Archery Fun

It seems that quite a few of our friends and family have caught the archery bug.  One evening shortly after the funeral we had quite a target range set up with lots of 3D target animals.  Anyone try and name all the different animals you see in this picture?

Lane will be old enough to hunt next year. And even though I don't know if I will be ready he certainly will be.  He has been working up to the legal bow weight limit for taking large game and is only 5 lb. away.  He gets very excited anytime someone will talk "hunting stories" with him.

Saying Goodbye

It's hard to believe a month has gone by since Jeannie passed on.  We have had busy days but there is a very large void in our little world without her.  We take it a day at a time and are constantly reminded of her throughout the day. We are left with many special memories.  I might say the kids have been doing amazing and they are a great help to me physically and emotionally.  I have been back at work for a couple weeks now and it is good to have that routine back.  The kids have been enjoying their special babysitters.  Several of our friends have volunteered to help out with them this summer so we have a schedule made out and they are always excited to see who will be watching them next.

One of the things that I thought I would try and do is keep this blog going.  It was a fun way for her to share with others our little world and document it for out kids to be able to look back on some day.  It will most likely lack the wit and charm she was good at adding to this but I'll do my best. 

A wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend that will be dearly missed by all.....

Jeannie Lynn Harris, 37, passed away on Saturday, June 25, 2016 at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane WA. Viewing for friends and family will be held from 7:00 – 8:00 pm on Friday, July 1, 2016 at the Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, July 2nd at the First Christian Church. Burial will follow at Pinecrest Cemetery.

Known as "Bean" to many, Jeannie was born to Ted and Barb Pearson on September 15, 1978 in Olympia, Washington. Her childhood was shared with her sisters Laurie and Kris, and brother Geoffrey, making memories with the Vail, Grillo, Hamon, and Harrison families. At age 9 she stood to her feet to express her choice to serve God and continued faithfully.

After graduating from Omak High School in 1997, Jeannie attended two years at the University of Washington. There she became roommates and best friends with Char who later married her husband's lifelong friend Brad Weeda. They continued a friendship that was sweetened by their choices to live in faith. Following a study abroad in Vienna, Jeannie returned to Oregon State University and over a vacuum and some rice krispy treats, she met Ryan, the man she would share her life with. During their courtship, Jeannie battled Hodgkin’s Lymphoma with Ryan by her side. With the support of her family and friends in the Omak area, she beat the cancer and was able to return to OSU to finish her degree in exercise sports science. As soon as her hair returned to cover her head in a mass of curls, her father walked her down the aisle to exchange vows with Ryan Harris in July of 2002.

Ryan and Jeannie made their first home in Albany, Oregon where Jeannie taught at South Albany High School. They started their family with the disappointing loss of a son, Conner at birth and the blessing of Lane's birth a year later. In 2008 they moved to Sandpoint, Idaho where Morgan was born. Later they welcomed another son, Logan. In Sandpoint, they created Mountain Memories as they loved the outdoors as a family. On cold winter days, Jeannie spent her time mastering different crafts, making a welcoming home, and supporting her children in their learning and life. Many days were filled with family and laughter. Jeannie shared her soft spontaneous smile and a twinkle in her eye at the actions of her children, nieces, and nephews. She loved to help prepare for the Bonner convention and to have ministers, family, and friends in her home. In her final battle with cancer she continually inspired hope despite facing week after week of bad news. Her concern was for her husband and children as they faced many difficult days. Before resting in God’s hands for eternity she gave her children a final squeeze, and later passed with her husband by her side.

Jeannie was preceded in death by her first-born son Connor and mother-in-law Jean Harris. Jeannie is survived by her husband Ryan and three children Lane (9), Morgan (7), and Logan (5); her parents Ted and Barb Pearson, Omak WA, sisters Laurie Gordon, Hoquiam WA, Kris (Gaylen) Grooms, Chewelah WA, brother Geoffrey (Jocelyn), Newport WA, and 17 nieces and nephews.

As a wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend to us, we will miss Jeannie very much. Her life will be remembered for her faithfulness to God, encouraging all of us. We all will cherish the memories we have made with her.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Jeannie’s online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign her guest book.

Dancing Deer

Ryan has a few archery targets set up in the yard and he and Lane have been pretty faithful in practicing most evenings.  This particular evening, they were entertained by a little buck who wasn't sure what to think of this particular deer.

Here's a little clip-it of video Ryan took.  The deer did this for almost 15 minutes.  Quite hilarious! 

School's Out

School's out and the kids were quite proud of the t-shirts they earned at the end of the year assembly.  For 6 weeks in April and May, every morning before school they get 25 minutes for Jogging Club (plus the occasional afternoon jogging recess).  I'm pretty proud of these two and their little legs.  They both beat their goals!

We Made It!

We were SO glad that we made it up for all of our church convention.  2 weeks before it started it was one big question mark but we did it.  It helped that I had to skip a chemo right before due to low blood counts.  Then I was advised to avoid large crowds.   Hmmm...I promise to use lots of hand sanitizer and hang out at the camper!

