We are looking forward to 2009! Party Like a Rock Star!

Random pictures to start the new year out! None are of me because I can't be seen yet. It's a good thing "The diet starts TOMMORROW!" I also have some funny video of Parks playing his guitar that is coming soon so he is definatly Rockin the new year!
Our liitle man, Whit. I scubbed his head in the bath to get off all the dry skin and all his baby hair fell out so now he is totally a bald old man. We are hoping in the upcoming year he learns to control his GAS! Holy cow! You wouldn't believe the loud noises that such a small body could make. He is growing so fast I can't believe it. He rules the Harward home right now!
I know, I know, she is way too young to have highlights. I told Noah I would do his over the Christmas break, he needs a haircut anyway so I thought even if it looks bad it wont last long. Anyway, Addi insisted that I try hers too so I did a little on both sides of her part. I think she looks cute but it definatly makes her look older which I'm not a fan of. Now I just wonder how long it will last.
Noah vs. The sledding hill! Noah had a nice wreck on our sledding hill which is now pure ice! He is worried about going to school with a black eye and scabs, I keep telling him it will heal just fine but what a way to start a new year.
Who wouldn't have a great year when they are married to a HOTTIE like my man. He just got his "annual" hair cut and I love it!!! The year is starting off lookin' good!

Our Christmas 2008

We had a wonderful Christmas this year. We are so lucky to live close to both our parents so we get to do things with both families very easily. On Christmas Eve for the 2nd year in a row we had both our families over for food and fun. We have the kids re-inact the manger scene and we read the Manger story from the Bible.

Christmas morning was nice. We didn't have to wake up to early. We made the kids wait until 8:30 a.m. They were so excited. Parks saw his stocking first and Santa left him some treats and BUG Juice (this is a simple drink like kool-aid). Parks must have thought Santa was pretty cool because he jumped for joy over the drink. The kids all had a great time opening up gifts and they all kept saying" This is the best Christmas ever!"


After we opended up gifts at our house we headed over to Grandma and Grandpa Harward's house. Grandpa had rigged up a sled behind the Razor and took us for rides around the block. We had so much snow that day is was perfect. We opened gifts and had soup for lunch. It was a great morning and afternoon. Then we headed back home to celebrate with Grandma and Grandpa Biggerstaff. All the family came over to our house and we exchanged gifts and had dinner with all our extended family. It was a big crowd but we love being surrounded by family.







We hope your holiday was as good as ours. We were so blessed this year. We love all our family and friends and wish all or you the BEST in 2009!

Utah Wintercross 2008 - 2009

Pause my crazy Christmas music first so you can hear the interview!
Wintercross has started again!! Park City TV did another spot light on the event and it was posted on youtube. The first round was last week and it was again, a HUGE success! Even with the worst winter storm riders (over 800 actually) still show up to ride indoors in Utah. This sport is totally crazy to me. I know it is a hobby and a passion for a lot of men and women but I never thought it was going to be as big as it is. People come from, Idaho, Wyoming, and Nevada to race. Talk about dedication to a sport. It is a lot of work for Nate and his partners to pull off the weekend but I guess there's something to be said for people who do what they love! I am so proud of all that he has accomplished and done with the promotions company. Event planning is such long, hard work and Nate makes it look fun! He keeps every one happy and makes sure the event goes off with little to no hiccups. Yeah NATE!There are still three more rounds to go from now until March so check back for the latest UTAH WINTERCROSS news!

Breakfast with Santa

This morning we went to my parents ward to have Breakfast With SANTA!. It was fun and the food was pretty good. My kids all sat on Santa's lap. If you look close you may regonize him. (It's my brother-in-law Jason) I had to tell Noah ahead of time because I thought he would recognize him and spoil it for everyone. I don't think Addison knew and I know Parks didn't figure it out. He barely sat on his lap and wasn't so sure yet he wanted to talk to him at all. Noah is now 9 and asking the "Is Santa real?" question. I still don't know what to say. Addison asked me the other day if Santa was Jesus's brother. When I said no she asked why we celebrate Jesus's birth with Santa then? I told my friend this and she gave me the advice to go get the book "I believe in Santa Claus" Is compares Jesus and giving and His love for children with Santa. I hope I can find some answers in it. If anyone has any other advice on the matter feel free to send it my way:)

Best quote EVER!!!

