Cora

Cora is our doll, She loves to smile and preform. She loves to copy what other people do especially Izaac.

She loves fuzzy things, stuffed animals, blankets etc. Izaac could have cared less about such things so it is funny to me to have her get so excited about them if she sees something she will give it a big hug and a kiss.

She loves to give kisses and often crawls around making kissy sounds.

She isn't walking quite yet but is finally showing more interest in it she likes to stand alone and will willingly walk with help from a few fingers from mom or dad.

She has been sick pretty much since we got here, thankfully the flu like sickness has passed and she seems to have only a cold these days.

She has been working hard on popping out some teeth and has all four molars pretty much through but the way she is acting I have a feeling there are more to come, unfortunately.

After a week of her flu like sickness (where she couldn't keep anything down and slept all the time we took her to the hospital here and they gave her an IV, she wasn't dehydrated yet but it was close and I didn't want to come back so I had them give her one just in case. It was good because she really perked up after that and stopped throwing up within a day or so and has been recovering nicely ever since. with the exception of that cold and teeth previously talked about) She had lost a few pounds but seems determined to gain them back full swing, she eats like a horse, especially pickles!! (yep that's my baby) Izaac has been in a non eating stage so when Cora finishes her own food she will often go over to Izaac's dish and help him out, waste not want not!

Cora loves to sign, My mom worked a lot with her over the summer and she is really good at many signs.

It is funny she has certain triggers. If you say baby immediately she grabs her arms and rocks them back and forth, if you say "where are you" she goes right into peak-a-boo, weather I was talking to her or not, and If she hears good bye she starts blowing kisses and waving saying bye over and over again. She is so funny and fun to have around.

Izaac

Izaac is a funny boy. He is talking like crazy and loves to sing songs. He is goofy and loves to get into trouble, or he just does it a lot!

About a week after we got here I started Potty training Izaac and it has been going really well, most days, He was getting annoyed with his diapers and loves to "go on the big potty" My favourite thing is when he is trying to go #2 and gas comes out instead, I ask him, "Did you go poop?" "No, Just a toot" He must have picked up the word while in Canada, it cracks me up when ever he says it.

He loves to be helpful and often gets into everything.

Justice has been trying to teach him to play ball, so he took him out into the yard the other day and was trying to get him to catch the ball, Izaac however was uninterested and ran away unfortunatly he turned around and started running the other way after Justice had thrown the ball and ended up with a nice goose egg on his head. Lovely, now he'll never want to play catch.

He is not much of a "player" but he has started to pretend, usually practical things like going shopping for groceries, or making food, or eating things, He has also started being a cat, yep, he even hisses when he is mad. Weird child.

He does like bugs, we found some worms in the back yard a few days ago and he was so excited about them especially when I put one in his hand. He is a very hands on kinda kid.

He had a prayer/song voice that just makes me laugh. Whenever he says a prayer or sings a song he gets this high pitched goofy voice. I can hardly get through the song I'm singing cuz it makes me giggle so bad. Where did that come from??

He loves to sing the other day we were on a bus for 45 minutes, wrong bus dang it, and to pass the time guess what we did... yep sang wheels on the bus over and over again!!! I'm sure the other passengers and driver enjoyed it as much as we did!

So those are just a few random tidbits that I could think of about Izaac, some how my mind goes blank when ever I finally sit down to up date this thing!

Love to all,,,

Life in NY

We have been here for about a month now and Justice started school last Monday, well it has really been orientation and not any real classes yet, he has a few next week but the real fun begins the week after! He is excited and is enjoying meeting all kinds of people. My first week home with the kids has been a bit eventful, I started Potty training Izaac last Tuesday and he is doing really well, he loves to wear his underwear and usually makes it on to the potty, the trouble with having a boy is that even if he is sitting on the potty he can still shoot pretty far and i still get to do the clean up, we are working on tucking it in!! I am really thankful that he is doing so well he really enjoys in, most of the time, I think he likes feeling like a big boy and being more like mommy and daddy.

Cora had been sick this week and throwing up for a few days now. She doesn't have a fever at all she just can't keep anything down. Poor thing is so droopy she just lays around and stares at things.

Justice and I gave talks in church this morning, but left right after sacrament meeting due to Cora still being sick. We are hoping that she bounces back soon.

