Christmas is coming!

At our house Christmas is very special time. It usually means we get to visit family. This year we will be traveling to Oregon to see my family. I am so excited. I have not been home for over a year. Grandma Ward's fabulous cooking and all the pictures my mother will be taking. This time of year is wonderful and I cannot wait.

Also, Brady knows Santa and is very excited about the "big man." This weekend hopefully we will get to see the "big man." We want to wish all our friends and family safe travel and Happy Holidays. This is our present to you, Brady in a diaper box.

Harty/Holen Wedding

It was a blast. Everyone had so much fun.

Aggie Football

It was a blast! Brady got to watch cousin Josh play football. He also played a ton. Which Brady wore mom and dad out! Plus, the Aggies won the game. Go Josh!

FOOTBALL

It is November. Election Day, parent/teacher conferences, bad weather, and FOOTBALL. In our family football is huge. My husband coached this fall down in Strasburg, North Dakota. This summer my husband decided that banking was not the way to go in life. He feels that teaching is his calling and I completely agree! So, Brady and I watched many football games this fall. It was great seeing Ryan in action. We are so proud of him and his decision.

The Clippers ,however, had a very tough season. We were happy to see the boys win a few, but overall they struggled. So, unfortunately the team did not make the playoffs this season. Better luck next year. Ryan will definitely have his work cut out for him.

A couple of weeks ago we were able to watch one of the playoff football games in town. As you can see, it was a very cold night. We bundled Brady up and out we went. It was the first time Brady had to wear his full winter outfit. He was not very happy. I am definitely not looking forward to these cold months ahead.

Halloween

It was so much fun seeing Brady all dressed up.

Playtime With Addison

This weekend we had dinner with the Weigel family and friends. They have a little girl named Addison that is about two months younger than Brady. They play together and have so much fun. It is great seeing them interact. Suzie also contributed to their good time. Also, we popped in a sing along dvd and the only song that really caught their eye was the "Old McDonald" song other than that you would have never guessed there was a dvd playing. Brady especially loved seeing the ducks on tv. He loves to make the "quack, quack" sound. Here are some pics from the weekend fun.

My Tribute To Alicia Harty

Alicia was a great single gal. She was always up for a good time with the girls, but soon she will be married. Anthony is a wonderful man and we wish them the best. I was able to enjoy Alicia's last night as a single woman. It was full of surprises and more. Here is to you Miss Alicia.

Fall Season

I absolutely love the Fall season. I get to watch the leaves fall from the trees, all the colors turning, and NEW TV shows. Ryan and I are huge tv watchers, but since Brady we have to tivo everything and wait till Brady is asleep to watch our shows. We do have a list, but Ryan's would be dramatically different. Right now this is my list order.

5. CSI NY

4. Young and the Restless

3. New Adventures of Old Christine

2. One Tree Hill

1. 90210

My number one and two are a toss up. Yes, I am a big high school dork. I should have been 18 years old my whole life. Then, I would have a fabulous body for life. I would have to say that these shows all have drama and I love watching drama. I am such a girl. If I were given a sixth vote I would pick HGTV or any show related to fixing things around the house or yourself. I am huge on "What Not To Wear" type shows. Ryan would completely disagree. All of his top fives would consist of sports and more sports.

Papa's Pumpkin Patch

This fall we decided to visit the local pumpkin patch. We had so much fun. Brady was a little timid at first, but overall he did great. It was crazy busy at the beginning of the day. Later, the crowd started to get smaller and smaller and Brady got even more mobile. He was in and out of the pumpkins and he loved riding in the wagon. I absolutely love this time of year. I guess it is the colors and plus, it's soccer and football season. Go DUCKS! Ok, Go Irish too. We have to support both.

Pumpkin Patch

Brady had a blast.

Girls Night Out

This summer I decided to play softball for the first time in my life. I had so much fun and the ladies I played with were great. Now that it is the off season, we go out once a month to visit and have fun. So, this week was my day to enjoy the company of my teammates. Also, talking to an adult besides my husband is good. I never really go out or hang out with ladies. I talk with tons of teachers, but we never really just "go out." I really should do that more often.

Tigger and Pooh

Now that Brady is getting older he really enjoys eating breakfast Saturday morning while watching Tigger and Pooh. While the family was out shopping we bought Brady his very first Tigger and Pooh dvd. The other night we started the dvd and this is how Brady reacted.

This reaction was priceless!

Patience Is A Vurtue

It amazes me how much patience one person can have in life. I am so thrilled that finally our basement is finished and we have completed our mission. Over the past three years Ryan and I have been working on our lovely house. This October will be our third anniversary living in this glorous house! We are so proud of how much we have accomplished over the years. From adding a deck, fence, and yard to finishing the basement, it has been a very long three years.