I am obbsessed with the Biggest Looser show. It is so motivating and the tips and things I learn are always helpful. Last night on the show one of the final contestants said "NOTHING TASTES AS GOOD AS THIN FEELS". I am trying so hard to eat good right now and this just put a little perspective into my efforts. With the holidays and all the parties and food here, I need a little incentive to be good and what is better than thinking about how good you feel and look after you loose weight. I hope this works!

Decorating for Christmas!!

We put up our tree even before Thanksgiving because the kids were begging so I guess I should blog about it now that Christmas is getting closer. We had the Christmas music playing, the kids decorating and Nate singing. Yes this is his favorite Christmas song, Mariah Carey. I keep saying each year I am going to get new, matching ornements and make it the tree I dream of but every year we get out our decorations and the kids love reminding me of the homemade ornements they made at school and church over the years and the ones we have collected from our travels or been given and somehow I just can't bring myself to not use them. It is a bit of a Charlie Brown tree but we love it. Parks had the honor of putting on the STAR this year. He couldn't even contain his excitement and alomost peed his pants before we noticed. I just love the holidays and the Spirit of Christmas that comes with such a small task like decorating a tree!

Whit's first bath

As with all my kids, he screamed his first bath. He was good right up until I scrubbed his head and body with that little foam square the hospital gives you. It was a family affair. I had all hands on deck waiting for a turn to help. All the kids were so interested in when his belly button would fall off and we could bathe him so when the time came they all wanted to help. Whit is still somewhat of novelty and the coolest thing since sliced bread at our house. Now if he could just start sleeping at night instead of the day my life would be awesome!

TWILIGHT Mania!

So I saw the show today and I have heard a few reviews from people who thought is was silly but I have to disagree. Call me simple, or lame but remember I haven't been out of the house for over a month. I totally loved it and am going to go again with Nate. I thought it followed the book almost exactly. I hate when they change things from book to movie. I wasn't crazy about who they cast at first but by the end of the show I was totally convinced, well all but Carlisle. I had him pictured as an older father like figure but that was my own fault because he really is only in his thirties so it took me off guard when I saw him. My only other thing is that I wish they could have spent a little more time developing the love story. I feel like it was rushed. Other than that I loved it and can't wait for them to make the others. I even think I might go back and re-read the series. I know, I'm a dork. Tell me what you think when you see it. I can't wait to see if I'm the only person easily entertained these days.

RISE AND SHOUT THE COUGARS ARE OUT!!!!

So you know it must be bad living in Utah County when first thing this morning, I'm still laying in bed and I hear my 6 yr. old daughter in first grade tell her brother "You better where blue and white today for BYU". I don't think she even knows what football is and Nate and I haven't been talking about the BIG game in front of her so I know she got the hype from school. Anyway, at least she got the the right colors and the right team! GO BYU!! I don't care what the teams records are right now or who has a higher ranking in poles or whatever it's called. All I know is that this game is always so exciting and we will always be Cougar Fans!!!
RAH, RAH, RAH, RAH, RAH GOOOOOOOO COUGARS!!!!!

Weekend Fun!

