Just Me and Mom

Girls Night with the Nieces!!

2012-01-01T21:01:00.000-08:00

My nieces came over to have a pizza party... Kiersten wore some sweet shoes that were ALL GOLD glitter ;) and the cat George was her best friend. Vanessa is my adopted niece and Gentry was our photographer- by her choice. I love these girls and we decided.. we are all going to stay single and TRAVEL the world :) except.. I wanna be a Great Aunt.. so umm, it may not work out with them staying single! I look forward to our next night or girl talk and food!!

The Nye Family Christmas Party!!

2012-01-01T20:33:00.000-08:00

The Annual Nye Family Christmas party... it is something that we all look forward to! Ham and funeral cheesy potatoes, dips and chips and other delicious food! We gather downstairs at my parents after everyone has ate.. My Dad always shares a Christmas message and his testimony with us- its the highlight of the evening for me and I am so thankful he does this and we can all hear his message together as a family! Next comes the games, the "How much candy is in the Jar game" which I WON this year.. the pass around game- each family wraps a gift in string, duck tape or whatever else.. the music plays and when it stops its your chance to try to unwrap! Then comes the white elephant gift.. and it ends with a dessert! I love my family and LOVE that we keep the same traditions and cram down in the basement as a family... I hope it will always continue even when Parker is older and his kids of his own!!

Christmas 2011

2012-01-01T20:23:00.000-08:00

Christmas is always a magical time.. Parker LOVES Christmas- from the music, the gifts, the lights and the family parties! Being a single mom with a only child on Christmas morning is a different experience.. I grew up with 5 kids in the family and both parents.. I remember Christmas morning sleeping in my sisters room.. all of us.. and trying to sneak out- trying to stay awake the whole night etc... it's sad that Parker doesn't have those fun experiences but I am also thankful its just me and him on Christmas morning- its not as crazy, but its just as special! I love that he and I are so close and he truly appreciates all that he is given.. This year he wanted a skateboard, video camera and a computer game.. he was surprised with a Kindle Fire and lots more! I am happy Christmas is OVER but will miss the magic it always brings into the home!

Breakfast Moustache Party

2012-01-01T20:15:00.000-08:00

My nieces decided that they wanted to get together at my house for a Moustache Breakfast party! I love that they are old enough to relate to.. and to dream with.. talk about guys with and just be able to be there for them and to listen to their drama! We had a great night and Parker loved having them over!!

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-12-07T08:21:00.001-08:00

Every year Wendy host Thanksgiving at her home.. This year everyone was able to make it besides Kelly and his family.. we missed them! Thanksgiving is one of mine and Parker's favorite holidays! Its about gathering as a family, helping put together a great meal, eating fabulous food and PIES and ending with a Thanksgiving craft! I am so thankful that I live close to family and that I can raise Parker with holiday traditions surrounded by family!!

Parker's Car (or so he says)

2011-11-02T08:24:00.000-07:00

This is Parker's favorite car... My dads Porche. He thinks it will be his when he turns 16.. I wonder if Grandpa agrees ;)

Sundays with the Family

2011-11-02T08:12:00.000-07:00

Every Sunday our family gathers at my parents.. I will always remember the memories that we share on Sundays.. usually its just sitting around eating and talking but this Sunday Bronson had pumpkins that friends had stolen :( and put in the back of his truck.. so we decided to carve some.. it turned into quite the event! I love watching my sister with her daughters, my brother with his kids and my parents together... family truly is everything to me and without them in my life.. words cannot express how crushing it would be! I love each and every one of them for different things! I am so thankful to be able to live so close to family and meet every Sunday- Parker loves this and I hope we always meet as a family for years and years to come!

Happy Halloween!

2011-11-01T08:35:00.000-07:00

Parker decided this year he was going to be a hunter.. I was happy to not have to buy a costume for him to wear only one time.. so we headed over to see what Grandma had pulled together from Grandpas hunting gear! The camo she pulled together didn't even match but Parker could care less.. he had a hat and a orange jacket to go along with it but he didn't wear it trick or treating.. he was very low key and could have cared less.. it makes me kind of sad that the FUN costumes are a thing of the past! We walked around with the Brown family and scored big with a lot of treats and hot dogs from the Old Lady (Bishop Hadley)!

Changes.. Parker and his braces

2011-10-04T19:24:00.000-07:00

Holy TEETH! Parker was blessed with my narrow mouth.. his teeth are growing out, sideways and on top of each other trying to make room.. so off to see my old orthodontist Dr. Kirk Allred! He has been wearing the "W" arch for a few months and today added top braces as well.. he has been SO FREAKING excited! He chose GOLD braces. I told Dr. Allred that "we are not gangsters" and he chuckled. The gold are the newest braces- they are suppose to blend in with your complexion. While he was there 3 other kids were also getting their new braces on and all had GOLD.. so I felt a little comforted! He chose orange and black elastics for Halloween! He is very excited for them and I cant wait until his teeth are all nice and STRAIGHT! (don't we love the awkward stages of life)

Flag Football

2011-10-04T19:18:00.000-07:00

Parker loved flag football this year.. his team played really well together and he enjoyed going to each game! We love watching Parker learn different rules and plays of the game.. he loves it!

Football.. flag that is..

2011-09-20T20:12:00.000-07:00

Parker wanted to play flag football again this year.. he has enjoyed all sports but I think this just might be his favorite! His Dad has been able to come and watch a lot of games this year- and it has meant so much for Parker to have his Dad there.. along with Gramps and Grams and even Aunt Wendy! I love watching him enjoy sports, being on a team and enjoying a little competition. The size difference with Parker and some of the other players is quite amazing.. I am thankful he continues to play and show that he is loving life and sports!!

Bear Lake

2011-09-20T19:28:00.000-07:00

I love LOVe this place.. Misti let us stay at her place this weekend for watering her plants the majority of the summer.. Bear Lake is the highest it has been in 15 years.. there is hardly ANY beach! We drove up on Friday night.. Parker, his friend Carter and our friend Christy and her daughter Alyssa and her friend McKenzie.. we just chilled at the trailer the first night- watched movies.. played games and ate food! Then Saturday we woke up made breakfast and headed to North beach.. along the way Christy got a flat tire but within 5 minutes some very nice men stopped and helped us! We made our way to the beach and it was HEAVEN! We have never been to the North Beach and I loved it more then any beach up there.. the kids could wade clear out and still only be to their knees.. we got there around 1100 and stayed until 700pm.. and it felt like it was only 2 hours! They played on floaties- caught fish- built sand castles- had sand wars and just enjoyed the sun! We left Sunday afternoon... reluctantly.. Love it.. MISS it.. cant wait to go back!!

Fourth Grade

2011-09-20T19:15:00.000-07:00

FOURTH grade.. it is amazing how fast he is growing up! This year Parker has Mrs. Olsen at Pioneer Elementary. At the back to school night it was the HOTTEST week of the summer.. the school was so flippin hot! We went to meet his teacher- she is a older lady who wears painted on eyebrows.. after meeting her and talking to her about what to expect this year.. Parker and I walked out of the class room and he looked up at me and said "Mom, why were her eyebrows melting?!" Hahah. I felt so bad for her.. it was so hot and her eyebrows were running down her face!! He has loved everything about school so far. He plays football at every recess and has enjoyed computer lab and homework! The thing he wanted most this year was Nike EVERYTHING. He picked out these shoes up in Park City- he is really into Pink too.. pink binders, water bottles, shirts and shoes- he thinks its funny. I love him and love watching him make changes.. he cares about his hair.. brushes his teeth without me hounding him..and always colognes it up before school! Love him.

Naked with Socks & "cologne it UP"

2011-08-22T10:16:00.000-07:00

Some funny stories that I wanted to share... The other night Parker got home from Toads with some friends.. on the way up to the shower I told him to just take his clothes off and put them in the washer and grab some new ones out of the dryer.. As I was sitting on the couch he walks past me naked... I said "Dude- when are you going to stop being NAKED in front of your Mom!" and he, with a smirk.. put one leg up on the coffee table and said, "I am not naked.. I got my socks on!" It was seriously one of the best moments of the summer! haha. He always knows how to make a situation funny- love my nudest son Parker!
Parker has started to really care about what girls think about him- how he looks- what brand of clothes he wears.. etc etc. Scary, since the boy is only in 4th grade this year! We went to Heritage Days and him and his friends kept leaving and going to a near by friends house.. to check their "style" meaning to make sure their hair/ or hats were perfect and to "cologne it up" meaning to spray some cologne and put deodorant on! haha. He wanted tanning lotion for the summer so he could go to school with a "glow" haha.. This weekend we shopped for school supplies and on the list was "cologne" and he wanted a spare bottle so he could keep one at school! I told him he could spray in the morning and that is IT! I think I have my hands full!

It's called the W arch..

