Stinky and BB. She got to feed them every time she went. They are still alive and fat!

She has grown leaps and bounds and is LOVING having cousins and aunt and uncles. We are hoping to get her in preschool this up coming year.

Welcome Home Party

2010-04-30T10:29:00.000-07:00

We finally made it back to AZ! YEAH. We are loving it. It has been great to be back home and it's just awesome, I don't know what else to say but we LOVE it!

We are having a welcome home/meet the girls/congratulate Phil for serving/Brooks 1st b-day party on Saturday May 8th at 5 pm at my parents house. Let us know if you are coming so we can plan accordingly for food! Come and have a blast!

Knee Sugery #5

2010-04-17T15:00:00.001-07:00

Well I did it again. Back in December I was walking down the stairs with Brooks and slipped, instead of dropping her I held on to her and twisted my knee. So I've been blessed with bad knees. This is my 8th major surgery. My 5th knee surgery. I'm a pro at this right? Well I seem to heal pretty quick from all of them. On top of those I've had over a dozen tubes put in my ears, so I'm 31 with a total of 20 times going under anaesthesia. YUCK! I still fear that I'll never wake up from going under, silly me, I lack the faith! That's a lot for a "healthy" person. I don't smoke or drink, I hardly ever get sick, just major surgeries! Nice. Boston told me she wanted to have knee surgery, I told her no she doesn't. Funny girl!

Spiritual upliftment

2010-04-11T15:46:00.000-07:00

WOW!!! Is all I can say about church today. I was able to attend all three meetings today with out kids. Brooks has an ear infection and pink eye, Boston stayed home also with Phil, because I was playing the piano during our Sacrament Easter presentation. I have not been able to go to Sunday School and R.S. for over 2 years. I have been in the primary and nursery the whole time we've lived here. It was just what I needed today. Intelligent, adult, gospel conversation. That just does something to you. We talked about murmuring in Sunday school and the Holy Ghost in R.S. I have so much to work on, it was a great self re-evaluator for me. I hope in our new ward I can go to both of those classes, but if not I'll just have to do more home study. I'm grateful for everything I learned in 3 hours!

Great Pictures

2010-04-09T13:34:00.000-07:00

We cashed in our one free day at Sea World today. It was great!

Boston is getting so big.

My hot honey and I. We found a beautiful feild by my girlfriend's house.

The flowers are in bloom and are beautiful!

Brooks melts my heart.

Boston melts Phil's.

Our spunky fun loving Boston.

Gold's $45,000 Challenge is DONE!!!

2010-04-03T18:49:00.001-07:00

Well here it is my final stats, pictures and story.
I never considered myself over weight. I liked who I was, always thought I was just fine. Then I had two babies, ate really good food and started to loose my energy, self motivation and drive for life. I did not like the person I was becoming. I knew I had a problem when I made a pan of brownies, and threw the rest away, then went through the trash and HAD to have them. I started sobbing, said to myself-what have I become? I had no self control, I didn't love myself, my family or anything during that time in my life; it was the bottom of the barrel for me.
I had to change, I was tired of being sick and tired. I had to do something for me. During all this time I'd still go to the gym every day. I didn't realize I was working out wrong. My body just adapted to the same routine, I never changed it up.
So Gold's Gym was doing their $45,000 Challenge, I'm very motivated by money. I had to win, I had to change, so I signed up. January 4th-April 3rd was my personal challenge. The final results come in May. I'm pretty sure I won for the gym, because the few of us that are particiapating kind of stoped, which makes my chances much better for winning. During the challenge I gave up soda, chocolate, candy and the last month eating out.
My starting weight when I started for the biggest loser with our group in October was 167 and a size 12.

My starting weight with Gold's in January was 154.

My stats in January were:
Size: 10
Weight: 154
Body Fat: 18.4%
Waist: 31.5"
Hips: 40"
Right Thigh: 20"
Neck: 13"
Chest: 36.5"

Ending Stats as of today April 3rd are:
Size 6, almost size 4.
Weight: 141
Body Fat: 14.5%
total loss of 21% :)
Waist: 28.5"
Hips: 37.5"
Right Thigh: 19"
Neck: 12.5"
Chest: 34.5"
Words can not describe how proud I am. All my hard work, eating better, discipline, early morning work outs before the kids got up, sometimes at night as well (after the kids went to bed), self motivation and sacrifice has been the best thing for my self esteem. I am a better wife, mother and friend because of my transformation!!! I want to thank all of those who supported me in everything I've done along the way, especially for Phil for believing me and sacraficing our time so I could go work out. Thank you honey for putting the kids to bed many nights,

your the best!

Believe me when I say "If I can do this, YOU can too!"
WOW. Enjoy the pictures!

Two websites I have learned to love are

http://www.transformation.com/

http://www.crossfit.com/

If you need any motiviation, just ask! It's so worth it.

YOU CAN DO IT!!!

On a happier note...

2010-03-22T21:17:00.000-07:00

I love this, the guy we are house sitting for sent this to me today, and that's how I feel.

Harold B. Lee's Quote on America
"Men may fail in this country, earthquakes may come, seas may heave beyond their bounds, there may be great drought, disaster, and hardship, but this nation, founded on principles laid down by men whom God raised up, will never fail. This is the cradle of humanity, where life on this earth began in the Garden of Eden. This is the place of the New Jerusalem. This is the place that the Lord said is favored above all other nations in all the world. This is the place where the Savior will come to His temple. This is the favored land in all the world. Yes, I repeat, men may fail, but this nation won't fail. I have faith in America; you and I must have faith in America, if we understand the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are living in a day when we must pay heed to these challenges.
I plead with you not to preach pessimism. Preach that this is the greatest country in all the world. This is the favored land. This is the land of our forefathers. It is the nation that will stand despite whatever trials or crises it may yet have to pass through. (Ye Are the Light of the World, 350-51)

A sad day in America...and in our home.

2010-03-22T08:02:00.000-07:00

Well, last night was a very disturbing night in our home. Phil came up and told me that the president had signed the health-care bill. Are you freaking kidding me? We now have a very slim chance at reserving our freedom, but still a chance. As we were drifting off to sleep last night, Phil leaned over and said "you know the worst part of all of it is; there is absolutely nothing I can do about it, nothing you or the girls can, our fate is in the hands of some jack-ass in Washington, I'm so glad I'm getting out of the service so I don't have to swear my life to defend this, I will defend our family and our country but not those who support communism."

We are a very conservative family. We take our beliefs and freedom very serious and for us to be mandated to buy health-care in order to be an American citizen is just the beginning of a downward spiral. How on earth have the people of this great nation just hand over our rights? It's like Satan with a flaxen cord, slowly wrapping it around and then BAM, he's got us.
I hope we all take this very seriously and get our lives in order so we can protect our families from the storm that's just getting started. Thank you to all of you who do do your part, whether big or small and to the men and women serve our country. God Bless America.

Oh the joys of boys...

