February 2018

Valentines Couples 10K: This year Jed and I participated in our third and final Valentines Day Couple 10k in Memphis. The last two years we have placed second at this race and second place gets nothing so we've always left having fun but a little disappointed. We have sincerely been talking about this race since our last disappointment and have been determined all year to win. Jed and I worked so hard the last few months keeping one another accountable and getting in our miles, healthy eating (minus desserts!), and keeping positive about what we can do. We were feeling so good going into race week, as we both had great Saturday runs. Then, Thursday before the race, Jed and Porter got very sick. Jed didn't run the rest of the week in hopes of recovery. The night before we ate a fun pre race meal, went to bed early and Jed hoped his medicine would help him recover . The morning of the race we still weren't sure how things were going to go. We dropped Porter off at one of Jed's classmates house and hoped for the best. Luckily Jed was feeling a little better but the weather that day was heavy rain but high 50's (which was nice for a February race). We picked up our packets and warmed up. In years past we had decided to run together but this year we thought we had a better chance if we each ran our race. We had to trust each other to know that each of us were doing our part. I crossed the line 5th place overall and the second girl with a time of 44 minutes. I was satisfied with that time because I averaged a 6:59 pace and that is way faster than I have run since having Porter. I waited for Jed to make his way to the finish line and to my delight he was only three minutes behind me at 47 minutes. I was so proud of him. Despite being sick, he worked so hard and even Pr'd in the 10k. We ended up winning our individual age groups and the sweethearts division. We were so happy to end our tradition on the top. For winning we got beanies, 50 dollars to outback, a plaque, and two yeti mugs.

We often get together on the weekends with out good friends the Hills and Roberts. One Sunday the Lifferths joined us and we had a fondue night. It was so fun cooking foods in broth and trying out different sauces. Though we hang out all the time with them we don't have any pictures together so I made everyone take a picture so we have proof that we have close friends in Memphis!

For Jed's spring break this year we decided to go down to Dallas to visit Josh and Kayla Hagen. It was only for the weekend but we had such a fun time seeing Dallas and spending some quality time with great friends. We visited the Perot Museum, we did a scavenger hunt downtown, we ate incredible fried chicken and tacos, and enjoyed a beautiful day at the park. On our down time we watched the Olympics. We had such a fun weekend and it was so great getting out and exploring a new place. On our way home, we stopped at Little Rock to do a quick hike and stretch our legs.  It was short but pretty difficult. It was Porter's first "summit" and we look forward to many more in the future.

January 2018

After a fun Christmas break, Jed went back to school, but only for a short time. The Memphis area was hit with some snow and ice, and because they aren't used to snow, Jed had an entire week of snow days. He was able to get lots of studying done for boards but we also squeezed in some fun. We had a fondue night with the Hill's and Robert's, we saw the Greatest Showman (which became one of our favorite movies, the music is amazing), we went bowling with Vu and El from school, and we played pickle ball. It was so much fun having Jed around. We were very spoiled and it was hard when he finally had to go back to school.
Jed and I are on an intramural volleyball team and it's been fun playing with them once a week. Are team isn't very good, but we have a fun time. We also have been training for our annual Valentines day 10k. This will be our third year running it. We have gotten 2nd every year and this year we intend to win. We have been training really well for it and I am more than impressed with how Jed has been running. He has been working so hard! I'm really excited to see the outcome of the race.

I have been really prompted to learn ASL ever since we have moved here. We have ASL sister missionaries in our ward and a large deaf community. I've struggled to get started and we move in August but I still feel like I've needed to learn. This month, every Friday, the sister missionaries have been coming to my house in order to help me learn. It has been a really good experience so far and I'm starting to pick up things quickly. One thing the sister's suggested was to pray in sign language. It's been helping so much and I love how much the Lord is helping me learn this language.

A ward member gave Jed and I tickets to the Orpheum theater to watch Finding Neverland. While this was not our favorite broadway, we still had fun going to the historic Orpheum. We had been wanting to go but didn't think we'd have the chance. The Moore's gave us tickets and it was so kind of them. They have been great friends here in Memphis.

 Porter started eating solid foods this month and they have been a huge hit. We can't get them in his mouth fast enough!

December 2017

We started off the season right by going to a friends house for a Christmas party. It was complete with Terrance Hill dressing up Santa. We were with the Lifferth's, Lowry's, Hill's, Robert's, and Mckendricks. We had a hilarious white elephant. People all brought fun/funny gifts and everyone was laughing so hard. I feel like that rarely happens!

Back in June, Jed and I decided we would run the St. Jude 10k during the St Jude Marathon weekend. I figured three months postpartum would be plenty of time to get back in things.  Though I was very very wrong, we still had so much fun running the race. We both came in 48 minutes. The whole experience was fantastic. It was a really great to see the support people have for the St. Jude children. Part of the race goes through the St. Jude campus and all the kids are out cheering people on. Jed and I got so emotional. Childhood cancer is the worst. I'm so happy we got to participate in the this very Memphis tradition.

