Parker's Big Friends!

Parker is a hit wherever he goes.  Slowly he is warming up to the newcomers in his life.  I love watching some of our neighbors and friends and what they do when they see them.  Here are a few that I have noticed and consider them Parker's BIG friends:

Kevin - Every time he see's Parker you can hear him call out his name from anywhere in the church building and Parker is always eager to respond with a quick turn of the head and a grin.  Kevin frequently follows this up with a reference to Manny Ramirez and how Parker likes "Manny".  Other than the long hair that Parker is starting to get,Parker looks more like a catcher than anything else.

Brad - Brad burst on the scene at an Emery basketball game as Parker gravitated to a bright gold shirt that he was wearing.  Ever since then Brad will take every chance he can to hold him and play with him.

Bishop  - Parker is slowly warming up to Bishop.  Perhaps it is because Bishop has been keeping an eye on his neck and making sure its working properly.  In the process of this he has used a little physical therapy that Parker didn't seem to enjoy initially.  Perhaps this is how Parker's going to learn the tough lesson of being corrected. 

Marty - Marty is still working his way in.  It doesn't help that the instant Parker starts crying he is handed over to mom or day but his heart is in the right place.  Marty's frequent visits make him a familiar face.

Cowboy Rod - Rod became a big friend by the times he spent in the hallways at church with Parker.  Rod's hands were always full with his boy but always found time for Parker

President Sharp - President Sharp doesn't miss an opportunity to hold Parker and even gave a talk at Stake Conference in which Parker and another little boy were the object lessons.  

I don't know what is more enjoyable, watching Parker's reaction or the reactions of his new "Big Friends".  Whatever the case it's nice to know that others are watching and looking after him.

PRICELESS PARKER PICS

A gift from a "FOOL"

I have never had an April fool's day like this before.  Parker was a little out of sorts and I needed to get out of the house.  At about 4:30 I was thinking, "Where is Devin?  I need a break!"  I proceed to call and call and call one more time, but of course no answer.  About 20 minutes later in walks Devin with his April Fool's joke.  He has beautiful flowers and a card in his hand.  "Happy April Fool's Day," he says.  "I figured this "fool"  could do something thoughtful since I don't do it very often."  Then to top it off,  after dinner, he took Parker to his planning and zoning meeting to that I could have a moment of quiet time to myself and go for a run.  I was the most wonderful April Fool's day trick ever!  Love Him!

So I started thinking this morning as I was laying in bed listening to Parker babble, about what a fool Devin ISN'T!  Sure he has his moments like every guy does, but all in all he is one of the most thoughtful and genuine people you will ever meet!  Over the course of our dating, engagement, and now 4 1/2 years of marriage he has given me more than I could ever ask for! He has always put us first and been so thoughtful in his giving!  I pulled out a couple flashback pictures during our time dating and the fun surprises he always had waiting for me.  Thanks honey, for the April Fools.  I'm glad you married this FOOL!

Ring  Pops and the "M" word

 

Fishing night movie in the boat

100 reasons I love you Cedar Breaks Sunset

Eight is GRRRRREAT!

I thought that by this time I would be writing about the new milestones of crawling, or walking, maybe a ma ma or da da, or a tooth or two, but I am just happy to report that Parker made it to 8 months on March 24, 2009!  He has survived with us this long, and has many more months to come.  I am happy that he is still needing me to take him places instead of me chasing him everywhere.   He does enjoy pulling himself up to a standing position using my fingers, and taking his little baby steps. He hasn't figured out that other things work to help him up, too.  

We are happy that he continues to be his healthy, chubby self and are content to know that his milestones will come at his own pace!

March Madness to March Sadness

                     

March Madness barreled into our home with much hype and anticipation.  The Utes, Cougars, and the Buckeyes had all made the tournament and surely not all would disappoint.  In our excitement Parker sported his "fan apparel" in honor of the diversity of teams that we support.  This was the second time unveiling the Ute shirt (1st being the Sugar Bowl back in January).  The Cougar shirt appeared after collecting moth balls in the closet (and perhaps could have stayed that way).

Our March madness soon would turn to "March Sadness" as each one of these teams bowed out in the opening round of the tournament.  But as true fans we will stick by our teams through thick and thin.  Maybe next year we will need to pick some new teams that won't disappoint (and increase our odds and wardrobe).