My cell phone doesn't take the greatest pictures but this one has a story!  We've been on a massive weight gain campaign (I lost close to 40 pounds by the time I got out of the hospital - I'm happy to report that at my doctor's appointment today, I'd gained 15 back.  Big ol' pat on the back for me!).  So this dear friend, Dee, decided we needed to run through a drive thru in town to get a milkshake for me.  Calories, you see.  I told her my flavor (huckleberry, is there any other kind?!) and I'd have the same size she chose.  Well you can see from the size of my lid that it was a bladder buster x-large gargantuan milkshake that I'm sure held at least a 1/2 gallon of ice cream (and no, I did not manage to eat half of it!).  Oh, and Dee's size?  A small.  Of course.

Char grabbed this picture of Morgan and Melita checking out the fish.  They could not be coaxed into looking at the camera, With big fish to look at?  Are you surprised?

Alison took these last two pictures.  Love these sweet cousins who were so happy to see each other.

Randy and Alison got up early and made the trip over for Sunday.  That was such a happy surprise. Ryan hadn't really said anything until, 'oh, by the way...!'  It was special to have a little time together to chat and just be with each other.  And the kids were over the moon excited!

Convention is always wonderful but it just felt extra special this year and especially encouraging.  So thankful for all the reminders of our very capable Father who holds the future in His hands with the very best planned for those who trust and obey.

Random Moments

It has been quite a month.  A bit too full of ups and downs but we are starting to feel a little more energetic so maybe things are working?!  We will have scans in a couple of weeks to see if this new regimen is giving the cancer the what for.  We keep hoping!

In the meantime, there are little moments and visits that put smiles on our faces and keep me going.  Some of these pictures go back a ways...

The kids enjoyed having Ronnie (short for Veronica Lodge!) to play with and we were very thankful for all of Nancy's help.  We have had so many offers of help and I haven't been very good about getting photos every time but suffice it to say, we've been very thankful for everyone who has come and made life a little easier.

Getting ready to leave the hospital.  I love this man!  Words can't describe how much he means to me through this all.  He takes good care of me.

Ryan's Aunt Joanne and cousin Elaine snuck over for a quick visit.  It was lovely to have a little time with them and the kids loved all the attention.

 A warm afternoon perfect for coloring on the deck.

 The Teacher-Moms made a second appearance.  They helped us through quite a week.

Morgan had a field trip to the Imax and the Carousel.  Her teacher texted this picture to us.  Love those big grins!

Our good friends Matt and Sally came for a visit and we met them at a cabin on the lake.  The kids were ecstatic to catch 15 fish total (I think they might have caught the same fish a number of times - that didn't dampen their enthusiasm though!).

Busyness down on the dock.  Little Dorian wasn't as interested in the fish as he was the cement mixer (you can just barely see him down by Sally).

Dear friends.

My hair is gone now, the brain radiation did the trick, so we're back to the wig.  But the terrible symptoms I was having are gone too so we're hopeful that the radiation was successful.  We're in the wait and see segment of the cycle right now.  Not the easiest segment, but it is nice to have a little more energy and be a more active participant in family life.  And we're looking forward to our church convention next week so hopefully I can keep building up a little more energy for that!  One day at a time - that is our motto!

'Tadpoling'

The kids have been having a grand ol' time out in the seasonal creek exploring for tadpoles and other water bugs.  They've spent quite a bit of time out there and it does a mother's heart good to hear their squeals of discovery and laughter.

The 'dock' that can barely hold them up.

The water is receding, but it is still deep enough to test the height of their boots!

Even Lane is getting into this whole business.  He had quite the bucket full of furiously swimming tadpoles.

Logan caught himself a frog even.  It escaped past his mother.  Now there was a squeal for you!

Did I mention the height of those boots?  There have been a few outfit changes and some extra laundry ... but boy is it worth it!

A Family Photo Shoot

We had the whole family over after Meeting this morning and it seemed a good time to get a decent photo (or attempt to anyway...).

Some little people required a little more 'encouragement' to see things the adults way!(:  And yes, that would be Logan.

All cleaned up, and, more importantly, looking at the camera!  The majority are even smiling.  It is a banner picture day people!  Keep up the good work!

 Well done kids!  Bumpa and Grammy with their even dozen.

 I love this picture and I love the siblings in it!  They are the best.

 One last photo for the sake of another photo.  You know how it goes!  I love this family!

Another Update Post...

I include this picture, not that it has anything to do with this post but because I was so impressed Lane got close enough to these ducks in our field to get such a good picture.  Well done, Bud!

So on with the update.  Some may know that I just spent the last week in the hospital.  Tests showed that the cancer has gone to the brain which explains why I've been having troubles with eating and appetite.  So we've got some more treatment ahead to try to get on top of that!

With that said, we are running out of options and time but we just keep taking it a day at a time and hoping for the best.  We are so thankful that God is in control and while we don't always understand His plan, we know that the future is safe in his hands.  It is such a comfort knowing that.

It's good to be home and just enjoying the kids.  They are out 'tadpoling' right now in the back pasture and it is so nice to see them just being kids!  We wish each of you a very lovely day. Our love to each!