2010-03-17T12:48:00.000-07:00

To all of you who don't know my husband-you are missing out. You need to meet the man I married if you have never done so. Your life will never be the same. He's the best. I love his imagination, his determination and dedication. This year he's really been working hard on his book. He is writing a fantasy adventure book and his goal is to have it to a publisher by the end of the year. He writes it, I type it up for him. I'm not into all that stuff he's writing about but the story line is actually really good.

So about a month ago Phil was so excited to show me something, I was not allowed to look at the computer until he was all the way finished. I was thinking to myself...."man he's really got something good to show me, like a dream home or dream vacation spot." Little did I know when I was allowed to view the computer screen this is what I saw.

I said "you've got to be kidding me-seriously, this is what you've spent the past 3 hours working on. HA!" At first I was disappointed because it had nothing to do with me.:) But then got looking at my husband's masterpiece. It is pretty cool, he cropped himself in his own piece of dream armor that he wants to have made. He is actually having the helmet made right now. He already has the chain mail that he made. So here's to a wonderful man who is making his dream come true one piece at a time. I love you Phil!

A rough estimate of cost to have the whole thing is $2800. I told Phil if I win my Gold's gym challenge, I will buy him a piece or two so he can have more to play dress up with the girls.

Hello Sunny AZ

2010-03-08T13:48:00.001-08:00

Yippee!!! Our time has come to go. We will be leaving sunny beautiful San Antonio end of April and headed back to AZ. Phil is going to be leaving the Air Force, it has been very good to our family, not to many complaints, but lots of blessings. Phil will be attending ASU West and studying English. He is still working on his book and hope to send it to an editor by the end of the year and get it published. He wants to be an English professor and write books. We hope to have as much success as Stephanie Myer does and see what windows of opportunities open up for us.
We will be having a birthday party for Brooks,and welcome home party for us so everyone can meet our awesome kiddos, Mother's Day weekend-everyone is invited! We are so very exited to be around our wonderful family.

31 and not a day older!!!

2010-03-05T07:16:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday I turned 31. Oh man that's crazy. I want to thank my mom for giving me birth and trying her best in raising me. I'm reading a book right now called Raising your SPIRITED CHILD, it should be titled Raising Boston Harding; I asked my mom to read it so when we move back to AZ she'll have some sort of idea what she' getting herself into:) She called me back and said " Miken I hate to tell you this, but this is exactly what you were like growing up" So Phil blames our spunky, fun, loving, energetic Boston on me! I'm more than happy to take the responsibility for that one. I'm glad I just finally found a book that works and is helping us understand where Boston is coming from. I LOVE IT! So here's to my mom, thanks for raising your spirited child!

I LOVED my birthday this year. I was sick with a head cold. The girls were having their best day-NOT. Phil had to work, so I told him for future note to self, if he has to work on my birthday arrange for a babysitter for an hour or so I can take a nap and rest.:)

My great friend Kim came and put Boston to bed and we left for our celebration.

Phil made reservations at the new Brazilian restaurant in town. If you've never been to one, you must go and enjoy the yummy food. It's all you can eat exotic salad bar and meats, they come around to your table with a slab of meat and carve off individual servings. You eat way to much, but man it's worth every penny. Then we enjoyed the best cheesecake I have ever tasted!

Then after dinner we walked down the river walk and took a boat ride. It was great. Phil was a super sport because those kinds of things make him sick. It was a great evening filled with laughter, love and fun! I love you honey. Thank you for being my husband, your the best!

Listen to bikenmiken14s Playlist

2010-02-21T12:29:00.001-08:00

Valentine's Day Photo's

2010-02-21T11:59:00.001-08:00

It's great living next door to a photographer. Emily has a lot more patience than I ever will have. She caught some amazing pictures of our beauties!

Our little monsters!

2010-02-21T09:22:00.000-08:00

Brooks, all she does is eat, eat and eat.

Boston acts likes she's 3! She has finally figured out how to get her fingers held up with out my help.

We went to the San Antonio Rodeo this past weekend. Friday's are dollar days. So we got in free, being military and paid a buck a ride and even got to eat popcorn and hot dogs!

See she's eating again...

Boston went on most of the rides all by herself. She's quite the little miss independent.

We got to see the live stock and there were some beatutiful animals.

Boston loved the cows.

We have the BEST pizza joint here by our home. It's called BIG LOU'S this is the 2nd to biggest pizza. This is a 37". They make a 42" but you can't take that one to go.

We LOVE to feed our missionaries. So we had them over for pizza and wings. There were 4 elders, Boston, Phil and I and we had left overs for 2 days. It's awesome!

Since we've been out of debt we've made a list of things we want to do with money. One of the top things is to pay for people's missions. Both Phil and I served and we had people help us and that made it possible for us to serve. We never want to hear of someone not able to go because they did not have enough money to serve the Lord. It's the greatest feeling to give. We've had some cool experiences these past couple months with giving money away to some different families who were in need. There is no other joy that is greater than giving!!! I love our new life style! So here's to all the books Phil is going to write and sell so we can make our new dreams come true and bless the lives of others! If you haven't tried it-you gotta partake of the sweetness, do it!!!

The month of LOVE

2010-02-15T07:21:00.000-08:00

So I'm loving my new self! I have lost 23 pounds since Halloween. I am in a size 6!!! I have never been in a size 6. People want to know what my secret is. I just got sick and tired of being sick and tired. I get up at 5am go to the gym for 2 hours, eat less, no candy, chocolate and soda. I eat only at meal time, I have cut out all my snacking! It's a great year to be alive!

We love this little girl! She's the happiest child ever! She's 9 months old and as sweet as they come. We hope she never changes.

I love these 2! They are alike in so many ways. They love to watch movies together!

I love Phil for being a great dad, despite his health issues right now. He's amazing-we are all lucky to have him.

I love playing with our girls. It is very challenging to be their mom, but very rewarding most days!

We love Boston, she's SOOOOOOOO full of life. She is very wise in her young age, it's scary and very humbling to be her parents. We know she was sent to our family to teach us lots of lessons, the lesson we are learning right now is PATIENCE. WOW....what a rush!

Sushi Night at the Harding's

2010-02-06T11:57:00.000-08:00

So we decided to make a new tradition in our family.

Sushi Night

Once a month. It's so yummy and SO easy to make. I learned how to make it when I was on my mission. I didn't show Phil I knew how to until our 2nd year of marriage. He was kind of upset I was holding out on him-I can't reveal all of my secrets at once!

Seminary

2010-02-04T04:52:00.000-08:00

This week I have had the awesome privilege of subbing for seminary. Phil was supposed to sub, but since he can't drive anymore(due to doctor's orders) I have been able to do it. We are in Alma 34-38 this week. AMAZING topics and I was really excited to teach Alma 36 today. There are only 4 kids that come, all four showed up Tuesday, one yesterday and today nobody. I mentioned to Phil yesterday how the 2 kids I really wanted to be there for the lesson were not there. I was going to commit one of the kids to baptism. Satan watches us, he knows the good we are trying to do. So he also influences those we are trying to help. Let us not give into him. We are better than that, he is NOTHING and we need to kick him in the knee and tell him OH NO YOU DON'T!
I just wanted everyone to know how much I love the gospel. I hope that someday I get to be a seminary teacher and just not a substitute. The Scriptures can help us change our lives and live closer to the spirit. I'm so blessed to be raised by goodly parents who took the time and sacrificed their sleep to get me to early morning seminary. Thank you mom and dad. When our kids are older, let's do the same for them!