Routines

Growing up I had my routines.  I would eat the same breakfast based on the day of the week (bless my mom).  I watched some of my favorite athletes and they seemed to have their routines.   I would later serve a mission and found myself in routines.  I find great comfort in routines but struggle to keep myself in them.  As of late Melissa and I have begun a new routine.  Here is our routine:

9 PM - Parker get his version of a late night snack

9:30 PM - We give Parker a bath

9:45 PM -  Reading from the Book of Mormon (Parker has his own book in hand to not     feel left out)

10 PM - Say night prayers, turn the humidifier on, turn the Primary hymns on

10:02 PM - Parker gets his "Night noogie" from dad (more to come later), kisses from              mom and dad good night and mom lays Parker to bed.

10:07PM - Parker temporarily asleep while listening to the Primary hymns for the     10th time.  Mom closes door behind her bidding her son "sweet dreams"

Don't Mess!

Don't be fooled, Sumo wrestling might be in the near future!

In honor of Cousin Carter, "You wanna piece of me?"

Good Grief!

Wore "little Charlie" right out

"You are boring" reminded our sister- in- law Cammie referring to our sparatic blogging as of late.  Admittedly she is right.  Things of late have been rather mundane.  Mundane if you consider that Parker just sits in the middle of the floor, plays with toys, and cries everytime he flops over.   Mundane if you consider the hot topic around the din

ner table is why our water has turned brown.  Mundane yes if you consider examining Parker's little sore on his head and thinking of every possible remedy as if we were the next "Doogie Howser."  Not having sweets for the month of February also slows things down a bit around the house.  Mundane?  You be the judge!  

Well Cammie, thanks to you and your little "meowzers" this mundaneness came to a halt a couple of days ago.  A night out to the High School Performance of "Snoopy" seemed to bring    (gvb - sorry Parker was a little offended at us calling him mundane so he put in his little tidbits) us back to life.  Parker attempted to steal the show by doing his best to look like Charlie Brown but was thwarted in his effort by his cousin Cali w

ho

 entertained him.  Parker did rather well until about intermission when he started practicing his own lines which caused an early exit for dad as well.

As for the play itself may I echo the words of Charlie Brown, "good grief"!  Good grief it was good.   It was fun, funny, and even inspiring at moments.  Give it to the high schoolers to spice things up!  Thanks to all who brought us out of our mundane world!  Good grief!

vghglg@ (no parker you are not boring, its those parents of yours, especially that one who looks like Sally) alf984 (no dad, I said Linus not Sally).  Good grief!

Just enjoying the show with cousin Cali

Where's my popcorn?

Grandma Glenna

On March 2, I was thinking so much about Grandma Glenna.  It is crazy how time flies and how much change occurs in such a short time.  I wanted to write a little note to say how much I love her and miss her being here.  It's hard to think that Parker doesn't get to be with her here, but I believe that she took care of him before he came to us.  She had to get him ready and he needed to get to know her before he entered our home on earth.  

Grandma was always taking care of us and supporting us in everything we did.  Grandpa and she would travel to all our games and cheer their hearts out.  Grandma usually got so nervous that she had to pace around the gym.  

While growing up, they picked us up from school every day.  Before going home we HAD to get a treat.  It was either a stop at Swift's for a candy bar a drink, or over to Fausett's for an ice cream cone with sprinkles.  These things were a small showing of her constant giving heart.  

I am always reminded of her sweet and beautiful face as I walk into our office.  Her young, beautiful drawing the was done for her was given to me before she died.  When I was little I would always look at it in her and house and say that I wanted to keep it.  She honored that wish and now it hangs in my house today as a constant reminder of her and who she is as one amazing woman of God.

I love you Grandma and can't wait to be with you again!

    

Is there any of Mom in there?

Lately I have been wondering if this child is all his dad.  Everyone says that he looks more and more like Devin.  I think the only me he has is his impatience when he wants something and can't get it himself.  The rest of the time he has a calm, happy attitude like Dad, too.  I will always remember that I did give birth to this kid and remind him of that each day, even if he doesn't look like me.  

I did find a couple of pictures recently of me when I was blessed and decided to put them to the test.

Maybe I need to come to terms that it is okay that he is his dad's son!