Elsa's Blessing

Elsa Szeles

Siblings together for the special occasion: Jackie, Tammy, Sean & David

David, Tammy, Jackie & Sean

Uncle Brandon

Aunt Tammy

Aunt Cassia

Aunt Jackie

Grandmama

The Happy Family: Carla, Elsa, Everett & David

Its so wonderful to get everyone together especially when we are welcoming a new member to our family. Elsa has such a sweet spirit and her blessing was very touching. As one might easily guess we took dozens of pictures probably too many in fact here are just a select few. We must of had 5 different cameras going at a time. We love you Elsa!

Lego Mania

‎479 pictures later we have the "start" of a stop motion Lego film!!! My goodness is it A LOT of work! So proud of Jordan and Aidan they have great ambition, creativity and imagination!!!!

Merry Christmas!

Dear Family and Friends,

Christmas is such a wonderful time of year. It is a great joy to see the beauty and kindness that is all around us. We have been amazed by the love, compassion, and concern for our family by others. This has been an incredible Christmas season so far. We have indulged in many treats, gazed at Christmas lights, sang carols and fun songs at the top of our lungs, we have been touched by scripture stories and great Family Home Evenings, we’ve made presents and shared our joy and smiles with others. We have felt the Christmas Spirit everyday since Thanksgiving and it warms our hearts with such an incredible glow that it could melt the snow filled streets of Utah. We are grateful for the challenges and obstacles we have overcome this year and the abundance of blessings we have received. It has been a wonderful and unpredictable year. A year filled with thousands of happy pictures and we know that the Lord was with us every step of the way.

At this time last year one could hardly guess that we were going to make a huge shift in our lives by moving back to San Diego yet here we are! Jordan went from successfully completing 6th grade and elementary school to thriving and progressing in 7th at De Portola Middle. He has particularly enjoyed his gateway to technology classes, building Lego displays for the Santee library, scouts, guitar lessons and being back home again surrounded by family and the beach.

Aidan completed 3rd grade as a confident leader, progressed in his Hip Hop dance classes (giving us an awesome performance before we moved), is learning the piano, has earned so many belt loops in scouts that he needs to actually wear 2 belts, and has enjoyed making new friends in 4th grade at Kumeyaay Elementary. He misses his friends dearly in Utah but is so glad for all those he has met here.

Noah has changed the most over the course of this year. He went from an energetic 4-year-old making friends and playing in preschool to a strong confident kindergartner happy to lead and learn each day. His eyes light up as he recounts all that he is learning and understanding about the world around him. He enjoys exploring his new surroundings at school and at home. He is learning to read which to us is like witnessing a miracle. All 3 boys have been wonderful through all our transitions in making a new home.

Brandon and I are very happy. We could sit in the San Diego sun all day. We truly took it for granted before but now we cherish each moment and talk about it maybe too often. Brandon is in financial services and dedicating his time to building an office here which has its challenges but in time he will be established and see the fruits of his labor. Speaking of labor, with all the boys now in school it was time for me to return to work. I am now working in the maternity ward of Scripps Mercy Hospital as a newborn photographer. It has been a pleasure and an honor taking these sweet babies first photos.

As we reflect on the birth and life of our Savior, Jesus Christ, during this season let us take a moment and remember all the blessings we have been given.

Merry Christmas!

Love,
The Harrisons
Brandon, Jacqueline, Jordan, Aidan & Noah

The Nutcracker A Christmas Tradition

My serious little "nutcrackers"

We had the idea of going to see the Nutcracker performed by the California Ballet at the Civic Theater in San Diego to get us into the Christmas Spirit. Mom and Dad were generous enough to buy the tickets and we got an incredible deal from Groupon to boot. It was well worth it. We were not supposed to take pictures during the show which is why there are so few. The boys loved the performance especially the Russian dancers. We all had a wonderful time. We laughed, we were intrigued, and entertained it was a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Ms Tina's Christmas Party

Jordan and Aidan take lessons from Ms Tina at Desert Rose Studios in Santee. They go every Wednesday night from 6:30 until about 7:30. Jordan plays the guitar and Aidan the piano. They had quite the "musical" Christmas party. They decorated an ornament to put on the tree, the students performed, they served refreshments and of course they got to goof around and try other instruments for the fun of it. Noah especially loved having a turn playing the drums, bells, and trying on silly hats. The all had such a great time. In fact I think Noah will be asking Santa for a drum set!

My new job

My uniform

I am so excited about my new job! With all 3 boys in school we thought it might be time for me to return to work. Not only would it be rewarding but it would help us financially. I worked for the census bureau this past May also but it was a temporary position, the job I have now can be a permanent position and/or career. I feel very blessed to have found a job I would enjoy so quickly. I LOVE my job. Sure every job has its pros and cons and of course it is work but all things considered I am very happy. So what is it!?!?!? I am a newborn photographer at Scripps Mercy Hospital in the Mission Hills/Hillcrest area. I am actually right down the street from my mom who works at Francis Parker lower school, in fact we were able to have lunch together just the other day. I trained at Scripps La Jolla this last week and will begin at Mercy on Tuesday. As with any job in the beginning there is so much to learn that one can get overwhelmed and frustrated but I am learning quickly and will find my balance & rhythm soon enough. I am very confident with the photography and handling the newborns (it is the sweetest thing in the world!!!) its just the computer software, paperwork etc that I really need to get a handle of. I did 5 portrait sessions yesterday right in the hospital room and it was incredible. These babies are amazing! It has also been so interesting to work right along side the doctors, nurses, and other staff in the maternity ward. I was so surprised how similar this position is compared to my census job if fact I have to gather a baby census report every morning at the nurses station. I still knock doors except instead of houses its hospital rooms, I still gather census data instead of family info its about the baby. Its as if my census job prepared me for this position! Below I added a little bit about the company I work for.



Our365 is America's leading provider of professional, high quality in-hospital baby photos, taking the first official portrait of over 2 million newborns every year in partnership with more than 1,900 hospitals. The treasured Newborn Portrait is reproduced in a variety of affordable baby photo products. Baby's Newborn Portrait photo session is also posted to baby's first web page where family and friends can see the precious little bundle. Our365’s WebNursery gets over 12 million page views every month. Additionally, on Our365.com, the family will find a wealth of valuable, fascinating information on raising baby. Our365 believes miracles happen every day, 365 days a year. And, every day, Our365 is here to help families share the good news.

Celebrating with a Turkey Dinner

Grandmama and Pampie are so generous to us. I think its because we provided such adorable grandchildren, never the less, they deserved a great turkey dinner on us for all that they do. Though we were having a heat wave in December and it felt like summer the meal was delicious and we ate our fill. I truly enjoy baking and cooking so it was a treat for us all!

San Diego Sunshine

I feel like I have been kissed by God! I am indeed spoiled to live in San Diego. I am tempted to put shorts on and its December! I went on a gorgeous walk, got a good workout, listened to my favorite music and admired the beauty all around me. Such a great moment! I absolutely love it when I can feel the warmth of the sun all over me, its the most comforting feeling in the world.