"If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear"

2010-02-02T08:56:00.000-08:00

I seriously have 2 of the best callings. Emergency Preparedness/Canning specialist and nursery leader. Working the the members in our ward has been great, it's been amazing to see what we actually have collected and what we still need to collect. I'm grateful for a large tax refund so we can put a chunk towards our food storage. Phil and I have really felt the need to be prepared in that way.

Once a month we go the cannery and help out and order some food for our little family.

Boston is the OXYGEN girl. She does so well at putting the O2 packs in and then puts the lid on top. We are starting her out early!

Our debt free/food storage family! YEAH!!!

WE'RE DEBT FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-01-28T14:59:00.000-08:00

We did it! 15 intense months we were able and very blessed to pay off $25,500! YEAH HA. Had a baby, hit some major bumbs but did it! We went and paid off our truck today at the bank! Our last payment of $4400! WOW what a great feeling. NEVER EVER AGAIN will we owe anyone anything! We will be able to give and live like no one else now. Our next goal is to pay cash for our home! Lots of sacrifice and lots of saying no. If I wanted something when I was in the store, I would put it in my cart, shop and hall it around with me, then return it before I checked out. That was my want fix for the moment.
Oh the freedom. For all of you who are already there or that have never been in debt more power to you, don't ever go down that road. It's not worth the heart ache. The best part of Dave Ramsey's book and program was the hope we had and the money fights stopped. Because we were on the same page and worked towards our goal! Our cute little Boston will say when she hears Dave's music is "we're DEBT FREE" It's the best!

My little Beethoveen's

2010-01-26T12:47:00.000-08:00

I LOVE these pictures. The one with the girls playing the piano is a daily ritual. When ever I turn around they are there playing the piano. It's awesome. Boston sings to Brooks and Brooks pounds away. I need to get it on video. It melts my heart! I love they are taking after me!

POWER HOUR

2010-01-25T11:40:00.001-08:00

So my girlfriend Danielle told me about something she does. I call it my power hour. After we get up, dressed, breakfast I start my black timer. Boston gets to watch her movie and I clean like a mad woman. I cram as much as I can in my one hour and wow!!! The results have been amazing. I don't feel guilty for cutting in to the girl's time when I sit down to check my email or clean or do laundry, because I do that in my hour. Then it's over, I hang out with the girls and play and do school. I just wanted to share this so it can benefit us all. I've never been good at managing my time, but now I do and it's amazing what I can accomplish! Have a great day!

Harding Football 2009

2010-01-24T09:01:00.000-08:00

Last Christmas Lynn and Cyndee gave us Eagle Football Jersey's that have Phil and Tyler's number 55 on the back. THANKS guys. I have one too, just had to take the picture so I'm MIA. Phil decided to be on the squadron football team. The first words out of my mouth when I heard the news was "don't go and do something stupid and get hurt!" He replied "I can't make any promises."

Well he had a great season. They got second place in the finals due to the other team cheating and the ref's making bad calls. It was not a pretty sight. ANYWAYS, Phil hurt him self playing. He is finally going to go get an MRI, because he feels like he tore something inside. URRRR .

Hopefully we will get his surgery soon. I'm due for my 5th ACL surgery in a couple weeks. Timing could not be any better! Like I've always said never a dull moment in the Harding Home!

It was fun to watch him relive his glory days!

We had a great time cheering him on this season! My husband is the hottest out there, oldest too!:)

2010 what a year!!!

2010-01-14T17:52:00.000-08:00

So with the new year we have lots of goals set for a family and I have a goal to be the best mom! So here I am on my way, having a blast with the girls. I was pushing them around the kitchen in our new black tub. Phil snuck in the house to scare us and found us playing...busted!

Every kid has to have a dishwasher shot! Brooks is every where, she is pulling herself up and crawling, climbing and standing for seconds at a time. Phil has bets she'll be walking by her 9th month. She just turned 8 months.

We celebrated our 6 year anniversary by going to Fudrucker's and Lion King Live. We had a blast. I can't believe how fast it has gone by. We are so blessed to have on another and I'm so lucky to have Phil love me!

Boston has so much personality. She is so funny. I have converted her to a Dave Ramsey fan. We were in HEB shopping the other day, they had back ground music playing. It was one of the theme songs Dave uses. I had noticed it and was humming along. Boston looks up and gets so excited she say's "It's Dave Ramsey Mom". I was impressed and thought to my self I've brain washed her!:) YEAH.

So come the new year Phil has been hosting his "Nerd" night at our house. This works out great for me. I have every Thursday night off from the girls, he puts them to bed and I can go do whatever I want. I LOVE the new year. Thanks honey, this is definitely a win win situation.

Boston listens to Word Girl every day, she takes the chair over, puts the CD in and pushes play and will sit on the counter top and listen to it. She was extra tired one day, so she got a pillow with her famous blanket.

Brooks is awesome. What a bundle of joy. She has the best everything; smile, laugh and attitude!

Note to self: Never use black food coloring when playing with crafts!

Merry Christmas from San Antonio, TX

2009-12-28T13:09:00.000-08:00

Our Christmas was quiet. The girls really weren't into it. Boston wanted to watch a movie, especially after she opened Green Eggs and Ham. That was our Christmas breakfast. It was our Total Money Make Over Christmas. We spent a total of $31.85. It was great. We had a huge dinner, feeding some guys from Phil's work and 4 missionaries and a single sister in our ward. We spent 8 hours in the kitchen and cooking and baking all day.
It was a lot of fun and really yummy!

Connie and Cris gave Boston a manger scene last year and we gave it to her this year when we were decorating. She played with it every day. It was great to teach her about Baby Jesus. She can even tell you what the 3 wise men brought Jesus.

Boston got lots of books from the doctor, I got the potato head for $1.99 with my $5 off coupon!

The best part of Christmas was having her take her piggy bank and get money out to take to the dollar store and buy everyone a present. She even payed the lady at the register, wrapped them and was so excited to see the JOY it would bring everyone. It is so rewarding being a parent. We are working on Joy alot right now and for her to share more and be happy for other just makes your heart melt! We love you Boston.

Brookise B is the cutest, happiest baby EVER. She was easy to shop for, got a $22 toy for $3.64 thanks to our coupons!:)

Boston giving Brookise her present.

Boston got to put a muffin out for Santa this year, she was more excited to see if Santa ate her muffin than to open her presents!:)

Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa Hunt we were able to buy Christmas dresses. Brooks dress is pink, but was napping when I took the picture. Boston looks just like me when I was 2. She is growing like a weed.

16 pounds!

