We're Here!

     Okay!  So a lot has happened since my last post.  Jared took a new career opportunity in Cedar City, Utah which had us moving here the very beginning of May.  We were really excited for a change of scenery and a new adventure, but really sad to be leaving our home and friends of 6 years, and our family! 

     We were blessed to find a wonderful family to rent our home the day we posted it "for rent" on Craigslist.  We had tons of help from friends and family with the moving process, I can't thank them all enough.  It only made it harder to leave all those good people, and our home state. 

     I was really worried about doing the 18 hour drive (that's not with a moving truck) without an extra driver to help me, and those who know me really well were worred about me too! :) but again, we were so blessed that I was completely fine and able to do what turned out to be about 23 hours of driving.  We did get 29 mph in the van too wich was awesome, yet probably not awesome enough to make up for the fact that I had to drive 50 mph most of the time behind the moving truck.  YUCK. 

     When we finally arrived in Cedar City I was pleased to find that it wasn't the barren desert land I was expecting.  Thank goodness!!!!  It's actually really beautiful.  We have done a lot of scenic drives, a little hiking and a little boating.  I am loving the sun and the heat....the DRY heat is wonderful.  Of course having air conditioning helps with that too :)  I miss the rich beauty of the Woodland/Kalama/Kelso/Longview area.  And I miss living right off the Columbia River. But as we explore this new area it is beginning to feel like home, and we are discovering a different variety of beauty.

     The people here are wonderful.  You can almost always expect someone to start up a friendly conversation with you anywhere, or at least offer a friendly smile.  We are settling into our ward as well.  I have been called as 1st Counselor in Young Women......Jared has yet to receive a calling.  I told him it was his turn to take a break :)  And my turn to get back to "work".  Oh wait, switch that!! HA HA.:) 

     We go to Play Group twice a week which is awesome.  The kids have made new friends easily which was another blessing I was hoping for.  They were really nervous (mostly Conner) about the move and making new friends, but they seem to be thriving here. 

     School starts mid-August....I am counting down the days!  We've already had a 2 1/2 month break and I am ready to get back on a schedule I enjoy.  We're still looking for a piano.   I am not letting Conner give that up.  So pray that we can find one. 

     Lily is growing like a weed.  She is so awesome!  I love, love, love her.  She likes to laugh and cuddle with mommy.  She's  definitely a mommy's girl and I am soaking in every minute of it.  I want her to stay just the way she is!  It makes me sad that she's the last one, but glad we got to end on a happy note.  She is in a hurry to be big like her brothers and sister.  She thinks she can stand on her own so she falls a lot :)  And she's thinking about the stairs lately too.

     Conner is getting baptized soon which is sort of upsetting my world a little.  Why do they have to grow so fast?!  I guess it's for the Dad's ;)  He asks lots of questions about the gospel and he is a deep thinker so we have had some really good conversations lately.  He's a great kid. 

     Jackson's current obsession is serving a mission.  No complaints here!  His favorite song that he sings and adds words to depending on what's going on around him, is "I Hope They Call Me On  a Mission".  He often asks Jared about his mission.  He's the same ol' cutie pie, but with the flair and attitude of a 3 year old.  He's driving us crazy with some things.  But I still adore him.

     Raelee is the same Raelee!  Just a sweeheart with her head in the clouds all the time. She's an awesome big sister....to Lily.  She and Jack fight all the time, but Lily adores her.  She always has a big smile for her big sister. 

     Well I think that's all for now.  Not sure anyone will read this much, but it's here just the same!  I'll try to put up some pictures at some point.  My new camera broke and I don't know what I'm going to do about it yet.  Other than be TOTALLY BUMMED!!!!  There have been a million things I would have liked to take a picture of over the last few months....so I'm going to have to do something soon.  Both of our cars broke down within a week of eachother and at the same time we had to license and register one of them (NOT cheap here in Utah).  So I have to recover from that before I can think too much about the camera. And thus is life!  Anyway.... until next time!



Time Flys!

Oh my. Has it really been a year since I've posted?! Well then here we go....

