Christmas!!

December is always a busy month for us. We love preparing for Christmas and enjoy all of the festivities that come with it. We were fortunate to see Ben's family and extended family a lot. We were in Kalona 3 times in December to celebrate Christmas with his family. Parker loved the food, snacks, presents and play time with cousin's. His favorite thing he got was a Nala and Simba stuffed animal....and airplanes. His expressions were priceless and wish I had captured them on camera. He was so happy. He got a lot of cool things and was grateful for everything he got.

We also visited Santa at our local library, had movie night at Jr. Theatre, they played the movie The Polar Express, complete with lemonade, and pizza...just $6 for the whole family. Parker finished his first basketball season.....in which he did awesome. He scored every game and improved so much by the end of the season....we are so proud of him. He is looking forward to winter basketball in a few weeks.

One of my highlights was watching Parker preform at his school Christmas concert. He and his class had worked hard to memorize 6 songs. He was apprehensive to do it....he had asked 4 times that morning if he could stay home....I think he was experiencing a little stage fright....which totally sounds like me. I hated doing stuff like that, being in the spotlight is not something I enjoyed as a kid or do I enjoy it now....After some coaxing from dad and a promise that I would not look at him during his performance he agreed to do it. He did awesome....I video taped it too.....:) He later told me he had fun and glad that he did it. Afterwards they had cookies and I couldn't resist taking pictures....

Dad took a lunch break and came to watch Parker....he was so happy to see his dad!!!

Parker and one of his best friends from school.

Parker and his teachers....Mrs. J is his favorite (far right) "She is super nice and never yells or gets mad." She has been gone on medical leave for a month and he is dying to have her back....hopefully after the new year!! And Mrs. B is his other favorite (in the middle).

Parker performing with his class and the AM Pre-school class. Loved hearing them sing Felitz Navidad.


Parker woke up Christmas day and saw that Santa ate the cookies and drank the milk and left him lots of cool gifts. He got some How to train your Dragon, dragons...including one that makes noised when he flies. He also got a bunch of art supplies, paint, colored pencils, coloring books, ect. and a lot of play-do. He is really into stuffed animals now, do Santa also left him a lion and a puppy from build a bear.

The best part of all of this was that we were able to do it all with family. My sister flew home and Parker was in heaven....he loves his Aunt Rocky. We went shopping, saw MI:4, Rock took Parker to see the Chipmunk movie, and so many more fun and exciting things. We also reflected on the birth of Christ and how important this holiday is, as we can celebrate His birth.

Have a happy and safe New Year!!!

Preparing for Christmas....

I love the giving and receiving of Christmas cards. I enjoy hearing from friends and family who do not live close by. I like hearing about their lives and what exciting things are happening to them. I love it that Santa, sent Parker 2 Christmas cards, telling him that he has a "nice" check by his name....I loved watching his face light up. I love the simple notes in each card, as I read them or looking at their beautiful family pictures.....this is what the season is about.

I love adding new ornaments to the tree. This year Curious George made it on the tree. As well as 2 soccer ornaments and several homemade ornaments Parker made...to be featured in a different post:)

Buying and decorating the Christmas tree is a tradition we always look forward to.

I love decorating the house for Christmas....

I can't wait to share all of the fun things we did to prepare for Christmas and the festivities that come with it....until then.....Merry Christmas!!

I feel like a Shephard....

Parker has been doing/saying things lately that I don't want to forget. I have been writing them down on random pieces of paper, here are a couple...

We had a FHE activity on the Nativity. I really wanted Parker to get why we really celebrate Christmas. So....we read the Christmas Story. I have little blocks with the nativity charicters on them and used them as a visual. We had one for Mary, Jospeh and Jesus. The Wisemen, a few animals, the star and a shephard. We talked about each one and their sugificance to the birth of Christ. Every so often I would say, "We celebrate Christmas because Jesus was born." In which I would get an eye-roll from Parker....and a look of humor on ben's face. So, after the 15 minute lesson on Christ's birth, I asked the question...."So, why do we celebrate Christmas?" "Because, Santa brings us presents." seriously? "I mean Jesus was born...." Was I talking to myself for the last 15 minutes?

