Merry Christmas!

It's Christmas again!!!  And it looks like Santa came :)

 We had such a great Christmas.  Jordan spoiled me earlier with a bunch of stuff for baby Jason's room, so we tried not to get too crazy with Christmas this year.  But Jordan knows me so well, and got me some new piano music, a pedicure, a watch to wear at work, and a bunch of other things I loved.

 Jordan got new work clothes, shoes, a charging station for his phone, and some new books.

Mrs. Wiggles got a new bag of kitty litter :) haha -She's such a spoiled cat. (PS... She's so big!!!)

After Christmas at our house, we went over to my parents house to finish up presents, and then have breakfast.  My parents were soooo generous this year.  Besides giving us too much money as always, we got the darling anticipated family calendar, a dvd of old pictures of me and my sisters, a scrapbook of my Grandma and Grandpa John's lives, and sweet notes and a poem my dad wrote about Payson, "our Christmas Angel".  I was so touched by their gifts that I seriously cried and cried as I looked through the pictures and read their sweet words.  I blame the uncontrollable tears on pregnancy hormones, but I also have been thinking so much about our little Angel this Christmas, and I have so many memories of my Grandma that involve Christmas that it was a pretty tender day. 

We are so blessed to have such a wonderful family.  I love this time of year when we can reflect on the love we have for one another, and the birth, life, and death of our Savior.  We are beyond blessed.  

-Merry Christmas from the Harrison Family-

Christmas Eve

I love Christmas Eve!! It's almost better than Christmas for me.  This year was no different, we gathered together at Mom and Dad's house, had a delicious dinner, and then a nice Christmas program that Mom always puts together.  This year she talked about the word "JOY" and explained that our Heavenly Father wants us to be happy, and find JOY in our lives.   And we can do that by following what the letters explain, "J"- Put JESUS First, "O"- Then OTHERS, "Y"- and lastly YOURSELF.  

We also talked about the Nativity, and sang Christmas songs.  

Then it was game time.  This year we had some fun games.

 We dressed Jordan and Megan up as snowmen, 

 Blindly scooped up snowballs,

 Molded Christmas words in gingerbread playdough.

And ended the night in the hot tub and running around in the snow.  Ashlie was the dare devil this year, and was BEGGING everyone to run around in the snow with her.  Haha

I love Christmas Eve and the fun traditions my family has.

"It's the Holiday Season... So whoop-di-doo, and dickory dock!"

Happy Holidays Everyone!!!  We have had such a great December.  Here's a little bit of what we've been up to this month.  First off, we've actually played quite a bit of Tennis this Winter.  The weather was really mild the first half of the month, and we took advantage and played every spare second we had together.  I'm not as fast as I used to be because of this big prego belly I have, but I can still give Jordan a run for his money.  Tennis has become one of the things that I love doing with Jordan most.  We have so much fun together, and I hope that once this little man is here that he will have the same love for Tennis that we do.

On December 1st Jordan had his Pac West work Christmas Party at La Caille.  I was excited to go because La Caille is known to be super expensive, and chances are we won't ever go here on our own.  That was until I saw the invitation and it said I had to wear a "cocktail dress or a little black dress".  Seriously?!!!... Ugh.  I don't ever want to be caught dead wearing either of those things, but especially pregnant.  Jordan took me shopping all over, and I couldn't find anything that looked half decent, so I ended up wearing an old black dress I had, and probably looked ridiculous, but it worked.  It was interesting finally meeting everyone at Jordan's work.  They are DEFINITELY different than Jordan and I.  Almost everyone was drinking, they were all about 20-30 years older than us, and you could tell they all lived a VERY different lifestyle than we did.  It was nice, but sooo different.  Being there made me so grateful for the office I work at, where everyone is friends, and we all get along.   Sometimes smaller is better I think.  It was fun to dress up and have a night out with my cute husband though. 

-So speaking of Jordan's work, he is actually changing jobs...AGAIN.  Ever since he left First National Bank for Pac West, they have been BEGGING him to come back.  The Bank President has been calling Jordan constantly, and Jordan actually met with him a few times over the past few months.  Anyway... the bank offered Jordan a position back at the bank as a Commerical Loan Officer, and set up a system where he would receive salary plus commission.  Jordan surprisingly was really excited about this.  We did a lot of praying over the matter, and he has actually decided to return to the bank the first part of January.  He's really missed the "small, family" feel of the bank, and I hope this will be a good change for him.  He'll be back in Layton, and I cannot wait for him to be closer.  I was hating having him all the way in Cottonwood Heights.  Best of luck Jordan!!!