Lucky me and the kids!!! Nate took all the kids (except the baby of course) to play and ride all day Saturday. They all had so much fun. I see the pictures when Nate gets home and I almost can't believe them. Noah's skills have increased so much since I last saw him ride I had to ask if the pictures were real. I can't believe he is only nine and his dad has him jumping things most grown men would pee their pants over. And then there's Nate. I have a mild heart attack every time I see him. I have to remind myself that this is his favorite pass time in the entire world and not to ruin it with my doom and gloom outlook. I am a bit of a worry wort. That being said, they did have fun. Grandpa Jim came with the Razor and took Parks and Addison for rides and as you can see, kind of, Parks is in Heaven. He has been waiting patiently for the time when he could go ride with the big kids and not stay home with mom. This weekend was great for them, I don't know how many more "snow free" Saturday's we will have here in Utah but I'm sure Nate will take advantage of all of them:)

FINALLY!!!!

WHITMAN JAMES HARWARD finally made his BIG entrance into the world on Nov. 7th, 1:02 p.m. weighing 6 lbs. 9 oz. and 19.5 in. long. His 10 min. delivery (yes that's right 10 mins.) was the worst, most excruciating pain I have ever been in. I can honestly say that I would never want to expierience natural labor agian. It was not by choice but be accident really. We got there, I was still not in labor and at a 6 like I had been for 2 and half weeks. After being admitted the doctor came by to break my water and asked if I wanted an epidural. I said yes but would wait to see how bad the contractions were. I said I would let the nurse know in 15 mins. or so. He and the nurse left the room and the door had barely shut when the first contraction hit. It was so hard and hurt so bad I screamed for the Nate to get the nurse back to order the epidural. He looked at me like I was Jekyl and Hyde. He laughed like "Are you serious?" He couldn't believe it, I couldn't believe it. Then they kept coming every 20 second or so. I started thrashing around in the bed in pain. The nurse came back in and I yelled "I feel alot of pressure!", she hurried and checked me and said, DON"T PUSH, just then the anethesialogist got there and started to give me the epidural, the doctor was back and rushing to put gloves and stuff on, the nurses were getting the bed ready all the while I was screaming like a crazy person. My legs just started to get numb and I was pushing, next push and he was out.
Like I said, worst pain of my life. Words to live by- if someone asks if you want an epidural, just say Yes, now please. What was I thinking? Nate has now been there for 4 live, vaginal births and this one went so fast he didn't have time to help me count or get the camera out or even breathe either. He said, "That was just like the discovery channel!" I don't know if I would ever do it again but it is ALL WORTH IT!!! We are all healthy and home and I can breathe and sleep (kind of) again! The human body is amazing! It is still so strange for me to look at my perfect little boy and think just days before he was growing inside me, now he's a part our lives forever! Birth is truely an amazing miracle and after all this I will still say I am glad I'm a woman and more important a MOTHER! I feel so blessed and just thank my Heavenly Father everyday for what I have.

Halloween Night!!

So we weren't soooo creative this year. In fact, this was all Nate as you could probably tell. We were a motorcross Family for Halloween. I was just glad that my jersey still fit, somewhat so I could be included. We had a neighborhood party at the park with soup and rolls first. Next we went to the church parking lot for the annual Trunk-or-Treat and then Nate took the kids trick-or-treating around the block while I passed out candy. I was extremely tired by the end of the night. I can't tell you how glad I was that Halloween was on a Friday so we didn't have to get up for anything the next day. Plus, if I have to hear the words "You haven't had that Baby yet?" from another person I am going to kill someone. People will tell you anything when you are pregnant. Someone actually said to me the other day "You don't look bad, you just look ready." HELLO!!! You might as well have told me I look miserable and fat and swollen and you feel so sorry for me for even existing right now. That's how sensitive I am. I'm sure it's just hormones getting the best of me but come on. I don't need to hear, "This is the biggest pregnancy you have had isn't it". I couldn't make up these quotes people. As always, I'm hoping it will be this week. Stay posted:)

A shout out to Fathers!

My good husband has been doing his part lately with my inability to keep up with the kids and the house. I just wanted to thank him and the rest of the family for stepping in and helping out. You guys all ROCK. I just thought this video was so cute and I had to share. GO to the bottom of my blog to pause the music first so you can hear it, it is so funny!!!

