A Tribute to Jared Harmon

Jared Scott Harmon....what can I say? You were a man of many words, some that were made up and not in the English dictionary. Your "twang" in the way you spoke, your laughter at your own jokes (some of them VERY funny! some not....just to you, and that's ok!) You didn't know a stranger. Everyone loved you! You were a good son, brother, uncle, husband, father, and friend. All who met you, never forgot you! You were witty. Not an ounce of selfishness. You were a hick, and proud of it. People liked you the way you were, if not....it wasn't your problem! (although, I can't recall anyone that hated you!)

I know, that you will be missed. I know also, that you will be with us all.....always! And, you were very lucky to have the life experiences you had while here on earth, but that there are many more experiences left for you to experience. Your life was not in vain. Each person has their purpose, and I believe you fulfilled it. You brought joy to people. And will continue to bring joy through memories and laughter. We are all blessed to have known you, Jared. We love you, and will miss you dearly and look forward to the day when we will join you in His kingdom to live life eternal.

Weekend Barbecue

We had a barbecue with a bunch of friends on Saturday. Lots of kids running around our back yard. I think when I added them all up, there was a total of 29, plus my three. The kids brought swim suits. They played in our little blow up pool, and in the sprinklers. A couple of water guns were brought along for the occasion.

There was a TON of good food. We provided the meat, and everyone brought a side dish or dessert. Among the goodies, we had greek pasta salad (yummy!), Missouri Caviar (delicious, yet nutritious), key lime pie, and bon bons (heavenly...both desserts), there was also a crushed up cookie, almost pudding like dessert. All very good!! (not so good on my diet! but I managed!)

**Recipe for Missouri Caviar**
3 (15 oz) cans of black-eyed peas (rinsed and drained)
1 red or green pepper
1/4 to 1/2 c of green onion
jalapenos to taste
1 tsp. garlic
1 bottle of Zesty Italian Salad dressing

Mix everything together and use enough dressing to coat the mixture. Serve with tortilla chips.


This recipe was so good, I had to get it from the person who brought it. I will probably be making it this week to take to something else.

Unfortunately I did not have my camera out for this wonderful day! We were blessed to have the perfect weather for a barbecue. We had a very enjoyable time, and the kids had a GREAT time! My kids especially, as you all know, Zoie and Baylee are water lovers! So, this was up there in the list of highlights in their lives, I'm sure!

Victory in the Valley

On Saturday, June 6th, we did a 3k walk for Victory in the Valley. It is a non-profit organization that helps out people who are diagnosed with cancer. There is counseling available for families. They will pay for medications if someone cannot afford them. They will provide a place to stay for families that are away from home. My mom never had to use this organization when going through her fight with cancer, but she asked us if we wanted to walk with her, and we were proud to do it! Walking and getting exercise, and walking for a great cause at the same time!

Here we are all decked out in our Victory in the Valley Walk/Run t-shirts!

Zoie and Baylee were thoroughly enjoying the outdoors. Jenna was just happy to be out and doing something other than staying at home. She loves to keep busy during the summer. And, she was very happy to walk for such a great cause! She is so compassionate and loving! It makes me so proud to be her mom!

My mom's boss's wife was recently diagnosed with cancer. We were invited to be a part of her walking team. They were Shirley's Striders 4 Life. My mom works for the President of Wichita State University. So, naturally WU Shock made an appearance, and we HAD to have our photo taken with him!

Besides enjoying the people-watching, Zoie and Baylee LOVED the pancakes that were served at the breakfast! That's my girls! They love their food! If you go somewhere and there is food, they'll be happy!! Here's Baylee getting a taste!

And, Zoie..... well, she has to check everything over real good before taking a bite..."looks like there's plenty of syrup....I'm goin' in!!!"
There were also clowns making balloon figures. Jenna asked for a flower. Here she is posing with her posey!

Zoie's enjoying a little smooch from Poppie!


After the walk was over, they had what they call a Celebration Stroll. This stroll is for those who survived cancer. We did this walk with my mom. After this walk is completed, they have the survivors get a purple balloon. They then go to a higher point, on a bridge. The song "Lean on Me" was played by the band, and as they neared the end of the song, the survivors let go of their balloons. So funny, I never thought of that song in the way I thought of it that day. I got teary eyed as the survivors released their balloons. I was so proud of my mom for being a fighter!

The day was perfect! The forecast was 96 degrees. We were lucky to be finished with the walk before noon. The temperature was just starting to creep up, but we were there during the coolest part of the day, and there was a gentle breeze. We walked as a family, and enjoyed each other's company. It was a wonderful experience. My goal is to be able to do the 5k run next year, as I am working running into my walking that I do each day. I definitely don't expect to win, but it sure is a fun experience to be there with all those people working for a common cause!

I love Diamond Reo for this!

Apparently Diamond Reo has played this song numerous times at their concerts, and they always have a standing ovation! I love it!!!