Jed and I got to accompany the youth on a temple trip to St. Louis. Our temple is currently closed until 2019 so we have to travel to Nashville, Birmingham, or St Louis. It was really neat to visit the St. Louis temple. I couldn't go inside because I had Porter but it was nice visiting the grounds. On the way home we visited a restaurant called Lamberts. It was so much fun. They throw rolls from the kitchen and walk around with giant pots of food. When you want something, they just slap it on your plate. It was such a fun experience and delicious homestyle southern food.

Our sister-in-law Bridget got very sick after she had Declan and was unable to come home from the hospital for several months. My mother and father-in-law went to Florida to help David and the kids. There was a brief time where Carol was there by herself and I felt extremely prompted to see how much tickets to Florida were. Jed and I wanted to help but didn't know how we could. We found a cheap flight and Porter and I were on our way to Florida for a week. Though I had to bring an extra baby, I was happy I got to go and help. Thankfully through so many prayers and fasting Bridget has begun to recover and is home with her family once more!

Two days after I got home from Florida, we packed our bags again and headed to Utah for Christmas. Luckily Jed got to go with us this time. We spent three days in Brigham City and three days in Salt Lake. In Brigham we had such a fun time with the Harman's, Ramsay's, Harrison's (Caleb), and Lewis'. We went sledding, played pickle ball and lots of games. It was our first Christmas with Porter and we had a great time. In Salt Lake with my family we had a fun time going to an indoor pool and playing games with both the Nelson's. It was really great to see family and have them finally  meet Porter.

Porter was a champion on all the flights he went on this month. He slept through every flight and didn't cry. One time he almost started crying but that was because I accidentally spilled freezing cold water down his face while he was napping. His face was so funny because of how startled he was and  Jed and I couldn't control our laughter. Fun story: I took a survey at the airport and won 100 dollars toward food and merchandise at the airport. Jed and I flew in style eating out and buying fun Memphis shirts. Then I told Jed to take the survey and he won too! Now we just have to fly again to use the money.

We got really into Pickle Ball this winter with the Hill's and the Robert's. We play almost every week at the church and we get way to into it. It's been really fun though.

New Year's Eve was really fun. We got invited to a families house in our ward and there were a ton of people from the ward there. We played games all night and ate a lot of food. The next day on New Years we ate Black Eyed Pea Jambalaya and watched Georgia play Oklahoma. We were at a big time Georgia fans house so it was fun time. We had a true southener compliment our Jambalaya so we felt pretty proud of ourselves.

November 2017

The Harrison clan started November off with a bang! Jed had a fun birthday weekend and we went on a fun birthday hike with the Hill's, and got wimpy's (our favorite hamburger place in Southaven). When we were going to park the car, before our hike, there was a lone car in the parking lot. We started to pull up next to the car (small parking lot) when we saw the owner of the vehicle pooping next to his car! We all started to scream as we stared at his butt and didn't know what to do. We decided to leave the man and let him finish in peace. We went back 5-10 minutes later and he was still there. We had no choice but to park and begin our hike. It was so gross but also so funny. He didn't even clean up after himself. We thought it was so strange because there were woods all around him but yet he decided to poop in the wide open parking lot.
That night we all got super sick. We were all out and couldn't go to church the next day. Porter had such a high temperature we debated taking him to the emergency room but just took him to the dr. the next day.  Sick babies make me so sad but luckily we got over it within the week,
NCAA cross country nationals was in Louisville Kentucky this year so we decided to make the 6 hour drive and watch. The men were favored to win this year and the girls were doing great as well. We met up with my old teammate and great friends the Fassman's. It was so fun hanging out with them, especially since we both have little people with us. The boys took 3rd and the girls took 11th. We had such a fun time watching the races. I sure do love cross country and it was fun to share it with Porter, even though i'm pretty sure he was asleep the whole time.

After the race we went out to eat at a delicious Havana restaurant and then visited the Louisville Slugger museum.  We sure loved visiting Kentucky.

Thanksgiving this year was one for the books. The night before Jed and I had a really fun time making pies while listening to oldies and dancing around. Porter watched his goofy parents but it made me so excited to celebrate the holiday's with my little family every year. We had thanksgiving with the Hill's, Lifferth's, Moore's, and a new family the Robert's (they have ended up being one of our really close friends here. The morning was spent playing football, and then later eating delicious food. Jed and I aren't sure what made this year so special but it felt so complete and happy I wouldn't have changed a thing.

October 2017

Porter was blessed on the 8th of October. Jed's parents joined us and a couple of Jed's close classmates/friends attended as well. It was a beautiful blessing given by Jed.

We had so much fun having Jed's mom and dad here. It's always fun to have family visit. We enjoyed eating too much BBQ for our own good, ice cream, walking the foot bridge across the Mississippi and of course going to a couple garage sales. It was the first time family had met Porter and it was great.

Jed and I had our traditional conference breakfast but this year we had it with a bunch of our closest friends. The Hills, Lifferths, and the Lowry's. We love the tradition of conference breakfast.

