Have you ever?

This is literally a commercial break from "The Adventures of Noah" for what else but a "commercial". Have you ever thought about inventing something, had a great idea only to find out that someone beat you to it and has your vision packaged and in the stores... Well our dear friends the Boyd's had a great idea and went the full course with their invention. Ray Boyd is now not only great husband and father of two, but founder & ceo of The Original Bath Bib. Please check-out their website at www.bathbib.com or call them toll free at 1-877-334-2229. This is a must have for expecting moms, shower gifts and parents with little ones.

Jingle Bells

This week Noah was in another Christmas Performance. At the end of my MOPS meeting the kiddos were brought in to sing "Away in a Manager" and "Jingle Bells". Noah hasn't stopped singing "Jingle Bells" since. Sometimes I catch him singing "Jingle Bells Jingle Bells Jingle Uncle Ray (Phillip's brother)" (instead of all the way). It is hysterical!!

Time with his buddy!

Last weekend we had Noah's buddy Weston over so his parents could go to a Christmas Party. The boys had a great time together. We painted a giant scrap piece of drywall, played soccer and had races and then roamed the neighborhood to see all the Christmas Lights.

He performs too!

I had no idea Noah was such a performer. On Thursday's we have been going to church for a Women's bible study and Noah goes to his class. He loves everything about it, seeing his friends, his teacher, singing, playing and learning bible verses. Yesterday was the grand finale! The women had a festive lunch and then the kiddos came in for a performance. Noah sang almost every word and did the hand motions. It was so sweet. Stay tuned for a posting of the video!

He Flips!

I bought this blue rocking thing at a yard sale for $3 over the summer. It is missing it's accessorizes and has NO bells or whistles, yet Noah loves it. We have had to limit his use of it to the grassy only. It seems as if is on the driveway of sidewalk he can get his momentum going and has done a complete flip. Noah thinks it is hysterical. The faster and higher the better. Here he is getting pushed and "held" high by Uncle Ray.

A Date with Mommy

Phillip had to go to work after church today. Normally, Noah and I would head home, I'd give him lunch and he'd take a nap. Today in route back to the house I decided that it was a BEAUTIFUL afternoon for a date with Mommy (for those living outside of the Atlanta area it is mid 70's and sunny). We walked around some shops and went out for brunch (those following my Maker's Diet progress or lack of :) I was very disciplined). Noah continues to amaze me, tired, ready for nap and hungry, he waited for our table and made very polite conversation with Mommy and our waitress. I love that little guy so much and feel so blessed to truly enjoy him.

Consider this your Christmas Card!

Consider this your Christmas Card, Hanukah Card, Holiday Card, etc.

The past few months I have been challenged through several means (messages at Church, guest speakers at my MOPS meetings, bible study and prayer) to simplify things this season and be ON MISSION. Phillip and I discussed how we would spend our time and money this time of year and what changes we could make in order to have more of these resources. Growing up I didn't have a Christmas Tree, so over the past few years I have gone somewhat overboard with 3 Christmas Trees and the ornaments and lights to decorate them all. This year we reduced our decorating, we discussed drastically reducing our gift buying and among other changes, we are not mailing out cards. Don't get me wrong I certainly enjoy sending and receiving cards this time of year, picking out the best picture, thinking and praying for each family as we address the envelope and buying the seasonal stamps, but in our attempts to simplify these things made the most sense.

We have decided that our extra resources this season will go towards spreading joy and being ON MISSION. Some things we are doing: praying as a family for each family that we receive a card from (so don't leave us off your list), knocking on our neighbors doors handing out treats, leaving something extra for our mail carrier, paying for the car behind us the drive thru and spending time with people we love.
I have heard of many other wonderful ideas that help us focus on the "reason for the season" +pay for someone else's gas at the pump
+rake a neighbors yard
+hang a "Jesus stocking" and write down everything you do for others between now and Christmas and put it in the stocking
+ Bake a Birthday Cake for Jesus

This time of year the Harper's celebrate 2 miracles: Hanukah the Festival of Lights celebrating the miracle of oil lasting for 8 nights and commemorating the Maccabees's recapturing the temple from Syrian Rule and the greatest miracle of all the birth of Our Savior. Be a miracle to someone else this season by simplifying things so you can focus on "gifts" for others in celebration of the greatest Gift that has been given to us.

We wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukah!
Peace, Joy & Blessings in the New Year
With Love,
The Harper's

Priceless Shot!

I had to share this picture from tonight. Noah accessorized with Santa Hat, lighting the Menorah! Happy Hanukah!

Delivering Some Christmas Joy!

This afternoon after Noah's nap we finished making some "Hot Chocolate Cones" (our homemade gift for the season). We put on our "Santa Suits" and walked around the neighborhood delivering them to our neighbors. Noah loves to knock on doors, so we have to remind him that 1-2x is enough and we need to wait to see if anyone answers. After one neighbor invited us in, each house we visited after that Noah walked in whether we were invited our not. I don't think anyone minded too much. Noah reached into his basket and said "Merry Christmas, Hot Chocolate Cone". Of course the speech wasn't as clear as it reads, but hearing him say it was certainly priceless.

Santa Claus is coming to town!

This morning we took Noah to see Santa. We had been talking about Santa and pointing out "other" Santa's to prepare him. I don't think you can really prepare a toddler to sit on the lap of a strange man with a beard, but we tried.
Last year Noah went to Santa right away and we got some great pictures, he is much to smart for that now. Of course as we were leaving the "North Pole" Noah was saying Santa, Santa's house. Too late buddy you had your turn.

Happy Chanukah!

Around the Harper home, we have Christmas Trees and Hanukah Menorahs. Between all the flames, glitter and bulbs Noah walks around the house saying "sooo maneee lights" (so many lights). So sweet! So fun!

Snow Day in the Big Apple!

We made a last minute decision to fly to NY last weekend. Noah and I stayed with Aunt Elana & Super Hero Craig, while Daddy had to stay home to work. Another first that Aunt Elana got to see this weekend was Noah's first experience with snow. I let Elana and Craig dive into this one, since I am NOT a fan of the cold. I stood back and snapped some pictures than headed back inside. I have to admit it was certainly beautiful, but not enough to convince me to move back up north. Noah enjoyed every minute, some highlights were brushing the snow off the patio furniture, throwing handfulls of snow up in the air and watching it come down and of course a Noah favorite...eating the snow. Other highlights from the visit were "Dance Party" Noah style to some "Earth, Wind & Fire". Although we wish the visit was under different circumstance Noah got to spend a lot of QT with his Aunt Elana, hang out with Aunt Stacy and baby Charlie and meet some of Mommy's friends for the 1st time.

Controlled Chaos!

Last Friday we had a house full of moms and kiddos over to make some homemade Holiday Gifts. What fun and what a mess. I don't think Noah has had more than 3 friends over at a time since his 1st Birthday Party. He was not to pleased with all the kids playing with his toys and moving his toys around. Noah is a lot like Mommy, everything has a place, everything in its place. Needless to say he was stuggling to share while being very overstimulated. But we would do it again tom'w. I didn't get very many pictures and got none of Noah! Here is one of Noah's buddies helping in the kitchen!

I Love my Aunt Elana!

If you know Elana, than you know that she loves her nephew and goes above and beyond to take care of him, visit him, spoil him and love on him! So fun!! And yes as you can see in the pictures our tree is up.....

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About.com: http://www.macys.com/campaign/pinkpig/index.jsp

Black Friday...

It is not a secret that I am not a fan of shopping, so why would I ever load up my family the day after Thanksgiving for an outing to Lenox Mall, certainly not to shop.
Our goal was to take Noah to the "Pink Pig" (link above) get in and out and not even enter the mall. Mission accomplished! It took a minute to find a parking spot, but nothing like expected. We walked right up to the tent and immediately boarded the "Pink Pig". Noah sat with Grammy while Mommy took pictures and the rest of the family waved from the sidelines. Noah didn't seem to care at all that he was on a ride and surrounded by Christmas Trees. He tends to need sometime to warm-up especially in situations that even for an adult are over-stimulating. This was certainly true today. It wasn't until we got to the car that Noah started saying "Pink pig, pink pig, Pink pig". You get an "I rode the Pink pig" sticker that seemed to be the biggest thrill of the day as Noah wore it, then held it and added stickur (sticker) to his chant for the day.
And except for a quick restroom run we didn't even enter the Mall!