The Labor that wasn't!

So late Monday night I was feeling weird but no big deal right? I went to bed as usual. I kept having this shooting pain in my front that went down my right leg. So I waited to see if it would go away and being anxious I worked myself up and couldn't sleep. So I told Nate just stay asleep, don't wake anyone up yet, let me just go get checked at the hospital, I will call you when I know something. Long story short I got to the hospital and was dialated to a 4. They watched me for an hour and I went to a 5. So at 2 a.m. they admitted me. I wasn't quite 36 weeks which is considered pre-term. So I was having contractions, however not painful or regular. I waited and waited and the Dr. came and checked me at 7 a.m. and I hadn't really changed so he said let's wait 1 more hour and see if you change. So at 8 a.m. I was at a 6. You would think I was in LABOR right? Still no pain, no active contractions. I stayed that way all day long. The nurses kept saying, we can't send you home at a 6, because I was dying of hunger and boredom and my tail bone hurt from the bed, I just wanted to go home. Finally at 10:30 p.m. the Dr. came back and checked me, still at a 6. He gave me a few choices, stay and have the baby which they would break my water and start me on pitocin, however because I am pre-term they didn't want the liablity if something was wrong with the baby so basically I had to sign something saying I wanted to deliver and take all responsibity. Next choice please... I chose to come home, risking the fact that I could go into hard labor any minute. I'm so glad I came home because look, it's now Thurs. I have to be on slight bed rest trying not to have a baby for at least one more week. Let's see if I can do it, Ha Ha. I can't sit still and watch my mom and mother-in-law do all my chores, it's weird. So stay posted, see how long Katie Harward can stay in LABOR with-out delivering.

Halloween Fun

We took the kids to CornBelly's at Thanksgiving Point on Saturday. I forgot my camera so the only photo I got was this one my mom took. There is so much to do there. It was a totally fun place for little kids. They had a tractor train ride through the corn fields, jumped on the big blow up pillows, walked through the monster, (well half way, Parks was too scared and we ended up coming out near the creatures rib cage) They did the face painting which was a highlight and by the picture you can see that it was a lot of paint. I had to bribe Parks on Sunday just to get him to wash it off before church. If you are trying to find something fun for the Fam go here. There is soooo much to do and you don't have to wait until dark.

Husband Tag

Rules:Each person has to answer the questions about their sweetheart. At the end of your post tag 4 people, post their names and then go to their blog and leave them a comment about the tag.

*What is your husbands name? Nathan
*How long have you been married? 10 years
*How long did you date? A month shy of a year
*How old is he? 32 and 3/4 (He would be so annoyed I said it that way)
*Who eats sweets? both
*Who said I love you first? I did
*Who is taller? He is
*Who can sing best? For sure him, who hasn't heard his Broadway voice?
*Who is smarter? Depends on the subject
*Who does laundry? Me!!! Unless you count his motorcross clothes, because he leaves them in his bag until the last possible moment and I wouldn't touch them with a 10 foot pole.
*Who pays bills? Mostly me. Even if he pays a bill it's because I call to remind him that they are now due. (Which takes on average, 3 different REMINDERS)
*Who sleeps on the right side? If you are looking at us in bed me, If I'm laying down he is on my right side.
*Who mows the lawn? Me!! I love yard work. I don't approve of his cutting skills.
*Who cooks dinner? Me. For about another 2 weeks and then, He better step up and feed the munchkins while I recoupe from having a baby.
*Who drives? he does
*Who is first to admit they are wrong? Neither, we both stay silent about it until it has passed and we are over it.( I know it's not healthy but it works for us)
*Who kissed who first? We both kissed each other I think, I knew it was coming all night long:)
*Who asked who out first? We were set up.
*Who wears the pants? It depends on the circumstance. Certain things he does and others I do. We do make all of our major decisions together though.
(I tag Valerie, Nicole, Natalie, Alyson)