BYU played Mississippi State in football this year, at Mississippi. We got tickets from a ward member and got to go down to the game. It was an absolute blast and we had so much fun. BYU was terrible this year and so we lost very badly, but it was still fun to be in the atmosphere of a big game. Porter rocked his first BYU event. Miss St is known for their cow bells so we were very worried about how loud it would be. We got Porter baby headphones in order to dampen the noise. I think it worked because he basically slept the entire game.

I finally felt up to hitting the tennis courts. Jed and I started to play a little here and there and it was fun to get out. One time when we went there was some sort of event going on at the park. Someone was talking over a loud speaker. As the night progressed this person began to count down and before we had time to react fireworks started exploding right next to the tennis court. I sprinted over to our newborn son, who was obviously startled awake and held my hands over his ears. It was so loud but we couldn't stop laughing. Porter's eyes were as big as could be!

Jed and I also enjoyed playing some team sports this month. Jed played on his class intramural football team. I always had a fun time cheering him on. I got to play as a substitute on a coed softball team. I haven't played softball in forever and it was a blast being able to play again. I got some good hits in but no runs. It was still so much fun!

For Halloween this year, Jed and I were so excited to dress up with Porter. We had planned way to far in advance that Porter was going to be Mandrake from Harry Potter.  He made the cutest little Mandrake, and Jed  and I dressed as Hogwarts students. His costume was a hit and we had a fun time decorating our trunk in Harry Potter theme.

September 2017

September was a month of firsts! We were a family of three and everything became new to us. It was really fun learning, overwhelming at times, but overall exciting. We got excited about our first walk as a family of three, our first trip to the grocery store, Porter's first bath, etc. Basically we were really excited for every little thing with our adorable new baby.

As mentioned in the previous post, we got so much help from our ward during the first month. It was so great to see the out pouring of love and support. We got so many meals and visits we felt very well taken care of.

Our days (well mine and Porter's) were lazy and we did a lot of sitting around as I recovered and Porter learned how to be with us. Jed would go to school and hurry home in order to spend time with the little guy and me. Some days I was worried that I was being too lazy, but looking back I have precious memories of Porter and I just hanging out and then adding Jed when he got home. We had some of our close friends take newborn pictures of Porter for us and they turned out so cute.

Jed and I found a fun place to go hiking about 30 minutes from our house. It was a pleasant day, which was nice because it had been so hot, and there weren't too many bugs out. It was our first hike with Porter and we were really excited. The hike was a loop and in my head it was going to be a quick 30 minutes to an hour event. It ended up being a 6 mile hike and took us much longer than we thought. Poor Porter was a champ but he got very very hungry by the end. It was still really nice to get out and explore because we all were feeling a little stir crazy.

Jed had a fun month at school. He got the LDS club to go to a local soup kitchen on a monthly basis and they have been very grateful for the help. The soup kitchen even gave Jed and a few of his friends entry to a community fun run. He had a really great time participating. During Home Coming, Jed was awarded a new optometry instrument for excellent clinical skills.  It was fun to see some of his hard work and effort be awarded.

Porter Grant Harrison

Porter Grant Harrison was born into our family on August 30th 2017 at 5 pm. We are more than thrilled to have him in our family. I was induced Tuesday night and he had a little trouble coming, but with some extra help Porter joined us on Wednesday evening. We were in awe and beyond happy. Jed is a natural dad and we both fell in love immediately. Because both Porter and I had fevers when he was born, we had to stay in the hospital a little longer than we wanted to. Fortunately,  all was well and we finally got to go home. When we got home we were pleasantly surprised by the amount of help that our friends and family gave to us. We weren't able to have any family come and help us, which absolutely terrified me, but our ward stepped up in more ways than we could have ever imagined. They were amazing and I will be forever grateful to them.

Our first day home, our air conditioning went out. It was in the high 90's and high humidity and by 9 am our home was already at 87 degrees. We didn't know what to do and started to panic. We stripped Porter down to his diaper and Jed made a temporary fix so he wouldn't get too hot. He put ice in a cooler and the fan in front of the cooler and Porter in front of that. It was pretty makeshift but it did the job until we could figure out how to get help. Thankfully, a man in our ward does repairs and he came over quickly. Originally we thought it was going to be a major fix that wold take hours, maybe a couple days, but it ended up being a minor fix and things were up and running in no time. It was a blessing.

Jed, thankfully, was able to get some time off of school and then had a three day weekend to spend time with Porter and I. We did a lot of bonding and watched a lot of Fixer Upper. It was fun adjusting to our new life.
When Jed went back to school I was pretty nervous to do things on my own but luckily I have amazing mothers, sisters, and sister-in-laws that have all done this and who all gave amazing advise, praise, and encouragement. I couldn't have done it without them.
Porter was a very happy baby from the beginning and smiled quickly. He was a chunk and didn't loose any weight when he left the hospital. He only went up! Porter has brought nothing but joy to our family and we have learned so much from him. I love taking time to just sit and stare at his perfect self as he continually grows and explores his world around him. He is learning things at lightning speed and it's amazing to see him grow and change quickly. I don't want him to grow up to quickly, but I love seeing him grow up.