2009-12-14T08:10:00.000-08:00

Final stats for weigh in

Starting weight: 167

Final weight: 151

Starting size: 12

Current size: 8

Feeling: AMAZING!!!

Next biggest loser competition starts January 4th. Mark your calendars and let me know if your in. The more the merrier. Details to come. HAVE A GREAT MONDAY!

Have a holly jolly Christmas....this year!

2009-12-13T13:18:00.000-08:00

So first off....ME. This last couple months I have learned a very valuable lesson. Make time for ME TIME. What a world of difference that has made for our family. I have learned not to feel guilty for taking me time. I deserve me time and most of all I NEED me time. So since Halloween I have lost 13 pounds!!! I am in 3rd place right now for a biggest loser competition that ends in the morning. I hope to make 2nd. But most of all I FEEL great. I love that old saying

"When Mommas Happy Every one's Happy"

I am skinnier than when we first got married. I am proud to report I can do 10 pull ups now and kick some serious butty at the gym. My goal for this year is to run another 5K.

So here's to a great year!

I've taken pie baking as my newest hobby. LOVE IT!!! I have coconut cream and apple.

Our 2 beauties getting ready for bed.

The best thing about 2 kids right now is there is one for each of us!
Phil is great at putting both of them down at night when I've had a rough day or want to go to they gym in the evening.

This little gem is all that in and a bag of chips! She's GREAT!

Boston helping with hanging the lights!

Yes that is a hippo jacket we got a yard sale for $5 before she was even born!

Brooks is definitely a HARDING she loves and enjoys all kinds of food. We had to try curry the other day and Phil could not feed it to her fast enough! YEAH!!!

She eats fast like her mommy!

Boston showing off her new gloves and jacket-thanks Grandma Hunt.

So here is a great afternoon idea! It looks alot messier than it is. You take corn starch and water. We added green food coloring. It's the best. This entertained Boston for 2 hours straight. I was able to play with her and then clean the whole bottom of the house cause the fun never ends with it! TRY IT!

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-12-03T12:10:00.000-08:00

Brooks had her first taste of Turkey from our huge Turkey legs!

This year we wanted to do something fun for Thanksgiving since we don't have any family close by. So we packed up Thanksgiving day, drove 3 hours to Houston for the Renaissance Festival so Phil could feel at home. His exact words out of his mouth were when we walked in was..."Welcome to my world" Total nerd thing to say!

Phil loved the custom swords and got a million ideas for his book.

Everyone was dressed up. I wasn't and felt like an out cast!

Boston got to feed and ride the elephant, she had a great time. Definitely her daddy's girl.

Waiting in line to ride it-we gotta work on the patience thing-not going so well.

The merry go round with freakish looking wooden animals! B picked the monkey.

My knight and shining man!

So I have a new appreciation for my parents who have stayed in a dozen motels with 5 kids. WHAT WERE THEY THINKING?! All I can say I will never take Boston to a motel with us again at least till she is 10. WOW, lets just say Brooks is the only one that got sleep that night and that's because she was in the bath tub and so stinking cute!

NEW MOON LADIES NIGHT OUT

So I needed a break from my everyday life. I decided that once a month that I would start a Ladies Night Out. So our first one was to see New Moon.

Jacob was SOOOOOOOOOO Hot. It was a blast to act all giddy like a single college girl. Ask anyone there and you wouldn't have thought I was married!:)

Thanks for showing up everyone!

What do ya do when daddy's gone?

2009-11-10T12:19:00.000-08:00

So Phil is gone again on TDY. I'm grateful for good friends and lots of fun activities in San Antonio to do. The zoo is one of the best places for Boston. She actually didn't get to go to the zoo that day because choose not to listen to me and man is it hard to stick to your guns when you are trying to teach your kids a lesson.

We went to the park instead after she calmed down and rode on the swings.

Happy, but still had puffy eyes from her hard lesson learned.

Can't figure out this swing yet, but had a good time!

I have this thing with wigs and babies. When Boston was 6 months old we put her in a blond wig, I need to do pictures of both so you can see. We had a yard sale last Saturday at Ft. Sam.

Updates

2009-11-03T20:57:00.000-08:00

My knight and shining armor. We had a great Halloween. I can honestly say I did not have single piece of candy. I feel bad we didn't participate in our ward trunk or treat because I didn't buy any because I don't eat it. I'm sure others purchased more than enough for our missing share! I loved our theme this year. We won bested dressed family!

Phil was labeled as a total nerd because he made his armor, but I'm super proud of him. Actually the words Emily said were

"you know this is a whole new level of nerd"

The cutest jester in town

Phil won Airman of the quarter for the squadron again, and was up for the running of Airman of the base. He missed it by 2 points, he later found out he was runner up. Not bad for getting his stuff put together in less than 12 hours. He would have totally gotten it if his supervisor would have given him more than 12 hours notice. He's still our Airman of our lives!
We LOVE you Phil.

Bath time, then bed time, 2 of my favorite times of the day!

So Boston has started school. She loves it. It's twice a week and is doing amazing! She's our little smarty pants! She's so grown up. Boston is doing leaps and bounds better with dealing with everything she has been going through. There is light at the end of the tunnel, maybe enough to have another kid:)

Brooks is every one's joy! Boston is about the only one who can get her to laugh. It's so fun to see them start to play together. Brooks is about ready to crawl. She'll be doing it for sure by Thanksgiving. She's a roller and a rocker, she loves to get up on her knees and rock back and forth. She is sitting up straight and knows her ABC's:) JK!

This is my favorite picture. This is our home when Boston's not throwing a fit. There is nothing but pure JOY. It has been really fun to live among the Harding's! Here's to many many more days, months and years to come.

Let the parties begin....

2009-10-24T19:34:00.000-07:00

October is such a fun time. Fall, leaves change colors, cooler weather-in some places! Hot apple cider, windows open to let the cool breeze through the house, night time comes more quickly, Halloween costumes, candy apples, parties and Phil's favorite holiday. It was my least favorite one until we got engaged 6 years ago on Halloween night!

Our 1st of 4 parties this year. Phil didn't want to be a white trash family dressing up this year. So we spent a few extra dollars and Boston and I bought our dresses. I made Brookise B's outfit and Phil got to wear his famous chain mail!

Our little court jester! She is a blast. You all need to plan a trip out here to meet this most amazing baby! She lights up any room.

Boston is quite the princess, she's a work of art that has yet to be determined. We love her energy and spunk to everything she does. WOW what an amazing daughter!

My hot honey in his chain mail. He was so proud. His nick name at work is Viking and this just adds to the name! Everyone loved it.

A new happy start and sad ending...

2009-10-05T20:54:00.000-07:00

Well Brooks and I took off last weekend for our little get away vacation, just the 2 of us. We were just supposed to go to Utah for Jay's wedding. He is one of the 3 boys I used to nanny for. Man time flies! But my grandma ended up passing away too, so we extended our trip and attended her funeral. And while we were there we went to a cousins farewell for his mission. What an adventure. What a blast!