As I sit in our lovely new basement I am very thankful for what God has given us. Also, God has given us our wonderful son Brady. In itself that is a miracle in my eyes. A gift from God, Brady is our gift and he is a wonderful gift. I cannot wait to see what the next three years has installed for us.

Get Down and Get Funky

This summer we went to a one of Ryan's old classmates wedding. Brady had a blast. He danced the night away. Every chance he got he was up and grooving. I really believe his favorite dance was the might "Chicken Dance." Uncle Rob held him while they got down and funky. Overall, the night was great and the family had a blast.

This video is so funny. It might be tough to see, but Brady is bouncing around to the music and observing the atmosphere (other kids).

Mom and Brady enjoying their dance together. It really didn't last long because Brady just wanted to get down and move around. These past few months have been so much fun with my little man. He is definitely a MOVER!

First Day of School

Well, it is that time of year again. Moms are buying school supplies, teachers are getting their classroom ready, and kids are starting to get butterflies in their tummies because the "First Day of School" is tomorrow. Yesterday was the first day of school for me. I will tell you this much, boy does it take a while for your body to get into a routine again. I was so tired last night. I could not believe how lazy I was. Brady of course was roaring to go and had no idea why mom just wanted to rest. The other idea came to me while watching these little kindergarten students walk in to the big school with their parents, very soon I will doing the same thing with my son. It is crazy how time flies. Remember, enjoy those moments when they are little. Good luck to everyone this school year.

This is what mom looked like after the first day of school!

Family Vacation Part II

The second part of our family vacation was to Alexanderia, Minnesota at Ryan's family lake house. We went swimming and ate dinner with all his family at Bugaboo Bay. It was perfect. Also, we drove to the cities and watched a Minnesota Twins game. This has been a tradition for our family to watch at least one Twins game a year. Of course they won and it was a blast.

Brady caught stealing a chip. Weird, my son loves chips. I wonder were he would have gotten that fabulous craving from? (Mom)

Brady extremely tried on our way back from the resturant. We went by boat. He loved the wind blowing through his hair. Plus, the lifejacket looked very comfortable.

The entire family enjoying themselves at the baseball game. The night was even better because the Twins won. The family vacation was great and we hope to do it again next summer. Brady had so much fun.

Family Vacation Part I

This summer we took our annual family vacation to the family lake home and Minnesota Twins baseball game. Along the way we stopped in Fargo, ND to stay together while I coached my U14 girls summer soccer team at state. It was a blast. Brady really got to enjoy the water on this trip. The first stop was in Fargo and he got to visit the big "pirate ship" at our hotel

Brady and I went up and down this pirate ship for at least 30 minutes straight. He loved it!

I think daddy had fun also on the pirate ship with Brady too. Those two boys were swimming up a storm all day on Saturday.

Even though my soccer team didn't do very well at state, it was a great first stop on our family vacation. I loved watching Brady follow all the other kids around at the pool. He was so fascinated with all the kids going down the slide and jumping into the pool. He had a blast.

WALKING!!

Brady has finally decided to walk. This process has been very interesting to watch over the past month. When my mother came to visit, he would walk from couch to couch or chair to couch. Then, about two weeks ago, Brady would walk from our bedroom into the living room and back. All of a sudden he was walking. Just like crawling, when Brady was ready to crawl, all of a sudden, Brady was crawling all over the place. I am completley amazed by the growth development that occurs with these little people.

He also, finally got those two top teeth. THEY CAME THROUGH!!! These stubborn teeth have been trying to come down for a month. This poor kid has only three teeth and is 13 months old. Needless to say, some days have been extremely tough. I couldn't even imagine cutting teeth. Overall, Brady is growing into a sweet little boy.

South Carolina Trip

The Harty clan decided to take a family vacation down to South Carolina. Ryan was asked to be an usher in cousin Andy's wedding. We had so much fun. It was a beautiful wedding. We even were able to visit the Atlanta Aquarium on our way back.

We even managed to visit the University of South Carolina. Of course we had to stop and visit the baseball park and soccer field. WEIRD. Brady had a great time. I do have to admit it was very warm that day, 99 degrees. I loved every minute.

The wedding was gorgeous. We partied all night long and Brady slept through most of the reception. Andy and Amy looked great. The Harty Clan danced the night away.

At the Atlanta Aquarium we were able to see many different types of ocean creatures. It was a wonderful experience. Brady was very excited to see "Nemo." The bright colors were fabulous.

I am ONE!!!!

Brady's first birthday party. It was very exciting. We celebrated it with friends and family. It was a small party. Even Brady's girlfriend came, Addison. They got along great. He opened up his gifts that he received. I guess trucks were the theme because he got a ton and loved all of them.

Brady loved ripping the wrapping paper off his presents.

Mommy and Brady opening up one of his awesome gifts.

Brady cruising along on his new bus sporting his new Twins jersey.

Of course, you cannot forget the first bite of chocolate cake!

PRICELESS!!