Raelee started Kindergarten and Conner first grade in August 2011. They are both loving it, and so am I! Jackson and I got to enjoy having the house to ourselves for about a month and a half while the other two were at school. On September 30, 2011 we welcomed a new little girl into our family, Lily Faith Parr. Weighing in at a whopping 7 lbs 3 oz, she was the "biggest" of all our babies. Jackson and and I continue to enjoy having the house mostly to ourselves during the day, since Lily still pretty much sleeps the day away :)

So Lily was born, and has been such a JOY. She is an absolute sweetheart, and a very easy baby (so far). She's 3 mos now, and usually sleeps through the night, maybe waking up once to eat. Lily is the happiest little baby I've ever had. She started smiling at about 6 weeks, and she smiles for just about anyone. Her personality is already shining through, and it's a cute one. She loves her brothers and sister, but Raelee is defnitely her favorite at the moment. She talks and talks, and smiles and shows off when Raelee has her attention. Lily has been a precious way to wind things up. No more babies for me! I am a little sad to say goodbye to this part of our lives, but excited at the same time to move on. I am definitely savoring every moment, and can already tell she will always be my 'baby.'

Conner finally lost a few teeth last year, and it looks like he'll be losing the top two any time now. He's doing very well at school (was there ever any worry about that?), and he seems to like it. He's such a great big brother (at school anyway) and is always looking out for Raelee. Conner will be getting baptized this year, so we will be preparing for and looking forward to that. Maybe swimming lessons so he won't be so afraid of the water? :)

Raelee loves school. She's coming along in her learning and doing well. She loves being a big sister and especially loves that Lily sleeps in her room now :). Raelee will be turning 6 in March.

Jackson is the same old Jack. Other than a few new less charming qualities that being 3 brings out in a kid, he's just a pleasant boy. He's a sweetheart too, and loves "his baby" a lot. Too much sometimes ha ha. He can't wait to be old enough to "go to school with Conner!" He has about 3 years before that happens. Jackson is a Sunbeam this year....a VERY young Sunbeam. Because he's the only one in his class, we have him go only for singing time and sharing time. Sunday school is spent in the Nursery with his friends.

Jared is still with the same company. We had an interesting last year and ended up moving back into the house we own in south Kelso. Everything worked out just how it needed to, and I'm very thankful for the experiences we had. My faith has been strengthened and prayers were answered.

We have since been offered a job in Anchorage, Alaska which we haven't turned down, but most likely won't be accepting either. So here we lie and wait :) I am still selling Scentsy, but don't really feel like I can put the time into it that I want to while I'm still raising children. I'm sticking with it for a while longer and we'll see what happens. I'm not losing anything by staying with it.

So. I think that brings us up to date. It's the beginning of a new year! We are celebrating Jackson's 3rd birthday this Sunday, so pictures will follow. I don't post much on here anymore because of Facebook, but I will try. I'd like to print out my blog one day and keep it as my journal. So I better get better at this!

2011

Well since I wrote last, Conner is already just two and a half months away from finishing Kindergarten, he turned 6, Raelee turned 5 and Jackson turned 2.

Conner is doing GREAT in school, which we all knew he would. He thrives in that environment and is so smart. He has really picked up reading well and is only three books away from the level of books they want them at in time for 1st grade. Go Conner!

Conner continues to be a great big brother. And apparantly he has already found "the one." He has experienced his first "crush" and boy is it a big one. She's a cute little gal who goes to the same school and is also in our ward at church. Of course she is a year older than him too. He tells us how beautiful she is he just can't stand it. A few weeks ago in the car on the way to church, out of nowhere, he tells me, "Mom. I think I'm going to ask (girl) to wait for me." ME: "What? You mean like wait for you after your mission?" CONNER: "Yes." ME: "Well Conner let's just see how things work out. You have a long time until that happens, and there are a lot of other girls out there. And you want to wait and make sure that she still makes the kind of choices you want and agree with at that time." CONNER: "No mom, I think she's 'the one'." Aye aye aye. Lover boy.

Raelee can't wait to start Kindergarten this fall, and quite frankly, neither can I. She continues to be a crack up with a wide imagination. I love listening to her play and hearing the stories she comes up with. Of course I can't let her know I'm listening or I get an earful. She is definitely a little girl, attitude and all. The video is short, but it says it all!! She is really growing up, and we all love her and her wierdness tons!!

Jackson is an absolute delight. Happy, easy going, sweet, funny. Just a good kid. (we'll see how long it lasts :) ) He has brought balance to our family and makes the others even more enjoyable. They are so great with him too. It will be interesting to see how the dynamic changes when we have this fourth baby.

That's right, for those of you who haven't heard yet, we are expecting a fourth child the very beginning of October. We are all excited to add to our family and then to be DONE adding to our family!! :P

Jared is 2nd Counselor in the Bishopric and I'm 1st Counselor on the Primary, so we are both very busy. Heavenly Father has definitely blessed me as Jared doesn't

sit with us in church anymore and the kids do really well....for the most part.