On December 3rd Dr. Kyle gave me tickets to the Jazz Game.  Jordan had class so I invited my Dad, and we had a lot of fun together.  I love spending time with my Dad, he's the best.  A few weeks earlier, Jordan's work gave us tickets to a Jazz game as well so Jordan wasn't too bummed about missing the game this time. Jordan finished up another semester of school, and did awesome as always...wahoo!!! He only has 4 classes left and then he's officially done!!!!

On December 5th I went to my friend Charlotte's annual Christmas Cookie Exchange.  I look forward to this party every year.  It's fun to meet up with good friends I don't see nearly enough from Hygiene school, and I can't complain about coming home with a couple dozen Christmas treats either.

I went to our Relief Society Christmas Activity which was was really nice.  The presidency collected Christmas Traditions from all the sisters in our ward and then made them into a little book for us.  It was a fun kick off to Christmas and made me excited for the traditions that we have.  We also had some great activities and lessons in Young Womens.  Our goal was to have the girls feel the spirit of Christmas and remember their Savior, and I think it was a success.  Girl's bore testimony, beautiful songs were song, and stories and traditions were shared, and it couldn't have gone over better.  I also sang in the ward choir for our Christmas Sacrament meeting, which is always something I love to do every year.

On December 15th Jordan and I celebrated our FIFTH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY!!!  I can't believe we've already been married that long, yet at times it feels like Jordan has always been in my life.  Our anniversary also marked 10 years since we've been together.  No wonder it feels like he's always been in my life :)  He makes me happier than ever, and I love him more now that ever before.  He is so kind and giving, and works harder than anyone I know.  He would do anything for me, and is so excited for our baby boy to be here.  He will be an incredible Father, and I can't wait.  December is too crazy, so we don't usually get a chance to do anything too fancy to celebrate, but we did get out and play some tennis, and go out to dinner together.  Also that morning Jordan finally gave in and agreed to having his eyes checked by the doctor.  It turned out to be such a great thing because the doctor said that contrary to what Jordan has always been told by past eye doctors, he is okay to wear contacts!!!  So for a good two hours, Jordan worked on getting used to wearing contacts, and said ADIOS to the glasses.  He is so happy, and told me that he feels like he's been healed.  Jordan's only worn glasses since around 6th grade, and I am loving seeing him glasses free.  He has beautiful eyes, and is soooo handsome.  I'm so happy for him.

On December 16th, McKenzie's boyfriend Patrick had his mission farewell.  He left a few days later to the MTC and will eventually head out to Orlando, Florida.  They're so cute together, and she seriously loves him.  She claims she's going to wait for him, and I seriously feel for her.  I've been reading my journals from 8 years ago when Jordan left on his mission.  It has brought back so many memories, and made me remember how supportive my family was to me back then.  McKenzie especially was sweet to me, so I'll try to be supportive to her during this journey.

On December 21st- all us girls at work went out to lunch together and had a little White Elephant Gift Exchange.  It's just fun getting together.  I love the people I work with, they've become some of my best friends.  I'm grateful every day that I work where I do.

December 22nd my Mom's whole family got together to do some Christmas Service at Frodsham's Family Christmas.  This is a farm in Farmington that annually puts together a huge Christmas for families in need.  We showed up and were hosts for a family in need.  This particular family only spoke Spanish, so Jordan communicated with them while we ushered them around as they picked up wrapped gifts, gently used clothes, toys, house hold items, and then had a nice dinner and dessert.  Alyssa came with us, and was so cute.  Santa and Mrs. Claus were there and she sat on their laps and told them what she wanted for Christmas, and then they gave her a little wrapped toy.  Alyssa looked at her wrapped toy and then the little 6 year old girl that we were taking around.  Alyssa asked me if she could give her present to the little girl, and I told her of course she could.  So she walked up to her and handed her the gift and said, "Feliz Navidad!"  It was so cute.  And made a big impact on Alyssa.  She definitely felt the spirit of giving, and it was really sweet.

 

I've also had a few doctors appointments this month.  Our baby is doing great, and is growing like he needs to.  I love going to the doctor and hearing that sweet heart beat.  I can't wait to be this little guy's mom.  I know we're in for a  wild adventure, but I know it's going to be worth it.  I know Christmas will be A LOT different next year, that's for sure.

Happy Thanksgiving Week

We had a great Thanksgiving week.  Julianne & Paul's family decided to come up and be with us too which made it even better.  I love when they're in town.  I took her kids and Alyssa to the trampoline park one day.  The kids had a blast.  I think Paxton had the most fun.

