She saves me from BREAK DOWNS!!!

Meet Tascha!

She has made such a difference in our lives in the short time we have known her.  She is kind, smart, incredibly patient, and an amazing woman of God.  I began looking for some help around Christmas anticipating the arrival of Baby #3 and the ending of Mother's Day Out within weeks of each other.  I knew my Spring/Summer would be difficult with a 3 year old and 1 1/2 year old -trying to help at the drug store/ working with our Charity/ and training on the side if there was time.  It is hard living away from your family because they are the natural choices for help when you have a baby.  I have wonderful in-laws that are happy to help in a pinch but both work full time.  So I hate asking them to take off to help us.  My mom and sister are great help but both live over an hour and half away and also work.  ((Unfortunately our church doesn't have a weekly nursery option and I didn't want to throw them in some church/school for a couple of weeks.))  So Wes and I discussed the idea of hiring someone to help during the week.  The Lord brought us Tascha... she and her sweet husband were moving here from Tennessee and she was looking to work with children and also fulfill her duties as the wife of a minister.  She has an elementary education degree and knew it would be difficult to find a position in the middle of the year.  After checking references and exhausting prayer we hired her.  I can not express to you how amazing she is... The boys adore her and it is evident she loves them equally.  It makes for a much easier trip to the grocery store, date day with one of the boys, haircuts, dentist appointments, my weekly doctors appointments, donation pick ups, YMCA meetings, etc.  I do know I would be one CRAZY momma without her.   Since being on bed rest with both York and Perry I didn't know what this pregnancy would hold... well as of Friday I am officially on "light" bed rest.  I'm not sure what that looks like with 2 kids under the age of 3 but we are working on it.  I feel good and am able to rest when I need to because of sweet Tascha!  Thank you Lord for bringing her into our lives and allowing our extened family a break... I think my mom spent the last month and a half of Perry's pregnancy running up and down the interstate to stay with us!  Thank you Tascha for all of your amazing help and love for our boys... your the BEST!

Kshell Photography got some AMAZING pix of my boys today at the park.   I wanted to share a couple with you...

Notice York with his "mini" guitar... he asked if he could take it to the park to play for the kids!

Schools out for ...SUMMER!

Ramsay and I are doing great.  We have 3 more weeks of shots and then Dr. H will let him come! Remember that Mr. Perry decided to cook a few extra weeks so I have no clue what to expect with this little bug!   I'm crossing fingers for the last week of June or early July but as God has shown me time again that I am not in control .. .Still working to embrace that.  Nursery is done for the most part (of course we are still lacking  infant diapers, formula, bassinet, and co sleeper =we prematurely gave those things away).  I will soon get into York's closet for baby clothes and dig into the garage for old bottles!  It is funny that I had EVERYTHING situated by this time with the other two and this time I am struggling to finish one task.  It will all come together because the nesting has begun!  I did order the little guy 2 sweet coming home outfits and some monogrammed items this week.  And we did manage to buy a new car seat!!  baby steps people....

In sweet P news -we went for his 18 month appointment today and he is a solid 23 pounds (actually just under 23 but we are going to call it even)!!  That is 10-25th percentile for his age... same with his height.  So looks like he is just going to stay a little guy with BIG attitude!  That sounds like a girl I know... hmm!  (Takes after his momma!)  He loves to follow "bubba" everywhere and do mimic his every move.  York is a pretty good sport but his permanent shadow does wear on him after a while.  Perry just loves to be beside York at all times... and I think it is precious. 

Whats been going on...We joined Skip at the galleria for a little lunch and Carousel ride!  What a treat... Norm rode with both boys and gave this momma a much needed break.  The boys had a great time and it was Perry's first time to ride with bubba!  He was all smiles as they waved each time they came around.  Thanks Skip for a great lunch DATE!

This week we have had hair cuts, pool time, bday at chuck-e-cheese, lunch date with Daddy at the store,Ya-Ya time, and doctors appointments.  We have had a LONG week but are excited for the weekend.  Hoping to enjoy some fishing with daddy and maybe a pool visit or too.  I have some fantastic 4D pics of sweet Ramsay that I will work on posting next week and more hilarity that comes out of the mouth of our first born!  Stay tuned...

I'm like a hovercraft...

Say WHAT?  Yorkisms...

"P is a go go baby!  He loves to go in the car, mom"

"On your Mart, Get Set, GO!"

"I'm little red!!" 

(walking around with his Easter Basket)

"Say hut hut... That's Spanish"

(hiking ball to brother)

"Look at those lovers!" 

(As we are walking down the beach, York motions to a young couple hugging in the surf)

"Daddy, I'm taking your wife!"

"She is my wife now."

"Mommy that man looks CREEPY!"

(Said LOUDLY as a gentleman passes by in Edgars Bakery -can you say EMBARRASSED!)

SAME EDGARS TRIP:  York goes behind the counter and yells, "Order UP!"

"Sold Separately"

(As he talks about one of his toys)

"Mommy, mommy look at that PECKER!"

(referring to a woodpecker in the back yard)

"No we aren't, I'm on daddy's page"

(I was asking him if we were on the same page about the days activities)

"I'm a meatball machine!"

(after devouring spaghetti and meatballs)

"I hope they are all right!"

(After we heard ambulances in the neighborhood)

"I've got a diagnosis for you"

(telling Wes he could fix his computer)

"NO! P! that is NOT English"

(Perry talking in the car)

"Daddy you are so hilarious"

"You know I like you soooo much!"