We've rented out our house in south Kelso and are renting a friend's house on the southern tip of Kelso until Conner is finished with school. The plan is to then make the move to Vancouver. We will see. We have learned that just because we make a plan doesn't mean it's going to happen!

Our family has gone through a lot this last six months, but I know we will come out better for it. I have learned a lot more about faith, obedience, endurance, and finding happiness in all situations. I've decided it just isn't easy! And that's okay. Through it all it is obvious we have also been very blessed. So, I am very thankful! Will update again in probably another three months.....

Update!

Okay, so it has been a while since I have blogged...we have been so busy. And now with Facebook, everything I have to say goes there and my poor blog has been neglected. So here is a family update:

Trying to sell our boat. Trying to sell our house. Not sure where we will go when we sell. No new additions to the family, except a cat we got last year named Ziva. I was released from my church calling as Primary choruster in May. It has been so nice to not have to prepare something every week! My Sundays have been much more relaxed, and I have really enjoyed that. I get to go to Girls Camp this year and help with the games. I am looking forward to it. It will be a nice "vacation" for me :)

Jared is still Young Mens president. And now that the dance festival is over, and it is summer, they will be keeping him very busy again. He has their super activity this week, they are camping and touring Newport. Lucky! The beach during such nice weather! He is still working at Luwa. But looking elsewhere.

Conner starts kindergarten this August. He is SO EXCITED. And so am I :)
He will have his first cavity filled in August. He is a bit apprehensive, so pray for us :) Conner can snap and whistle now..which he thinks is the coolest thing ever! He is spelling which is really cool. He can sound out the letters to make a word...so smart! He is also very good at addition and loves to learn new things. He loves science, and space, and planes. He is a little sponge.

Raelee is Raelee. Funny, and in her own world. She has quite the imagination and seems to always be in a world of her own filled with friends we don't know. She is a very determined little girl, which I'm sure some day will be a good thing. Raelee is a Sunbeam which means she has joined primary this year! She is definitely a handful, but can be a help too. She is so content to play by herself, which is helpful sometimes. Totally opposite of Conner, who has to have your attention every second of the day.

Jackson is all over the place! He is my first climber. Which has proven to be a challenge. He moves the chairs in the kitchen around to where he wants to go. He climbs on the table constantly. And he likes to play in the kitty litter box. YUCK. He wants to be a big boy so bad and tries to do everything his older brother does. I can't wait until he can ride a bike. And neither can he. He has hit the "pre-twos" for sure, and has quite the attitude. He is very good at using the word "NO." And he says it in the most aweful way...I can't describe it. But it is every bit as whiny and defiant as you can imagine. He is cute, and he knows it. He still doesn't say much. Just no, ma, and bye. He has a sound that means please, but other than that he just babbles a lot.

Some friends of ours invited us to their cabin earlier this year. That is what the pictures are from. We had a great time in the snow!

We went on our first camping trip of the summer over the 4th of July. Went to a campground close to Longbeach so we could be at the beach for the fireworks. It's a good thing we are having such warm weather now, because I wasn't sure I would ever be warm again! It was a typical camping trip in Wa. Cold and wet. We cut our trip short by one night and headed home after the fireworks. Jared and I are still recovering from the exhaustion of our "relaxing" vacation. You might call me a whimp, but camping with little kids is no fun at all. Especially if all you had planned was to sit around the fire all day. Unless you have something to do, places to go, things to see, for most of the day it is just plain frustrating. And don't plan on sleeping that's for sure. Unfortunately, we have several more camping trips planned for the summer..none of which get to be just our family. I am going to try to fit something in just for US. Wish me luck. I guess I could start by having a better attitude!

So that is our life right now. Don't know where we are going, but we are ready to get there already! I am so thankful for what we do have. I am aware that we can't even get a three bedroom apartment for the price of our mortgage payment. We have good friends, and let's not forget how thankful we are that Jared has a job! I am hoping to get new family pictures done this summer. The money just seems to be gone before we even have it! But that is the one thing I really want to get done this year! Hope you all have a great summer. I am going to try to remember to take the camera on all our adventures so I have some pictures to enjoy when all is said and done. So that's it for now!

Happy 1st Jackson!