2011-08-21T20:54:00.000-07:00

Up close and personal! Parker's mouth is TEETH overload! He has so much crowding its scary! We made an appointment with Dr Allred about a month ago and Parker got a retainer that is permanent for 10-12 months called the W arch. It will spread out his mouth and make room for his permanent teeth that haven't came in yet! I am excited about the process- he has done actually really well.. I warned him for weeks about the impressions.. when they fill a mouth guard full of nasty crap that makes you gag and feel like you cant breathe.. so when the day finally arrived.. I was nervous.. I was scared for the boy! I HATED this day when I had to get braces! He chose the flavor root beer.. and sat there like a champ.. as we were walking out the door I said, "I am totally bugged.. I stressed for weeks about that appt and it didn't even phase you!" He just looked at me and said "so you wanted me to gag and stop breathing?!" haha. Oh how I love watching him grow up.. I cant wait for him to finally have straight beautiful teeth! My little boy is GROWING up!!

SheRa man Haters Club.. what!

2011-08-21T20:36:00.000-07:00

I met some fun girls at Bunco- Emily and Christy.. these two chicas are sister in laws.. LoVe them to death! Emily the tan one ;) is married and Christy and I are both single.. one day I joked about watching a movie.."He's Just Not That Into You!" and before you know it.. The SheRa Man Haters club was formed! We have met two weeks in a row- we share stories of misery, happiness, wants, dislikes and dreams! It's kinda like a Book Club- but better! Our kids think we are crazy as we always end the night in a photo shoot but its our therapy! I have loved getting to know these two ladies and excited for more meetings and exciting times to come!!

Last weekend of Summer VaCaTiON!

2011-08-21T20:25:00.000-07:00

Friday I was able to get off at noon and take Parker and the Seat boys (Skyler, Stockton & Sage) to Cherry Hills! I have not been to Cherry Hill since I was in Jr high.. it hasn't really changed a whole lot.. but it is just as fun as I remembered! Parker and the boys had so much fun the whole day! We spent almost 10 yrs swimming, eating and going down all the slides! I had such a great time and I enjoy being able to hang out with Parker and his friends.. they all helped me get my butt unstuck from the whirl pools on the cardiac rapids and laughed at me when I took two small children out at the bottom of the dragon slide! I love the memories that we created and look forward to going back again soon!!

Summer nights at Lagoon :)

2011-08-21T20:13:00.000-07:00

I have loved going down to Lagoon and meeting up with my cute niece Ally and her friend Vanessa... and on a separate night we met up with my other adorable niece Kiersten! Parker loves being able to ride the big rides and enjoy hanging out with the older cousins.. I have the best nieces and nephews in the whole world! I love my family and would do anything for any one of them! Summer nights at Lagoon is always a favorite.. great memories, expensive food and dip n' dots!!

Swimming with the Scouts!

2011-07-27T19:58:00.000-07:00

Parker is now in the Bear den at Scouts.. Tonight we had a combined Scout activity.. swimming at Kathy Fessler's house! I love watching Parker interact with the Scouts and always seems to have a great time! I am still in the Wolf den.. it has its moments but I cant think of a better calling then this one right now in my life.. it works well for me and Parker and we are both learning a lot!

Sunridge.. a little slice of heaven!

2011-07-25T18:27:00.000-07:00

Every summer Parker and I go camping as much as we can with my parents up to their property at Sunridge! Parker has so many memories of painting rocks, swinging, fishing and riding the ATVs and camp fires with his grandparents! I am so thankful for the one on one time that I have with my parents and the time Parker has with them as well.. he has learned so many things from being around them.. we laugh a lot and relax a lot... (well at least I do... my mom works a lot harder when we come.. but I LOVE her a lot for it) I hope that we have many more summers with my parents at the property.. its a memory that we cherish and enjoy repeating every year... hopefully we will get up there a couple more times before the summer ends!

R.O.D.E.O = MEMORIES!

2011-07-25T18:14:00.000-07:00

This year the RODEO was fantastic! It was SUPER SUPER hot for the first hour.. but then it was a great summer night! Wendy, Gentry, Marek, Dad, Mark, Parker and Carter and me.. we had a crew there and we were a little wild.. I laughed so hard at the clown at one point that I had ROWS of people staring at me.. haha. Good times! I love the Rodeo.. the memories of jr posses and the pre rodeo.. the smell.. the horses.. the bulls.. the parachute jumpers.. the FOOD.. and it reminds me of my sister Brenda.. we love you Breeze and miss your more today then yesterday!

Golfing at TOADS...

2011-07-25T18:09:00.000-07:00

We have been spending time at Toads at the driving range.. we bought a pass for unlimited buckets of balls until November! I have to admit.. we may not have the best form but we can hit the ball FAR! I had to join in on the fun.. I missed the ball twice in a row.. haha.. but then I NAILED it! Love summer nights...

Family.. no matter what!

2011-07-25T17:22:00.000-07:00

A few Saturday's ago Parker's dad Tony called us to come up and go fishing in Brigham! It was the first time in a LONG time that we all spent some time together.. it was really fun! We fished for a few hours and then his Dad came down and helped me and Parker switch rooms.. Parker now has the master bedroom.. my room is still big.. but he needs more space.. the spoiled child! After we treated ourselves to Olive Garden.. I loved seeing Parker and his Dad interact and carry on conversations.. they really have a good bond and are so much a like!! I love them both very much.. I would never want to be with Tony again.. because our lives are so different.. but I am thankful that he has made big changes in the past few years.. I love him for who he is and am thankful for days like we had with Parker.. so thankful we can be friends and enjoy "family time" and not make it hard on Parker.. it truly is everything that I have wanted.. I am happy just knowing he loves Parker and cares for him just as much as I do!

Cherry Day Parade.. Swimming and FIREWORKS!

2011-07-25T17:09:00.000-07:00

We started the 4th of July off at the Cherry Days Parade... it was a great overcast day.. we all had a great time cheering on the local shops and schools.. I remember being in jr high and high school and the parade was the place to be... great memories! After the parade we headed to the pool and then went to the fireworks at WHS! We had a great day and LOVE this holiday.. spending time with our family and friends!

Camping with the Parkinsons!

2011-07-25T16:58:00.000-07:00

The weekend of July 4th we went camping with the Parkinson family up to Blacksmith Fork Canyon! We love Kim and Scott and their kids Tyler and Jenna! We had a great spot.. and were all by ourselves.. we had the river next to us that the kids played in all day and night! We loved spending time with them and hope to do it again soon before the camping season is over!!

Lagoon and S'mores

2011-06-26T21:34:00.000-07:00

Saturday Parker had Adam, Jacob and Sage all come over and play night games and roast marshmallows! It was fun to have them play outside and run around like fools! Sage spent Friday night until Sunday night at our house while his parents were away.. it was a great weekend for us and our friends!!

LAGOON.. its what fun is! We had a great time riding rides and swimming at Lagoona Beach.. even though I left my swim stuff on the counter.. I tolerated the heat for 3 hours while the boys played in the cool water! It was a great but BUSY day at Lagoon!!

The Gamma Girls!

2011-06-26T21:27:00.000-07:00

This weekend was full of friends, sun and BBQ! I had the Gamma girls over for a BBQ at my house.. we had great food, drinks and s'mores to last the whole night! I love that I work at Gammawest and along with a great job I have gained these amazing girls as my friends! Love them all!!

The end of the season..

2011-06-26T20:15:00.000-07:00

Parker's last baseball game was this past Thursday! Parker has had a lot of fun playing baseball with his friends and ended the season with a GREAT game! He has had some games where he has left the field in tears because he has felt like he want good enough.. but Thursday he had a double play.. caught the ball at short stop and threw it to 2nd and got the runner out! Every time he would go up to bat he would hit them across 2nd plate.. I was so excited for him that he didn't leave Thursday feeling defeated! I love baseball and hope that he continues to enjoy the sport! Next.. we are on to flag football.. which is my 2nd favorite sport! Good job Buddy!

The Patio is already for SUMMER...

2011-06-21T20:44:00.000-07:00

Tony and I bought these rocking chairs 10 years ago.. they were all white! I have LOVED them.. they are a great rocking chair.. well I decided to make them a little BRIGHTER! I am having some friends over on Friday so it pushed me in to action to get them FINALLY painted! Parker has been home for 2 nights in a row with nothing to do.. SHOCKING.. so I had him be my assistant! At first he was a little disgruntled.. lol.. but when he saw it coming together was very pleased with himself for helping me pick out colors.. flowers.. and even painting! I love my bright patio and hope to spend many nights out there talking with Parker and friends!

Nye family Reunion/Crazy hat contest...?

2011-06-18T19:56:00.000-07:00

Today was the Nye family reunion.. we have a very big family so it was a little CRAZY! They had planned a lot of things to do.. but with so many people it took FOREVER.. one of the ideas that they had was a crazy hat contest! They never got around to having anyone judge.. and we all made the effort to bring the dang hats.. so we decided to have a photo shoot of ALL the hats that my family brought... it was a fun but LONG day!

Camp Kiesel 2011

2011-06-18T19:33:00.001-07:00

This is Parker's second year at Scout Day Camp! I was able to go up again to Camp Kiesel as a leader and enjoy the day with the scouts and other leaders! We ended up having beautiful weather.. besides a few small rain drops! The water looked like the river of chocolate.. Parker was excited to go with his friends and be able to do all the different stations at camp.. next year I think we are going to another camp and they are excited about that as well! I am glad that we are able to experience Scouts together.. its always fun watching your kid conquer the tasks!