Here is my happy little traveler. Brooks is amazing. I had a total blast getting to know her better with a lot of one on one time. She is just a great happy fun kid. Did I mention chunky too! (17 lbs) Our trip started off in Utah to visit Phil's family for the evening and dinner. You know you have great in laws and cool brother and sister in law when you visit with out your husband. Then off to the wedding Friday morning.

Here is the beautiful couple. Jay and Jessica. I love how he's checking out his new wife!

2 of my 3 favorite boys ever. Jay and Bryce. Jeff left to decorate the hotel room before we could find him to take the picture.

Here's the family. Chad, Mindy and I are the 3 kids Cris and Connie never physically had. But they have made us a part of their lives for over 10 years. THANK YOU!

Here is my trooper! So the most eventful thing happened coming home from LAX. We just got done going through security and I had buckled Brooks back into her car seat. Thank goodness, because when I put her seat in the stroller it didn't lock into place, as I moved around to start pushing her to get us out of the way and she toppled right over the back of the stroller straight off on to the hard cement floor; right on her head. Yeah some times I REALLY SUCK at this mom thing. Thank goodness I prayed that morning before we left for no harm or accident. My prayer was truly answered. The paramedics came and checked her out. She ended up being just fine, not a scratch on her. Wow...I'm so grateful for simple prayers and angels! I hope I didn't cause to much damage later on down the road.

Then at my cousins farewell my best friend from childhood Stacy came to see us. We had a blast catching up! Brooks loved her.

Here we are just the 3 of us.

My sisters Carrie, Callie, Ashley and myself. Brooks is in the picture you just can't see her cause I'm holding her off to the side on my hip, just hiding her from the picture.:)

This was one of the hardest days I've had to deal with. My grandma never got to meet Brooks. My grandma was the most amazing lady. Like every one's Grandma's are. They aren't ever supposed to die. But she is in a better place and hopefully figured out the big picture from up there.She lived to be almost 93. I will miss her dearly, I will miss my monthly letters we used to correspond with. She was and is such a great example to me. I was honored to say the closing prayer at her funeral.

While I was gone Phil took great care of Boston, they went to Chucky Cheese, LOWE'S build a workshop, the movies and just had a blast. Phil even made AIRMAN OF THE QUARTER again, Boston called me to tell me over the phone. It was great! We are so proud of you Phil. Thank you for serving our country and our family so well. Thank you for a little bit of a break.

Oh my husband....

2009-10-03T05:55:00.000-07:00

So Phil calls me up Wednesday night at the store and says "I have good news and bad news...good news is we get to go on a date for my paper I have to write a paper on a Broadway play or performance, bad news is the only thing playing is Momma Mia!" I was so excited. He on the other hand didn't want to be caught their dead or alive there.

So we got all dressed up and off we went. It was a great time. Phil even admitted he enjoyed some parts of it.

I love my husband he's a great sport. He said some day they should have a Broadway production on Ninjas or Star Wars! I LOVE YOU PHIL!

The one I can't wait for is on our 6 year anniversary in Jan he is taking me to see The Lion King. That is gonna be amazing!

Show me your muscles!

2009-09-22T19:02:00.000-07:00

I'm so proud of Boston. She is so stinking strong. I like to take 1/2 of that credit. We are very blessed to have such strong beautiful girls. So here is to many more arm wrestling matches with their dad. They have so much fun together.

Brooks 4 month shots

2009-09-18T18:17:00.001-07:00

So we have been blessed with some of the most amazing children. Brooks has been 110% heaven sent. She ALWAYS has a smile. She sleeps through the night, she eats really good, she laughs so much more than we ever remember Boston laughing, she's got great health, she is strong and so stinking cute! She has such an amazing spirit. I feel so bad lately because I've been focusing and working with Boston so much(terrific two's!!!) I have kind of just let Brooks do her own thing and just hang out. But recently we've been able to use all of our energies equally and it's been amazing. Our great friend and neighbor Emily took the pictures and they turned out perfect. My mom made the blessing dress and Karen knitted the blanket. Thank you for all of your prayers lately. More pictures and updates to come for everyone.

A New Me

2009-08-25T14:14:00.001-07:00

So this past week has been a crazy but great one. We moved into a huge 5 bedroom 2 1/2 bath to house sit for the next 9 months. The Parker Family moved to China and asked us to help them out. So let me tell you it's amazing what space can do. NO MORE CLUTTER. There is a place for everything. It's so nice to have a peaceful de junked home with a place for everything. It's definitely a lot of work, but we are up for the challenge. The neighbors we already know and have been hanging out for the past year and half. All in all it was a fabulous move.

As for me it's definitely been a great move. I have recommitted myself to a new me. I now get up a 5am and hit the gym, read my scriptures, showered and dressed by 7am. So when the girls wake up I'm all theirs. It has already made a world of difference for Boston. Brooks is finally sleeping through the night all the way. My energy levels are AWESOME and it's great to get done what I need to get done before I have my duties ahead of me. I LOVE IT! So here's to good health and many early mornings! I've been doing this for 8 days now. WOOHOO!!!

Air Force's Newest Staff Sargent

2009-08-22T11:16:00.000-07:00

Yeah for Phil!!! He did it! The day after Brooks was born, having only 4 hours of sleep and no time at all to study for the test, due to other work obligations he said a prayer and took his test. This week he found out that he made it! Congratulations Phil, he's number 9000 out of 15,000 to get it. He'll sew on his new stripe and start getting paid probably in February. We are so excited for him!

We love you Phil!

Oh what to do when Phil is gone...

2009-08-14T19:54:00.000-07:00

This morning we went to tour the train for the move A Christmas Carol. It was great until Boston had a melt down in the middle of the train.

I'm thinking she's just not a big fan of crowds.

Boston called this Thomas the Choo-choo train....all morning, day and nite. She loved it!

Family picture

Brooks was a great sport.

Not such a great shot with the Carolers they had out-beautiful voices mixed with Boston's :)

One of my favorite past times. This weekend Boston had another sleep over. She has some of the best friends. The are all older and I think she does much better with them than kiddos her own age. The Parker's are moving to China so we had to have them over just one last time!
WE WILL MISS YOU RACHEL, SADIE and DANNY!!!

Sadie the soaker!

Anna the wild one-don't let this innocent face trick you! She's a feisty one when it comes to the water!

Then there's her sister Amy who is a water bug and mean with the hose! Don't get in her way:)

Rachel and Danny trying to stay warm. Did I mention this was at 8 in the morning!

My two favorites! Boston loves them all, but lately Danny has been her favorite. She's excited to move to their home. We are going to be moving into the Parker's home to house sit while they are in China. YEAH, more room to play and amazing neighbors right next door!

Last but not least the highlight of my week. The missionaries. I keep saying with every set we have they are my favorites. There is something about each companionship that I love. These two are amazing. In fact all four that serve in our ward are AWESOME! They seem to get better and better ever set. They were great about helping me out this week. They were always calling to see if I needed anything while Phil was gone. Then they brought me a cake to say Thank You for helping them out earlier. I LOVE MISSIONARIES! Now I just gotta find someone for them to teach!