Celebrated Jack's first birthday! Peanut butter pie, family, presents, and the sweetest boy alive. What more do you need to make a perfect day? I just can't believe one year has already gone by! So much has happened this last year, and Jared made the comment the other day that he has a feeling this year is going to be even more busy. I don't know if I can handle that. I nearly went crazy this last year. I know people look at me like I'm crazy when they see me with my three kids, only four years between them, but I have no doubts as to why Heavenly Father sent me Jackson at the time he did. He is my peace in the midst of craziness! And I just love watching the older two play with him. He just adores them and they adore him too. Raelee is so sweet and such a little caring mommy with him. And Conner just cracks him up. I love to hear Jackson's histarical laughter when Conner walks by. He can't help it. He just laughs at him and gets his attention to come play with him. It is so rewarding to see them interact that way. So, looking back it has been a really busy crazy year, but a lot of good memories were created amidst it all. I love my children. and I love my husband. And I am excited to spend another CRAZY BUSY year with all of them. Happy New Year!

Christmas Sunday

So Sunday was an interesting day. Jared had to be at the church early for meetings and then stayed because he had to be there early for practice as he was the narrator for the Ward Choir Christmas Program. So I was getting three ready for church, and of course, Conner couldn't cooperate for ANYTHING. So, we ended up 15 mins late, and all the way Conner was complaining that he hates Sundays, and he hates church clothes.

So we get there and not 5 mins goes by before Conner has earned a time out. I try to get Raelee to sit with our friends while I took Jack and Conner out, but she insisted on coming. So I literally dragged Conner out and to the Mother's Lounge, all the while holding my precious Jack with Raelee towing behind us. Two seconds after we get into th eMother's Lounge, there is a knock on the door, and a friend asking me if I needed help. To which I informed him that Conner just needed a little time to remember what good behavior looked like, and that I was fine.

As soon as we got back in the chapel and sat down, Raelee decides she needs to go to the bathroom. This time Conner is happy NOT to go with us. So, still holding Jack, I get Raelee up and moving just as the choir begins. That's when Raelee realizes that her Daddy is talking up on stage and has to run up there to him. So I go chasing after her just before she gets to him, hoping not to distract him as he is narrating on time with the prelude music. So I grab her and head out the nearest door as she is yelling that she wants Daddy! All the while, still holding Jack. A good friend met me out the door (okay so two people and later found out a third was about to head out the door to help when she saw the other two go out) and grabbed Raelee and took her to the bathroom. To which at first I was offended that people would think that I couldn't handle my three little children all by myself! But later was humbled by the third friend who didn't get up, who informed me that they just love me and remember what it was like when their's were that age, and they wanted to help.

So. Glad it's over. Just want to disappear for a while :)

Halloween 2009!

So for Halloween this year Conner was a cowboy, Raelee was Snow White, and Jackson was one of the seven dwarfs, but everyone kept calling him a garden gnome. So whatever. It was next to impossible to get a picture of these people. Raelee wouldn't stop moving! And then Jared was in a hurry and wasn't cooperating to get the kids in the light. So, I have what I have and this is why I posted so many pictures. You can piece them together :) We had a fun time even though we were all very sick with the flu, and I didn't know it yet but I had the beginnings of shingles. I was diagnosed the next day, Sunday, with shingles which I am still suffering from. For those of you who have never had them hope you never do. They are excruciating and they are taking forever to get over! I had them on my upper right face, my eye and my scalp. It has been a yucky four weeks so far. But at least after two I have been able to function so I will count myself lucky :) And while the lesions are still on my scalp, they have cleared up on my face and almost all the way on my eye..thank goodness!!

Happy Birthday Conner!

So it has been a while since I have updated, and a lot has happened since then. The first thing was Conner's 5th birthday. He wanted a batman cake so that's what he got, simplified :) It looks orange, but it was yellow and black. Sorry the pictures aren't that great, but it was a great day. Conner wanted cheeseburger soup and I used Carrian's potato roll recipe...YUM YUM YUM. BEST rolles ever! And we were so thankful to have the Harper family (Jared's aunt/uncle) with us as well...awesome family. This was our last hoorah with Angie and her kiddos whom we miss tons and tons, so I love looking at these pics of those sweet girls! So Happy Birthday Conner! Kindergarten next year, YAY!

Mt.St. Helens

I made him take this pic with me :)

The "butter" view....I mean better view

Coldwater Lake(the water was so clear and beautiful, I just wanted to jump in!)

