My child is a Billy Goat

Really.

Earlier, I cleaned out her diaper bag (movie tickets, receipts, puffs, etc). I was in a hurry, so I put them in a nice pile on my bedside table.

As I was typing the last blog, she managed to eat all of the puffs and get started on the movie ticket. It's almost gone.

Patience is a virtue...that I don't really care to learn

Honestly.

I know it probably is not a good thing that I don't want to learn patience. But, I know how God teaches patience. I don't want to learn. I've never asked for it and I'm sure God is trying to teach me, but that doesn't mean I want to.

As we have gone through the process of buying a house (well we had to get out of credit card debt first), I have never once asked for patience. Just like when I was trying to get pregnant. Or, when I was pregnant and waiting for my bundle of joy to come OUT!

And, even though I didn't ask for it, I think God is still trying to get it through my thick skull. I'm sure of it. Why else would it take a month to close on a house? Just because God is trying to teach me patience, right?

Okay, maybe it has something to do with all of the background checking up on both the seller and buyer that they have to do. I don't know. But, this is ridiculous. Next time I'm paying cash.

Probably not, but it would be nice.

All that to say. We are buying a house. I pretty nice house. I feel very blessed. I would never have guessed that this house would be our first home (that we bought). I'll post pictures when we are actually the proud owners. For now, you blog readers (all one of you) will have to wait. Besides, if you are reading, you probably already saw the pictures.

And, hopefully in the next few weeks I will have picked up some patience along the way.

a simple reminder

When I was pregnant my fingers swelled and I could no longer wear my wedding and engagement rings. My wonderful husband bought me a temporary ring from James Avery so that I wouldn't feel like I wasn't married at all. It wasn't the same, but it was sufficient.



After our little princess was born, my fingers shrunk, but never got back to their original size (despite the fact that I lost more weight than I gained). I had to get my rings re-sized.

When they were returned they fit great. My fingers even shrunk a little more which was nice. So, I had my rings back. I was married again. Then, the pearl started coming loose. I had to ship them off once again.

3 weeks later, I now have my engagement ring back :-)



I can't explain the feeling of having my rings back. I'm not a materialistic person, but these rings mean something to me. They remind me daily of the commitment I have made to my husband. To love him forever.

My husband also has been without a wedding band for about a year now. He jammed his finger doing something at work and since then he has not been able to fit his ring over his knuckle.

For Christmas, I bought him a new ring. Actually, it's the one he originally wanted, but I didn't think black was a romantic color for a wedding band. I was being silly. This ring is perfect for him. We picked his ring up yesterday. He is married again too. Although this picture makes it look like it is turning his hand black.



These rings, they are simple reminders.

a year later...

A year ago, my husband started his journey to firefighter.

A year ago I wrote the following to him (I actually read it):


Scott,

Jeremiah 29:11 says “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future”

God has plans for you in this job. I know you are nervous and it seems impossible, but lets take a step back and look at how you got here and how God‘s hand has been guiding you the entire way.

A few months ago you were changing your spark plugs and as I was sitting at the table with your mom, she mentioned something about the Garland Fire Department test coming up in October. I didn’t really think much about it at the time and even defended you b/c I didn’t want you to feel pressured to do something I thought you didn’t want to do. BUT, then I started thinking about it. Why didn’t you want to do it? Was it b/c you were afraid you wouldn’t get it? Well, I decided I wanted you to do it. I wanted you to take the test and go for it. I wanted to have security in knowing my husband could take care of his growing family if I decided I didn’t want to work. As selfish as that seems I think God was just planting the seed in me. He knew you wouldn’t do it on your own b/c you feared failure. He knew you wouldn’t do it if your parents said something b/c, well they’re your parents…what do they know?? As hard as it was for me to pressure you into something like that, I did it. I sat you down, told you what I needed/wanted from you and we signed you up to take the test.

October (insert date): it’s the big day. You didn’t want anyone to know you were taking the test…it was part of that fear you would fail thing, but I think somehow your mom knew. She had been praying for you b/c she’s a good mom like that. She knows that prayer is the most powerful weapon she can use for her children. So, you’re pretty nervous, but not too bad. You’ve taken the test before and scored 6 out of 700 plus people. This time 19 out of 700 plus people. You’re moving on. Thank you, God.