I mean look at that face.  He and Landon ran up and down this slide for a full hour.  At the end they were all completely exhausted.

(Alyssa and Brooklynn jump too fast and wild so I couldn't really get a good picture of them-but they had a ton of fun too.)

We had Thanksgiving dinner at my Aunt Estelle's house.  Everyone was there except Janel's family, so we had a HUGE group, with TONS of delicious food.  

It was fun all being together.  Me and my sisters were in charge of dessert.  I'm not a huge pie fan so I planned on making a red velvet cheesecake.  Inspired by my favorite dessert ever at the Cheesecake Factory.  I had to make it a few days in advance, and after working hard at making my first ever cheesecake by scratch, I had it out on the counter cooling.  Jordan and I were downstairs watching a movie when I looked at him and said, "It's too quiet, where's Wiggles?"  Jordan walked upstairs into the kitchen and started laughing and said, "Shalyce... you probably don't want to come up here."  I ran up the stairs and found Mrs. Wiggles AKA Mrs. Trouble Maker on the counter with MY cheesecake ALL over her face, happily licking her lips.  Ahhhhh!!! I seriously almost killed her.  I threw her outside and made Jordan run to the store for more ingredients so I could have my dessert done in time.  Oh, I was so mad.  It's quite amusing now, and I wish I would've taken a picture of her cheesecake face, but at the time I could've shot her.  -Side note... the cheesecake was completely remade, and quite delish.

Before Julianne and Camille's families left home we went and saw the lights at Temple Square.  Look how big our family is!!!! ...We're huge.   

 I love Temple Square all lit up.  So beautiful.

That week Jordan got tickets to the Jazz Game from his work, so we went out to dinner together, and made it a fun date night.

We also came home one day after work to a special envelope in the mail that contained this little goodie... oh how we love our cute neighbors.

 We are beyond blessed and have so much to be grateful for.  I love this time of year when we can reflect on our blessings, and the love we have for our Savior and one another.

Halloween 2012

We had a fun Halloween this year.  (Who are we kidding?  We always have fun on Halloween.  Anyway... this one didn't disappoint.)

It started off with my work Halloween Party.  Jordan had class that night, so I dressed up with my single friends at work, and Jenny and her husband as a POLYGAMIST FAMILY.  Haha  We had fun getting ready together, ratting our hair, taking off the make-up, and adding extreme unibrows ;)  It was hilarious.  It was a fun night.  We played Fear Factor, and I was a giant wimp.  There was no way I was eating baby food, spam, sardines, and pickled pigs feet.  I am so happy with my job.  The people I work with are awesome.  It's not every day you get to work with some of your best friends.

 Later that week I took my Camille's and Kim's kids over to Station Park by my house and we had a little Halloween party there. The kids had fun, and looked so cute all dressed up.  That evening was the annual "Memmott Halloween Party", at my Mom's house.  Jordan and I dressed up like "Blind" Refs.  Kind of stupid, but whatever.  

Don't ask what Jordan's doing in this picture.  He looks ridiculous, I know.  That's why I requested a second try where we tried to act a "little" more normal.  He claims he was calling a foul.... sure.

 The whole crazy Memmott clan

Me and my cousin Lindsay

 And on Halloween night, we decided to stay home and hand out candy to the Trick-or-Treaters.  This was our first year doing it, and it was really fun.  We have such a cute neighborhood, and it was fun to see all the kids so excited to see "Brother Harrison" at his real house.  He's loving teaching Primary, and is so good with the kids. 

Mrs. Wiggles stole the show of course.  She is a natural poser.  She's been waiting patiently all month to wear her costume, and wanted to be outside all night with the kids.  I think the trick-or-treaters were more excited to see her than get candy. I sent these pictures to our family and said, "Mrs. Wiggles wishes you a Happy Halloween".  The unanimous reply was, "We're so glad you guys are having a baby. You're obsessed with this cat."  (True...  But she's just so cute.)  

Our Angel Payson

I hesitate to post about my perfect niece Payson, because she is so close to my heart.  But at the same time, I don't want to forget a second of her life, and the things she taught me, and so I post these things out of perfect love.

On October 9, 2012 Payson J. Black was born to my incredible sister Julianne & her wonderful husband Paul, weighing 3 lbs. 12 oz. and 16 1/4 inches long

Her time on this earth was just a few short hours, and I wasn't able to hold her.  But her life has touched mine in a way that none other could.