At the forestry center

Last weekend we made a day trip to Mount St. Helens. On our way I realized that I have lived here practically my entire life and only been there twice. And I don't remember either trip. The weather was perfect, the kids were very good, and the views were beautiful! We ended the day at Coldwater Lake, and we had a great time. Saw an elk herd at the Forestry Center. The kids got a kick out of that even though they didn't actually see anything. They kept saying they saw the elk, but Raelee was more interested in just using the binoculars. She kept saying she saw the elk, when in fact she had the binoculars backwards and her eyes shut! :) She cracks us up. Conner just kept commenting on how "awesome!" the volcano was. "that's so awesome, huh mom!" I just love him.

Pictures

Here is a picture update. I finally had them done and I think they turned out pretty good. Not so thrilled that Conner is watering flowers in just about all of them...don't know why I didn't catch that when we were there! :) I'm going to see if the gal can crop the one of Conner and Raelee around the wagon so that there is just Conner. The one I posted of him by himself doesn't look like him...so that is why I want the other cropped. Anyway. By the end there were no good pics of all three of them. Oh well. They did a great job considering I took them all at the same time.

It seems like we are always just CRAZY BUSY anymore. And our kids aren't even in school yet! Jared's calling keeps him very busy (YM President) and there have been so many baby showers, and birthdays, and weddings, and baptisms, and holidays, and boy scout camp- outs, and Eagle projects, and now they want Jared to go on the last two days of the Pioneer Trek (which they have been trying to get us both to be MA and PA for....are they out of their minds! I am a nursing mother!). So yeah. I am feeling a bit, well a lot, overwhelmed lately. And we have finally put our house up for sale. By owner for now. But I have a feeling we may have to go realtor and just cut our losses. So if you know anyone who is looking, we are selling our 4 bedroom 1 bath ( I know, only one bath, but you could easily add one off the main bedroom) for $139,000 in Kelso. Very cute house with a nice yard, fenced in back with a raised garden bed and flower bed. Detached garage. Hardwood floors in kitchen and two bedrooms downstairs. Hmmmm. Anything else? Nice quiet neighborhood. Close to Elementary. Okay, I'll leave it at that.

A little about the kids:

Jackson has been rolling over for about a month now. He also started eating solids about a month ago as well and he loves it! Can't get enough. I am still just absolutely smitten with him. I just adore him. He is a silly, sweet, happy boy. I love watching him play with Conner...that's when he gets silly. He is teething right now, poor baby, and so he has a constant drooly chin and soaking shirt....drool rash! Poor guy. He still sleeps through the night (YES!!) and eats every 2 hrs in the day (CRAPPY!). He talks a lot and we all just love him to pieces.

Conner is starting to read and write simple words. It is fun to see him get so excited over his accomplishments. He is a very good big brother to Jackson. You can tell he loves him very much. He is really turning into a big kid and I am loving watching him grow up a little. His behavior has gotten a lot better. We still have our weeks where I pretty much just lock myself in the house until it's over. Luckily there is my sweet sweet chocolate friend to get me through it ha ha ha. We made a volcano the other day and filled it with baking soda and vinegar, and now Conner thinks we should fill it with black powder?! All his idea. Obviously we will not be doing that. But we will be trying mentos and coke next.

Raelee, Raelee, Raelee. This girl is CRAZY! And I love it for the most part. Definitely know we are in for it when she turns teenager. She is doing better with potty training, but we aren't "there" quite yet. She has been so stubborn about it. She is still suffering from baby jealousy, and asks me to hold her all the time. She tried to nurse on me the other day...NOT GONNA HAPPEN :) She is constantly wreaking havoc and getting into things she isn't supposed to. Every time I turn around or finish cleaning one mess she has made another. I am just waiting for the day she finds the scissors! But other than that she is a funny, happy-go-lucky little girl in her own little world for sure. She is a wild spirit and difinitely a leader. And we just love them all so much!

The Three Stooges

They look so innocent don't they? Boy do they have us all fooled! HA HA HA. Raelee and Conner were making cards for their dad for his birthday, which happens to fall on Mother's Day. Twice Raelee came to me covered in marker (arms and face). I wish I had thought to take a picture before I rushed to clean her. I did happen to get this one of the chairs and table though. I am just greatful for whoever invented the most washable markers in the world! :)

New pics of Jackson

Here's a new pic of Jackson. Hoping to get them proffessionally(sp?) done here in the next week. This is almost 4 mos.

Easter 2009

Easter was fun this year. The kids dyed their own eggs and had a good time with that. Easter fell on my birthday this year, so we also had birthday cake! Raelee is horrible when it comes to taking her picture. I can't get her to sit still, so I get what I get.