Thank you Bishop for sticking your face in the way of our family shot.. rude!

Lagoon

2011-05-21T18:12:00.001-07:00

This year we decided to get season passes to Lagoon again.. we skipped last year and really missed being able to go just for half days every week or so vs. spending the whole day and night there! We headed down today with the Hellewells and lasted 5 hours but Parkers friend Jacob wasnt having the best day so decided to cut it short! I love that Parker LOVES all the fast rides now.. He has gone on the Catapult two times this season.. scares me to death! I hope we have many more fun times down at Lagoon!!

Text from the heart..

2011-05-21T18:00:00.000-07:00

I gave Parker a cell phone for his birthday... He has been really good with it and has sent me some texts that I want to keep FOREVER.. so I decided to blog them!

May 18th, 2011- "I love you so much I just can't stop thinking about u mom i'll all ways love you"

(holy heart breaker.. by the way.. this is when he was in his room getting ready for bed and I was in the kitchen.. I LOVE him)

so I sent back that I LOVE him.. and he replied "Your a very good mom"

May 20th, 2011- "Mom, you no I'll always love u no matter what I love u so so so much"

and I replied " I love you more then anything" and he sent "No, I love u more then anything"

I hope he will always feel this way... I am sure there will be many more I love you texts and even some you are a mean mom text.. I will continue to blog them here so we can laugh and smile for years to come...

Raingutter Regatta

2011-05-21T17:48:00.000-07:00

For Pack night this month Parker was welcomed into the Bear Den.. I am sad that he is moving up without me.. but am thankful that I am still a Scout leader.. its been a great calling for me! This month we had the Raingutter Regatta! Parker and his Dad worked on his boat one night and I decided to make my boat the night before at 10:00pm.. funny thing is it turned out great and wasn't too shabby! Parker placed 3rd and had a great evening.. I got the award for LOUDEST parent :) I decided to scream and shout and get really obnoxious.. can you even imagine! Lol.. I am not sure what some parents thought about me.. but I could care less.. we had a great time and Parker loves me no matter what! I cant wait for the Pinewood Derby next year.. its going to be a ton of fun!!

And the party continues...

2011-05-17T19:13:00.000-07:00

Parker had a great NINTH birthday! He went to school and wore a ribbon around the whole day that said "Its MY BIRTHDAY!" He brought treats to the class and said everyone was so nice and sang happy birthday to him! I picked him up when he got off the bus stop.. we came home and he changed into his baseball uniform and we headed off to Kirts Family Drive-Inn to eat some quick dinner! We met up with Grandma and Gramps and Aunt Wendy! Parker was spoiled.. as usual! He got new baseball pants, bat, cleat's, a new Xbox game, Diary of a Wimpy Kid book, a new head set for the xbox and his surprise... a CELL PHONE! He was so excited! His Gramps and Granny got him his new Bear Scout book and scarf and bear slide and a cub scout shirt! His Aunt Wendy knows that he lives at the pool in the summer so she got him a new beach towel and 5 bucks! After we ate we headed to his first baseball game of the season... he did really well but was mainly concerned of where is new phone was.. and if anyone had text messaged him yet! Lol.. oh boy.. what have I started! With his water slide party and tonight.. I think he had the best birthday yet! I love him more then anything and cant believe how fast he is growing up... when I am 40 I will have a 17 yr old son.. now that is CRAZY! I am so thankful once again for my family and his friends.. and my friends.. for making our life so happy and fulfilled. I LOVE MY LIFE.. because I have you all supporting us! Happy HAPPY birthday to my best friend/son, Parker. I love you!

Parkers 9th birthday party!!

2011-05-15T20:41:00.000-07:00

Parker went back and forth on what he wanted for his 9th birthday party.. we ended up deciding on Wednesday evening.. sent out 16 invites for Saturday and reserved a giant blow up slide to be delivered! I was nervous that kids would forget to give the invites to their moms and with having such a short notice.. worried that Parker wouldn't have a very good turn out.. but only 1 friend couldn't make it to my suprise! It was a mad house.. but a great EASY party! The weather was off and on with the wind and cloud cover.. but this did not stop the boys and 2 girls :) they had a great time even if they were shivering at times! My sister and nieces and mom are always there to help me so I don't go too crazy.. and I love them and am thankful for them each and every day! This year was pretty special for Parker.. his Dad was able to make it for his party! Parker has wondered why he knows all of his friends Dad's but none of them know his Dad.. well they all officially have met him! I am so thankful for the times that Parker's Dad has stepped up to the plate.. it makes me BEYOND happy when I see them together and happy and building/forming a strong relationship! I am blessed to have such great people in Parker's life and his friends are the greatest friends any kid could ask for!!

Easter fun

2011-04-24T20:20:00.000-07:00

Easter is one of our favorite holidays! Coloring Easter eggs, layered jell-o at Gmas, filling the Easter eggs with Grandma and Easter egg hunts! Parker had a great time at the City Easter Egg hunt with the Call's and then the Easter egg hunt with his cousins at Gma and Gpas house.. I love our family and the Sundays when we all get together and things go smoothly! The Easter bunny hid Parker's Easter basket in the car this year.. he left 6 hidden clues through out the house to find the basket.. Parker enjoyed searching high and low for the hidden clues! Makes me sad to think I only have a few more years where Parker will enjoy all the little things of Easter.. I love him so much and am thankful for him each and every day!

Game Night at Wendy's

2011-04-24T19:59:00.000-07:00

Wendy hosted a game night at her house last Friday night.. it was the most hysterical night I have had in a LONG time! Parker came with his friend Carter and we ate pizza, S'mores and junk food all night long! We played Apples to Apples and Spoons and Gestures- it was a great night and we have so many fun memories and quotes from this night! I am blessed to have such amazing niece's and a sister who are all truly my best friends! Enjoy the pictures of our craziness- hair flippin photos and Kiersten and Ally shaking their cheeks.. it's amazing! Lol

Our new home... TOADS

2011-04-19T21:01:00.000-07:00

We LOVE going to Toads.. Parker and I probably end up going 4 nights a week to Toads! Each night he tries to get friends to come down and play laser tag, Go-karts, mini golf or batting cages! Tonight we invited Adam to come along with us.. they had so much fun on the Go-Karts.. I was a little embarrassed because I could hear them calling out to the other Karts from across the park.. they were challenging them, egging them on.. etc! I love being able to spend these times with Parker and have him be active each night.. I even joined in and played laser tag one night.. my game tag is Killer Mom.. we are having a blast!!

Crazy Hair Day

2011-04-06T15:22:00.000-07:00

This week was school pride week at Parker's school.. we usually do a crazy hat and Parker always has a cool hat.. but this year I didn't see the note until the morning of so he was pretty bummed.. he wore a cool hat but it wasn't CRAZY! Next day was team sports day and today was Crazy hair day.. so I let him cut his hair! He went to Ron the Barber and had him do lightening bolts on the side and some lines in the back and we colored it in with magic marker! I tried to talk him into shaving half his head.. but he wanted something that he could continue wearing.. so our crazy hair DAY will be crazy hair weeks!

Easter Crafts with my FAVORITE PEEPS

2011-04-03T21:34:00.000-07:00

I love my family so much! Today after the morning session of conference Mom, Ally, Wendy and Aunt Margie came over and we made a cute Easter craft! We missed having Gentry and Kiersten there.. but we will plan another Craft and make sure everyone is available! My Mom is so fun to be around.. she has always been a crafty lady and an amazing painter.. she doesn't think about it too much and even adds eyebrows to her chick.. sometimes it turns out crazy.. but I love it still the same because she made them! Margie and Wendy are the perfectionist of the family.. both of theirs were just perfect! Ally and I are a lot alike when it comes to crafting.. we have our own ideas and we just go with it.. Ally chose buttons for her eyes and I wanted my nose crooked.. we wanted to be the odd balls! I love crafting and laughing with my best friends- my family!

Laser tag, Go-Karts, Batting cages..Oh My!

2011-04-03T21:21:00.001-07:00

On Saturday we went to Toads with Parker's friend Carter and met up with the Hellewell family and all bought season passes for a year! The boys had a great time and enjoyed every minute of the FOUR hours that we were there.. I need to be better prepared and bring a book next time! They played laser tag over and over and OVER again and road the Go-Karts too! I think it will be a great way for them to burn some energy and get some exercise.. they came out of their 9th game of Laser Tag pretty dang sweaty! Parker named himself Captain America and his friend Carter's name is Captain Russia- they both scored top in their game.. funny this is they are usually playing against grown men or teenagers!! It looks like I will be spending a lot of time at Toads this year!!

Friends + Xbox = OUR WEEKENDS!