Sunday mornings lately....

2009-08-09T10:25:00.000-07:00

Well since Phil has been in the Bishopric and is not around in the mornings to help it has been quite a success. All three of us have got it down to an art with bathing, eating breakfast and getting dressed by 10:30. We are ready to go when Phil comes to pick us up. For some reason we are always on time now, it's kind of nice! No offense honey.

Boston's new dress-thanks to our friends!

I love hand me downs!

Boston still won't let me put fun bows in her hair. For some reason she'll let me curl her hair, go figure! Her hair is beautiful!

My two favorite daughters! I got a good picture of both of them! YEAH. Happy Sunday to us.

Time Flies...

2009-08-05T17:52:00.000-07:00

Baby Brooks is 3 months old already. I feel like it was yesterday when I was having contractions!

What a joy she has been. She if finally awake more often and eats super. The video is of me feeding her avocados! That was Boston's first food, so we thought we'd try it again and hope to get the same results!

Phil's Happy 30th!

2009-07-28T21:17:00.000-07:00

Phil turned the big 30 this year. He gives me a hard time about being 30, cause I married a younger man. So this was the most jammed packed day ever. It was a total blast!

It started with making German pancakes, OJ and out the door by 8:30am. I was on a tight budget. I had $51 to spend including gas money. We pulled it off with $0.60 left over!

We first went to the Natural Bridge Wildlife Safari. It's the coolest place, you drive around at 5 mph and get to feed tons of animals. Let me tell you it's worth the $16 a person. Boston was free thank goodness. I hope you enjoyed the video. I seriously thought I was going to have a panic attack. WOW! Talk about invading personal space.
(video's down at the bottom)

This place was AMAZING. Boston had a blast. We had a blast watching her enjoy it. Kids bring so much joy into everything. Especially Boston, she's all or nothing!

Can you say LLAMA?

Our first family picture ever. Brooks is hiding in the red neck sling Phil made.

Boston was hugging the pop belly pig, she liked him until he tried to jump on her and knocked her down.

Then we went to Jack in the box, used my coupons and got $21 worth of food for $5.83. It rocked! Then hurried home so we could all take naps before our annual free trip to Sea World. Thank Sea World. They give Military families one free day a year.

We hit some shows and the water park for about 4 hours. It was great!

Waiting for Shamu! Boston loved cheering for him, just couldn't get a good picture of it.

I attempted to make a 3 tier chocolate peanut butter recies cake for Phil. Turned out great! Thanks Crissy for your recipe.

Then after Sea World, we rushed to get Rudy's BBQ-best BBQ ever. Then ran home, got out of our bathing suits and Kim came to watch the kids. We headed off to see the Harry Potter Movie. Really good, if you haven't read the books. Good thing I didn't read the books uh! So our day started at 7:30am and ended at 11:00pm. But it was the most perfect family day. We had such a great time.

Phil got a picture of his three ladies, ammo for his new 40DX, and holster. He banked this year! I love planning stuff like this. So here's to my husband the love of my life! Happy 30th ya old man:)

Confessions from a shopaholic

2009-07-25T19:53:00.000-07:00

This week was much better. Last Sunday Boston got kicked out of nursery for being a terrible two year old, what more can I say. Poor girl. When the primary president was talking to me I had enough, I started crying. Boston saw me crying and started crying too. It was really sweet. I think that really hurt her feeling. So we talked with Boston tried to reason with her. 1st off nursery is in the middle of her nap time. I'm not anneal with much but naps, I am; I'll rearrange my whole day just to get her to have a nap. So after much prayer and fasting it happened. We figured out where she was learning how to fight, kick, hit, push, shove you name it she was doing. All except biting, she's been bit before but has never bitten another kid. THANK GOODNESS for that one. (I used to be mean bitter) It finally dawned on us that she was getting it from Disney movies, so I packed them up that night, no more Peter Pan-sword fighting, those lost boys are mean suckers.

When she asks to see a movie it's back to Baby Einstein's, she calls those her happy movies. If I had it my way we would not even have a TV.

So Monday morning comes along and something in her just snapped. She has been so pleasant, loving, polite always saying "Yes Mommy" or "Yes please". She has stopped her whining for the most part, if we get to three when counting she goes right to her room to calm herself down. It has been so much fun this past week. She has been a total BLAST!!! I am really enjoying who she is becoming.

We met some friends at the Children's Museum this past week. The coolest thing was the HEB shopping center. Boston went to town. It was very interesting to see what items she picked up on her own. Emily, my friend commented to me "Is she picking out what you guys buy? Austin (her son) is getting everything we buy" How funny is that? How AWESOME was that!!!

Veggies...if you don't know Boston you should know that all I have to do is open a can of green beans, carrots you name it and she'll eat them right out of the can.

She loves ALL kind so of veggies. We started feeding them to her when she was 4 months old and never gave her fruit till she was about 8 months old. She has never had candy-at least given to her by us. She did get to try ice cream when Brooks was born. But we just don't feed her sugar. It's not worth the episodes she has.

One of my favorite things about Boston is she LOVES foods, and she is starting to say UM GOOD when we eat and she really likes it. She tries everything at least once. She is an amazing eater. So all of you future moms who want your kids to be well rounded with foods. I totally believe in not giving your kids sugar at least till they are a year old and fruit at 8 months. She has never even had jarred baby food, we just mashed up everying we ate and that was her meal. Start them on veggies early on and they'll never stop!

Bread anyone?

I could not get her to look at the camera long enough to get a good face expression.

Checking out!

Well you can tell we eat a lot of meat, bread and veggies. She picked out everything all by herself. I was amazed at what she recognized and more impressed that she wanted that for herself. She's our little carnivore:)

Enjoy!

More Visitors

2009-07-21T18:26:00.000-07:00

What a surprise!!! We came home from church and Jeff and Charisse called to say they were on their way to visit us. They live in Utah, Jeff is in Dallas for an internship with Bayne. They were in Austin for the weekend and came to see us Sunday evening. We had a great time.

For those of you who don't know, I used to nanny Jeff and his younger brothers, now they've been on missions, marriage and having babies-crazy how time flies! They are my brothers from another mother!:)

This is Daisy, she's an excellent dog to babysit. She belongs to our friends who are gone most of the summer. We have loved having her around! Especially Boston.

This picture cracks me up. Boston often goes and snuggles with Phil after her naps or when she gets up in the am. I went to go take a picture, but she had already gotten up; so Phil is pretending and Boston is trying to. Love her squinted eyes when I said....pretend your asleep.

Oh what do you do in the summer time?

2009-07-11T15:56:00.000-07:00

So our great friends from Spain sent Boston this Spanish dress with a flower-what a fun dress up piece to add to her collection!

She's always on the move-could not get the silly girl to be still-she was dancing away in it!

Our new ray of sunshine! Of course she's already been attacked by mosquito's while she sleeps, they are 2 in the house that I can't kill. Can't wait to move to AZ for that simple reason-no more mosquito's.

Hanging out in the kitchen!

Yes, Boston still sucks her thumb.