Here are some random funny, or things that I think are funny, stories from our adventures around NY are

1) While driving down the street past the old folks home we noticed a line of 10-15 people standing by a white vehicle, I thought it was a Handi-bus or something picking them up but as we got closer we realized that it was an ice cream truck, apparently the food there isn't so great

2) People in NY love to tell you what to do, and us having a son like Izaac brings this upon us even more so. We went to Ikea in Brooklyn a few weeks ago and Izaac found a little baking dish toy that he loved and he was climbing onto the shelf pretending to go into a house and put into the oven, well after a minute of that I tried to get him to come out of the shelf and put the toy back he can be very stubborn so it took a few minutes of me pulling and struggling and bribing to get him to move on... well as this commotion was going on a kindly Ikea employee comes up to me and says that he really shouldn't be playing on the shelf as he could get hurt... oh, well thank you, ya the reason he was screaming was because I was forcing him onto the shelf it's a good thing you came along to lend your support... seriously drive me crazy.

3) o.k. so I can only think of two stories right now but I wanted it to look like more so I made another number... hehehe

View of Lady Liberty from the Ferry
Playing on the ferry coming back from Manhattan
I told Izaac that he couldn't have a cookie until he looked at the camera and smiled for me and this is what I got, silly boy!
(Yes this is Izaac's new car seat I convinced Justice that Cora needed a girly thing to grow into and Izaac would be out of it in a few months leaving Cora with a lovely girl car seat for many years to come!)

We looked at some beautiful Greek style buildings around the children's museum We will definitely be going back around there they have all kinds of gardens and beautiful old buildings to look at.
Cora drivin the boat

We went to the children's museum on Staten Island and Izaac was of course drawn to the water exhibit

Cora loves standing up these days, she won't take any steps unless we are holding her hands but she gets so excited to stand on her own

Not my baby, so when I put Cora's hair up in ponytails she looks sooo much like one of Ashley's babies, it is so crazy!

Izaac in his big boy underwear in the kitchen

Visit to the ocean that is a block from our house

Justices first day of school!!

Sorry it is sideways, I couldn't figure out how to turn it, I forgot to put this on the last post but it cracks me up every time so I am putting it on now!

Cora has started to growl like a dinosaur whenever she sees one it is so funny to me whenever she does it!

On the way to New York

Well I have been a little lazy what with unpacking and painting our house and haven't updated my blog for awhile but here it is and it will be as long as Izaac lets it be Hopefully his cereal will be a distraction for long enough for me to write a few things. We didn't have a specific plan only highlights we wanted to see on the trip so I made headings just for the fun of it.

Montana

We left Vegas one Very hot day and made our way up to Montana where my parents met us with the kids. The went back home that same night but we stayed a few days with Justices parents. We had fun having Bonfires, swimming in Swan Lake, and just visiting. Izaac Loved the lake, we could barely get him out when he was shivering and blue. I was surprised that he liked it so much considering it was so cold but my by loves water.

Magrath

*We made the jont up to Magrath on a Tuesday or so and had fun visiting with my family. Grandma Harrison kindly let us take over her basement. There was a Harrison family Reunion going on so we got to see many people that we wouldn't have normally so that was really fun. My beloved sister Ashley was also there with Madacyn it has been years since we have actually seen each other, I had never met Madacyn and she hadn't met either of my kiddos so it was a fun get together!

*We did skip a day and went to the Calgary Zoo, I had been wanting to go for years now but that was the day as there was a coupon on my cereal box that morning giving one free admission, Justice agreed and off we went to Calgary. It was really fun Izaac Loved seeing the animals especially the Elephants he just stared at them for awhile, it was really cool to watch them eat using their trunks to pick things up and move things around. Cora loved all the animals too signing "Puppy" for each of them

*Justin Harkers band Air Raid Anthem came up from Vegas to do a show in Magrath and it was amazing, It should have been for all the work Aunt DeNai put into it, We took the whole family mostly because everyone was going and we couldn't find a babysitter to watch them but it was o.k. Cora slept in the hall with my dad who was in charge of collecting the food bank donations that was the toll for the concert. Izaac had fun running around with Madacyn, eventually, letting Justice and I dance a bit. It has certainly been awhile since I have been to a dance like that Good times!

*Magrath days is always eventful with parades and petting zoos and family and fireworks. I skipped out on helping with the Lions breakfast this year, Sorry dad, we woke up late and hurried back to the babies. The parade is always fun Izaac doesn't quite have the candy getting thing yet but I do and i appreciate having a kid as an excuse to go out there and get some which all of the family sitting on the chairs behind appreciated (Your Welcome). Grandma Harrison had made a lovely meal after the parade which we all devoured in a matter of minutes before going to the petting zoo. Izaac loved all the animals again and insisted on feeding them, Unfortunately they were not wanting to be fed. It was hilarious as he tried to feed a tall Llama, he held up this piece of food for at least 5 minutes waiting for the Llama to take it, then the Llama finally sat down and realizing the Llama wasn't going for the food from his hand he brought the whole tray over and sat it in front of the Llama, unfortunately the Llama still wasn't going for it so he tried bringing another tray over but was intercepted and distracted by some goats. there were baby goats and huge goats, Izaac saw many people carrying around the baby goats and decided he wanted to carry a goat also, only he picks the biggest goat around awsomely enough I got it on tape! still funny!