2011-03-26T20:22:00.000-07:00

Our weekends are usually filled with Parker and his friends, food and gaming! People wonder how I do it.. or think I am the ultra cool mom- but really to be honest.. it's the only way I get anything done or have alone time to watch a movie or fold laundry without Parker being bored out of his mind! Being single and having an only child.. it gets boring and quiet at times around our house.. so we both love having friends and family over to break up our everyday routines! I am thankful Parker has such great friends and is getting to the age where he is loving having his space from his mom.. don't get me wrong.. I LOVE him to death and will CRY the day he doesn't care if I am home or not.. but everyone needs a little bit of freedom and I just get mine through him hanging out with his friends!

DISNEYLAND 2011 = best VACATION ever

2011-03-23T20:02:00.000-07:00

Get ready for PICTURE OVERload.. and funny thing is.. this isn't even HALF the pictures I took! We are so sad that our Disney trip is over.. but so thankful for the memories and fun that we had with great friends!

Parker was so great in the car.. he rarely asked "are we there yet!" I was happy!

This is Kristen.. and our "we are going crazy in the mini van faces!"

Let the MEMORIES BEGIN... Disneyland is the happiest place on earth!

Our first stop.. pics by Mickey and headed to the Jungle Cruise!

Ryan was Parker's BFF on this trip.. I was happy Ryan was such a good sport!

Notice Parker's GREEN sunglasses.. umm.. he wouldn't take them off.. EVER!

Day 2- St Patricks Day! This day was a little rough on poor Parker's feet.. he managed to make it the whole 12 hours we were there at the park.. he was a good sport.. I had a few melt downs because of it.. but I can now look back and laugh at it! He found a snail.. it was his buddy while waiting in line for the Matterhorn Mountain ride.. one of Parker's favorite rides!

Mickey and Minnie ears.. aren't we both so CUTE!

Parker and Ryan getting ready to Soar over CA and Parker and I going into bugs life!

Monsters Inc. and Parker's mad face.. he was just pretending.. he was SICK of the camera!

Hollywood Tower of Terror.. one of our favorite rides.. it was a blast!

I love all of his FACES- love this kid!

Waiting in line for Toys Story Mania.. it was the longest line we waited in- 70 min!

Soaring over California ride.. waiting by Kristen and Carson and eating some snacks!

Trying on hats with MaKayla and eating ice cream for dinner!!

Our last ride of the night was BIG THUNDER Mtn- we rode it total of 8 times!

We hope to go back to Disney REAL SOON.. and the last pic in Disney.. Parker asleep at midnight waiting for the group to get done buying their souvenirs!!

We woke up the next morning.. soaked our feet in the hot tub (Parker got all the way in and played in the swimming pool) and ate at the Harbor House Cafe in Newport before making our way back to St. George! We had such a great time with the Forbush family and we are so thankful they let us tag along with them! Parker loved all of them but especially Ryan- he cried when he had to tell him goodbye! Parker LOVED every minute of this trip.. he didn't miss school one time, or his xbox.. but he missed his Granny and Gpa and his cats! I loved being able to go on vacation and realize that it's easy and fun to do.. even if I am single and have to do it all.. it's easy with just me and him and I hope we can go on many more vacations.. alone..and with FRIENDS and family!!

Newport BEACH = HEAVEN

2011-03-23T19:41:00.000-07:00

DISNEY here we COME!

2011-03-14T21:39:00.000-07:00

We were invited to go to Disneyland with the Forbush family (I work with Melinda, she is our head nurse at Gamma West).. at first I just laughed it off.. and then I quickly realized she was DEAD serious! I talked with Parker.. he hasn't missed school this whole year and was sad to learn that he would miss 3 1/2 days.. but then QUICKLY decided it would be totally worth it! Parker and I frequent Idaho Falls to visit our good friends the Phelps- we have been to Flaming Gorge three or four times to visit our friends the Bairs- but that about wraps up our "family vacations!" I haven't been to Disney since I was SEVEN YEARS old.. I may be MORE EXCITED then Parker! The Forbush family are Disney experts and we got a killer deal on a hotel- Kristen (Melinda's daughter) works for the Marriott Hotels.. so we could not pass the trip up! I am so excited to be actually going on this first real family vacation and happy to be spending it with a great, fun,welcoming family as well! So next time... there will be DISNEY overload on this blog.. consider this your warning!

P.S- my niece Gentry took this picture- I think Parker is about 4 or 5... when I look at it.. it sums up how I feel about my life.. I am HAPPY. Thankful. Blessed. Loved. And have the most amazing, thoughtful, talented, loving son on earth.. my life will FOREVER be complete because I have him in my life.

Clean up in Mcdonalds playland... sick.

2011-03-03T19:19:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday I took Parker and his friend Jacob to McDonald's to let them run around and get TIRED (it didn't really work).. my friend Monique and her daughter Chloe met us there as well.. we went to the North Ogden one- we walked in and it was packed but yet no one was playing in the playland.. a mom told me someone had taken a number 2 up in the jungle gym.. haha.. it was nasty to the HIGHEST power. So we called up Monique and met at the 12th st McDucks.. the boys went NUTS.. they LOVED it there! I love that every where we go Parker makes friends.. he is very aware of not leaving kids out and trying to get along with everyone- he has his days but generally is pretty good! It was a fun night of 2 1/2 hours of them playing tag and imaginary games.. and chatting with my friend!

Oh somebody had a birthday...

2011-03-03T19:04:00.000-08:00

Tuesday was my 32nd birthdays.. it feels so weird to say that! I am blessed to have amazing family and friends! Sunday my mom made my favorite dinner and my sister made brownies.. then Tuesday I came to work to cookies from my sister, balloons and apple crisp from a great friend Lori and Robin brought in eclair's and fruit! The celebration continued as they treated me to lunch.. it was a great day! My mom took Parker shopping.. my black work shoes wore out months ago.. every time Parker is a ungrateful or wants more and more crap.. I remind him that I cant continue to give and give to him.. and then tell him things that I go without so that he can have more.. shoes, for example. I have plenty of other shoes- but I wear my black ones often.. so when my mom asked him what he wanted to get me.. he new right off! I asked him what he was thinking of and he said, "its a surprise... but I will give you a hint.. it comes in a pair!" I love him. He came home and made me a card that he attached to a pencil with a balloon and a rubber band that had a quarter and an eraser! He is so creative! Parker and I planned to go to Olive Garden that night for my birthday and also cause he passed off all of his times tables.. and we were excited when my sister Wendy decided to join us! I love spending time with her and Parker! Thank you to all the friends and family for the birthday shout outs on facebook and in person.. I love you ALL!

Happy Birthday mom

I love you so much

your very cool

thank you for being my mom

love you MOST

Parker

Blue and Gold Luau 2011

2011-02-26T16:13:00.000-08:00

Last Thursday was mine and Parker's FIRST Blue and Gold Banquet.. I love being apart of Scouts and getting to know all of the boys and their families! Ashley and I were in charge of taking family pictures.. we created a back drop and had outfits and accessories for the families to wear for the pictures! We had a Luau theme and had a lot of fun that night! Parker has already earned his Wolf badge- so he worked on earning his arrows.. he now has 1 gold arrow and 3 silver! He had a great time that evening.. here are some of the great friends that we have gained through the Scout Troop... Glad the banquet is over though.. its a lot of work!

Harlem Globetrotters 2011

2011-02-21T16:39:00.000-08:00

What a fun day! I bought Parker and I tickets to the Harlem Globetrotters game.. I also bought the pre game tickets.. and I am so glad I did! We were able to sit on FRONT ROW and CENTER.. Parker was in shock the whole time I think.. It was such a fun day and the show is fantastic.. its so hilarious and entertaining.. at one point my sweet Parker- told me I was embarrassing him.. because I was laughing so loud.. whoops! In the pre game show they pulled Parker out to try to make the 4 pt shot.. he missed, barely ;) but got a wrist band for trying! What a fun memory for him.. we got autographs from Turbo, Airport and Slingshot.. my favorite players were Ant and Flight time.. and Parker's is Special K.. but those lines were CRAZY to get autographs.. so we decided the 3 we had were good enough! I loved going to the game and being able to get THIRD row during the game.. it was seriously a crazy fun experience.. I may have LOVED it more then Parker.. he is a pretty lucky kid!

Playdough made with Love, by KIERSTEN and Granny

2011-02-20T17:37:00.000-08:00

Parker talked Granny and Kiersten into making play dough.. Parker has always LOVED when Gma makes homemade play dough.. one of his favorite memories! He used to say the Witch cookie cutter was Granny- he was 3 yrs old when he would say it.. My Dad would laugh so hard! Anyways- it started off with the girls and Parker having a contest.. and then Uncle Kelly came in and won it all! My mom put his creation on wax paper to have it dry.. then she is going to put a sealant on it- we told Kiersten that it will be hers when her dad dies.. something to remember him by.. ha. We all can't take serious pictures.. we have me, Parker and Kelly looking like tards and then me and Kier always have to do the lip tucked in smile.. it took us forever to master the look to the side.. and then there is always Gma.. she is the best when it comes to taking her picture.. you never know what face she will pull.. what smile she will give.. and how her eyes look sometimes like a deer in headlights! I loved today.. I love my NIECE KIERSTEN (that's her shout out) so much! She reminds me of me when I was little... she is full of life and always smiling! I am so thankful we have always gone to my parents on Sunday together as a family.. I love watching my nieces and nephews grow up-- and telling "I remember when..." stories! Love them all with all of my heart!!