We made a fort the other day. I'm running out of ideas of how to keep this kid entertained. If you have any ideas send them this way please.

Our 4th of July ward party

2009-07-05T06:46:00.000-07:00

I feel so bad because our camera is SO retarded. It takes such slow pictures, all of the ones we take of cute little Brooks don't do her justice. She is such a happy baby. She is 8 weeks today. She slept through the night last night. We put her down at 10:15pm and woke up happy as could be at 6:30am. I'll take that folks! It felt so good to get some uninterrupted sleep. I wish you could see her eyes-they are gorgeous! Bright dark blue with cool designs. We get compliments on them all the time!

This is Kelly Landress Black one of my favorite missionary companions. She lives here in San Antonio and came to celebrate the 4th! Thanks to her and her husband Nathan for helping out with my 2 rowdy kiddos!

Saddie is one of Boston's best friends and former piano students. Every Sunday her and about 5 other primary kids come and take Boston to nursery for us ever week. They are so sweet!

Phil had his first Bishopric assignment, the 4th of July party. It was on Ft. Sam Houston at a fun park. We rented a dunk tank and jumping castle. It was hit! We brought everything from charcoal to drinks and the buns for the meat. But we forgot the meat in our refrigerator. Not cool. So some ward members who were on their way up saved our hinney's and picked it up for us and dropped it off! Thanks Hernandez Family. Thanks to everyone for being patient and waiting on the food. Oopps....better write it down next time!

Well as you can see our 2 year old loves adventure. She wanted to play right along with everyone else. So who got to dunk this sweet child of ours. ME!!! It was great. It felt so good to dunk my kiddo...I'm not a mean mom I promise.:)

I did feel bad because she hit her head on the way down. But like a good sport got in line to do it again 3 other times! We LOVE our Boston. So fun and full of life. She also lost her blanket out the window earlier in the day. The window was rolled down and she held it up to high and the wind took it away. You thought she had been shot with how bad she was crying. Very traumatizing! Then I took her swimming at the pool before we came to the party and she was running towards this soda can to get a drink-and smacked her head into the brick wall that the can was sitting up against. OUCH! She had quite the adventurous day!

You can't hear her but she is saying "Dunk Me...Dunk Me"

We the people...

2009-07-04T09:22:00.000-07:00

4 of July is a special holiday for us in the Harding and Hunt Families.

Phil's dad was a Sniper in the Korean War.

Scott served in the Army.

Bryce was a Marine.

My dad and aunt Linda were both in the Air Force.

We are so blessed to know so many wonderful people who have selflessly served our country.

May we always stand for what we believe and have the strength to continue to stand in these perils times ahead.

GOD BLESS AMERICA.

Tech School

Boot Camp

Flags of America formation

Wishing he could fly in this chopper!

Thanks for everyone has ever served or will serve our country!

A new calling....

2009-06-29T08:21:00.001-07:00

So Phi received a call from the Stake Executive Secretary Saturday night. He met with the Stake President Sunday morning and was extended the call to serve as

2nd Counselor in the new Bishopric.

WOW....now I'm a Sunday widow. I'm so excited for my husband to learn and grow and serve at a new level. He will do amazing because he is amazing!

Good luck honey-we miss you already!

I got the COPS called on me today....SERIOUSLY

2009-06-24T22:55:00.000-07:00

So this cute, independent, free spirit child of mine is the most obedient 2 year old I have ever known. She seriously listens so well when you ask her to do something she does it. As long as she's in a good mood and not throwing herself on the ground.

Well we go to the park right across the street from our house all the time. I totally believe in space and freedom. So I let Boston wonder by herself, I don't believe in hovering over children. As long as I can see her and she can hear me we are good to go. If she ever gets to close to the street of course I stop her before it's way to late etc. Well I was sitting on the equipment, Boston was walking around, doing her thing probably for about 5 minutes. Then out of now where this under cover cop shows up along with security and their manager. The manager lady tells me that they were just called about a wondering child, "does she belong to you?" "Yes mam that's my child she was not wondering, I've been watching her the whole time. I was sitting down in the shade, had my eyes on her the whole time. I don't need to hold her hand every second." "She listens super well" Then she proceeded to ask if they were my children and if there were any other wondering children around. We were the only ones at the park. Some person driving by saw B walking around, obviously didn't look very hard for me. Sure didn't stop to see if Boston was okay, they just called security. Gotta love it! It's great to know I'm such irresponsible parent:) I love Boston, I hope she continues to listen and have her freedom.

Called to Serve

2009-06-23T21:26:00.000-07:00

My parents have been called to serve a mission for

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

They will be serving a church service mission in

Olympia Washington at the Church Camps.

Good luck and thank you for your example to all of us and our kids!

We miss you already.

Happy Father's Day Phil

2009-06-21T06:09:00.000-07:00

If you don't know Phil you are missing out! He's the best part of our lives. He is an amazing father, dad, husband and friend.

He loves his ladies!
He is an awesome teacher.
Boston loves to listen to what he has to say even if he is making it up!

He is very gentle.

He is hilarious!

He is a healer in many ways. He knows just where to kiss the pains away.

He is great at welcoming new ones into the family and world.

Brooks and Phil.

He is very trust worthy.

He is a total blast to be around! I can't forget to mention good for snuggles any time of the day or night, singer, artist, book reader, bath giver, cook, taxi driver, grocery getter, hard worker, priesthood holder, excellent student and great provider for our little family. We love you Phil thanks for being the best part of our lives!

Boston's Month!!!

2009-06-16T11:25:00.001-07:00

June 14th Boston turned two! We went to the splash pad and had a bunch of friends come and celebrate with us! Boston did fine for the first 1 hour then, she had enough as you can see from the pictures below!
"It's my party and I'll cry if I want to!"

AND SHE DID!

The Splash Pad

A bunch of water gadgets and a great time. It was definitely a Dave Ramsey stick to your budget b-day party. We had root beer floats and Popsicles and a bag of doritios.

Phil's foot found the gum....yuck!

Boston got bubbles, a blanket, dolls and some cool play dough toys! Thanks to everyone who showed up and disobeyed our no present request!

The life of the party-Brooks slept the whole 3 hours! Heaven sent I tell ya!

Boston loves to play dress up with her new clothes Grandma Hunt gave her!

Thanks grandma.

Boston's new rocking horse. Yep she's only got her boots and hat on-she dressed herself....seriously!

These shoes are made for running! Mom doesn't' need them any more!

So you can guess who put this on her head before it went on her bum....Phil orchestrated the whole thing!

Our sad moment that started the month off. Phil thought it would be a GREAT idea to go get Boston's hair trimmed. Well we went to Wal-Mart-bad idea. The lady who cut CHOPPED her hair didn't really speak good English, let alone understand what a trim meant. So no more hair for Boston. She cut it all off. We learned out lesson. Hopefully Boston will forgive us and let us cut it next time. We are praying it grows in nice and thick!

Bye-bye hair!

A fun, normal day for us!

2009-06-11T06:28:00.000-07:00

Brooks first bubble bath. She loves the water.