The kids liked the fireworks well enough, at least they didn't cry.

We spent the rest of our time there visiting with the Davies side of the family We had fun at FHE at Bennetts and visiting with everyone including the Cooks who are now Magrathites again!!

Mt. Rushmore

The thought of a 13h trip to start off with sounded good in theory but definitely didn't turn out that way, me made it to Billings, MT the first night and thought of the Hildreths as we stayed in their lovely city. then another night somewhere in Iowa, before finally making it to Mt. Rushmore. We got there late but it was o.k. as we were just in time for the lighting ceremony where they turn the lights on the faces it was really cool even if my camera doesn't do it justice. Another stop we made in SD was to the Worlds only corn palace, we saw roadside adds and decided we couldn't live without seeing it so we stopped and looked at all the building and murals decorated completely out of corn it was pretty cool and a nice stop on the way.

Nauvoo

We got to Nauvoo and met up with Uncle Gregg and family who were there as part of the Pagent, Uncle Gregg was Brother Merryweather and they both are in charge of the preshow activities. They kindly let us stay in their house for a few nights and graciously showed us around Nauvoo. We went to the Pagent twice so we could get to see the parts we missed through wiggling children. It was really amazing and fun to see.

Carthage/Kirtland

We saw Carthage jail on our way away from Nauvoo and although we had loud fussy children we were glad we got to see it. Kirtland was our next stop and we got out own tour due again to said loud and fussy children. It was a nice quiet little town that amazing things happened in. really cool.

Palmyra

We Went through the Smith farm and Sacred grove and it was beautiful, The grove is huge and there are trails that you can follow, we took the shortest one but it was lovely.

Niagara Falls

We got to Niagara Falls a little late which was good for us as we got to skip the $10 parking fee and walk around for free. Niagara Falls was not a disappointment. It was AMAZING we saw it from a few different angles and it was beautiful and awe inspiring,

New Home in Staten Island

Our home is Beautiful. Justice did a great job picking it out for us. Only problem is is that it is HUGE and our stuff barely fills it up It is three levels the three bedrooms are on the top floor, the kitchen, living room and dining room are in the middle and the garage, playroom and laundry closet are on the bottom, there is a bathroom on each level as well. It is fairly new and there is a bit of a back yard for the kids to play in.

We painted the middle floor, after living in places with white walls for so long we went for colour!! They said we could paint so we went for it, pictures of that are to come. We have gotten a few things for our house including a futon for the playroom that anyone is welcome to use as they visit us!! So... Come and Visit US!! Seriously, Any time!

Love to all!

-Pilgrims

There are more pictures on my Facebook page

Leaving Las Vegas

So I was about to pack up the computer but I decided to post one last time while here in Vegas! We are leaving a bit earlier then planned to to the kindness of my supervisor letting me cut out a few days early. Plus my co-operating teacher moved and I was desperately bored and ready to get on the road for our extremely long road trip so SHe took pity on me. Any way we are mostly packed and are loading the trailer and heading out early in the morning ready or not!!

We were both rather surprised that we made it through the summer Justice said that he was quite sure that we were going to drop dead mid summer but thankfully that didn't happen and we are soon to be on or way. It even went a lot faster then I thought it would, I still can't say that I like it here but it wasn't as bad as I first thought it would be.

So I'll stop the random ramblings and get this thing packed I just wanted to let you all know that we didn't drop dead here in Vegas and were finally going to reunite with our babies!!

Love to all!

Sweetest Husband Ever!