The next day we made cookies.....there were a few dozen on the table. Parker was in heaven! He said, "I feel like a shephard, looking after his cookies." This is by far, the best thing he has said...it made me laugh for days.

All I want for Christmas is.....

A basketball hoop and an Xbox (thanks Brooke!)

Good thing Santa has plan B.....Parker's Christmas list.

Dear Santa.....

I helped Parker write a letter to Santa. His list comsisted mostly of any fierce animal, a basketball hoop and artsy stuff. On the way home from school, he told me we needed to send another letter to Santa, because he forgot to ask for drums and a lula....."you know the thing you put on you and do this with your hips?" (as he shook his hips) ...um, Hula hoop? now. What does he need a hula hoop for? I don't know, but since he asked Santa to bring me a Range Rover, I couldn't help but add the hula hoop to his wish list:)

Thanksgiving......

Thanksgiving came and went so fast this year. We started the day off with a family favorite breakfast, skinny pancakes and cinnamon rolls. Then the baking began...Parker and I made cupcakes, apple pie, cherry and apple pie, chocolate pie and pumpkin bars.....it was fun baking with Parker, he was very excited to dig in and help.

Then we headed to my Aunt's house and had a delicious feast and played games. We had a lot of fun and laughed really hard.

I love spending the holidays with family,although I wish my sisters lived closer:( we missed them. I love Thanksgiving because it gives me an opportunity to reflect on the things I am thankful for. There is so much I have been given, so many blessings from my father in heaven.

My family is amazing. My husband and son are awesome. I have fantastic friends. I love my crazy life and try to live each moment to the fullest.

Basketball

We have been looking forward to fall sports since school started. Parker has been dying to try his foot in the sports scene. With the success that soccer brought us, we decided to try out basketball. He really enjoys the sport, but he quickly realized there is a lot more to this sport than soccer. His coaches are fabulous and really try to teach the importance of team work....they make sure all of the kids get a chance touch the ball and try to shoot it. Parker, has learned some fundamentals such as bounce passing and guarding his opponates.....it is really funny watching 10, 4 year olds running around the court with their hands in the air..... Parker along with most of the kids on his team, are really lost as of what they are suppose to be doing. Parker, is not a very aggressive player.....which he does not get from me. I get frustrated because he is just standing around and not going after the ball....part of it is that he is trying to remember to do 5 things at one time and the other is that he does not have his mother yelling at him on the court, telling him to get the ball. Last week he asked the coach if he could take a break from playing. I told him to buck up....you think Jordan ever asked for breaks....12 seconds later he was back on the court. Ben told me not to be mean.....now I get why he is not so aggressive:) it is good that he has his dad to comfort him.

On a good note....he is an excellent shooter 9/10 times he will make the basket...his teammates usually pass the ball, for him to put in the basket...and that makes me happy....He really is a good player...we don't get to practice a lot because we don't have a hoop in a yard or really no room for one....someday:) Half-way through the season and we are doing good. Go Golden Bears!!!

Very few come along as amazing as this one.....

Where do I begin? We met 6 years ago when you moved to Iowa. Ben and I delivered an invitation for a get together at my house. We chatted for a while and discovered we both had a love for scrapbooking...and thus our friendship began. You have taught me so much about exploring my creativity and have inspired me in so many ways. You have an outgoing personality that always make everyone around you glad to be your friend....including me.

Your family is amazing and soon became a part of our family. Craig, was our first active home teacher. We loved having him over, there was a certain presence he brought with each visit. I remember talking to my mom about it and she summed it up when she said, "He listens to you. He is not in a hurry or concerned about the time. When you talk he is actively listening and responding." That was it. I often joked with the EQ President when he mentioned changing the routes and I told him not to take us off of his list....I wouldn't let the new ones into my house. He thought I was kidding.....I was only 3/4 serious. We had him for 4 years and looked forward to every visit....now I don't let the new ones in:) just kidding!!!

I am grateful for the opportunity you have allowed me to watch after your children while you were out of town. I took care of them as if they were my own, often hearing the annoyance in their voices when I'd call their friend's house every 30 minutes, just to make sure they were safe and accounted for. Sometimes an occasional panic attack would occur when one was not accounted for or when they were sent to the ER. I talked to Jamie, a few months back and told her you should find another sitter because kids wander off and injure themselves when I am around. She said something comforting....like something you'd say then I remembered why I love you so much.