Head Coach

http://www.bismarcktribune.com/articles/2008/05/22/news/sports/local/156143.txt

This week I was named the head girl's soccer coach for Bismarck High School. This was a huge deal. I was on tv and in the paper. My husband was so thrilled. He called everyone to tell them about my exciting news. If you click on the website above, you can read about it in the local paper. Next year is going to be so much fun. Finally, head coach!!!

Good Bye Patroits

Softball

If any one knows me, I don't do softball. I just stick with soccer mainly. Well, this summer I have decided to play softball for the first time in my life. My first game they put me at second, center field, and short stop. Amazing enough, I wasn't too bad. I even managed to get an "In The Parker Home run!" I also managed to get my first official strawberry. My father would be so proud. I guess it is from all those times of watching my father, mother, brother, and husband play.
Thanks for forcing me watch!

A picture to prove it!

Happy Mother's Day

I really do appreciate everything my mother has done for me over the years. Now, that I am a "mother," I completely understand what it means to love your family unconditionally. This statement is so true and my family has brought this to my attention in so many ways.

Patience: When your running late for work and your son refuses to put his clothes on for the day because he wants to play with his toys.

Gentleness: Your son falls down and scraps his face. Mom to the rescue to help clean his new battle wound.

Kindness: When your son lays his head on your chest to fall asleep.

Supportive: When your husband changes jobs.

All these special characteristics mothers attain over the years. To me mothers should be celebrated every day.

Happy Mother's Day!

Dairy Queen Trip

This week at school was "Teacher Appreciation Week." So, remember to thank your teachers for everything they do for our kids. Our PTO was so kind and gave each teacher gift certificates to the local Dairy Queen. Ryan, Brady, and I made a special date of it as a family.

Just in case you didn't know but, Brady loves ice cream. This date was perfect. He ate his chicken strips and apple sauce. Then, came that special dessert he loves. This kid licks his lips when he even sees ice cream. It is great to see. Well, the date was perfect and he even performed his famous "SO BIG" routine. Gotta love it.

Brady Cruising

FINALLY, Brady has gotten the itch to start walking. It is so neat to witness his development over the last few months. We were lucky enough to catch the little man cruising around behind his stroller.

Now we can't get Brady to stop cruising behind his stroller. I cannot wait till Grandma Geider gets to watch Brady in action this summer. We are looking forward to her visit. I know Brady is very excited to see his Grandma again.

Ready, Set, CRAWL

Rummage Sale

The local high school soccer team that I coach was hosting a "Rummage Sale" in-town. Brady and mom were ready to sell, sell, sell, but he was more interested in the ladies helping. My soccer team was also helping at the rummage sale.

Overall, it was a very productive day. Brady got to "flirt" with all the girls and mom helped raised some money for the soccer team. Imagine this, but Brady was a big hit.

Mommy and Brady Day

Brady and mom went to their hair stylist on their day off. It was so much fun. Brady got his hair cut and so did mom. It was a day of pampering. We went shopping and ate lunch with dad and Grandma Harty. We even visited Aunt Kendra. Don't we look good?

Family Yard Work

It was a beautiful day in ND so, the Harty family decided to enjoy the weather and work on the yard. Dad was mowing and mom was raking while Brady Boo watched. We listened to the Twins and watched the dogs play. It was such a nice day.

It was interesting to see Brady touch the grass and give such a sour face. Even though Brady didn't enjoy the grass we still had fun. He did enjoy seeing dad rake and so did I. Family Yard Work Day was a hit and finally we were able to see our beautiful back yard without noticing dog stuff all over!

Easter Eggs

Brady had a so much fun finding all of his Easter eggs. He has also started copying mommy and daddy more. As you will see in the video he loved following along and listening to all the cash he racked in this Easter egg hunt.

Tanner Elliot Harty

We cannot forget Tanner, our first boy. As you can see Tanner doesn't have a ton of fur. When it comes to getting a hair cut, he really just gets a trim. We like to refer to Tanner as our "Little Lion." We must have a thing for animals.

Chances First Hair Cut

Chance is six months old now and it was time for a hair cut. We like to refer to Chance as our "Little Bear."I wonder sometimes if the "little" part works. Can you tell which picture is the "after?"

Brady and the Blinds

Who would have thought that blinds are so much fun to play with for a nine month old. Brady has a new toy and he loves to wiggle it, pull on it, and even suck on it. Brady doesn't mind that he has an entire basket full of new toys to entertain himself. Just put up blinds for your child and they will love them! Plus, he gets to torment the puppies.

My First Hair Cut

Brady got his first hair cut. Nine months old and already he needed a hair cut. He is growing up too fast! He was so good. He just sat on daddy's lap and let Danielle cut away. We were so proud of him. Brady even managed to ham it up for the camera. Looking good Brady Boo.

The two other boys in the family.
Chance (left)
Lookin' good

Tanner (right)
Lazy days at home in my chair.