So the house is pretty lonely when I get home from school and I often dislike returning there as I am afraid that the bugs will all come out at once and carry me off to their secret colony in the spare bathroom that we never go in. Seriously I guarantee there is at least one cockroach in the sink as we speak, I NEVER go in there alone, gross. Anyway what really brightens my lonely day is when my husband leaves me sweet little notes around the house. Actually I am impressed with his creativity. He uses whatever is around, foam shapes, chocolate chips, nerds, ya know the basic stuff! I love him and am so grateful that I don't have to spend this summer without him as well. We heard an interesting thing on the radio a few days ago a lady had written in saying that although loosing a child would be extremely difficult she would rather that then loosing her spouse. The people calling in were really offended by the story and to them she was a terrible mother because obviously as a mother loosing a child would be the most devastating thing that could happen. Justice and I didn't see it so cut and dry. Yes as a mother I would hate to loose my children, I love them so much and these past few weeks without them have been very lonely and depressing but at the same time Justice has been there to help me through it with support, love and understanding that only he can give.  I am not going to say which I would rather loose my husband or my children because I can't make that decision and apiece of me would die either way. I wonder if it was so cut and dry for the people on the radio because they feel and a marriage is expendable, that if you loose a spouse you just find another one, many people are already willing to throw theirs away while they are still living what would be the big deal. 

I know this is kind of a weird thought but I just thought that I would throw it out there and make an emphasis on how I feel that many times in our lives with children we get so busy taking care of our children that we forget to focus on the marriage relationship that started the whole thing. Your spouse is who you covenanted with. That is the base unit to which children are wonderful appendages to. Being "childless" again has been an interesting experience for our marriage, we are sure now that neither of us want to return to those days with out our beautiful babies.

Sometimes in the thick of a crazy day filled with diapers, crying, cleaning, and exhaustion I would think how much easier our lives were before we had kids, how we used to always hold hands and look goofily into each others eyes, stay up all night, go where ever we wanted to go whenever we wanted to,  and while this may be true I can now say with confidence that I would not change my choice to have children for anything in the world. Although we aren't as able to have the honeymoon relationship we once had our love has grown and matured in a way that I don't know that it would have if we had chosen other things.

And with a loss of either one there is the knowledge that this is not the end, we have made covenants with a loving Heavenly Father and our family will be together forever. I think the real key here is family and keeping it together as a strength to each of its members.

Sorry, this post was really just supposed to be those pictures and say how much I appreciate my husband but then I kind of got off on a tangent I have a lot of time to think these days!

I love you all

Still alive, incase you were wondering

We are still doing our thing in Vegas. I really enjoy teaching and am having fun with the kids but the nights are rather lonely as Justice works until dark or later. He is doing o.k. with his job, he likes the challenge but gets discouraged sometimes. I am grateful for his willingness to walk around for hours on end in 100 degree heat day after day. I am really grateful for a husband who is willing to work hard to provide for our family.

We took memorial day off and just went shopping and hung out together, it was fun to be together but it is just annoying to have a day off because i feel like i am just wasting time here when i could be working to finish this thing up quicker. Don't get me wrong I love the kids and the school and I have a lot of fun there but we are so done with Vegas, (well we were done the minute we got here but that's not the point) The crappy apartment, the heat, the immorality, the car accident(thankfully walked away fine and it wasn't my car in the accident), the random added expenses (there is always something wanting our money), The kids being gone (after 5 weeks I am definitely feeling it and going crazy knowing that we are only half way there), cockroaches and other gross big bugs, and the list goes on and on.

The joy of my week is when we get to talk to Izaac and Cora on Skype (we usually only do it on Sundays because that is the only time that we are both home and the kids are awake)

Izaac is so funny to watch he is slowly figuring out that mommy is on the computer. I am so grateful for modern technology it is amazing that I can watch my beautiful babies even when they are so far away. It in no way makes up for them not being here and it usually leaves me missing them more but i am still grateful for it.

One fun thing that I have been doing is planning our travel destinations on our way to New York. In case anyone wants to know the unofficial itinerary is we leave Vegas on the 18th and travel up to Rexburg where we camp and hang out and such things until the 23rd when I graduate(finally), Then we will head up to Magrath for Magrath days and to visit everyone while we are still on the western side of the country. then up to montana to say hi to Justices parents, Then the 13h drive to south Dakota where we will see Mt. Rushmore, 13h to Nauvoo to explore for a bit and see all there is to see there, the 10h to Kirtland for more exploring and seeing, 3h up to see Niagara Falls, 4h to see Palmyra, then the 5 1/2h drive to get to where we will hopefully have an apartment and a happy place to live and rest from the previously mentioned week or two long trip. All that with two joyful children in the backseat should make for an adventure!

We miss everyone and will hopefully get to see many people on the afore mentioned trip to everywhere(well, almost everywhere).

Fun at the M&M factory

What's this? Oh, yes a drive through wedding chapel, who wouldn't want to get married in a car?

The funny thing is there were two limos pulling up as we were driving away, I guess this place gets pretty good business even in the middle of the day.

My Cute kids and their rock friends that we made for our rock unit

Katrina and I at field day, she is another student teacher from BYU-I (it was her car)