Love Day..

2011-02-14T19:23:00.001-08:00

Today was such a great day! I was able to help out with Parker's 3rd grade class party- I was in charge of cookies and having the kids frost them while watching a movie! Parker is such a great kid.. I got to school early so I went out and found them playing outside.. he runs up to me and throws his arm around me and just LOVES me.. seriously it made my whole day! After school we went and picked up a heart shape pizza for dinner later.. and then went and picked up his friends and saw the new movie Gnomeo and Juliet.. it was such a cute flick! When Parker came home I had left him his Valentines gift on his bed.. he came downstairs and had his glow dome thing.. he shut the lights out and it shined "MOM I LOVE YOU WITH ALL OF MY HEART".. I could not have asked for a better day today.. I love him so much WITH ALL OF MY HEART as well.. he is my PERFECT Valentine!

P.S- explanation of the last picture.. haha.. we were going through his huge heart that he made at school filled with Valentines from his friends.. He found a sucker with no name attached that said.. "Love Ya".. he is scared he has an admirer.. haha.. I love him.

Hats, Hats and more HATS

2011-02-14T19:12:00.000-08:00

My mom, Parker and I all went to Zurchers on Saturday looking for stuff for the Blue and Gold banquet.. we came across the hat aisle! They have EVERY kind of hat you can possibly think of.. we loved it! Parker would put on a hat and get into character.. my mom and I were laughing our heads off.. we could have done a lot more themes but I was afraid we would get in trouble! I love spending time with my mom and Parker- we always have a great time (even though I get mad at my moms driving the whole way there.. I still wouldn't want it any other way... I love her coming with us!) The memories that Parker has with my mom are so great- I hope he will cherish them FOREVER! He told my mom he was going to start calling her the "Gram-a-nator" and she could just call him "Bull dog".. not sure where he came up with this plan.. but I like it! Love them BOTH.. a LOT!

Vdays and Our Pact for the future..

2011-02-11T19:27:00.000-08:00

Parker and I were driving home from my parents today and he said "Mom, when I grow up I want to buy a townhouse right next door to you.. can we be neighbors?" And I said, "deal.. even if you buy a house, lets make a pact and always live by each other no matter what.." He agreed.. 100%. Then he said "what if I cant afford a house?" I said, "you will when you are older.. that's why you need to go to college and get a great job!" he smirked and said, "I have $90 right now.. I could buy a pretty nice house with it!" I laughed and said, "buddy you will need more then $90 to buy a house.." he chuckled and replied, "No.. $90 will buy me a really REALLY nice cardboard box.. and I can just make my house out of that!"

I love him. I pray that he truly does always want to be close to me.. maybe not my neighbor- but I hope he will always live close and I can be apart of his life.. I get teary thinking about him growing up! He said he would go on a mission.. but only if it was to Harrisville, UT.. I kinda agree with him!!

So I saw this really cute valentines idea for Parker to pass out to the kids in class.. so I copied it and with the help of my sister adding the text and printing them out for me.. Parker has a personalized Valentine for each student in his class! I hope they all like them as much as we do! I get to help out with Parker's Valentines class party on Monday- I love to watch him interact with the kids.. and come up to me PROUD as can be.. and give me a great big old kiss on the cheek- I hope he is always proud of me and isn't afraid to show his love for me in front of his peers.. Being at his school on Love day is awesome- I cant think of a better way to spend Vday!

Naked Chicken Nuggets

2011-02-09T18:21:00.000-08:00

Parker was telling me about school today- they are learning about health and the human body. He said "mom, there was this picture of a naked girl in a health book- she was colored blue and her breasts were golden.. it was like big naked chicken nuggets!" I seriously choked on my water and had to lock myself in my room while composing myself... and called my mom to share my laughter! Oh how I love him and the way his mind works! Speaking of school- last week was parent teacher conferences.. he is still above average in all subjects and still struggling with being the class clown- I told Mrs Zellmer I cant help but be a little proud- cause he is my twin! I am blessed to have him in my life, there truly is not a day that goes by that he doesn't make me bust up laughing and take a deep breath of gratitude for having a son like him.. I couldn't ask for a better son and best friend! Love you Parker.. and stay away from the naked chicken nuggets.. ha ha .. I cant wait to tell him that when he gets older!

Winterfest 2011

2011-01-29T12:31:00.001-08:00

We met up with the Call family today (after the boys won their basketball) at the Ogden Winterfest! It was a fun activity to do on a Saturday afternoon- they have a ton of food vendors and bring in snow and cover all of 25th street.. they had snowmobile races and horses pulling skiers and sleds.. at the top of 25th you could tube or cross country ski or snow shoe! Parker, Carter, Terry and Cambree all tried the tubes--while Christy and I were the picture takers and Calee sat in the stroller! Parker only went down once- said it wasn't fast enough.. but the others had a fun time! We only stayed for a few hours but it was fun to at least see all the commotion and be apart of the Winterfest :)

3 on 1

2011-01-29T12:19:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday Parker and his friends Carter and Micah wanted to go over to the church and practice some basketball... but Parker wanted his Gramps to come and play too! It was so fun watching my Dad try to teach Parker how to move the ball around and help the boys learn extra stuff.. they played 2 games- the boys against the Grandpa! My mom came over and watched them all play and my Dad taught them all how to play Horse! I love that my Dad is so active and can keep up with Parker and teach him things that Parker is missing out on- by not having his Dad around- I am thankful for my Dad and all that he does for our family- from holding the Priesthood down to playing a little basketball on a Saturday afternoon!

Productive Monday..

2011-01-18T15:47:00.000-08:00

I was a BUSY busy girl yesterday.. ok maybe my DAD was busy too! I decided to paint my bathroom wall a BRIGHT turquoise.. I LOVE it..

Next came the front room... I love the one side of my front room.. but the wall facing it is just PLAIN.. I couldn't think of anything I really wanted to do as far as decorations.. so I decided to PAINT it a lovely Mediterranean Sun (is what its called) orange color.. umm the picture doesn't give it justice.. I just stare at it.. I AM IN LOVE!

So I have been SEARCHING for a cool computer desk.. so my mom, son Parker and I headed to the D.I on Saturday.. and I didn't find the desk.. but I found this awesome end table! It was $5 and was pretty scary looking! I sanded it all up.. primed it with spray paint primer and then spray painted it and roughed up the edges a bit and then stained it with a walnut color stain- and added a cute little knob! I love it.. now I am on the hunt for a cool lamp and some old books.. I had a very productive Monday!! Thanks to the best dad in the world.. for helping his daughter paint!!

Sledding,Basketball, & Gma G

2011-01-16T21:24:00.000-08:00

Parker started to build a little snow man on Saturday and just when he was getting started the Hellewell's called and invited us to go sledding.. I am unprepared because I haven't bought Parker any snow pants this season.. so we tripled up on his pants and headed out to the hills! Parker and Jacob laughed the whole time.. they even tried going down the huge hill without a sled- this was the main reason why Parker got soaked from head to toe! We played for a few hours and then headed home for some HOT chocolate!

This is a cool fireman made out of Lego's.. Parker was amazed by this.. another reason why I need to take him to Lego Land.. THIS YEAR!!

Parker started basketball a few weeks ago.. he loves playing! His coach is his friend Carter's dad and 4 out of the 6 boys are in Parker's scout group and the 2 other boys go to school with Parker! He enjoys playing ball and is learning more each game..

Parker wanted this Kermit hat from Walmart.. he has been wearing it nonstop! He wears it shifted to the one side.. we all call him lil' gangsta.. today while visiting my parents .. My cute mom put the hat on and posed for the camera.. haha I love this photo of her and Parker!

19 years ago...

2011-01-03T21:14:00.000-08:00

Today marked the 19th year that our Brenda has been gone.. each year we meet at the cemetery and my Dad makes ice candles and we light them- say a family prayer.. and FREEZE our butts off! This was the first year that it was only the siblings and my parents (and Katie, Cooper, Gentry and Parker) the in laws all couldn't make it.. it was odd too stand around and see us- just the kids to our parents and missing our sister/daughter. The family circle was smaller.. but I could still feel her with us.. I love that my Dad is so strong and can say a powerful prayer to let Brenda know that we miss her, we love her and think of her daily! Afterwards Brad and Kelly left and my parents had plans- so my sister and I went to Olive Garden with Parker.. (we left before my parents.. not knowing their car battery was dead.. luckily there were workers close by to help them- since they don't ever carry their cell phone) Sitting at Olive Garden I was laughing at Parker and talking with my sister and cant help but WONDER about what it would be like if she was here with us today.. the older I get- the harder it is for me not having her in my life. How grateful I am for the knowledge that families are forever.. We will always gather on January 3rd to remember an amazing girl.. and I pray it continues even after I am gone.. the grandkids have been raised doing this tribute and look forward to getting to know Brenda and honoring her through the family.. The loss of a child is so hard.. I cannot imagine the pain.. I am so thankful my parents stayed strong and are still together today. I love my family!

