Christmas at the Harps

Christmas began with the Harp family making a Panda cake. Drew loves panda bears, so we decided on the black and white bear. It was so good. You mix a pound cake mix with a regular yellow cake mix. So good! I think Andy might have carpal tunnel syndrome after decorating it!

Next in the oven was Christmas cookies for Santa. Drew choose ginderbread for the big guy while Natalie stuck with chocolate chips. The kitchen smelled so wonderful!

Then came Christmas eve! We had a wonderful time at the Harps and got to see aunts and uncles and cousins -- and opened presents!

Natalie got lots of wonderful gifts - new PJs. So did Drew.

Santa arrived at our house at 1:30 a.m.! Natalie heard him and woke all us up! She got her North Face jacket and iPod.

Then Christmas Day and we traveled to my sister's house and had a great time.

This is me, my brother, Tom, my sister Laura, my sister Lynda, and my mother, Barbara.

Halloween 2007

Natalie and Drew celebrated Halloween this year as a witch and a ninja. We had a great time at the Southside Community Fall Fest. They got lots of candy and treats. Granddaddy loved to see his babies dressed up. Grandmother loved her little witch! :-)

Natalie's End of Year Soccer party

Natalie's soccer team, the Flames, finished the season last week with their first win of the season! They celebrated with a team party at the soccer fields. Coach Alan was covered with whipped cream! She had a wonderful time on the team and wants to play again in the spring! She received a trophy and a medal. Drew had fun, too, with cousin Eli, eating pizza!

Last week, we were able to travel to Orange Beach. I attended a conference and Andy and the kids hit the beach. Although it was November, the weather was beautiful! Our condo was wonderful and we had ocean views from all windows! It was on the 8th floor, so we were a little nervous with the kids playing out there! Here is Andy and Drew enjoying the view! Natalie LOVED her own room with a balcony, TV, and bathroom! And the kids enjoyed the beach so much!

On our trip home, we stopped at a restaurant called Lambert's. It was our first time eating there, so we didn't know that when you asked for a roll, they threw it at you -- Fresh out of the oven--piping hot! It was so much fun! It you have the chance and are in Foley, eat there. Go there hungry, though. There is so much food!

Natalie Is Baptized!

Praise the Lord! Natalie was baptized on Sunday. Most of our family was able to visit for the ocassion. Grandmother fixed a wonderful lunch to celebrate. It was a wonderful day!

Drew looses top teeth!

Drew lost three teeth within three days! He's gotten the Tooth Fairy very busy!

Nat and Drew start soccer

Natalie and Drew began soccer this afternoon! We will find out what their teams' names are today. They were both so thrilled to get their practice uniforms, compliments of Dad!

Natalie turns 8!

High School Muscial was the theme of this year's party for Natalie! We had her cousins and two school friends spend the night with us at Andy's parent's house in Gadsden. We had a great time with the pinata, games, swimming, and watching HSM over and over again. The girls finally fell asleep around 2 a.m.

Harps Move to Southside Alabama

Drew's teacher, Mrs. Schrierer.

Many of you may not know that Andy and I have decided to move to Southside, AL, near Andy’s parents who have given us some land on the river next door to them so that we may build a home here. Our house in Leeds is on the market now and we have been moving for the past two weeks. We are staying with his parents until we build and so far, so good. I have been so busy with the studio, moving, getting ready for school, etc., that I have not had the opportunity to call you all and I apologize for that.

I will have the same contact info – our vonage traveled very nicely up I-20 – except for mailing address (see below). I know that this is a major change for our family, so please keep us in your prayers as we make this transition. It is only 40 minutes from Leeds, and the drive seems to be getting quite routine. Also, my cell phone rings inside the house, but I cannot hear the caller after a second or two. So, I may have to call you back on the vonage phone.

Andy plans to continue the shop in Leeds at least two days a week and the other days, he will work with his parents at their studio.

On a lighter note (sort of), Natalie and Drew started at Southside Elementary today. Natalie has Mrs. Beck for third grade. Drew has Mrs. Shrierer for first! Can you believe it? I held it together mostly, but now that I see the pictures, I can’t get over how much they’ve grown. Say a prayer for them, if you get a chance! They don’t know anyone at their new school.

Thanks for all of your support and love,

Leslie