"Mommy, that was tactic!"

(Tacky)

"I'm about 30%"

(response to how are you feeling)

"I need my chee cain"

(key chain)

"My hair is outrageous!"

"I'm like a hovercraft... I go on land and water!"



30 weeks with York

30 weeks with Perry

30 weeks with Ramsay


Ramsay and Marvin Harless

We have had a rough couple of weeks... Wesley lost his grandmother on Wednesday morning.  The only peace I was able to find was in the fact that my sweet Papa was walking her through the pearly gates.  Two precious lives lost within days of each other.  They were both wonderful role models to Wesley and I and have been missed terribly already.  Here are our thoughts on MJ's life...

Momma Jo never wanted a big fuss over her… not at birthdays, anniversaries, or any other special occasion. She never wanted to inconvenience anyone her entire life. She was the most selfless woman I’ve ever known. She deserved to be fussed over, she deserved to be celebrated, most importantly she deserved to be patted on the back.  Patted on the back for the many years of dedication to her husband and children.  Family was the most important thing to MJ and that is known by those who loved her. She was the kindest mother you will ever find and the most incredible grandmother.  Wesley said that she didn’t mind if you wanted to "cook" dirt, mud, and rocks from the backyard in her kitchen...she just enjoyed every second she was able to spend by your side. She cherished those moments and took advantage of each second, we should all learn from her. She is most know for her culinary skills.  She loved making others happy through their stomachs with her famous chocolate chip cookies or famous fudge.  My greatest memories of MR are at the beach. She loved nothing more than sitting under the tent with her family surrounding her.   She appreciated the beauty of a sunset, the innocence of a child, and the importance of relationships.  Especially hers with our Lord.  She marveled in the newest additions to her family... Her great grandchildren. What a gift she was to them. I hope they will hold on to her memories and inherit her wisdom and great love for family. She is an inspiration to Wes and I and we hope that we can honor her for the rest of our lives by cherishing each moment we are given. Today we celebrate her life well lived, may her timeless legacy life on through us and thank you MJ for touching each of our lives in such special ways.

MJ, Momma Jo, M-R, Ramsay... all nicknames of 1 amazing lady:: Ramsay Jo Lasster Harless.  She is survived by 4 sisters, amazing husband, 3 children, 2 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren.  We put her to rest on Friday beneath 2 beautiful trees that provided her with the shade she so much adored.  It seemed only fitting... I hope to take York to see her grave when he gets a little older with a picnic of my "version" of her chocolate chip cookies.  I will tell him of her wonderful ways and funny sense of humor.  I know she will be listening to our conversation and watching over our days here on Earth.

Thank you Lord for my salvation... thank you for my everlasting life.  If I did not have you and this promise these last 2 weeks would have been unbearable.  With your guidance, love, support, and unfaltering grace I am given so much peace.  You have allowed me to look at these circumstances with a happy heart... knowing I will see my family again in a perfect setting.  A reunion of all reunions... and for that I am grateful.

For those of you who did not know... we told MJ around Perry's birthday (back in November) that we would be naming this baby after her.  Girl OR Boy we would choose to honor her.  She was thrilled and I'm so glad that she knew this baby would carry on her name... I only wished she would have been able to meet him.  Thomas Ramsay Harless will continue her legacy when he arrives in July. 
(update of baby coming soon)

so proud to be a Perry

Papa (James Perry), me, and dad (Steve Perry)

My Papa passed away 2 weeks ago and left behind an amazing legacy.  He was the father of 5 wonderful boys, husband to 1 incredible Mimi, grandfather to 11, and great grandfather to 4.  He died at the age of 85 and lived a long happy life.  I was honored to be asked to speak at the funeral and read a poem that I wrote on his 80th birthday.  It was such a surreal day... I didn't know if my emotions would get the best of me, if I would not be able to speak once in front of everyone, or if water works would be all I was capable of producing.  Adding pregnancy hormones to an already difficult situation was challenging.  I knew that not only would my Savior give me the words but that Papa would be holding my hand and steadying my voice as I spoke of his life.  He did just that... he gave me each breath and reassurance as I celebrated his life.  I am so proud to be a Perry, so proud to be a piece of his puzzle, so proud to call him mine.  He wasn't given any daughters and wanted them desperately.  Once my cousin Jana and I were born he took on the spoiling role with pleasure.  To say we were Papa's little princesses is not an exaggeration.  To say he let us get away with high way robbery... if we wanted is -spot on.  He was one of the strongest, bravest, wisest, most handsome men I have ever known.  He was full of corny jokes, fun tidbits, and sound advise.  He loved each of his children and grandchildren with a love that is unexplainable.  When surrounded by family he was happiest.  He was a special man who sent a rose to each of his grand daughters on Valentines Day, indulged our junk food cravings (with Gee-Donk runs), and introduced me to my love of Soaps (Days of Our Lives).  He made a mark in this world by raising capable and strong sons of Christ, by doting on his grandchildren, and supporting each of us as we embarked on different life paths.  He was so proud of his family and we of him.  It was and has been a difficult time... a time that we have been able to reflect on with tears of joy and pain ... a time that each of us never wanted to face ... a journey of one man that touched so many.  We will never forget you sweet Papa and I hope my boys will inherit just some of your amazing traits.  I will do my best to remind them of you daily and teach your ideals, pass on your corny jokes, love for family, and importance of education. 

You have been missed dearly -Ev (angel face)