What’s next?? Physical agility. 2 days later you have to be there by 9:00 ready to do a list of physical tasks that are timed. A little nervous, but again, you’ve done this before and passed just fine. I didn’t go b/c I get too nervous watching things like this, but I prayed for you from home (pretty much the entire time you were gone). However, your dad, brother, and Colt were there to support and cheer you on. And, you had many other people praying for you that morning…most of them sitting here today. You passed. Thank you, God.

Then you bring home this GIANT background check packet to be completed and turned in within a couple of weeks. Still procrastinators at heart, we put it off and put it off. Finally we decide we should probably fill this thing out. We had done it before, it shouldn’t be too bad. Uh-Oh! What happened to all the information about your tickets?? Well, your wife, being the clean freak, everything has to be organized, person that I am just cleaned out all of my old files and threw all of them away. They were old and when on earth were we ever going to need that information? NOW! How do we get information about old tickets? We have to go to every single court house of the cities where you have gotten tickets. Even though you haven’t gotten one in 5 years, you weren’t so good as a teenager. Garland, Richardson, and Wylie. Is that all? We think so. I go to all of them and Garland and Richardson will give me your information, but Wylie won’t. You have to go. Do you remember almost giving up at this point?? Aren’t you glad you didn’t?? Packet done. Thank you God. Captain Morris calls…did you forget something in your packet?? HELLO, you had another ticket in Allen 5 years ago. How could you forget?? It’s okay though, he’s going to give you a chance to redeem yourself. Got it. Now it’s done. Passed. Thank you God.

Wow, have we really gotten this far?? Is this really going to happen?? Time for the interview. No biggie. Not that nervous. Talked to a few guys about it, get all dressed up, and head off. Enter room. Whoa! 15 guys looks like a lot more than it sounds. NERVOUS! You answer some questions and after getting feedback feel a little discouraged and worried. You talked to soft and didn’t seem sure about yourself or your answers. You took too long to respond and even though one guy thought you did okay, he’s not so sure about the rest. But, you passed. Thank you God!!!

So here you are number 9 and all you have left is the polygraph, chief interview, and physical. It seems so close, but you don’t want to celebrate b/c you are afraid it still won’t happen. I have to admit. Until this point, I didn’t think it was really going to happen. I know how hard it is to get hired on the Garland Fire Department and I thought it was too good to be true, but I also knew God was walking through this with you and he gave me that little glimmer of hope when there seemed to be none. At this point, I knew you were getting the job. I had my doubts of course b/c I know things can happen, but I knew you had the job. You are now number 9 on the list and they are hiring 10-12.

Polygraph. You were so nervous, it was kind of cute. Worried about music piracy. You had reason to be. I mean if Blake, who I’m not sure if he’s ever told a lie in his entire life, can fail a polygraph, then what is keeping you from failing?? Well Blake, he didn’t. So, turns out, your brother is more honest than you. Lie detector said so. Passed. Thank you, God.

As we all know things can change at the drop of a hat. One Sunday morning your dad is talking to Captain Morris at church who informs him that the Chief decided they can only hire 8 and he’s not budging. When your dad tells the story to us, he decideds to leave out the part that you are number 8!!! As your dad boldly stated “God is watching out for you”.

Chief interview. Passed. Not really an interview at all. You get a job offer and come home with an employee packet. Can we celebrate?? NO! Still have to get a physical.

Medical physical. Waiting FOREVER to get the results of your x-rays. Passed.

After what seems like forever, you are officially a Garland Fire Department Recruit. We can finally celebrate!

What does this mean? It means you are about to start the Garland Fire Academy. You are about to go through, from what I understand, can only be described as training hell. You are about to be tested beyond your limits to see if you have what it takes to be a Garland Firefighter. I assure you, you don’t. I know you are nervous and you should be. Fortunately, you have someone watching out for you. You have someone who is stronger and smarter than any chief or captain will ever be. You have a God who obviously wants you to succeed. If you can remember to draw your strength from him, you will have what it takes to be a Garland Firefighter. You will be the best, b/c God is the best.