Let the good times roll.. see ya later 2010

2011-01-01T09:20:00.000-08:00

Happy NEW years! Yesterday we had a fun day! We started it off by going to our new favorite place.. Color Me Mine! Parker invited Sage to come with us and of course Gma came too! Parker chose to paint a bank that is a fire truck, Gma painted a tumbler, and Sage painted a ice cream cup and spoon- I just supervised! Then it was time for N.Y.E to begin.. we went and bought some fireworks and kept busy until midnight! We ate food ALL NIGHT long- played a new game called banana-grams, played Xbox and Kinect- watched Despicable Me and built LEGOS.. and then it was time! It was FREEZING cold outside, so we bundled all up.. watched the Ball drop in NYC and then went outside and froze our butts off for 30 minutes all while screaming "Happy NEW YEAR" at the top of our lungs.. our neighbors hate us, I am sure.
This year has been pretty good to us- nothing major has happened, which is good! We hope for health and happiness for all of our family this year in 2011 and that Parker and I can continue to bond and love each other and enjoy the time together with "Just Us"!

Gingerbread House

2010-12-28T21:12:00.000-08:00

Parker LOVES designing his Gingerbread houses.. he is very picky on where he wants things and the colors that go with it.. I wish he was this picky when it comes to cleaning his ROOM!

Treehouse with the Hellewell's

2010-12-28T20:27:00.000-08:00

Parker's good friend Jacob and his mom Cindy and sister Lexi invited us to go to the Treehouse on Monday! It was crowded.. but they had a blast! We were there for a long.. LONG.. time but it was good for the kids to run around and burn off some energy.. especially Parker who has been glued to his Xbox since Christmas!! We love the Hellewell's and are so thankful that they are in our lives.. they have gone to the same daycare since Parker was one.. and have been best friends ever since!

Christmas 2010

2010-12-28T20:09:00.000-08:00

This year was a great year.. besides the no snow on Christmas! I got a new camera and some pans and gift cards and my sister got me and my mom tickets to go to the Hale theater with her in March!! Parker got everything he wanted.. again. Which included air soft guns, Mario toys, 6 video games for his new xbox with Kinect and a lot more CRAP! We spent Christmas eve at my sister Wendy's playing Angel Bingo and eating Chinese! Parker woke up this year at 4:45am... and would not go back to bed! My parents come over each year to watch Parker open his gifts so its more then just me and him.. but I told him he could not call him until 6:00am.. so I got in the shower and ready for the day while we waited for 6am to get here! My parents are very good sports to get up and drive over.. Parker loves seeing them Christmas morning and he will always have that memory!! Around 8:00am we headed over for breakfast with the Nye family.. everyone was so happy and in good spirits! Parker went to his Dad's later that night.. and was spoiled again from that side of the family.. no trauma this year.. everyone was very kind and Parker enjoyed it to the fullest!

Christmas HATS!

2010-12-21T08:11:00.000-08:00

2010

My sister and I have decided to take pictures every Christmas with Christmas hats! I love spending time with my sister and Mom.. we have a great friendship and I love that we have started to do this.. it will be fun to look back on all the pictures of our Christmas Hats!!

2009

Olive Garden!

2010-12-21T08:03:00.000-08:00

Olive Garden!! Parker wanted to go to dinner the other night with a friend.. So he called Sage and we all went to Olive Garden.. I love taking Parker and his friends and watching them interact.. they are both a crack up! Parker looks like Sages older brother in height and size.. so it wasn't too weird when the waitress said "your boys" are so funny.. haha.. I love Parker's friends like my own kid so it was a compliment.. but I am thankful I just have the one kid to feed!!

Santa's Lap = $2 bucks!

2010-12-12T20:04:00.000-08:00

I went out to eat dinner with some of my friends from work on Saturday so my parents took Parker to their ward Christmas party! Parker kept saying he did not want to sit on Santa's lap.. he wrote him a letter and that was good enough! Well.. his Grandma paid him $2 and wouldn't you know it.. he sat on his lap! I guess he listed EVERYTHING he wanted.. and Santa kind of chuckled and said.. "well I don't think you will get EVERYTHING you want.. but I am sure you will be happy with the things you get!" I am thankful for my parents for having such a close relationship with Parker.. and helping me out every once in a while when I have a chance to have some "alone" time! We are excited for Christmas and are counting down the days!!

Parker and his Gramps

2010-12-10T08:33:00.000-08:00

My Dad's birthday was last night.. Parker asked him what he could get him.. my Dads response was, "something expensive.. like a new car!" Parker responded with, "umm how about instead I get you something priceless!" It gave my dad a good chuckle! Then he asked.. so what are we eating for your birthday dinner.. and talked my good old pops into buying a pizza! He asked Parker to say a blessing on the food.. Parker says the best prayers- remembers things that I always forget and at the end said.. "bless that everyone has a Merry Christmas and Gramps has a MERRY birthday!" I love seeing my Dad laugh and smile of things Parker says and does.. I love seeing them together and Parker learning from his example! We are so blessed to have my Dad in our lives and pray that he is with us until he is MUCH much MUCH older!

P.S for Scouts we made picture frames and last night they had to wrap them on their own.. Parker gave his to his Grandma.. on the tag he wrote To: Gma From: Gson haha.

Color Me Mine with Aunt Wendy

2010-12-08T09:14:00.000-08:00

We have been to Color Me Mine 5 times now since the end of October.. we may be addicted. Its just such a fun place to go and be creative.. My sister wanted to make a Christmas present for her husband so we met her after work last night! Parker and I painted more ornaments and Wendy painted a mug.. she is a perfectionist! It was fun to just relax and paint and eat FRIES from McDucks! I love the time that I have with my sister and Parker LOVES her just as much!

P.S- yes Parker is wearing the shirt with all of his 2nd grade class signatures on it.. don't ask.. it was just one of those mornings where I did not argue with what he wanted to wear! love him.

Swimming in December!

2010-12-08T09:08:00.000-08:00

Parker's friend Jacob had a party at the swimming pool in Clearfield! He is the one hiding under his green shirt! Parker LOVES the water and was in heaven.. Every time I see a picture of Parker around his friends I am still amazed at how much taller he is then his friends.. he looks like the older brother.. but in fact he is younger then all of them by a good 6 months! I love that it doesn't bother him and he is a sweet kid who has always been good about sharing and helping others! Jacob's mom asked me to help drive the kids to the pool.. it was fun to watch them play and then walk outside to the cold weather.. we will go back for sure this winter!

Dear Ellen..

2010-12-08T09:03:00.000-08:00

Dear Ellen.. can you give us a new car.. cause we deserve it. Love, Kari and Parker

Yes I took these while driving! I know.. I am horrible.. but it was a MILE STONE and I had to document it! I called my Dad the minute it rolled over and told him to PROMISE me the Camry would still last a good 3-4 years.. at least until Parker is done having to go to a sitters before and after school and in the summer.. cause until then.. this mom is BROKE and cant afford a car payment.. like a good Dad does.. he reassured me.. and the weight lifted off my shoulders.. I love having my Dad and his mechanical skills and always reminding me to change my oil and rotate my tires.. and by reminding me.. I mean DOING IT FOR ME.. I love him!

Christmas craft CRAZINESS with Scouts!

2010-12-02T21:10:00.001-08:00

So.. we decided to have the boys make a Christmas Craft for their loved ones.. I decided to do it at my house instead of hauling all of the stuff to the church.. WOW.. boys are MESSY and LOUD! The boys had a great time being creative.. We gave ourselves an hour thinking the boys would take their time and be PERFECT little painters.. but they were done within a HALF HOUR! So while we cleaned up the boys continued their creativeness with Lego's! Ashley loved my leg lamp.. so we had to take a picture! It was a great night and I am excited for the finished projects.. next week.. they are learning how to wrap their gifts and doing a service project.. at the church! ;)

Thanksgiving/Christmas over due post

2010-12-01T20:43:00.000-08:00

Christmas is HERE... I love this time of year.. here are a few pics of some of my favorite things.. Notice Tony's Stocking.. My mom had a friend make all of these stockings one year and I still have Tony's.. Parker wanted to keep it.. he has hung it up every year.. ha ha.. too bad Santa never fills it!

This years Thanksgiving craft.. it still not complete yet.. I still need to add some fake snow on the Snowman and a little scarf.. here is your picture Aunt Margie!

Parker loves the mouse Granny painted for everyone years ago.. while I was decorating.. he decided to get creative and make his own mouse! I love his imagination.. A Sudafed box, Push pins, rubber string and molding clay.. and wooden beads to add thickness to the tail!! I love it!

Thanksgiving was very nice.. My sister Wendy is a great cook and her and Mark's home is just the right size so for several years we have held Turkey Day in Kaysville! This year Parker got to have his cousins there too so he was stuck being the only young kid! It was nice.. we ate great food, made our crafts and ate amazing pies! I wasn't good with my picture taking skills.. in fact I only took these pics and forgot the rest of the day!!

Everyone was at Thanksgiving this year besides Kiersten and Bronson.. we missed them a lot! Sorry for the long post! I have been too busy getting Christmas together!!