The Last Lecture

I just finished reading this book and I have to tell all, You have to READ THIS BOOK! It is by Randy Pausch, a college professor who was diagnosed with terminal cancer. It is a really quick read and it will change your life. It has life lessons that everyone needs to review. It will help you in every relationship, work, family, community, everything. I loved how his attitude and advice in every aspect of life was positive and optimistic even with his short time left. It will make you think, forget old grudges, respect your family and friends, and want to LIVE a better life to the fullest because, "Time is all you have... and you may find one day that you have less than you think".

The Wicked StepMother

So my toes were screaming for some attention and I decided to go get a pedi at the local salon today. While I was gone Nate had the kids. Lets just say he's not quite as attentive to them as I am or maybe I'm just too strict with how we keep the house (especially after I spent the better part of the day today cleaning it). While I was gone Addison and 3 of her friends were painting crafts right on the front porch, right in front of the front door. When I got home there was a rainbow of spilled and splattered paint all over the concrete porch. Never mind that we have a playroom with a whole "art" area just for crafts like this but whatever. Dad didn't mind. So when I saw the mess I made her clean it up. I walked past her a few times and she noticed my newly painted toes and yells out, "I am just like Cinderella! You get to have your toes painted and go shopping while I have to do all the cleaning up!" Can you believe her? I said, "The difference is that Cinderella didn't make the messes she had to clean, her sisters did." She yelled back, "That's why I need a sister!" I replied, "Yeah, like I'm going to let a litter sister be bossed around by you!" The saddest thing about this whole conversation is that when it was over she said, in a real snotty voice, "You aren't going to blog about this are you?" People HELP me later in life with this child please!!

Happy Birthday Mom!!

So we celebrated my mom's birthday last night at their house. I should have offered to do it here since in was her day and all but my dad cooked a great dinner and I ate way too much cake and icecream. I just have to say a few things that I have been thinking about my mom and I really never get a chance to tell her face to face. I have been blessed with the sweetest, most caring and commpassionate person on the face of the earth, for a mother. She has always supported me in everything I ever wanted to do. She has never judged me or made me feel less than important in my whole life. She has and would still to this day do anything I need her to do or ask her to do. She would do it for virtually anyone in need actually, that's why she is loved by so many people. Everything I know and do today as a Mom I learned from her. I quite frequently find myself saying "Wow, that sounded just like Mom". Especially in the worry department!!! I know we tease you about being gloom and doom but really I know it just shows how much you still care and worry about all your kids and grandkids. A mother never really has to let her kids go, she is always going on with you, and for that I am grateful. I know I couldn't be the Mom I am today without my own Mom still helping me and listening to me and just being there for me. I LOVE YOU MOM!! Happy Birthday!! Love Katie

8 Months and Counting Down

I know I shouldn't be counting down already because the time will go by slower but I am 32 weeks and already anxious. I hate the last little bit. I can't say I'm nesting because I feel like I am always nesting even when I'm not pregnant. The babies room is all put together but I think now I might paint it just to give me something to do. I have a bit of sewing I can do for a few warm winter blankets but other than that I am so BORED! As you can see, going to the gym with this pregnancy didn't make a bit of difference. I think once your body has gone through pregnancy it just remembers what to do and the same results happen, same weight gain, same water retension, same uncomfortable sleeping habits, same FAT face. Oh well, if I can have another cute, healthy baby it will all be worth it. People keep asking me if this is the last and I'm torn. I can't say no because I don't know but if you ask me now if I would want to go through pregnancy again I would say YEAH RIGHT!