Colossians 3:23 says “do everything as if you are doing it for the LORD”. I challenge you to wake up at 5:00 every morning and remember who you are going to work for. He got you this far and he will get you the rest of the way.

All of these people are here today b/c they love you and want to show their support. We are all behind you 100 percent. We will be here to encourage you when you feel like giving up. We will be here to celebrate with you when you feel great. We will be here to pray for you every step of the way. We will be here b/c we are your familyand we are so proud of what you have accomplished. You did it babe! You did it! The journey is going to be long, but that’s why God put all of these people in your life. There was a time in your life when you felt like you had no friends. Look around this room. God has been and will always be watching out for you.


Today, I have the privilege to wake up 2 out of 3 days next to the cutest firefighter around. You did it BABE! You made it through the Academy and through being "the rookie". I'm so proud of you and so glad you love your job as much as you do.



I am writing this blog as a reminder of God's favor in my life. A reminder of the blessings he has poured upon my family. I don't ever want to forget that it is because of Him that I am living this life. I am so grateful for all of these blessings and the great things God has done during 2010 (more to come about that later).



Thank you God. Thank you Scott.

2011 goals

1. walk 4x a week (already failed at this one due to really COLD weather!) I will accomplish this though and it will become a habit.

2. no texting while driving. period. ever.
I try not to do this as I think it is stupid, but sometimes I catch myself responding with a quick yes or no. not good.

3. Take more time for myself to spend journaling, playing my violin, and reading my Bible. Haven't quite figured this one out yet, but it will happen.

Reilly Genia Shea Harrison

That's my sister. My biological sister. This post is dedicated to her.



She holds a huge piece of my heart. She has brought me joy, tears, laughter, and many bruises :-)



When my parents first got us, I had just started 1st grade. So, I left every morning to go to school, which meant my sister and mom got lots of bonding time. I love to hear stories from this time.

My favorite....

Mom wants to work out. Drops Reilly off at child care at the "club". Mom starts working out and breaking a sweat (a big deal for her). Reilly is screaming in the child care. Child care calls my mom down to room. Mom has to take Reilly home. Mom lectures 3 year old Reilly all the way home. Next day... Reilly says "Mommy go to pug". HUH??? "Mommy go to pug, Reilly won't cry". AH! So cute.

second favorite....

Mom goes to bathroom. Reilly follows, sticks her hands under the door saying "Mommy! Mommy!".



I wish I had known she was cute back then. I missed it.

I LOVE YOU REILLY GENIA SHEA HARRISON!!

....and it continues

Well, I figured it was time to write more of my story. It is very slowly coming together. If you haven't read the first few posts about this topic, you have some catching up to do (otherwise it won't make sense). So, I've kindly posted links to the first few posts :-)

In the beginning

First step to true love

Stories from foster care

Step 1 meet parents

So, I left off telling you about the roller coaster my parents went through to get us. After the final decision was made that we would be theirs, it was time for us to be a family!

September 11, 1992 - the day we moved in. I had just started 1st grade and Reilly was 2 & 1/2. My parents had their hands full to say the least. My mom took 8 weeks (I think) of maternity leave and was very ready to go back to get a break from us. Can you imagine getting a 6 year old and a 2 1/2 year old at once? I have a 9 month old and she enough to handle right now. Amazing parents I have. Simply amazing.

So there was a period of time before the adoption was legal. We had to go before a judge, get our names legally changed, and literally we were "reborn". I think it was 6 months later, but I could totally be wrong. I'm sure my dad will correct me if I am. That day came. I forgot to mention that in my dad's dream we were wearing red plaid dresses with scottie dogs on them. So, guess what we were wearing...you guessed it. Red plaid dresses with scottie dogs. We stood before the judge as my parents went through all the legal stuff until we were FINALLY theirs!


And, I thought it was hard to wait 9 months for my princess. At least they got two out of the deal :-)

We became the Harrison family. 4 of us. I had parents again. I had stability.

...stay tuned.