SELF CONTROL......

"LIVE IN SELF CONTROL AS WE WAIT FOR JESUS TO APPEAR." -Titus 2:12-13
Brady was learning about self control in sunday school class last sunday. They brought home a lil' finger (paper) puppet that says self-control on it. This is what our "mischevious" Harper thought of self control puppet man....




Poor self control puppet man! He lost his head and a leg. (for some reason Harper doesn't like to eat cheerios or baby puffs, but PAPER!) She's even eaten a pricetag off a pair of jeans before. And yes, I do watch her constantly...she's just a quick lil' thing and into everything!!!! :)

Ashley and Gregs wedding

Here's a short video of Ashleys bachelorette party, rehearsal, and wedding. I'm so jealous the "honeymooners" are probably enjoying warm nice sun laying on a beach in Mexico! These are all the pics I got from the weekend....wish I would of gotten more of my sweet hubby dancing! :) We had such a fun time.

9 months and a determined lil' monkey...

Wow, it's January already! Can't believe it! Harper is now 9 months old....she started crawling at 7 1/2 months, and now she is pulling up....standing up....and the other day she actually took 2 steps on her own!!! We think it could of been just a "wild moment", but it wouldn't surprise us if she starts walking before too long. CRAZY is all I have to say. She's a feisty, determined lil' monkey. I "dread" changing time and getting her dressed....I literally have to wrestle her to get her dressed. I probably burn the most calories then! In fact, today my sister Holly was over and she was kind enough to try to get her dressed. I glanced over minutes later to see Harper playing in her diaper....Holly said " she wouldn't let me get her dressed." :)
Hope everyone who actually checks in and reads this had a wonderful Christmas and New Years. We sure did....Lance and I both took off 10 days of work! We had great "family" time, and actual time alone TWICE in a week! That's a first since kids! We realize we do actually need to take more time out for each other.....:)

a year in review

We can't believe it's already Christmas and the end of another year! This year has been extra special to us with the birth of our daughter and Brady's long awaited playmate and sister. We feel so incredibly blessed, and are thankful for our complete family. Harper's middle name is GRACE.... her name is extra special to me. I wanted a daughter with a somewhat "unique" name and yet I knew forsure I wanted Grace to be a part of her name. Grace because of what it is. God's GRACE is so evident in our lives....
how beautiful the word, yet even more the meaning of it. We hope you enjoy this short video. HE does make EVERYTHING GLORIOUS!!!!

We've come a long way, baby....

HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY to my "secret" best friend!!!! :) Were we really nerdy or what?! :) Seriously, you are so special to me. I am so thankful to have such a close friend like you for 30 YEARS! I love our baby pictures together! So glad to have these, I will always treasure them! I am so blessed to go thru life with a friend like you....how many memories we've shared, crazy times, lots of laughs, lots of meaningful conversation, and lots of Gloria Jeans's cappuccinos. I love that we don't skip a beat. Hope your day was special....I tried and tried to get a hold of you....your answering machine is not on?! I LOVE YA, girl!

"aunt Gretchen" how my kids adore you...:)

a cold icy weekend....

Brady eating our cookies and Harper likes to watch cartoons now.
What a great weekend to be stuck at home with a sick little one and all the ice...we decided it was time to make Christmas cookies while we had the chance. It was fun and relaxing in a way, we had Christmas music playing and a fire going. Brady is my helper in the kitchen....but I think he ended up eating more cookies than actual helping! This week Harper came down with RSV and a double ear infection. She ran a 102 temp all week so she slept alot, watched cartoons, and watched us. She's been such a sick little monkey, we are praying she gets better soon! I'm so tired of the sickness! We've had an awful lot of sickness going on here the last few months! Of course the hubby has been healthy, he has an incredible or unhuman immune system I think. :) I'm getting so excited for Christmas...maybe not quite as excited as Brady though. Yesterday he told me that if he's a really good boy maybe he can get a t-r-s-t-u-v-(he spelled)....we apparantly "spell" alot of words out these days since he listens so intently. I asked him what t-r-s-t-u-v- even spelled....he said a "treat". :)

FUN VIDEO of the dancing McGowans....

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1176056289
Click on link above to view us dancing elves. Spreading the Christmas cheer! (thanks Callie!)http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1176056289