Cousins

2010-11-21T19:03:00.001-08:00

Parker called Cooper today to come to Granny's house.. these boys LOVE each other and always have such a great time together! I am thankful Parker has a cousin his same age and pray that they always can be close and create more and more memories!!

He is an official...WOLF

2010-11-18T20:38:00.001-08:00

Parker earned his WOLF badge tonight at Pack night! He has worked so hard the last 6 months to earn his wolf! I love being in Scouts with Parker and have enjoyed learning about the Scouting program. We got a new Cub Master in our Pack, Camille Brown. She did her first pack night tonight.. she did such a GREAT job! They did the silly cheers, a flag ceremony and even a SKIT! The boys did a awesome job and I love that the Pack nights are going to actually have a program! Parker can't stop talking about what a fun night it was.. I am very proud of Parker and I hope he continues being excited about the Scout program and earns his Eagle! Great job buddy.. I LOVE YOU!

Scout Pegs~

2010-11-18T13:11:00.000-08:00

For Pack Night we found a ladder in the church closet that each step determines where they are in the Scout program.. Bobcat, Wolf, Bear, Weeblo.. so the boys will put their little scout figure on the step that they are on.. Tonight Parker will move from being a Bobcat to a Wolf!! He is so excited... Along with the ladder thing we found the little Scout people.. it looked like they would just paint over the name each time a boy would leave or come into Scouts, so I told our new Scout Master I would take them home and write our boys names on them.. well I just decided to start over.. so I went and bought some supplies and made some last night! Instead of painting the yellow scarf, I just cut little scarfs from yellow material and tied them on the little peg! I think they turned out pretty cute.. the example of the old and new are below (the one with the name Logan is what I made.. Trevor is the old edition) Now when the boys leave Cub Scouts they can take their little Scout pegs along with them!!

Friends and Toads

2010-11-16T08:30:00.000-08:00

I decided to take Parker to Toads for family night.. and he decided it would be better if a friend came along for the ride! Adam is his friend from our old ward/neighborhood.. every time Parker plays with Adam he realizes how much he misses the old neighborhood and all the kids that he could go and play with all night long! They had so much fun at Toads.. I told Parker if he would help me out more at home.. we could go there more often! They each had $10 to spend on games.. and that lasted for over an hour.. so I was happy about the cost and they were happy with all the tickets they won! Afterwards we went out for ice cream and then headed home! I am thankful that Adam is such a good friend to Parker and glad that even if they don't see each other for weeks.. that they can pick up right where they left off and laugh all night long!

CrAzY HaT...take 2

2010-11-11T22:20:00.000-08:00

So this is the 2nd year we have had "CraZy Hat DaY" at Pioneer.. Last year Parker wanted a "Spring into Action hat" and we got really into it.. this year- we were a bit LAZY! We decided to just hot glue puff balls onto a ugly snow hat! He is excited to wear it tomorrow to school.. and it was simple and way less work then last year- so that's a plus!!

Report Card

2010-11-11T22:05:00.000-08:00

Parker is LOVING 3rd grade.. I am so thankful for his desire to do his homework and attend school! I was suppose to go to Las Vegas with some co workers/friends.. I was going to pull Parker out of school so he could stay the weekend with our friends in Idaho Falls, who he LOVES and begs to go stay with.. when he found out he would miss 2 days of school.. that plan was out! He said he couldn't miss school.. there is spelling tests, art work and FRIENDS he would miss! I am thankful for his love of school.. I am sad I didn't go to Vegas.. but amazingly/sadly I have never left Parker more then just a few times over night in the past 8 yrs.. so I think I was a little more nervous about it then him! We met his 3rd grade teacher Mrs. Zellmer for parent teacher conference.. she showed us his end of 2nd grade testing cards.. he is doing so well.. he is above the normal range!! He was asked to work on some things though.. like NOT talking out of his turn.. or trying to make the kids LAUGH by doing funny nosies etc.. I figure if the worse thing is him being the class clown.. we can deal with that.. he is SO MUCH LIKE ME!!!

Sunday Lessons

2010-11-08T20:38:00.001-08:00

I was asked to share an experience in Relief Society of a time when Parker has taught me a lesson. At first I was stumped and then I remembered a blog entry from April about the time when Parker forgave his dad.. so I thought.. easy enough, I will print out that entry and just read it! Perfect..easy..Done! Ha ha ha.. if only! I stood up to talk to the room filled with women, some I know.. some I don't know.. and there are maybe only a few that even know about Parker's Dad or my situation... I started with the first sentence.. and the TEARS STARTED FLOWING! I seriously stood there for way longer then I had ever planned.. and I am not sure anyone could make out what I was even trying to say.. I realized then how thankful I am for my calling in SCOUTS! The Spirit was so strong and I just could not get it together.. anytime I talk about Parker and heartache he has gone through makes me emotional.. I thought by reading it I would have an easier time... LESSON LEARNED!So with that experience of embarrassment and wishing I would have not answered that call on Friday so I wouldn't have had to talk.. Parker had a great experience in Primary! They gave him a badge that had stickers inside of it.. The badge meant Secret Agent..he was to go around and do things for others and when he was done he would place a smiley face sticker for the person to find to let them know he was there! He was so excited to do this! We went over to my parents right after church.. before Parker even came inside he secretively went to the back and got a rake and seriously raked up all the leaves in the backyard for his Grandpa.. Gramps caught him in the middle of the act and was so happy and pleased with Parker.. Parker was on cloud nine! He left his sticker on the rake handle so the next time Gramps uses it, he will be reminded of Parker's good deed!

Saturday's Entertainment = TreeHouse Museum

2010-11-08T20:30:00.001-08:00

It seems as though Parker wants to do something EVERY weekend... whether its Color Me Mine.. or bowling or a movie.. and it seems like I always give in.. this week = Treehouse. We brought his buddy Jacob along and we spent 3 hours doing crafts, exploring, playing chess and acting, Parker was a bunny and Jacob was a bird.... they LOVE being in the plays that they have there.. Its a fun place, I hadn't been for a while.. and hope to go back soon!

3rd grade..

2010-11-03T18:39:00.000-07:00

Some of Parker's favorite things about 3rd grade so far..

1- Art

2- Math

3- Geometry

4- Mrs. Zellmer

5- Books

6- Computer Lab

7- Library Day

8- Recess

9- Lunch

10- P.E

So as you can see...... he LOVES it all.. LOVES SCHOOL.. so thankful for that!

P.S I need to scan th picture in to the computer..instead of taking a picture of a picture. HA!

Scouts...

2010-11-02T07:28:00.000-07:00

Last week for Scouts we carved PuMpKiNs.. the boys had a great time!

Awkward Stage

2010-10-20T08:14:00.000-07:00

My friend was over the other night.. Parker came down the stairs and said.. "My mom said I am in the awkward stage!"... his teeth were all out over his lips and he was talking with a lisp.. we busted up laughing at him... How I love him and his teeth!

While the kids away.. MOM played!

2010-10-16T08:44:00.000-07:00

Last night I went out to eat with Kamri, Beth, Rachelle and Stacey! I met some of these chicas almost 10 yrs ago while working at the Cancer Center and we have been friends ever since! Our little Kamarito... that's what I like to call her.. is moving next week with her cute little family down to St George to work in the new Gammawest Tomotherapy Center.. she is a very smart Dosimetrist.. who makes bank! (yes. I may be jealous.) I love her and have so many great memories of working together for so long.. We have been friends through my pregnancy with Parker.. and I with her two kids Cru and Max.. I was at her wedding.. wheeled her out to her car on days when she was sick.. or when she was huge and prego, I would wheel her up to her Dr. Appts! She is a hoot.. and I will miss seeing her.. but am thankful she will still be working for GammaWest and now I have another place I can go to visit!! We all went to the Union Grill and chatted for over 3 hours.. when it was time to go we decided to take some pictures.. have you ever tried to get 5 peoples heads into a picture while one person is stretching their arm out to take it.. haha.. after a few tries we realized.. this is as good as it will get!

Painting, Eating and Playing

2010-10-16T08:26:00.001-07:00

I had Friday off of work because Parker was out of school.. so we planned a fun filled day! His friend Jacob slept over and in the morning we ate some breakfast and headed out the door with Granny to "Color Me Mine" (its a place on 25th st) where you can pick a ceramic out to paint and then you come back in a week and they will have glazed and fired it.. we are so excited to see out treasures! Next stop was CHINESE food.. which is NOT MY FAVORITE at all.. but it was Parker's day and Jacob and him both LOVE it.. so I nibbled on some stinking rice, I took one for the team. Then Jacobs mom invited Parker to go to the Dinosaur Park trick or treating activity that night and so we headed out to buy his costume. For a year Parker has wanted to be Santa Claus.. but changed his mind last week to be a Halo Gun guy.. lame.. but it was easier to find! My friend Ashley found a FREE kids zone in Perry that has a small maze and a slide for kids to play on.. so we headed there and spent an hour of our day! The boys had a great time and we were gone all day having fun! I haven't had one of those days for a long time with Parker, where its just non stop.. and I am glad we had a day off so we could! Love HIM!