Thankgiving 2007

This year Thanksgiving was hosted at the Harper's. We are so grateful to have our families with us. We enjoyed good food and great company. Grammy, Aunt Elana, Grandma, Pop pop, Uncle Ray and cousin Phillip all joined us. Noah loved saying every one's name over and over as he went around the table naming our guests. Phillip (Daddy) said it was "weird" to hear Noah using his name this weekend as he addressed his cousin Phillip.

Noah's vocabulary has been expanding by the minute. Last week he was putting 2 to 3 word sentences together like, "Mommy please help", "more drink please" Read another book". This week his vocabulary has sky rocketed. Thanksgiving Dinner Noah (enjoying his Mommy's cooking) said "Mommy, Daddy may I please have more sweet potatoes please?" That is a 10 word sentence. Since Thursday the sentences continue, normally around something he wants. Some examples from this week "Daddy may I please listen to my CD please", "Mommy may I please have a taste please?" (referring to Mommy's ice cream cone after he had finished his). Yes, Noah uses the word please twice in his sentences. He truly seems to get sweeter and sweeter each day.

This week makes for a total of 4 times that Noah has gone Pee pee in the potty. There is still really no rhyme to our reason. When he asks to go potty and before and after nap, Noah gets a few books and sits and reads and sits and sits and sits. It seems that if we let him sit long enough eventually he goes. We have been celebrating with "A Potty Party" which includes tons of praise, high 5's, clapping, hugging and kisses. Noah seems to respond extremely well as he has always shown a desire to please.

I am so grateful and thankful to have been surrounded by our family this Thanksgiving and for the joy that Noah has brought into our lives these past 21 months. I continue to be reminded of how much I have and have been challenged to become more thankful and live a life that reflects how thankful I am, not just during this season but everyday.
Happy Thanksgiving!!

Chips a vehicle for Dip

This morning Noah and Daddy spent some quality time together, while Mommy had sometime for herself and got a massage and strolled around some stores! I am not sure how Noah and Phillip put together this ensemble, but he was dressed to impress, complete with Mommy's UMASS basketball hat from her college days.

Another exciting achievement is that after months of practicing Noah can catch a ball. Daddy must have practiced with him a lot, because by the time I got home and Grammy arrived for the weekend Noah was catching a ball like he had been doing it for years. Grammy's favorite is the "celebration" after he catches it.

After a morning of catch and crazy outfits we enjoyed the weather and had a picnic. The picture above is Noah's big dip into the hummus. For Noah a chip certainly is a vehicle for dip!

Noah does it again!!

I don't know much of the details, except for our little guy went on the potty again. It was a special night with Daddy and Grandma since Mommy was at work. Noah had another potty party!! Way to go AGAIN Noah!!

Giving Thanks

I am so grateful for my amazing life and family. In anticipation of a full house for Thanksgiving I have been praising God and thanking Him for my life, my home and my health, yes even now... I have NEVER mentioned in my blog that I have been struggling with a strange "head pain" since April 07. I want to read this years from now and have it to remember how I much I love being Noah's mom and Phillip's wife and how God has poured blessing after blessing on to us, not this pain. I have had a few days recently where I have been in such a pitty pot and so frustrated. After many Drs,tests, alternative treatments and several medications the pain remains. I have been told by 5 Drs that I am completely healthy there is nothing wrong. Needless to say the pain remains. How frustrating! How confusing! I have known since the pain started that God is telling me to Glorify Him in all things including this. This is hard when you are in pain.

As we are cleaning house, buying groceries and teaching Noah about Thanksgiving in preparation for this Holiday, I have been reminded again how much we have, how much I am loved and how much love I have to pour into my family. I am so thankful that nothing has ever been found to be wrong medically. I am thankful that I have amazing friends who pray for me and my family, who encourage me, who call me after Dr appts, who have sought God in prayer specifically for healing and that they pray without ceasing. I am NOT thankful for this pain, but I am thankful that I have faith in the Greatest healer, comforter, counselor and friend. The Lord Jesus Christ!