I am not the most outgoing person. I am quiet and like to keep to myself, and if I had a choice to go out or stay home....9/10 times I would choose to stay home. I don't have a lot of good friends and that is OK. But I have a handful of best friends that I love very much and you are one of them. You have always tried to include me. You were my friend despite my dull-self...you liked me despite the fact that I was not the most exciting person to talk to and I feel that over the past several years we have become very close. I always looked forward to spending time with you.

When I heard about this move to Texas, I remember thinking to myself....they are not going....they can't go. It didn't really hit me until I was at your house and saw all the boxes and knew that it was happening....you really are leaving. Then I got sad and have eaten chocolate every night since...thanks:)

I have many memories that I will always cherish, from crops to girls night out to family BBQ's and baseball games. And even though our lives got busy we still remained friends....even though it may have been a while between events or conversations...we remained close. You are good people.

Parker, has grown up with your kids and loves every one of them. From pestering Ella, to digging for bugs with Sydnee, to shooting hoops with Christian. Let me just talk about Christian for a minute. Ever since he has turned 12, he has been a role model for Parker. He always asks when he can pass the sacrament or if he can go on a mission like Christian and if we can read the book of Mormon like christian did.....and his testimony made me cry. It takes amazing parents to create something like that. And yet again...you inspire me.

On the way home tonight from seeing you, Parker said, "I'm like, so mad at Craig and Texas....I mean Craig is still my friend, but Texas isn't...I just don't like Texas, mom!!!" I thought....me either!

I never thought I would feel so emotional....I feel like my dog just passed away....not that I am comparing you to a dog....it just hurts a little, knowing I can't see you any time I want. I didn't think I would be this sad. I guess this is what it feels like to have a best friend. To have someone to look up to, who inspires you to be better, who cares about you and what is happening in your life. Thank you for always being there for me. I often think that I want a friend just like me...thoughtful, loving, considerate...:) and I found at least one!!! Thank you for everything!!! You have influeanced my life more than you may ever know. I have enjoyed every minute of your stay in Iowa and am excited for you and your family as you embark on this new adventure.

Safe Travels...we will see each other soon:)

Love ya!!!

Halloween Fun!!

Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. The weather is perfect and I love watching the leaves change color. There is a street on the way to Parker's school, and the trees are full of orange and red leaves....it is so beautiful driving through it.

I also love Halloween!! It is my favorite holiday!!! I love the decorating and the pumpkin carving and the dressing up...it is so fun for me.
This year Parker wanted to be a monster...the cutest monster.ever. if you ask me:) The celebration started last weekend at IP....a local pizza joint, similar to Chuck E. Cheese, but better. Parker, won the raffle and picked out a shark motorcycle. He also got a bag of goodies. He loves the bumper cars, air hockey, the dance game and Deal or no Deal.

Here he is with Ms. Incredible and his prizes!!!

We continued our celebration with trunk or treat at church.......Parker and his favorite friends.

Parker and Danyo

Ella, Avee and Parker

Fox, Parker and Emma

Carving pumpkins

School Party...with his Girlfriends:)

And then there is Trick-or-Treating!!! Which was a lot of fun!! We did good until the haunted house on Oak Street.....if you live on my side, you know what I am talking about!!! Scared the pants off of him. So, here are some fun pictures before we left....

Happy Halloween!!

Family photo shoot!!!

I have been wanting to do family pictures for a long time.....but I always had an excuse not to do it....I have been dieting for a while and wanted to be a little thinner but time was running out. So, kind of a last minute decision we decided to do it. A girl from my church took these amazing pictures of our family at Duck Creek Park.

She took a lot of pictures of Ben and I kissing or being intimate with each other...which was a little awkward for us, but we went with it....I love the picture (below) because I was suppose to kiss his cheek, but ended up laughing. It was a really fun shoot!!!

And as always Parker was ready to have his picture taken...

I wish I would have known about this girl longer...she is a Palmer student and will be leaving soon...I would have used her for the past 4 years, if I would have known she could take such great pictures!!!!