My six year old the SOCIAL DIRECTOR

So I have to just tell you about my night last night. A few weeks ago Addison asked if she could have a movie party with some of her friends. I said yes and maybe we could order pizza and have some treats or something, no big deal. Well I never thought twice about it and really just thought Addison had forgotten also. Yesterday, she comes to me and tells me she is making invitations for her friends for her "movie party" which I don't really think is anything abnormal because she is always crafting and making things in her toy room. Well, around 6:30 last night I am in the yard, pulling weeds and looking gross when all of a sudden kids are coming over asking where to go for the "movie party". I'm a little confused when Addison pulls up on her bike and says' "We are ready for the party mom!" A, excuse me, what party? I wasn't even paying attention to her I guess because the invitations she had wrote and delivered were for that night! Parents were dropping their kids off and asking how long the show was and when to send them home. I was dying. I started scrambling to make popcorn and find a movie to show and get snacks passed out. It gets worse. The kids were not even just her little playmates. I think she invited the whole neighborhood because older kids (11 and 12 year olds) were showing up. Overall it all went ok but I could have died thinking she put together a party and actually had people show up (14 kids in all) all in one day! I totally have my hands full with her. High school is going to be the end of me! Thats not even the worst part. This morning one of my friends texted me and told me that Addison was spreading the word about another party here tonight on the way to school. What am I going to do with her???

Happy 10 Year Anniversary Nate!

So today is our 10 year wedding anniversary. Can you believe it has been that long already? Nate sent me flowers just now so I had to brag and post them. Here is a wedding photo and a recent photo to show how we "haven't hardly" changed (except for the hair!!). I really have been blessed with a great husband and father for my children so I thouht I would do a little shout out to him on this day.
I love your passion for life and need for excitement and spontinaity. I love that you provide our family with all the temporal and spiritual needs that we have. I love that you work so hard so I can be a stay at home Mom like I always wanted. I love that you like to travel and take me to new places. I love that you make me laugh at all the wrong times. I love that you love me even while I'm huge and pregnant and never even complain about the lack of attention you have been getting. I love that you support me and all my crazy ideas like painting the house every other week just cause I feel like it:) I love that you are crazy about me and our kids and that everything you do is somehow for our benefit. I love how smart you are and how I know I can always count on you to help anwser my questions about life and the gospel without making me feel like I am any less intelligent. I like that we can debate without fighting. I love that we have made a beautiful Family and Life together and I hope that the next ten years are every bit as great and wonderful as the first!! Love Katie

Nate in Lake Powell

Look at my hot husband work his stuff in Lake Powell Last week!

We need your help!!!

We cannot decide on a baby name. For some reason this time we are stumped. It seems like all three other kids were named by the time we had an ultrasound and found out what they were. Nothing is clicking this time. We have a long list and I want all of you to comment and tell us your vote. Here are the choices: Aiden, Whit, Grant, Jax, Madden, Cohen, Davin. Keep in mind the middle name will be James after Nate's Dad. Thanks for your help.

Addison starts soccer!

Addison started playing soccer for the first year last week. She really seems to love it. It's always hit and miss with her. She wanted to do the violin, then dance, then motorcross (which I actually put the kabosh on)now we are on to soccer. I think she could be good at it. Ever since she started playing and I've been going to her practices with her I have been having dreams about my days and my anxiety with high school soccer. It has brought back a lot of memories. I'm just glad she hasn't said she wants to do something else. I think she might get her mild case of ADD from her dad!

First Day of School!!

Finally!! These last few days of summer were killing me. All of my kids friends were out of town and I have been going crazy. School started today and I don't know who was more excited, me or the kids. They didn't even want me to walk them to school (probably because I'm huge and slow). Noah is now in the 3rd grade and Addison is in 1st. They are both gone now all day (I hated the kidergarten schedule, I would vote for all day kindergarten if it comes to our schools) I was remembering in the past how I cried when the first day came thinking my little ones were leaving home, I even followed the bus to school Noah's first year. Now I feel relief and and secretly, joy. I know this won't last with the baby coming and all but for now, especially while Parks is at preschool- Life is GOOD!