Payson was diagnosed with "Potter's Syndrome" at around 20 weeks in utero.  Meaning there was no amniotic fluid to cushion her sweet body, and to help develop lungs and kidneys.  Julianne and Paul knew that this baby was special, and they chose to keep her as long as possible, even though they knew the road ahead would not be easy.  But when the road is hard, it is worth it.  

When Payson was born she cried a perfect cry, and Julianne & Paul were able to hold, rock, and snuggle her until she peacefully returned to her Heavenly Father.  During that time Paul was also able to give her a name and a blessing.  Paul said that her passing was the most spiritual experience ever imaginable.  After her passing the hospital let them keep her as long as they wanted.  Brooklynn, Landon, and Paxton were also able to come in and hold, touch and kiss Payson.  Landon touched her skin and said, "oh, she's so soft, and now she's going to turn into an angel." Children are so close to the veil.  Those kids have been amazing.  They love their little sister, and know that she is a part of their family, even though she now watches over them from above.  

My parents quickly drove down to Arizona to be with them, and were also able to hold their 10th grandchild.  A perfect #10 as my mom says.  The people at the hospital were amazing.  They provided Julianne with blankets, clothes, bows, took imprints of her feet and hands, brought in a professional photographer, and gave endless love and kindness.

And the kindness never stopped.  I was able to drive down with my 3 other sisters Friday morning for Payson's memorial service, and witnessed an outpouring of love and service from friends and neighbors.  People are so kind.

An absolute beautiful memorial was put together quickly.  We put together a darling display honoring this sweet little one, and it brought my heart happiness.  Kim had two identical blankets made with Payson's name and birthday embroidered on them surrounded by "Families are Forever" one for Payson to have and one for Julianne to keep.  We had a family viewing, and Payson looked beautiful in her tiny little white dress with pink flowers and her tiny little bare feet poking out, and wearing a precious locket Camille made with pictures of each of her family members on it.  I couldn't get over how much the kids loved her.  They couldn't get enough of her.  I watched as they each held her hands, rubbed the skin on her forehead, left her with love notes, and as Brooklynn tucked one of her stuffed animals away with her to have.  The love in that room was amazing.  

After the viewing we had a beautiful service where my angel Mom, and Paul spoke, Julianne read a poem, and darling Brooklynn read a love note she had written to Payson.  It couldn't have been any sweeter.  The words that were expressed weren't words of pain, anger, and bitterness.  They were words of eternal love and gratefulness.  Families are Forever.  Payson came to this earth because simply, she needed a body, and to belong to a family.  The Lord has a greater plan for her now, and now we all have a reason to do what is right.  We have an angel waiting for us in Heaven. 

I love my family so much.  I am so grateful to be a member of this church.  I am so grateful for the knowledge that I have that this life is not the end, It is only the beginning.  Julianne will be able to raise her beautiful daughter one day, I have no doubt of that.  The Lord's plan is a plan of HAPPINESS.

  

We love you Payson J.  Thank you for sharing your big heart & a piece of heaven with us.

We're Having a BABY!!

  Yep, you read it right... We're having a BABY!!! I found out I was pregnant in June, and then surprised Jordan with the news on his birthday by giving him a few baby UTES onesies.  He was so excited, which made me even more happy.  

We told my family a little while later because everyone was in town hearing about my parents trip to Europe. We got together to take a picture in our apron souvenirs, and Jordan took our picture.  He said, "1,2,3.. Say Cheese. Now one more, "One 3.. Say... Shalyce is PREGNANT!!"  Everyone was caught off guard, and so excited.  It was fun to have it all caught on video.

We went to our  first doctor's appointment at 10 weeks.  We had an ultrasound and saw our sweet little babe, and heard it's heart beat for the first time.  The due date is Feb. 28th 2013.

And on September 13th we had our 16 week appointment with another ultrasound.  At this appointment we found out that we were having a BOY!!!  Jordan and I both had feelings it would be a boy, and we were right!  After our appointment we had went to my sister Kim's house to celebrate her birthday.  We walked in handed her our present, and then some blue balloons and said that they were from the baby.  Attached to the balloons was a paper that read, "Happy Birthday Aunt Kim!!! Love, your NEPHEW!!!"  Everyone was so excited, and there were hugs all around.  

We couldn't be happier and more excited to start our family and have a sweet baby boy joining us soon.  I've been so lucky and haven't been very sick at all.  And now that I'm in my 2nd Trimester, I've got my energy back and am feeling great.  Hopefully it'll continue, and things will continue to go well.