In God We Trust! I don't think I need to say anything else!

Last Day of School Today

Well, it has finally arrived! The Last Day of School. To prepare for this glorious day, we had some major snuggle time on the couch last night!

It was a great time! We watched The Wiggles Christmas Show. I know it's not Christmas yet, but it's the only Wiggles show we own, and the girls just LOVE it! They either sit completely still and are glued to the television, or they wiggle, wiggle, wiggle and dance, dance, dance!

Jenna was so anxious for the last day of school that she went to bed 15 minutes early! AND fell asleep right away! She was working hard to plan out her day today. You see, they get their yearbooks today, and she does not agree with how they have them signing them. They are giving them "regular" paper (6 sheets for $1) and selling Sharpies to sign them with. "Mom, the Sharpie will leak through the paper! And $1 is way too much for just 6 sheets of paper that have the word autographs typed across the top!" She makes me laugh. So, she decided they could just sign inside her book and she wore an older T-shirt and took multiple colored Sharpies so her friends could sign her shirt! That girl.

My mom always took my picture on the first day of school and the last day of school. So, here is her last day of school picture (I think I forgot to take the first day of school picture this year!)

Isn't she beautiful? She has grown up so much this past year! (sniff...sniff...teardrops!) In a few hours she will go from being a 6th grader to a 7th grader. I can't believe it! Where has the time gone?

Here she is with her best friend Katherine! These two are always hanging out together. They ride their bikes to school together, so they meet over at our house every morning.

Zoie and Baylee woke up rearing to go this morning! Their dad was still around, and nothing makes them happier! He stuck his head in their room to say "good morning!" and they were all giggles and squeals of delight!

Here is their last day of school picture! These are a bit more difficult to get! But, I did my best!

Baylee wouldn't put her crunchy book down, so it's covering her precious smile! They had a good nights' rest (which are few and far between) and were all giggles this morning! What a great way to start the last day of school. In a few hours, they will be 2nd graders. (more sniff....sniff....teardrops!)

Tomorrow, who knows what's in store?! We are all home tomorrow, Andy too! So, maybe we'll go to the YMCA to swim! Now wouldn't that be a great start to the summer?!

A Great Start to Memorial Weekend

We started out Friday Night having a social at Buffalo Park for church. There was kite flying, bubbles, games, and of course the playground.

Zoie and Baylee LOVED playing in the sand! They just kept going back to it. Needless to say, we had to soak clothes for quite some time in the washer, and the girls had to have baths right when we got home.

When not playing in the sand, Zoie and Baylee were chasing the geese.

They were enjoying that so much. But, there was a woman feeding the geese, and the geese were getting a little upset with Zoie and Baylee! So, we made them go back to the sand.

Jenna had a good time too. She very seldom lets me take her picture now, but here's one I was able to get.

We live close to the park, so we walked there. It was a beautiful evening, with just enough breeze to keep the girls cool. When we were finished with our playing, we headed home via walking and strollers! Jenna rode her bike. She loves doing this, that way she doesn't have to be seen right beside us! ;)

The weekend was then filled with craziness. Saturday we didn't have to do much. Sunday was church, and we took dinner to a family whose mom was in the hospital. Monday, enjoyed time with Andy's parents. They love the kids so much! They are so good to them. They even plumbed in hot water to their outside spigot so that the girls wouldn't have to swim in cold water! I know, don't we all wish we had hot water coming out of the hose to fill a small pool with! Then at least it wouldn't be such a shock when we stick our feet in!

They are genuine and wonderful grandparents! They live for their grandchildren, and my kids are very lucky to have them. They have all their grandparents here in town. How lucky can they be?!

Hope everyone had a restful weekend, and were able to remember those who have passed with fond memories. For me, I remember them fondly all year round! God bless you all!

Jenna's First Youth Temple Trip

Now that Jenna is 12 years old, she is a part of the youth program at our church. It is so exciting! She is growing up so fast though. She had a big weekend last weekend. She had her first youth temple trip. She enjoyed the ride to Oklahoma City with the girls. The temple is a wonderful place, where sacred ordinances are performed. On their trips, the youth get to participate in some of those ordinances. She was so excited!

The Young Women group that she is a part of is full of some of the greatest young women. They are wonderful examples to Jenna. Kind and generous and willing to serve! I couldn't be happier for Jenna! She has so many wonderful experiences coming up in the future. She will be creating terrific memories.

I, personally love the temple. It is a place where the wordly things leave your mind, and where you can focus on the spiritual things! It is a beautiful building that makes you feel at home. It is the House of the Lord, and a holy place where utmost reverance is practiced.

The sky was so beautiful that day, and created the perfect backdrop for the steeple of the temple. It seems to almost glow! There was a nice breeze, and mild weather. It was perfect! Jenna really enjoyed this experience, and I was so glad that Andy and I could enjoy this experience with her.