October FUN

2010-10-13T10:26:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin Carving...

Notice George the cat.. always by his brothers side.. ;)

Katie's Baptism...

2010-10-11T13:42:00.000-07:00

Our sweet niece/cousin got baptized on Saturday, October 9th! We are so proud of Katie and for taking the initiative in going to church and asking to be baptized. My dad would teach her, Parker and Cooper when Parker was getting ready to get baptized.. and he continued to teach Katie until now. She loves to go to church! At her baptism my brother Bronson gave a great talk on the Holy Ghost and my Dad talked about baptism.. I looked around the room and realized every single one of my family members were there.. what an overwhelming feeling. A lot of our family are inactive and to see them all come together and participate and support Katie was a wonderful feeling.. My Dad had Katie stand up and face the room.. so she realized how many family and friends loved her and supported her.. he even got a little teary eyed talking about it! My Dad baptized Katie and confirmed her.. Wendy gave the closing prayer, it was so powerful.. it was hard for her to compose herself, I think the Spirit was so strong that emotions were just flowing! I love my family. I am thankful for each and everyone of them. For their faults and their strengths. I love being the youngest and being able to learn from my siblings and to feel my families love for each other that day was so overwhelming, such a strong feeling. We have differences in views of the way we live our lives, or maybe what we believe in.. but I know no matter what I will always love each of them and I am thankful they are my FAMILY!

Troop 496 at North View Fire Station

2010-10-07T19:47:00.000-07:00

Tonight we had our FIRST field trip as Scouts! We had the opportunity to go to the Firehouse and have Carter's dad, Terry give us a V.I.P tour!! The boys had a great time and Terry did an excellent job explaining everything.. Ashley and I had a great night as well and learned a lot! Thanks Terry for being such a great example to the boys.. we had a great time!

Silly Bands.

2010-10-07T19:32:00.000-07:00

Parker has been seeing our friend (also the Bishops wife) Shannon for foot zoning.. she is helping him with some of his fears.. anyways.. we were sitting there as she was zoning his foot and he was playing with his Silly Bands. He held one out and said "is this our Church" and it was a cross symbol.. I kinda giggled because I was surprised to see a cross in the bands.. we explained what it meant.. then he showed us one that said GOD and then WWJD.. Shannon kind of looked at me.. and I was like "where on earth did you get these bands?".. there were also doves and angels.. we were just laughing because usually the silly bands are of dinosaurs, or skateboards.. more kid stuff.. to my surprise.. Granny Nye bought them for him..which apparently was a Catholic pack..haha.. which made it even funnier! Oh how I love my boy and his silly expressions and curious questions! Thanks mom for making me and Shannon giggle today.. it may just have been funny to us.. but I thought I would still share!

Puppies and Family time with the Call's

2010-09-29T10:09:00.000-07:00

My sisters dog had Yorkie puppies!! They are so freaking adorable! They brought them over on Sunday so everyone could snuggle with them.. Parker wants to take one home, but he said for just a day or two!

On Saturday my good friend Rachelle got married! While I was busy helping her with final touches Parker went over to Carter's house to play! Christy called me to tell me that they took the kids to the Harvest Moon festival on 25th street.. Parker was so stinking excited to go! He had asked me earlier that day if he could go, but I told him I wouldn't have time and we would go next year.. so I was so happy to hear that he ended up being able to go.. I stole these pictures from the Call's blog.. but I had to show how much fun Parker had that day! He loves spending time with them and adores Carter's sisters.. thanks again Terry and Christy for letting Parker tag along with you guys.. your the best!

Class Picture

2010-09-22T13:13:00.000-07:00

Mrs. Zelmer and Parker's 3rd grade class.. he is LOVING school so far and I am very thankful for this.. he is still terrifed of tornados.. which is making me nuts.. but other then that Life is GOOD!

Fat Cats!

2010-09-22T10:41:00.000-07:00

Parker and I met our friends Becky, Eli, and Isaac at Fat Cats for pizza and games! I have always known who Becky was because she is married to my best friend Kristin's brother Justin.. but recently got to know her better through her battle with cancer. She would come in everyday for treatment and share personal stories and just day to day talk with me and my coworkers. I immediatly fell in love with her boys and with her! Through all of this she started a foundation called "Anything for a Friend" and raises money for other cancer patients.. she is truly amazing! We didnt realize WSU was having a huge event at the Junction in Ogden the same night we went to Fat Cats.. so it was a little crazy! The boys played games, went and watched I-fly, ate pizza and had hats and guns made out of balloons! Parker had a great time.. and I LOVED spending time with Becky.. she is a hoot!

Parker's trait from the Nye's

2010-09-08T12:28:00.000-07:00

....... the size of his head! Parker went to his friends Adam's 10th birthday party.. he had a blast! I was looking at the pictures his mom posted this morning and busted up laughing... LOOK AT THE SIZE of his stinking HEAD! Oh I love him.. he is such a funny boy!

A cake.. from a friend named BLAINE

2010-09-07T20:35:00.001-07:00

When I left Parker's dad.. I kept counting the days of my life as "being single" when I hit the one year mark.. my friend Blaine made me a cake.. to remind me to CELEBRATE my freedom and being single.. and that my life was better now vs. then.. this cake made my whole year!! Sitting at work last week.. my friend Blaine surprised me at work.. carrying this cake! Seriously tears came to my eyes.. for one, because I barley recognized him because he has lost 50 lbs recently and for two.. because he is such a busy guy and he and his wife took the time out of their day to make me the BEST chocolate cake EVER.. it says.. Tony SUCKS x 7!

( Blaine with his cute son George...and of course the CAKE!)

I cannot believe that it has been SEVEN years. I remember the years as they passed 1, 2, ..5.. and I was in disbelief that I was STILL single.. and seeing the x7 on the cake brought me to tears! My friend Blaine has always given me amazing advice (his Masters degree is Psychology is helpful too) when I see him, there is always a FLOOD of emotion.. he knows me and we rarely even talk now that we don't work together... life gets TOO busy, but still he knows my insecurities, my fears. I started to tear up thinking about all the things that Blaine has done in the past 7 years.. he went to China and taught English, he got married, has 2 beautiful boys, finished a Masters degree, lost 50 lbs and competed in a triathlon.. more then once..just to name a few! I started to COMPARE myself.. He chuckled at me and was like "Kari, your a mom.. you have raised Parker.. you have been stable for him, provided a home and have given your life to him".. it didn't really make me feel better at the time.. ( and he shared more inspiring words that I can't really articulate) but I just wanted to be able to say a list of things I have done in the 7 yrs of being single.. but as I looked at the past 7 years I realized that my "list" is perfect.. at least for me. Yes, I would love to say that I have a Masters degree, married, have more kids and traveled the world (I would do that instead of the triathlons..lol) but I cannot compare.. I can only be thankful for the things that I have and for the amazing son that I am raising! Blaine-Star,-as I like to call him- always makes me re look at my life, my goals, my dreams.. I seriously wish I could fold him up and store him in my pocket..so everyday I could unwrap him and hear his wisdom and kind, encouraging words! My problem, which Blaine points out very clearly.. is that I am not ready to love.. because I do not love myself yet.. and this is what I need to work on.. so after I ate the biggest piece of CAKE.. I wrote down some goals.. now lets see if I can follow through with them this time! I LOVE Blaine and for the friendship that I have with him.. everyone needs a friend or two like him.. its a MUST!!

Can it be true..

2010-08-25T08:01:00.000-07:00

3rd GRADE.. can you BELIEVE it! I told him I was going to take pictures at the bus stop.. he sorta rolled his eyes and said "are you serious".. but I proceeded to tell him that I will ALWAYS take his picture the first day of school.. and possibly even still be going to the bus stop until high school.. and then winked at him! He was cute at the bus stop, so excited to start school and be taught by Mrs. Zelmer.. he had his football in hand so he could play with his friends at recess.. oh to be young again! My mom came to give Parker a big hug at the bus stop too... he was surprised to see her! He is growing up fast.. it wont be too long and he will be in a math class that I totally cannot help him with... oh who am I kidding... that could be this year!! Love ya my grown up little man!!

Flag FOOTBALL..

2010-08-24T19:34:00.000-07:00

Parker started flag football this week.. They play every Tuesday and Thursday for an hour and then have a practice for 1 1/2 hrs after the game.. I thought Parker would DIE of exhaustion.. but he LOVES it! I think football just might be his favorite sport.. next year he is doing tackle and is already counting the days for that! The coach is really great with them and is super positive and educates them on all the positions and plays.. Parker is learning a lot. After the game and practice the coach told all the kids to go run down to the end of the park and circle the pine tree and RUN all the way back.. I was kinda worried.. Parker is double the size of most of the kids.. but he took off running and he was 1 of the 3 kids that RAN the whole way.. and it was pretty dang far! It was a great self esteem booster for him! He is being aware of how much water he is drinking and trying to eat better so he can condition harder.. it's so cute to watch him get excited and motivated.. I love watching him be active in sports and enjoy being apart of team sport.. he is a great teammate and works hard! I look forward to the rest of the games and cheering him on from the sidelines!!