Okay, enough preaching and on to Noah...

Wow! He is truly amazing. How does he know a color, from shape, number or letter. How does he remember a bible verse after only hearing a few times and lyrics to songs after hearing it a handful of times. He truly is a sponge. Noah continues to repeat EVERY word he hears and then he soon incorporates that word into his ever growing vocabulary.

Some favorites these days:
Words :
snack, lunch, buddy, football, baseball, street, fire engine, cookie, Aunt Elana, Jesus, church, bicycle, crescent (as in the shape of the moon, not another food),leaf, crayon, craft

Friends/People: (these are the names he repeats several times a day, if you are not on the list, don't feel left out - Phillip and I aren't either)
Mrs Pinson, Ty, Eli, Baby Maddy, Russell, Aunt Elana, Uncle Ray, Mason, Faith, Mrs Sullivan, Matthew

Teacher: Mrs Overstreet

Singer: Mrs Sullivan

Things to do/play: Soccer, catch, running races, dance party, reading, color, trains, counting everything, naming everything he sees, storytime at Borders or the library, going to big church to hear the instruments and Mrs Sullivan, giving and receiving hugs & kisses

Songs: I've decided to follow Jesus, ABC's

Books: Brown Bear, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, 10 Little Ladybugs, God Gave us You

Letters: A,B,N,O,H,P,S, V

Food: Applesauce, Heart Cereal, Bananas, Ketchup, any fruit

As for dislikes the only big ones these days are vegetables and sharing. I am okay with the vegetables for know, it's the sharing that we are working on

Happy Thanksgiving!

It's Hard to tell from the picture but Noah had climbed higher than ever today!

Hand on Christmas!

Noah and I went to "Hands on Christmas" this morning. I wasn't sure what to expect since I have never been before, but I loved it. Noah on the other hand only cared about the balloons and finding anything edible that may have been dropped on the floor. For those not familiar with the event you have several crafts to choose from and you make them and take them with you. Noah and I (Noah not so much) made a Doodle Pad, Bird Feeder, Decorative Christmas Plate and few other things. No pictures since between juggling, Noah, his backpack, and making the crafts, I would have had to grow some extra arms to take any pictures.

After Mommy had her fun making Noah's crafts, we had lunch and played at Kidscape Village, one of our favorite playgrounds. Noah amazed me today, climbing on the rope ladder and up into some other areas that he has never ventured to on his on until today.

The boy next door...

One of Noah's best buddies is our next door neighbor Mason (9). Mason comes by most afternoons around Noah's nap, rings the bell and asks "can Noah come out and play." Noah LOVES his big kid friends and gets so excited when he sees Mason or even Mason's house. They play soccer, football, kickball, catch, all which looks like Noah running around kicking or throwing any ball. Mason is quite the athlete and seems to be teaching Noah how to throw, catch and kick. He always looks out for Noah, making extra sure that Noah stays on the grass, away from the street and off Mommy's flowers all of which both Mason and Noah are rules at the Harper's Home. Mason has already made sure we know he will be home from school next week since it is Thanksgiving, in case Noah want to play with him the the morning.
I love watching my sweet boy with his sweet friend.

Thanksgiving Day Centerpiece sealed with a kiss!

As mentioned several times I love a craft but consider myself "craft-challenged".
But, this came out cuter than expected!

Potty Party!

Phillip is home today which makes things so much more fun overall. We had a lazy start making oatmeal pecan waffles in our waffle iron (a wedding gift that gets used about 2x a year)so yummy, we have to break that thing out more often. After breakfast we played with playdough, read books and then Mommy got some alone time while Daddy and Noah played with his choo choo train and then went outside to play soccer. Noah seems to love to run and kick, run and kick and then run and kick the ball some more. After lunch we headed upstairs to get ready for nap. Noah has had a potty for a couple of months and he recently asks to sit on it several times a day. He sits and reads and sits and reads but has never made a deposit. Until, today!! He sat on his potty and asked us to read several books. He sat and sat and sat! When he stood up to our surprise he had gone pee pee in his potty. Phillip and I started clapping and celebrating and Noah joined in saying YEAH POTTY. We called Grandma, Grammy and Aunt Elana to share the big news but had to settle leaving them a message.
Way to go Noah!