We have ourselves another fish!

Boston decided to color on the wall. I've been waiting for this day.

Phil looked up on line how to clean it off. Just take a baby wipe and some old fashion elbow grease! Boston did her fair share of scrubbing too!

She seems to be happy to be done scrubbing! You can never start a kid to early on chores:)

I love Sundays. Boston gets to get all dressed up and looks so stinking cute in her outfits! Thanks Grandma Hunt for the dress! Thank you TARGET for the $1 hat!

Brooks can't fit into any of her dresses right now, so she's still in oneies!

Brooks Baby Blessing

2009-06-08T21:35:00.000-07:00

Brooks special day

Grandma Hunt made her dress-in a few hours!

What great talent.

Up close and personal.

Brooks blessing was beautiful. Phil did a nice job. It was accompanied by Brooks crying through the whole thing. The bishop made a comment "Looks like the Harding's have another singer." We could not get Boston to stand still enough to get a family picture. She wore her red Chinese dress too. It was so fun to be dressed up with her. Thanks again to both sets of parents who came down to support us in this special occasion. We miss you already!

Self Entertaining!

2009-06-05T06:12:00.000-07:00

I know....I know....pretty red neck swim suit and swimming pool!

But hey we have a blast!

We love this little girl. Phil and I were talking in the kitchen and we hear this noise coming around the corner. There is a tiny little hole in the top of this cone, so she could see where she was going. She had a blast! Silly girl! WE LOVE HOW MUCH YOU MAKE US LAUGH BOSTON!

Happy Graduation

2009-05-31T15:25:00.000-07:00

Phil received his Associates of the Air Force on Wednesday morning.

This is one of the hardest degrees to get, so they say.

I'm so proud of him. He has come along way in the past year.

Phil and his parents.

Receiving his degree.

Daddy and one of his favorite ladies!

Visitors come and go...

2009-05-28T18:28:00.000-07:00

Right before my mom and dad left. Boston just got up from a nap!

Surprisingly Boston is a great big sister. After trying to poke Brooks eyeballs out she has done much better. She covered Brooks up with her blanket!

Boston loves the bath, Brooks is getting there. In no time these two are going to make some pretty big waves!

Phil's parents were in town too, we took them to the Japanese Tea Gardens.

Phil is quite the photographer! I'm actually awake for this picture.

Brooks first bath, not a big fan of it, but she did good

My mom is an amazing seamstress. She made both Boston and Brooks baby blessing dresses. I'll post pictures later. She was very patient with Boston wanting to touch everything! Hopefully Boston will learn to be just as talented as Grandma Hunt.

Bubble Baths

2009-05-21T07:49:00.000-07:00

Boston loves her bubble baths. She loves to decorate her body with the bubbles!

Home from the Hospital again...

2009-05-16T17:03:00.000-07:00

We were able to come home Tuesday from the hospital. Then had to go back in on Thursday after Brooks Jaundice test. She was to high with her levels, 17 out of 20. She was dehydrated. My milk did not come in until Thursday afternoon. They call it Bilirubin, they have to be under blue lights for 24-36 hours. I could only hold her when I was feeding her. No fun, but enjoyed every minute I got to hold her.

Picture right after she had to get her iv hooked up. OUCH!!!

This is her personal tanning bed.

Loving on her daddy. Melting his heart. Thanks to great friends for taking care of Boston, Phil was able to spend a lot with us.

We went in on Thursday afternoon and discharged Saturday afternoon.

Our little family. Poor Boston has only seen her sister in the hospital and one day at home. She is adjusting very well to having baby Brooks around. I'm so thankful for real food and my comfy bed. I'm grateful for the great staff that took care of us, they ROCKED.

It's so fun to have all of us back together all under one roof. I'm so grateful for the gospel and to know we can be together forever no matter what happens as long as we do our part!

That's the story of this week!

Introducing.....

2009-05-12T13:04:00.000-07:00

Brooks Lynn Harding

8lbs 15 .5 oz

21 inches long

Mothers Day May 10, 2009

6:38 am

Brooks was our very first choice 9 months ago. We named her Brooks after Phil's brother who died in a car accident and also his other brother Lynn-my favorite brother in law:).

Sleeping, what she does best-thanks to the Harding's narcolepsy!

Okay she looks totally possessed here. They just did her eyes.

It was an amazing birth experience. Much better than my experience with Boston. I was able to have a Vbac with Brooks. Labor was 10 hours, pushed for an hour and what a cool feeling to have her and Phil cheering us on. He was a great support and we are so lucky to have him around.

Daddy's little girl! She is so precious and beautiful.

Welcome home Brooks.

I put this picture in because she looks just like Boston did and was in the same position minus the ICU. Even had the same teddy bear monitor! No tubes or crazy shots for this kiddo!

My new hobbie....WAXING!!!

2009-05-07T17:26:00.000-07:00

Not body waxing...for all silly people thinking I'd post that on here:)

CHEESE WAXING

It's so easy! My girlfriend Kim came over this morning and we had a blast. It's really fun and really easy. I'm going super hard core on this food storage stuff.

You buy the cheese wax.

Cut it up and melt it on a double boiler.

Paint the wax on, 2-3 light coats! That's the fun part.
You need to wear gloves.

Your finished product. It stores for up to 25 years. I don't know about you but I LOVE cheese and definitely want it in case of an emergency! So there you go.

You can order your wax and directions from
New England Cheese making Supply
P.O. Box 85, Ashfield MA 01330
Phone (413) 628-3808Fax (413) 628-4061
E-mail info@cheesemaking.com

23 Months Ago....

2009-05-06T15:02:00.000-07:00

SWELLING UP THE WAZOO!!!

Going in to deliver Boston.

2 weeks before she came-at the beach in Monterey, CA.
Six months into the pregnancy, I was already swelling. Phil made a hot dog out of my finger. Gotta love his sick twisted sense of humor.

This pregancy has been no swelling yet-I can still wear my wedding ring! YEAH!

No baby yet. Had my 39 week appointment today. Just dilated to a 2. Doc said if by next week I have not gone into labor that he strongly recommend I sign up for c-section. With all the complications I had with Boston and I will most likely have another big baby. So we'll see what happens.

The name of the week is LOGAN Brooks.
Do you like it?

Busy as a bee...

2009-04-30T18:40:00.000-07:00

So if you don't know my calling at church is the best one ever! I am the canning/food storage/emergency preparedness specialist! I actually asked to be the person when the last one in our ward moved out. It has been a blast!!! I have definitely gone out of my comfort zone and have done things that I thought I would never be able to do.

For the past month I have canned butter, strawberry jam, cheese and meats-chicken, pork and beef! They have all turned out great!!!
We borrowed the caner from the stake and filled our rice, flour and spaghetti for the year supply that we needed. We hit some great deals and the Lord blessed us with extra money to be able to do this. It feels great to have a little extra and being able to help so many people in our ward! It's such a rewarding calling. It's so important to get our food storage done! If I can do it anyone can do it!!! Go try it today!