Like father, like son!

Just had to post these cute pics of the Harper boys! Daddy in his "Coolest Dad" Tee and Noah in his "My Mom Rocks" blowing Mommy kisses!

N-O-A-H...Noah

Noah loves his letters. Finally he realizes that all letters are not "D"! This week Noah is taking on everything B! Wouldn't you know he spells his name. Sometimes you can over hear him in his crib saying "N-0-A-H...Noah!"

Ice Cream please....

On the way to Asheville we pass the exit in Braselton for the Mayfield Dairy! This trip we finally stopped. What fun! A FREE tour and yummy ice cream! And for Noah cows, big trucks, milk, ice cream, rocking chairs, more ice cream, bigger trucks and a HUGE cow! Needless to say with some of his favorite words, animal sounds, & treats he was in ice cream heaven!

Happy Anniversary Mommy & Daddy!

Last week (November 9) we celebrated our 5th Anniversary. We planned our weekend getaway to Grammy's Lodge (my moms house in Asheville). Mom helped with Noah, so we were able to enjoy a day at The Biltmore just me and Phillip. It was great being able to take our time through the house, the winery, & gardens & enjoy a VERY leisurely lunch.

Although we had a great Anniversary Day, Noah had a hard weekend between sleeping in a different place and having a cold, even with Mom's help we had our hands full. Noah is on the mend and we are getting back into our routine.

If you haven't seen the Biltmore decorated for Christmas...we recommend it!

A is for apple!

So far today has been much better. Noah and I spent alot of time together and I think he was wanted that. It amazes me how with every book I've read, class I've taken, combined with wisdom from friends I trust, wisdom from God and even some of my own wisdom, I often find myself without a clue of how to handle Noah when he disobeys. How does that happen?

This week I started something new with Noah. I decided to focus on one letter a week and then find things today throughout the week that I can reflect back to that letter. We memorize a verse that starts with the corresponding letter, find items in magazines that start with that letter and go on a scavenger hunt around the house for things that start with that letter as well. Today we went to storytime and took out books that start with that letter too. So far Noah seems very into the whole idea. So for this week we have been all about the Letter A!! If you have any other creative ways to teach and have fun in this way let us know!

My Prayer for Today!

Since Noah was 11 months old I have said every month has been my favorite age. The past few days not so much! At first I blamed his disobedience on the time change and gave him grace in areas that I normally don't. Last night when I left for work Noah was crying and fussing and acting very clingy. Not like him at all! I called Phillip while I was at work to ask how Noah was doing. Phillip said "He's been great". Hmmmm!
I was convinced he was tired, not feeling well, teething or something. But since with Daddy he was sweet and obedient, I had to recognize that some of the behaviors I have been seeing the past few days was disobedience. Today, Noah and memorized Romans 3:23 "All have sinned and fallen short." I explained to Noah that we ALL sin, he does, Mommy and Daddy do, everyone. We talked about how disobeying Mommy is sin. I realize that Noah does not completely understand, but he is expected to repent and ask for forgiveness when he disobeys. I need to remember that when I allow him to disobey and make excuses like he's tired, he's teething, he doesn't feel well, he's hungry etc etc etc. That I am sinning. My prayer today has been God show me where I need to be more consistent and when to give Noah grace, I am sorry when I am not consistent, Lord please forgive me. If I expect Noah to do it, then I need to as well.

Peace Out!

We had tons of fun today! We started at our neighborhood "Fall Festival" and worked our way over to our church for "Trunk or Treat". Noah was interested in one thing... Dancing and part of his dance moves include running. We were finally able to persuade him to take a break from the "dance floor" for some games, hot dogs and trick/trunk or treating. As you can see from the pictures Noah was a Hippie, complete with Tye dye, bell bottoms and peace sign galore! He was certainly a hit! We are so grateful to Grandma Hilda for creating his fabulous costume.
We ended with a late night over at Pop pops for what else but a cookie!
When we finally got home around 9:30 Noah was still wanting to go go go! Playing with his peace sign necklace saying "peace sign peace sign!" Sorry for all the pics but I couldn't pick just one!
Happy Halloween!